Pumpellyite-Actinolite Facies Schists of the Taveyanne Formation near Lo?che, Valais, Switzerland

Electron microprobe analyses are presented for new-formed mineralsfrom a small exposure of semi-schistose Taveyanne Formationof the pumpellyite-actinolite facies near Lo?che, Valais. Comparisonsare drawn with minerals of other low-grade metamorphic areas,especially in southern New Zealand. Sphene shows considerablesubstitution of Ca(Al,Fe)SiO₄(OH) for CaTiSiO₅. Epidotes aresharply divided into early pistacitic (Ps = 0.28–0.37)and later clinozoisitic varieties (Ps = 0.11–0.19). Pumpellyitesrange from pumpellyite-(Fe) to pumpellyite-(Al) and are generallyless Fe-rich than those of zeolite and prehnite-pumpellyitefacies. Pumpellyite inclusions in albitized plagioclase areparticularly low in Mg. Actinolites are low in A1₂O₃, TiO₂,and Na₂O, essentially identical compositions being nucleatedon detrital augite, hornblende, and in the matrix. Phengitesare also extremely low in Na₂O and TiO₂. Chlorites are ripidolites.Albitized clastic plagioclase has the composition An0.7–1.6and albite in clinozoisite-calcite-albite-phengite-chloriteveins An2.1–2.3. Calcites carry minor Mn > Fe ? Mg.New-formed iron oxides are absent, whereas pyrrhotite and minorpyrite occur in one rock, buffering fs₂ and indicating low fo₂. Ratios Mg: Fe^* (Fe^* = total Fe) in coexisting chlorites andA1, Na-poor actinolites vary sympathetically both in the Lo?cheand southern New Zealand rocks here considered, giving K_D =(Mg/Fe^*) _actlnolIte/(Mg/Fe^*)_chlorle = 1.72. Mg/Fe^* ratios inpumpellyites tend to vary sympathetically with those of coexistingchlorites and actinolites but are more variable. Substitutionof (Fe, Mg)Si for A1₂ in phengitic micas and chlorites variessympathetically in the same suites between mafic volcanic andmore pelitic extremes. Various minor elements also behave ina consistent fashion, indicating an encouraging tendency towardsequilibrium. Variable (though small) A1₂O₃ contents of actinolite,Fe: Al ratios in epidotes and pumpellyites, and Mg: Fe^* ratiosin phengites, even within a single grain, are evidence of short-rangedisequilibrium; metamorphic equilibration is evidently easierbetween some crystal structures and structural sites than betweenothers. In phase rule analysis of assemblages in such rocks it is commonlynecessary to treat Fe²O₃, FeO, and MgO as separate componentsand it may also be necessary to regard CO² as an inert componentand/or to interpret observed assemblages as of low variance.The presence of the Ca-Al silicates and sphene indicates verylow X_co2 in the metamorphic fluids in all rocks examined exceptan albite-chlorite-calcite-quartz-anatase assemblage. But higherAn in albites than in isofacial and in greenschist facies rocksof southern New Zealand can be ascribed to significantly higherXco₂ at Lo?che, especially in the veins, than in New Zealand. Pumpellyite and epidotes of the pumpellyite-actinolite faciestend to be lower in Fe and richer in Al than those of lowergrade facies. Important reactions include those of the formpumpellyite-(Fe³⁺)+chlorite+quartz+H₂=pumpellyite-(Al)+actinolite,and pumpellyite+chlorite+quartz- ‘epidote’+actinolite+water.Careful selection of pumpellyite and chlorite compositions isrequired for experimental and chemographic analysis of pumpellyitestability. In the absence of critical data, temperatures ofabout 250–350? and pressures of several kilobars are provisionallysuggested for the Lo?che metamorphism.     

Petrology of the Blue Mountain Complex, Marlborough, New Zealand

Blue Mountain is a central-type alkali ultrabasic-gabbro ringcomplex (1?1?5 km) introducing Upper Jurassic sediments, Marlborough,New Zealand. The ultrabasic-gabbroic rocks contain lenses ofkaersutite pegmatite and sodic syenite pegmatite and are intrudedby ring dykes of titanaugite-ilmenite gabbro and lamprophyre.The margin of the intrusion is defined by a ring dyke of alkaligabbro. The plutonic rocks are cut by a swarm of hornblende-biotite-richlamprophyre dykes. Thermal metamorphism has converted the sedimentsto a hornfels ranging in grade from the albite-epidote hornfelsfacies to the upper limit of the hornblende hornfels facies. The rocks are nepheline normative and consist of olivine (Fo_82-74),endiopside (Ca₄₅Mg₄₈Fe₇-Ca₃₆Mg₅₅Fe₉), titanaugite (Ca₄₀Mg₅₀Fe₁₀-Ca₄₄Mg₃₉Fe₁₇),plagioclase (An_73-18), and ilmenitetitaniferous magnetite, withvarious amounts of titaniferous hornblende and titanbiotite.There is a complete gradation between end-iopside and titanaugitewith the coupled substitution R_y^+z+Si(Ti⁺⁴+Fe⁺³)+Al⁺³ and asympathetic increase in CaAl₂SiO₆ (0?2-10?2 percent) and CaTiAl₂O₆(2?1-8?1 per cent) with fractionation. Endiopside shows a small,progressive Mg enrichment along a trend subparallel to the CaMgSi₂O₆-Mg₂Si₂O₆boundary, and titanaugite is enriched in Ca and Fe⁺²+Fe⁺³ withdifferentiation. Oscillatory zoning between endiopside and titanaugiteis common. Exsolved ilmenite needles occur in the most Fe-richtitanaugites. The amphiboles show the trend: titaniferous hornblende(1?0–5?7 per cent TiO₂)kaersutite (6?4 per cent TiO₂)Fe-richhastingsite (18?0–19?1 per cent FeO as total Fe). Biotiteis high in TiO₂ (6?6–7?8 per cent). Ilmenite and titaniferousmagnetite (3?5–10?6 per cent TiO₂) are typically homogeneousgrains; their composition can be expressed in terms of R⁺²RO₃:R⁺²O:R₂⁺³O₄. The intrusion of igneous rocks was probably controlled by subterraneanring fracturing. Subsidence of the country rock within the ringfracture provided space for periodic injections of magma froma lower reservoir up the initial ring fracture to form the BlueMountain rocks at a higher level. Downward movement of the floorof the intrusion during crystallization caused inward slumpingof the cumulates which affected the textural, mineralogical,and chemical evolution of the rocks in different parts of theintrusion. The order of mineral fractionation is reflected by the chemicalvariation in the in situ ultrabasic-gabbroic rocks and the successiveintrusions of titanaugite-ilmenite gabbro and lamprophyre ringdykes, marginal alkali gabbro and lamprophyre dyke swarm. Aninitial decrease, then increase in SiO₂; a steady decrease inMgO, CaO, Ni, and Cr: an initial increase, then decrease inFeO+Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, MnO, and V; almost linear increase in Al₂O₃and late stage increase in alkalis and P₂O₃, implies fractionationof olivine and endiopside, followed by titanaugite and Fe-Tioxides, followed by plagioclase, hornblende, biotite, and apatite.Reversals in the composition of cumulus olivine and endiopsideand Solidification Index, indicate that the ultrabasic-gabbroicsequence is composed of four main injections of magma. The ultrabasic rocks crystallized under conditions of high PH₂Oand fairly high, constant P_O2; P_H2 and P_O2 increased duringthe formation of the gabbroic rocks until fracturing of thechamber roof occurred. The abundance of euhedral amphibole inthe latter injection phases suggests that amphibole accumulatedfrom a hydrous SiO₂ undersaturated magma when an increase inP_O2, stabilized its crystallization. Plutonic complexes similar to Blue Mountain are found withinand beneath the volcanic piles of many oceanic islands, e.g.Canaries, Reunion, and Tahiti, and those intruding thick sedimentarysequences, as at Blue Mountain, e.g. the pipe-like intrusionsof the Monteregian Hills, Quebec.     

