In situ LA-ICPMS Isotopic and Geochronological Studies on Carbonatites and Phoscorites from the Guli Massif,Maymecha-Kotuy,Polar Siberia

In this study we present a fresh isotopic data, as well as U–Pb ages from different REE-minerals in carbonatites and phoscorites of Guli massif using in situ LA-ICPMS technique. The analyses were conducted on apatites and perovskites from calcio-carbonatite and phoscorite units, as well as on pyrochlores and baddeleyites from the carbonatites. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios obtained from apatites and perovskites from the phoscorites are 0.70308–0.70314 and 0.70306–0.70313, respectively; and 0.70310–0.70325 and 0.70314–0.70327, for the pyrochlores and apatites from the carbonatites, respectively.Furthermore, the in situ laser ablation analyses of apatites and perovskites from the phoscorite yield εNd from 3.6 (±1) to 5.1 (±0.5) and from 3.8 (±0.5) to 4.9 (±0.5), respectively; εNd of apatites, perovskites and pyrochlores from carbonatite ranges from 3.2 (±0.7) to 4.9 (±0.9), 3.9 (±0.6) to 4.5 (±0.8) and 3.2 (±0.4) to 4.4 (±0.8), respectively. Laser ablation analyses of baddeleyites yielded an eHf(t)d of +8.5 (± 0.18); prior to this study Hf isotopic characteristic of Guli massif was not known. Our new in situ εNd, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and eHf data on minerals in the Guli carbonatites imply a depleted source with a long time integrated high Lu/Hf, Sm/Nd, Sr/Rb ratios.In situ U–Pb age determination was performed on perovskites from the carbonatites and phoscorites and also on pyrochlores and baddeleyites from carbonatites. The co-existing pyrochlores, perovskites and baddeleyites in carbonatites yielded ages of 252.3 ± 1.9, 252.5 ± 1.5 and 250.8 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively. The perovskites from the phoscorites yielded an age of 253.8 ± 1.9 Ma. The obtained age for Guli carbonatites and phoscorites lies within the range of ages previously reported for the Siberian Flood Basalts and suggest essentially synchronous emplacement with the Permian-Triassic boundary.     

Uranium and thorium in carbonatitic minerals from the Guli massif, Polar Siberia

This paper reports a geochemical and mineralogical study on carbonatites from the Guli massif, which hosts rare-metal mineralization. The principal carriers of radioactive elements in the carbonatites are pyrochlore-group minerals, zirconolite, and thorianite, which are described here. They are characterized by elevated concentrations (wt %) of radioactive elements: up to 17.89 UO₂ and 20.01 ThO₂ in pyrochlore, up to 6.49 UO₂ and 94.29 ThO₂ in thorianite, and up to 6.74 ThO₂ in zirconolite. The pyrochlore-group minerals, zirconolite, and thorianite from the early calcite carbonatites occur in intimate association with Ti-Zr oxides calzirtite, perovskite, and baddeleyite. Significant radioactive element fractionation in early-stage derivatives results in the depletion of the residual magmatic products in these elements. The dolomite carbonatites are reported to contain only trace amounts of pyrochlore-group minerals. It was shown that the distribution of U, Th, Nb, and Ta in the calcite and dolomite carbonatites is correlated with the evolutionary trends of pyrochlore composition. Typical schemes of isomorphic substitution are proposed for pyrochlore-group minerals and zirconolite. The pyrochlore-group minerals show an apparent evolutionary trend from U-rich towards more Th- and Ta-rich varieties, and Ba-Sr cation-deficient varieties originate during the latest stage of the evolution. The pyrochlore-group minerals, zirconolite, and thorianite may also accumulate in placers, together with gold. Because of the relative ease of extraction of the accessory minerals, the carbonatites of the Guli massif can be considered as commercial sources of radioactive raw materials.     

Leaching rare-earth and radioactive elements from alkaline rocks of the Lovozero Massif,Kola Peninsula

The paper presents data on the leaching efficiency of rare-earth (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) and radioactive (Th and U) elements by various reagents from alkaline rocks of the Lovozero Massif. Element concentrations were analyzed by ICP-MS and instrumental neutral activation (INAA). A new complex technique is suggested for analyzing elements on the solid phase of polymer hydrogels. This technique makes it possible to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of INAA when these elements are simultaneously contained in rocks. Data are presented on the selective leaching of trace elements and the application of environmentally safe reagents.     

Geochemistry and Fractionation of Zr and Hf in the Magmatic System of the Kugda Massif (Polar Siberia)

The patterns of the distribution and fractionation of strategic metals (Zr, Hf) in the Kugda intrusion (Polar Siberia) have been studied. The contents of these elements significantly exceed their concentrations in other rocks (Zr, 246 ppm; Hf, 7.4 ppm). A significant increase in Zr and Hf from early rocks (olivinite and melilite rocks) to later differentiation products, syenites with up to 570 ppm of Zr and 16 ppm of Hf, has been revealed. During the evolution of the Kuga magmatic system, notable fractionation of Zr and Hf occurred. The Zr/Hf ratios in the dyke rock, similar in composition to the primary Kugda Massif magma, and the early intrusions are fairly close to that of chondrite (Zr/Hf = 37 [1]), while in the latest phases this ratio increases by almost 5-fold.     

A Pb isotope investigation of the Guli massif, Maymecha-Kotuy alkaline-ultramafic complex, Siberian flood basalt province, Polar Siberia

Summary Covering a vast area of the northern Siberian platform are the Siberian flood basalts (SFB), which make up one of the world’s largest magmatic provinces. Along the northeastern margin of the SFB province lies the Maymecha-Kotuy alkaline-ultramafic complex, consisting of a large volume of alkaline lavas, numerous dykes, and the Guli massif together with numerous other, smaller alkaline plutons. The genetic link between the SFB and the Maymecha-Kotuy complex continues to be a subject of active debate. Although the rocks in both units have essentially the same age close to the Permian-Triassic boundary, questions remain as to the relative order of emplacement and the contributing source materials of each lithology. This study builds upon earlier petrologic, geochemical, and isotopic work to further an understanding of the relationship between SFB and alkaline rocks. A whole-rock U-Pb age of 250 ± 9 Ma was determined for the Guli massif, which lies within the range of ages previously reported for the SFB. The Pb isotopic composition of the Guli rocks plot mainly in the lower portion of the OIB field, and dunite and carbonatite extend downward into the MORB field suggesting for them a more depleted source than the one that produced the SFB. The combined Pb, Sr, and Nd isotopic systematics of the SFB and the Guli alkaline rocks enable the identification of several discrete source components. The first component dominates many of the Guli rocks and is characterized by low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7031 to 0.7038), high ε_Nd (+5.35 to +3.97), and relatively unradiogenic Pb (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.88–18.31; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.38–15.46; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.33–37.70), which we associate with the depleted (MORB source) mantle. The second component representing most of the SFB demonstrates a notable chemical and isotopic uniformity with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values of 0.7046 to 0.7052, ε_Nd values of 0 to +2.5, and an average Pb isotopic composition of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.3, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.5, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.0. This component, making up the majority of SFB, is speculated to be a relatively primitive lower mantle plume with a near-chondritic signature. Contamination by upper and lower continental crustal material, designated as components 3 and 4, is postulated to explain the