Chemistry of Kornerupine and Associated Minerals, a Wet Chemical, Ion Microprobe, and X-Ray Study Emphasizing Li, Be, B and F Contents

Kornerupine and associated minerals in 31 samples of high-graderocks relatively rich in Al and Mg were analysed by wet chemistry,ion microprobe mass analyser, electron microprobe and X-raypowder diffraction. For 11 samples of kornerupine and threesamples of biotite (F only) analysed by both wet chemical andion microprobe methods, the best agreement was obtained forB₂O₃, whereas the ion microprobe Li₂O values were systematicallysomewhat higher than the wet chemical values. The wet chemicalmethods give Li₂O=0–0?19 wt.%; BeO=0–0?032 wt.%;B₂O₃=0–4?01 wt.%; and F=0?07–0?77 wt.% in kornerupine,whereas ion microprobe analyses on other kornerupines give valuesup to 0?35 wt.% Li₂O, O066 wt.% BeO, and 4?72 wt.% B₂O₃. Thesum B+Al+Fe³⁺+Cr is close to 6?9 atoms per 22 (O, OH, F) or21?5 (O) in kornerupine. In general, Li/Fe ratios decrease as follows: kornerupine ?sapphirinebiotite> Crd (Na<0?03 per 18 oxygens)>tourmaline, garnet,orthopyroxene. However, for cordierite with Na>004, Li/Fedecreases as follows: cordierite>kornerupine. Sapphirineand sillimanite are the only associated minerals to incorporatesignificant boron (0?1–0?85 wt.% B₂O₃) and then only whenthe single site for B in kornerupine is approaching capacity.Sillimanite B₂O₃ contents increase regularly with kornerupineF. Fractionation of fluorine increases as follows: kornerupine<biotite<tourmaline,and K^krn-BtD=(F/OH)^Krn/(F/(OH)^Bt (assuming ideal anion composition)increases with biotite Ti. Kornerupine B₂O₃ content is a measureof B₂O₃ activity in associated metamorphic fluid, whereas sillimaniteB₂O₃ content increases with temperature, exceeding 0?4 wt.%whenT=900?C at very low water activities. New data on 11 kornerupines and literature data indicate thatthe unit cell parameters a, c, and V decrease with increasingB content and b, c, and V increase with increasing Fe³⁺ content.In Fe³⁺-poor kornerupines, b increases with Mg and with (Mg+ Fe²⁺) but the effect of Mg on b via the substitution ^VIMg+^IVSi=^VIAl+^IVAloverwhelms the effect of Fe²⁺=Mg substitution.     

Distribution of Ferric Iron in some Upper-Mantle Assemblages

The distribution of ferric iron among the phases of upper-mantlerocks, as a function of pressure (P), temperature (T) and bulkcomposition, has been studied using ⁵⁷Fe Mssbauer spectroscopyto determine the Fe³⁺/Fe ratios of mineral separates from 35peridotite and pyroxenite samples. The whole-rock Fe³⁺ complementof a peridotite is typically shared approximately evenly amongthe major anhydrous phases (spinel and/or garnet, orthopyroxeneand clinopyroxene), with the important exception of olivine,which contains negligible Fe³⁺. Whole-rock Fe³⁺ contents areindependent of the T and P of equilibration of the rock, butshow a well-defined simple inverse correlation with the degreeof depletion in a basaltic component. Fe³⁺ in spinel and inboth pyroxenes from the spinel Iherzolite facies shows a positivecorrelation with temperature, presumably owing to the decreasein the modal abundance of spinel. In garnet peridotites, theFe³⁺ in garnet increases markedly with increasing T and P, whereasthat in clinopyroxene remains approximately constant. The complexnature of the partitioning of Fe³⁺ between mantle phases resultsin complicated patterns of the activities of the Fe³⁺ -bearingcomponents, and thus in calculated equilibrium f_O2, which showlittle correlation with whole-rock Fe³⁺ or degree of depletion.Whether Fe³⁺ is taken into account or ignored in calculatingmineral formulae for geothermobarometry can have major effectson the resulting calculated T and P. For Fe-Mg exchange geothermometers,large errors must occur when applied to samples more oxidizedor reduced than the experimental calibrations, whose f_O2 conditionsare largely unknown. Two-pyroxene thermometry is more immuneto this problem, and probably provides the most reliable P—Testimates. Accordingly, the convergence of P—T valuesderived for a given garnet peridotite assemblage may not necessarilybe indicative of mineral equilibrium. The prospects for thecalculation of accurate Fe³⁺ contents from electron microprobeanalyses by assuming stoichiometry are good for spinel, uncertainfor garnet, and distinctly poor for pyroxenes. KEY WORDS: mantle; oxidation; partitioning; peridotite; thermobarometry ^*Corresponding author. Present address: School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 1700, Victoria, B.C., V8W 2Y2, Canada     

Mantle-equilibrated Orthopyroxene Eclogite Pods from the Basal Gneisses in the Selje District, Western Norway

‘Country-rock eclogite’ pods occur enclosed withtectonic contacts within heterogeneous amphibolite-facies gneissesin the Basal Gneiss Region of Western Norway. Sixty-nine newmicroprobe analyses for garnets, clino-and orthopyroxenes, olivine,clinoamphiboles, biotite and carbonates from a number of orthopyroxeneeclogite pods in the Selje District are presented. The firstfour minerals are primary whilst the others, of which the amphibolesare described in some detail, formed during a subsequent butstill early stage in eclogite history. The primary minerals have a wider range of compositions thanorthopyroxene eclogites from other geological environments;jadeite-rich clinopyroxene and unusually grossular-poor garnetsare described from this environment for the first time. Sidero-magnesiteoccurs in apparent equilibrium with primary eclogite minerals.The early amphiboles have apparently grown at the expense of,but nevertheless in equilibrium with, primary minerals throughreactions involving OH, K⁺, Na⁺, and possibly Mg-bearing fluids.Magnesio-cummingtonite intergrown with actinolite is recognizedas an early phase in one eclogite pod. The early amphibolescan be distinguished from the symplectitic amphiboles by thelower Al^lv, Al^vl, Ti and alkali contents and Fe/Fe + Mg ratiosand higher Si content of the former minerals. The symplectiticamphiboles form, together with plagioclase, during the stilllater amphibolitization of the eclogites. Fe/Mg distribution coefficients are affected by the Na contentsof clinopyroxenes and probably also by the Fe/Mg contents ofthe bulk assemblages. The former is due largely to increasingacmite content in jadeite-rich clinopyroxenes whilst the latteris tentatively attributed to lower closure temperatures of Fe-richassemblages. The Ca content in garnet is significantly relatedto both of these Na and Fe/Mg factors. Nevertheless a rangeof different distribution coefficients, including the Ca/Ca+ Mg ratio in coexisting pyroxenes, suggests a very limitedrange of temperatures of equilibration, the best estimate ofwhich is 700–850 °C. Pressures of equilibration are more difficult to assess. Onemodel, based upon the assumption of the stable occurrence ofamphiboles together with primary minerals and upon the minimumpressures necessary to transform a range of rock types to eclogite,suggests pressures of 15–28 kb at 700–850°C.A second model, based upon the Al₂O₃ content of primary orthopyroxeneand upon the association of sidero-magnesite with pyroxenes,suggests higher pressures (30–45 kb) over the same temperaturerange. Amphiboles are not stable under these conditions andare considered to form during a subsequent lower pressure (15–28kb) event when the low Al₂O₃ orthopyroxenes and sidero-magnesitesurvive metastably during an essentially isothermal history. One eclogite pod contains minerals with coarse exsolution lamellae:orthopyroxene exsolving garnet and clinopyroxene exsolving orthopyroxene.These imply high T-P processes, roughly estimated at 1200–1370°C, 30–40 kb, and hence suggest eclogite generationby igneous fractionation processes. Four T-P regimes (A, B, C, D) of mineral equilibration are recognizedin the history of the Selje district orthopyroxene eclogites,between their prior origin, presumably in the upper mantle,and their present surface exposure. This initial eclogite fractionation(regime A) occurred in an olivine-poor rather than olivine-richupper mantle environment, followed by cooling, exsolution, recrystallizationand re-equilibration (regime B) in a Precambrian tectonic environment.Subsequent history involved mineral reaction, metasomatism,and probably chemical redistribution through the medium of amphibole-formingfluids (regime C) and finally Caledonian tectonic transportinto poly-metamorphic continental basement where their survivalis thought to be due to a low activity of water. Marginal symplectiticamphibolitization (regime D), due to localized fluxing of metamorphicfluids, was the last significant petrological event prior touplift and exposure. The processes of tectonic transport aretentatively considered to represent deep level obduction processesrelated to continent/continent collision.     

The Crossite Content of Ca-Amphibole as a Guide to Pressure of Metamorphism

A correlation between the crossite component (NaM₄) in Ca-amphiboleand pressure of metamorphism has long been recognized (Shido& Miyashiro, 1959), but only recently has the reaction beenidentified which buffers this aspect of amphibole composition(Brown, 1974): Ca-amphibole+iron oxide+albite+chloriteI+H₂O (±stilp,qtz) = crossite+epidote (±muscovite, qtz). The exact stoichiometry of the reaction depends on compositionalvariables in the minerals, especially Fe²⁺/Mg and Fe³⁺/Al. Ca-amphiboleshould have fixed NaM₄, at any given T and P, where it coexistswith iron oxide, albite, and chlorite. Comparison of Ca-amphibole composition with mineral assemblage,in rocks from Otago, N.Z., and elsewhere, supports this hypothesis.In any terrane NaM₄ is nearly constant at a particular metamorphicgrade where amphibole exists in the buffering assemblage, butvaries widely outside of this assemblage. Variations in Fe²⁺/Mgand Fe³⁺/Al in the amphibole have relatively little effect onNaM₄, but in high pressure amphiboles NaM₄ varies inverselywith Al^iv. Ca-amphiboles from high pressure areas have substantially moreNaM₄ (Otago, 0.6 of 2.0) than those from lower pressure areas(Sierra contact aureoles, 0.1). These relations suggest thatin the buffering assemblage, the NaM₄ content of Ca-amphiboleshould be a useful relative barometer for low to medium grademetamorphic rocks.     

The Solubility of Alumina in Orthopyroxene Coexisting with Garnet in FeO-MgO--Al2O3--SiO2 and CaO--FeO--MgO--Al2O3--SiO2

The pressure-temperature-compositional (P-T-X) dependence ofthe solubility of Al₂O₃ in orthopyroxene coexisting with garnethas been experimentally determined in the P-T range 5–30kilobars and 800–1200 ?C in the system FeO—MgO—Al₂O₃—SiO₂(FMAS). These results have been extended into the CaO—FeO—MgO—Al₂O₃—SiO₂(CFMAS) system in a further set of experiments designed to determinethe effect of the calcium content of garnet on the Al₂O₃ contentsof coexisting orthopyroxene at near-constant Mg/(Mg + Fe). Startingmaterials were mainly glasses of differing Mg/(Mg + Fe) or Ca/(Ca+ Mg + Fe) values, seeded with garnet and orthopyroxene of knowncomposition, but mineral mixes were also used to demonstratereversible equilibrium. Experiments were performed in a piston-cylinderapparatus using a talc/pyrex medium. Measured orthopyroxene and corrected garnet compositions werefitted by multiple and stepwise regression techniques to anequilibrium relation in the FMAS system, yielding best-fit,model-dependent parameters G^o_y= –5436 + 2.45T cal mol^–1,and W^M1_FeA1= –920 cal mol^–1. The volume change ofreaction, V^o, the entropy change, S^o₉₇₀ and the enthalpy changeH^o_1,970, were calculated from the MAS system data of Perkinset al. (1981) and available heat capacity data for the phases.Data from CFMAS experiments were fitted to an expanded equilibriumrelation to give an estimate of the term W^ga_CaMg = 1900 ? 400cal/mole cation, using the other parametric values already obtainedin FMAS. The experimental data allow the development of a arnet-orthopyroxenegeobarometer applicable in FMAS and CFMAS: where This geobarometer is applicable to both pelitic and metabasicgranulites containing garnet orthopyroxene, and to garnet peridoditeand garnet pyroxenite assemblages found as xenoliths in diatremesor in peridotite massifs. It is limited, however, by the necessityof an independent temperature estimate, by errors associatedwith analysis of low Al₂O₃ contents in orthopyroxenes in high-pressureor low-temperature parageneses, and by uncertainties in thecomposition of garnet in equilibrium with orthopyroxene. Ananalysis of errors associated with this formulation of the geobarometersuggests that it is subject to great uncertainty at low pressuresand for Fe-rich compositions. The results of application ofthis geobarometer to natural assemblages are presented in acompanion paper.     

Pyroxenes of the Dufek Intrusion, Antarctica

The Dufek intrusion is a stratiform mafic body, 24,000 to 34,000km² in area and 8 to 9 km thick, in the Pensacola Mountainsof Antarctica. Textures, structures, magmatic stratigraphy,and chemical variation indicate that layered gabbros and relatedrocks of this body developed by accumulation of crystals thatsettled on the floor of a magma chamber. The major cumulus phasesin the exposed part of the intrusion are plagioclase, pyroxene,and iron-titanium oxides. The base of the Dufek intrusion is not exposed, and both Ca-richand Ca-poor pyroxene coexist as cumulus phases in the lowerexposed rocks. The Ca-rich pyroxenes belong to an augite-ferroaugiteseries (Ca_36.4Mg_48.7Fe_14.9-Ca_30.0Mg_23.5Fe_46.5) that extendsup through the 300 m thick capping granophyre. The Ca-poor pyroxenesbelong to a bronzite-inverted pigeonite series (Ca_3.5Mg_69.1Fe_27.4-Ca_11.4Mg_34.0Fe_54.6)that extends only to about 200 m below the granophyre layer.In addition to the cumulus pyroxenes some rocks contain post-cumulusgreen calcic augite and ferrohypersthene. The compositional change of the cumulus pyroxenes with stratigraphicheight is one of general iron enrichment. Superimposed on thistrend are (1) a 1 km thick section in the lower part of thebody that shows slight to no iron enrichment and (2) a markedreversal in the Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratio about 1 km below the top ofthe body. The variations from the general trend are associatedwith cyclic units and are best explained by convective overturnof the magma. In general, the pyroxene compositional trends are similar tothose of the Skaergaard and Bushveld intrusions. One significantdifference in the Dufek intrusion is the limited iron enrichmentof its Ca-rich pyroxenes, that may relate to a slower decreaseof P_O2 during crystallization of the Dufek magma.     

The Graphical Analysis of Greenschist to Amphibolite Facies Mineral Assemblages in Metabasites

The mineral assemblages of greenschist to amphibolite faciesmetabasites may usually be represented in a system of principalcomponents: CaO–Al₂O₃–(Fe₂O₃)–FeO–MgO–Na₂O–SiO₂–CO₂–H₂O Assemblages co-existing with quartz, ‘albite’, ‘epidote’and a fluid of restricted composition, may be shown by projectionin a CAFM subsystem from ‘epidote’ onto an extendedAFM plane. This projection is analogous to the Thompson projectionfor pelites and is particularly useful in displaying the effectsof Fe/Mg and Al substitution in the silicates as well as incorporatingCaO; it is illustrated by plotting assemblages from the SouthernAlps of New Zealand and the Scottish Highlands and demonstrateschanges occurring with grade in the assemblages. Some commonisograds and facies boundaries are seen to be strongly dependenton bulk rock composition. In some cases MnO must be consideredas an additional component. A model of P_solids=P_fluid, where the fluid is composed of CO₂+H₂Ois consistent with many greenschist to amphibolite facies metabasicassemblages. Natural assemblages indicate this fluid phase tohave restricted mobility. Theoretical consideration of mineralreactions resulting from increasing X_co2, in conjunction withdata from natural mineral assemblages, leads to the distinctionof five principal types of assemblage which may be expectedas a function of varying X_Co2. Recognition of these assemblagetypes provides a useful guide to relative X_Co2 during metamorphism. ^* Present Address: Department of Geology, University of California, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90024.     

The Range of Spinel Compositions in Terrestrial Mafic and Ultramafic Rocks

Compositional fields for spinels from a wide variety of mafic–ultramaficigneous rock types and tectonic environments have been determinedfrom a global database of over 26 000 analyses. These fieldsare defined using contoured data density plots based on thespinel prism, and plots of T iO₂ vs ferric iron, for mantlexenoliths, ophiolitic rocks, continental layered intrusions,alkalic and lamprophyric rocks, tholeiitic basalts, Alaskanultramafic complexes and komatiites. Several trends appear regularlyin the various environments: a trend of widely variable Cr/(Cr+ Al) at low Fe²⁺/(Mg + Fe²⁺) (the Cr–Al trend); increasingFe³⁺, Fe²⁺/(Mg + Fe²⁺) and T iO₂ at constant Cr/(Cr + Al) (Fe–Ti trend); a trend found primarily in kimberlites, similar toFe–T i but at constant Fe²⁺/(Mg + Fe²⁺); and an unusualtrend of increasing Al found only in layered intrusions. TheCr–Al and Fe–T i trends are both found to varyingdegrees in tholeiitic basalts. The Cr–Al trend is prevalentin rocks that have equilibrated over a range of pressures, whereasthe Fe–T i trend is dominantly due to low-pressure fractionation.The most Cr-rich chromites found in nature occur in boninites,diamond-bearing kimberlites, some komatiites and ophioliticchromitites. Exceptionally reduced chromites are found in somekomatiites and in ophiolitic chromitites. Detrital chromitesfrom the Witwatersrand conglomerates are of komatiitic provenance. KEY WORDS: basalt; chromite; kimberlite; ophiolite; spinel     

Melting and Thermal Reconstitution of Pelitic Xenoliths, Wehr Volcano, East Eifel, West Germany

Pelitic xenoliths derived from amphibolite grade basement rocksoccur within a Pleistocene, trachytic, pyroclastic unit of theWehr volcano, East Eifel, West Germany: With increasing temperatureand/or prolonged heating at high temperature, quartz-plagioclaseand micaceous layers of the xenoliths have undergone meltingto form buchites and thermal reconstitution by dehydration reactions,melting and crystallization to form restites respectively. Thexenoliths provide detailed evidence of melting, high temperaturedecomposition of minerals, nucleation and growth of new phasesand P-T-f_o2 conditions of contact metamorphism of basement rocksby the Wehr magma. Melting begins at quartz-oligoclase (An_17·3Ab_82·3Or_0·4-An_20·0Ab_78·1Or_1·9)grain boundaries in quartz-plagioclase rich layers and the amountof melting is controlled by H₂O and alkalis released duringdehydroxylation/oxidation of associated micas. Initially, glasscompositions are heterogeneous, but with increasing degreesof melting they become more homogeneous and are similar to S-typegranitic minimum melts with SiO₂ between 71 and 77 wt. per cent;A/(CNK) ratios of 1·2–1·4; Na₂O < 2·95and normative corundum contents of 1·9–4·0per cent. Near micas plagioclase melts by preferential dissolutionof the NaAlSi₃O₈ component accompanied by a simultaneous increasein CaAl²Si²O⁸ (up to 20 mol. per cent An higher than the bulkplagioclase composition) at the melting edge. With increasingtemperature the end product of fractional melting is the formationand persistence of refractory bytownite (An_78–80) in thosexenoliths where extensive melting has taken place. Initial stage decomposition of muscovite involves dehydroxylation(H₂O and alkali loss). At higher temperatures muscovite breaksdown to mullite, sillimanite, corundum, sanidine and a peraluminousmelt. Mullite (40–43 mol. per cent SiO₂) and sillimanite(49 mol. per cent SiO₂) are Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ rich (up to 6·1–0·84and 3·6–0·24 wt. per cent respectively).Al-rich mullite (up to 77 wt. per cent Al₂O₃) occurs with corundumwhich has high Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ (up to 6·9 and 2·1wt. per cent respectively). Annealing at high temperatures andreducing conditions results in the exsolution of mullite fromsillimanite and ilmenite from corundum. Glass resulting fromthe melting of muscovite in the presence of quartz is peraluminous(A/(CNK) = 1·3) with SiO² contents of 66–69 percent and normative corundum of 4 per cent. Sanidine (An_1·9Ab_26·0Or_72·1-An_1·3Ab_15·9Or_82·9)crystallized from the melt. Dehydroxylation and oxidation of biotite results in a decreaseof K₂O from 8·6 to less than 1 wt. per cent and oxidetotals (less H₂O + contents) from 96·5 to 88·6,exsolution of Al-magnetite, and a decrease in the Fe/(Fe + Mg)ratio from 0·41 to 0·17. Partial melting of biotitein the presence of quartz/plagioclase to pleonaste, Al-Ti magnetite,sanidine(An_2·0Ab_34·9Or63·1) and melt takesplace at higher temperatures. Glass in the vicinity of meltedbiotite is pale brown and highly peraluminous (A/CNK = 2·1)with up to 6 wt. per cent MgO+FeO_{(total iroq)} and up to 10 percent normative corundum. Near liquidus biotite with higher Al₂O₃and TiO₂ than partially melted biotite crystallized from themelt. Ti-rich biotites (up to 6 wt. per cent TiO₂) occur withinthe restite layers of thermally reconstituted xenoliths. Meltingof Ti-rich biotite and sillimanite in contact with the siliceousmelt of the buchite parts of xenoliths resulted in the formationof cordierite (100 Mg/(Mg+Fe+Mn) = 76·5–69·4),Al-Ti magnetite and sanidine, and development of cordierite/quartzintergrowths into the buchite melt. Growth of sanidine enclosedrelic Ca-plagioclase to form patchy intergrowths in the restitelayers. Cordierite (100 Mg/(Mg+Fe+Mn) = 64–69), quartz,sillimanite, mullite, magnetite and ilmenite, crystallized fromthe peraluminous buchite melt. Green-brown spinels of the pleonaste-magnetite series have awide compositional variation of (mol. per cent) FeAl₂O₄—66·6–45·0;MgAl₂O₄—53·0–18·7; Fe₃O₄—6·9–28·1;MnAl₂O₄—1·2–1·5; Fe₂TiO₄—0·6–6·2.Rims are generally enriched in the Fe₃O₄ component as a resultof oxidation. Compositions of ilmenite and magnetite (single,homogeneous and composite grains) are highly variable and resultfrom varying degrees of high temperature oxidation that is associatedwith dehydroxylation of micas and melting. Oxidation mainlyresults in increasing Fe³⁺, Al and decreasing Ti⁴⁺, Fe²⁺ inilmenite, and increasing Fe²⁺, Ti⁴⁺ and decreasing Fe³⁺ in associatedmagnetite. A higher degree of oxidation is reached with exsolutionof rutile from ilmenite and formation of titanhematite and withexsolution of pleonaste from magnetite. Ti-Al rich magnetite(5·1–7·5 and 8·5–13·5wt. per cent respectively) and ilmenite crystallized from meltsin buchitic parts of the xenoliths. Chemical and mineralogic evidence indicates that even with extensivemelting the primary compositions of individual layers in thexenoliths remained unmodified. Apparently the xenoliths didnot remain long enough at high temperatures for desilicationand enrichment in Al₂O₃, TiO₂, FeO, Fe₂O₃, and MgO that resultsby removal of a ‘granitic’ melt, and/or by interactionwith the magma, to occur. T °C-f_o2 values calculated from unoxidized magnetite/ilmenitegive temperatures ranging from 615–710°C for contactmetamorphism and the beginning of melting, and between 873 and1054°C for the crystallization of oxides and mullite/sillimanitefrom high temperature peraluminous melts. f_o2 values of metamorphismand melting were between the Ni-NiO and Fe₂O₃-Fe₃O₄ buffer curves.The relative abundance of xenolith types, geophysical evidenceand contact metamorphic mineralogy indicates that the xenolithswere derived from depths corresponding to between 2–3kb P_load = P_fluid. The xenoliths were erupted during the latestphreatomagmatic eruption from the Wehr volcano which resultedin vesiculation of melts in partially molten xenoliths causingfragmentation and disorientation of solid restite layers.     

Petrology of the Blue Mountain Complex, Marlborough, New Zealand

Blue Mountain is a central-type alkali ultrabasic-gabbro ringcomplex (lxl7middot;5 km) introducing Upper Jurassic sediments,Marlborough, New Zealand. The ultrabasic-gabbroic rocks containlenses of kaersutite pegmatite and sodic syenite pegmatite andare intruded by ring dykes of titanaugite-ilmenite gabbro andlamprophyre. The margin of the intrusion is defined by a ringdyke of alkali gabbro. The plutonic rocks are cut by a swarmof hornblendebiotite-rich lamprophyre dykes. Thermal metamorphismhas converted the sediments to a hornfels ranging in grade fromthe albite-epidote hornfels facies to the upper limit of thehornblende hornfels facies. The rocks are nepheline normative and consist of olivine (Fo_82–74),endiopside (Ca₄₅Mg₄₈Fe₇–Ca₃₆Mg₅₅Fe₉), titanaugite (Ca₄₀Mg₅₀Fe₁₀–Ca₄₄Mg₃₉Fe₁₇),plagioclase (An_73–18), and ilmenitetitaniferous magnetite,with various amounts of titaniferous hornblende and titanbiotite.There is a complete gradation between endiopside and titanaugitewith the coupled substitution R_y⁺²+Si;;(Ti⁺⁴+Fe⁺³+Al⁺³ and asympathetic increase in CaAl₂SiO₆ (0·2–10·2percent) and CaTiAl₂O₆ (2·1–8·1 per cent)with fractionation. Endiopside shows a small, progressive Mgenrichment along a trend subparallel to the CaMgSi₂O₆–Mg₂Si₂O₆boundary, and titanaugite is enriched in Ca and Fe⁺²+Fe⁺³ withdifferentiation. Oscillatory zoning between endiopside and titanaugiteis common. Exsolved ilmenite needles occur in the most Fe-richtitanaugites. The amphiboles show the trend: titaniferous hornblende(1·0–57middot;7 per cent TiO₂) kaersutite (6·4per cent TiO2) Fe-rich hastingsite (18·0–19·1per cent FeO as total Fe). Biotite is high in TiO₂ (6·6–7·8per cent). Ilmenite and titaniferous magnetite (3·5–10·6per cent TiO₂) are typically homogeneous grains; their compositioncan be expressed in terms of R⁺²RO₃:R⁺²O:R₂⁺³O₄. The intrusion of igneous rocks was probably controlled by subterraneanring fracturing. Subsidence of the country rock within the ringfracture provided space for periodic injections of magma froma lower reservoir up the initial ring fracture to form the BlueMountain rocks at a higher level. Downward movement of the floorof the intrusion during crystallization caused inward slumpingof the cumulates which affected the textural, mineralogical,and chemical evolution of the rocks in different parts of theintrusion. The order of mineral fractionation is reflected by the chemicalvariation in the in situ ultrabasic-gabbroic rocks and the successiveintrusions of titanaugite-ilmenite gabbro and lamprophyre ringdykes, marginal alkali gabbro and lamprophyre dyke swarm. Aninitial decrease, then increase in SiO2; a steady decrease inMgO, CaO, Ni, and Cr: an initial increase, then decrease inFeO+Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, MnO, and V; almost linear increase in A1₂O₃and late stage increase in alkalis and P₂O₃, implies fractionationof olivine and endiopside, followed by titanaugite and Fe-Tioxides, followed by plagioclase, hornblende, biotite, and apatite.Reversals in the composition of cumulus olivine and endiopsideand Solidification Index, indicate that the ultrabasic-gabbroicsequence is composed of four main injections of magma. The ultrabasic rocks crystallized under conditions of high P_H2Oand fairly high, constant     

Melting of a Hydrous Mantle: I. Phase Relations of Natural Peridotite at High Pressures and Temperatures with Controlled Activities of Water, Carbon Dioxide, and Hydrogen

Four natural peridotite nodules ranging from chemically depletedto Fe-rich, alkaline and calcic (SiO₂ = 43.7–45.7 wt.per cent, A1₂O₃ = 1.6O–8.21 wt. per cent, CaO = 0.70–8.12wt. per cent, alk = 0.10–0.90 wt. per cent and Mg/(Mg+Fe²⁺)= 0.94–0.85) have been investigated in the hypersolidusregion from 800? to 1250?C with variable activities of H₂O,CO₂, and H₂. The vapor-saturated peridotite solidi are 50–200?Cbelow those previously published. The temperature of the beginningof melting of peridotite decreases markedly with decreasingMg/(Mg+SFe) of the starting material at constant CaO/Al₂O₃.Conversely, lowering CaO/Al₂O₃ reduces the temperature at constantMg/(Mg+Fe) of the starting material. Temperature differencesbetween the solidi up to 200?C are observed. All solidi displaya temperature minimum reflecting the appearance of garnet. Thisminimum shifts to lower pressure with decreasing Mg/(Mg + Fe)of the starting material. The temperature of the beginning ofmelting decreases isobarically as approximately a linear functionof the mol fraction of H₂O in the vapor (X_H2O^v). The data alsoshow that some CO₂ may dissolve in silicate melts formed bypartial melting of peridotite. Amphibole (pargasitic hornblende) is a hypersolidus mineralin all compositions, although its P/T stability field dependson bulk rock chemistry. The upper pressure stability of amphiboleis marked by the appearance of garnet. The vapor-saturated (H₂O) liquidus curve for one peridotiteis between 1250? and 1300?C between 10 and 30 kb. Olivine, spinel,and orthopyroxene are either liquidus phases or co-exist immediatelybelow the temperature of the peridotite liquidus. The data suggest considerable mineralogical heterogeneity inthe oceanic upper mantle because the oceanic geotherm passesthrough the P/T band covering the appearance of garnet in variousperidotites. The variable depth to the low-velocity zone is explained byvariable aHjo conditions in the upper mantle and possibly alsoby variations in the composition of the peridotite itself. Itis suggested that komatiite in Precambrian terrane could formby direct melting of hydrous peridotite. Such melting requiresabout 1250?C compared with 1600?C which is required for drymelting. The genesis of kimberlite can be related to partial meltingof peridotite under conditions of X_H2O^v = 0.5–0.25 (X_CO2^v= 0.5–0.75). Such activities of H₂O result in meltingat depths ranging between 125 and 175 km in the mantle. Thisrange is within the minimum depth generally accepted for theformation of kimberlite.     

Low-Pressure Experimental Constraints on the Evolution of Komatiites

Melting experiments were performed on a komatiitic basalt with17 wt% MgO from Munro Township, Ontario, at I-atm pressure andan oxygen fugacity controlled approximately to the fayalite-magnetite-quartzbuffer. The experiments showed that olivine appears at 1344±5°C,spinel at 1334±6°C plagioclase at 1185±5°C,augite at 1176±5°C and pigeonite at 1154±6°C.Compositionally, olivine varies from Fo₉₀ to Fo₇₄ and displaysan average K^Fe/Mg_D (ol/liq) of 0•32. The spinels are chromitesand chromian spinels with Mg/(Mg + Fe²⁺) ratios between 0•66and 0•;32, which show a marked correlation with meltingtemperature. The pyroxenes show an average K^Fe/Mg_D (px/liq)of 0•26, identical for augite and pigeonite. Plagiodaseranges compositionally between An₈₂ and An₇₂ Plotted in thepseudo-quaternary basalt phase diagram, the liquid line of descentis similar to that observed for quartz tholeiitic magmas. Therefore,the low-pressure, late-stage evolution products of komatiiteand basaltic komatiite parental magmas will chemically and mineralogicallybe ferrobasaltic quartz tholeiites. High-temperature and high-pressuremodeling suggests that the main observed compositional variationof Munro komatiites can be explained by low-pressure crystalfractionation and accumulation of olivine into komatiite liquidswith below 21•5–23•5 wt% MgO and eruptive temperaturesbelow 1435–1465°C for oxygen fugacities between thefayalite-magnetite quartz (FMQ) and iron-wiistite (IW) buffers.The maximum magnesium content of liquid komatiites, assumingequilibrium Fo₉₄ olivine, is 27–29 wt% MgO and eruptivetemperatures are between 1515 and 1540°C. KEY WORDS: komatiites; experimental petrology; Munro Township; Ontario     

Amphiboles of a Metagabbro--Amphibolite Sequence, Hidaka Metamorphic Belt, Hokkaido

The western part of the Hidaka Metamorphic Belt, Hokkaido, consistsof primary pyroxene gabbro and lesser amounts of olivine gabbrothat have been dynamically metamorphosed to metagabbro—gabbroicamphibolite-amphibolite-epidote amphibolite during uplift andshearing about 23 m.y. ago. Textures and the presence of relic and recrystallized amphiboleand plagioclase in the same rock indicate incomplete reactionand non attainment of equilibrium during recrystallization. EPMA and bulk analyses of 165 amphiboles indicate a continuousoverall compositional range from actinolite to dark green hornblende(with 100 mg/(Mg+Fe²⁺+Fe³⁺Mn) ratios varying from 89.5 to 32.0)marked by increasing Al, Fe, Ti, and Na. A compositional gapis usually present between relic and recrystallized amphibolesin any one rock which becomes more prominent with increasingshearing. In addition to host rock chemical control, amphibole compositionis largely dependent on the An content of coexisting plagioclase.Locally epidote and sphene exert a strong influence on bothamphibole and plagioclase compositions. Amphibole Ti and Mncontents decrease with shearing and Fe enrichment of the hostrocks largely as a result of the incoming of rutile, sphene,and Fe-Ti oxides. Analysis of host rock oxidation ratio andamphibole compositions indicates that the rocks essentiallybehaved as closed systems to oxygen during metamorphism. Al^1V-Al^IV, Al^IV-Fe³⁺, and Al^IV-(Na, K)^A are the main substitutionsin the amphiboles. Within any one rock the recrystallized amphibolesare enriched in Al, Fe, Ti, and Na relative to the relice amphiboles.Increasing metamorphism results in a progressive change of amphiboles(recrystallized) to more Fe and Si (rather than Al) rich compositionsreflecting the trend towards greenschist where Fe-actinolite(+Mg chlorite) would be stable. Differentiation of the amphiboles is within the limits of SiAlreplacement and the compositional limits of the early stagereaction rim and replacement amphiboles in the host olivineand pyroxene metagabbros.     

Sillimanite and Ilmenite from High-grade Metamorphic Rocks of Antarctica and Other Areas

Sillimanite from a variety of high-grade metamorphic rocks containsfrom 0.13 to 1.82 weight per cent Fe₂O₃ and less than 0.1 weightper cent TiO₂. The iron is trivalent and substitutes for Alonly. Ilmenite associated with the sillimanite contains no morethan 0.4 weight per cent Al₂O₃, SiO₂, CaO, and MnO; and MgOdoes not exceed 1.6 weight per cent. It ranges in compositionfrom Ilm₉₉Hem₁ to Ilm₈₅Hem₁₅. A least squares fit of precision unit cell data on 10 analyzedsillimanites gives the following cell dimensions for iron-freesillimanite: a = 7.4830 Á, b = 7.6708 Á, c = 5.7694Á and V = 331.15 Á³. The projected increase incell volume with substitution of 10 mole per cent Fe₂SiO₃ is1.66 per cent. A regular increase in the Fe₂O₃ content of sillimanite withincreasing Fe₂O₃ content of associated ilmenite in 15 of 21samples analyzed suggests that sillimanite and ilmenite crystallizedin equilibrium in the 15 samples. The compositions of the tensillimanite-ilmenite pairs analyzed by the author fit the followingempirical curve (sol;(X_Fe2O3)Il = 1.110 x 10^–3. This regularincrease in Fe₂O₃ contents fits a model of Fe³⁺ substitutionfor Al on two independent sites in sillimanite and a coupledsubstitution of for Fe²⁺ Ti on two sites in ilmenite. Sillimaniteand ilmenite are behaving as ideal solutions over the compositionalrange 0 < X_Fe2SIO3 < 0.013 in sillimanite and 0 < X_Fe2O3< 0.15 in ilmenite. Equations have been derived for expressing the variation inFe₂O₃ content of sillimanite associated with quartz and ilmeniteor hematite as a function of pressure, temperature, and Fe₂O₃content of the oxide minerals. For example, the Fe₂O₃ contentof a sillimanite with 1.5 mole per cent Fe₂SiO₃ coexisting withTi-free hematite is calculated to decrease 11 per cent witha 5 kb increase in pressure. The rate of increase with temperatureof the Fe₂O₃ content of sillimanite is greater in hematite-bearingassemblages than in ilmenite-bearing assemblages.     

Ferric iron partitioning between plagioclase and silicate liquid: thermodynamics and petrological applications

A series of Fe and Mg partition experiments between plagioclase and silicate liquid were performed in the system SiO₂-Al₂O₃-Fe₂O₃-FeO-MgO-CaO-Na₂O under oxygen fugacities from below the IW buffer up to that of air. A thermodynamic model of plagioclase solid solution for the (CaAl,NaSi,KSi)(Fe³⁺,Al³⁺)Si₂O₈-Ca(Fe²⁺,Mg)Si₃O₈ system is proposed and is calibrated by regression analysis based on new and previously reported experimental data of Fe and Mg partitioning between plagioclase and silicate liquid, and reported thermodynamic properties of end members, ternary feldspar and silicate liquid. Using the derived thermodynamic model, FeO^t, MgO content and Mg/(Fe^t+Mg) in plagioclase can be predicted from liquid composition with standard deviations of ǂ.34 wt% (relative error =9%) and ǂ.08 wt% (14%) and ǂ.7 (8%) respectively. Calculated Fe³⁺-Al exchange chemical potentials of plagioclase, m_{Fe^{3 +} ( Al )- 1} ^Pl{\rm \mu }_{{\rm Fe}^{{\rm 3 + }} \left( {{\rm Al}} \right)_{{\rm - 1}} }^{{\rm Pl}} agree with those calculated using reported thermodynamic models for multicomponent spinel, m_{Fe^{3 +} ( Al )- 1} ^Sp{\rm \mu }_{{\rm Fe}^{{\rm 3 + }} \left( {{\rm Al}} \right)_{{\rm - 1}} }^{{\rm Sp}} and clinopyroxene, m_{Fe^{3 +} ( Al )- 1} ^Cpx{\rm \mu }_{{\rm Fe}^{{\rm 3 + }} \left( {{\rm Al}} \right)_{{\rm - 1}} }^{{\rm Cpx}} . The FeO^t content of plagioclase coexisting with spinel or clinopyroxene is affected by Fe³⁺/(Fe³⁺+Al) and Mg/(Fe+Mg) of spinel or clinopyroxene and temperature, while it is independent of the anorthite content of plagioclase. Three oxygen barometers based on the proposed model are investigated. Although the oxygen fugacities predicted by the plagioclase-liquid oxygen barometer are scattered, this study found that plagioclase-spinel-clinopyroxene-oxygen and plagioclase-olivine-oxygen equilibria can be used as practical oxygen barometers. As a petrological application, prediction of plagioclase composition and f_O2 are carried out for the Upper Zone of the Skaergaard intrusion. The estimated oxygen fugacities are well below QFM buffer and consistent with the estimation of oxidization states in previous studies.     

Equilibrium Compositions of Coexisting Garnet and Orthopyroxene: Experimental Determinations in the System FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2, and Applications

We have determined the Fe-Mg fractionation between coexistinggarnet and orthopyroxene at 20–45 kb, 975–1400?C,and the effect of iron on alumina solubility in orthopyroxeneat 25 kb, 1200?C, and 20 kb, 975?C in the FMAS system. The equilibriumcompositions were constrained by experiments with crystallinestarting mixtures of garnet and orthopyroxene of known initialcompositions in graphite capsules. All iron was assumed to beFe²⁺. A mixture of PbO with about 55 mol per cent PbF₂ provedvery effective as a flux. The experimental results do not suggest any significant dependenceof K_D on Fe/Mg ratio at T 1000?C. The lnK_D vs. l/T data havebeen treated in terms of both linear and non-linear thermodynamicfunctional forms, and combined with the garnet mixing modelof Ganguly & Saxena (1984) to develop geothermometric expressionsrelating temperature to K_D and Ca and Mn concentrations in garnet. The effect of Fe is similar to that of Ca and Cr³⁺ in reducingthe alumina solubility in orthopyroxene in equilibrium withgarnet relative to that in the MAS system. Thus, the directapplication of the alumina solubility data in the MAS systemto natural assemblages could lead to significant overestimationof pressure, probably by about 5 kb for the relatively commongarnetlherzolites with about 25 mol per cent Ca+Fe²⁺ in garnetand about 1 wt. per cent Al₂O₃ in orthopyroxene.     

Mineralogic Study of Eclogitic Rocks from Alpe Arami, Lepontine Alps, Southern Switzerland

Certain ultramafic-mafic lenses exposed in Ticino along thecontact zone between the underlying Simano and overlying Adulanappes display relatively high-pressure phase assemblages. AtAlpe Arami, metabasaltic layers associated with pyropic garnet-bearingIherzolite consist mainly of an early eclogitic assemblage characterizedby Alm₃₉Py₃₇Gross₂₃Spess₀₁+ Di₄₉Hd₀₈Jd₄₃+rutile±kyanite.Iron-magnesium fractionation between garnet+omphacite pairsyields a K_D, (Fe²⁺/Mg)_garnet/(Fe²⁺/Mg)_{cllnopyroxence}, of about6. This earlier assemblage has been replaced by a later, somewhatpargasitic hornblende+oligoclase+clinozoisite phase compatibility.Associated primary garnet peridotites contain Ca-rich clinopyroxeneand Al₂O₃-poor orthopyroxene. Both rock types have been affectedby a still later period of incipient chloritization. Available phase equilibrium and element partitioning data arecompatible with an inferred P-T condition of origin for theAlpe Arami mafic-ultramafic complex of 965–1000 °C,30–50 kilobars, indicating deep upper mantle generation.Amphibolites could have been produced during depressurizationaccompanying ascent of the mass through the upper mantle, butinasmuch as plagioclase accompanies the hornblende, the assemblageprobably crystallized after emplacement of the complex in theLepontine terrane prior to the termination of the Late Alpineregional metamorphism. Incipient production of high-rank greenschistphases certainly reflects a crustal event.     

P-T-X Relationships Deduced from Corona Textures in Sapphirine--Spinel--Quartz Assemblages from Paderu, Southern India

The sapphirine (Sa)-spinel (Sp)-quartz (Qz)-bearing rocks fromPaderu occur as lenticular enclaves within the Precambrian khondalite-charnockiteterrane of southern India. In addition these rocks contain orthopyroxene(Opx), sillimanite (Sill), garnet (Gt), cordierite (Cd), biotite,potash feldspar (Kf), plagioclase, and symplectites of Cd-Kf-Qz-Opx.The symplectites may have formed from the breakdown of osumilite.Grain contacts of sapphirine and spinel with quartz are rarelyobserved and the incompatibility with quartz during later stagesis displayed by the development of several types of polymineralicreaction coronas. The coronas in the different rock types A,B, etc. are (minerals listed from core to rim of corona): (A-1) sapphirine-bearing rock type without spinel: Sa-Sill-Opx,Sa-Sill-Cd, Sa-Cd-Opx (A-2) sapphirine and spinel-bearing: Sp-Sa-Sill-Opx-Qz, Sp-Sa-Sill,Sp-Sa-Opx, Sp-Sill-Opx, Sp-Sa-Sill-Gt-Qz, Sa-Sill-Opx, Sp-Sa-Sill-Opx,Sa-Sill-Opx-Gt, Sp-Sa-Opx-Gt, Sp-Sa-Sill-Gt; and (B) spinel-bearingbut sapphirine free: Sp-Sill-Opx, Sp-Sill-Gt, Sp-Cd. Commonlythe coronas in the rock type A 2 and B also contain ilmeno-hematite?corundumin the core in association with spinel. These rock types alsoprovide textural evidence for later crystallization of Cd, Cd+ Sa, and Gt + Qz from Opx+Sill?Qz and Gt+Sill+Qz. Sapphirine is aluminous (near 7(Mg, Fe²⁺)O?9(Al, Fe³⁺)₂O₃?3SiO₂)and contains up to 12?2 wt. per cent iron as FeO. Orthopyroxeneis also aluminous, containing up to 10?4 wt. per cent Al₂O₃.Sapphirine and spinel have relatively high contents of Fe₂O₃.X_Mg in the Fe-Mg minerals increases from rock type B to A2 toA1. A sequence of reactions has been deduced from coronas and otherreaction textures, and from the phase compatibility relationsin the FeO-MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O system. The P-T-X relationshipsfrom geothermobarometry and petrogenetic grids, viz. µ_Fe2O3vs. µ_FeO and µ_H2O vs. µ_Fe2O3, suggest: (1)a retrograde, mildly decompressive trajectory from 900?60?C/65?0?7kb (core) to 760?50?C/5 ? 0?6 kb (rim); and (2) the observedmineralogy of the coronas and reactions deduced from them aredependent on the relative FeO, Fe₂O₃, and H₂O contents of therocks (µ_FeO3, µ_Fe2O3), and µ_H2O).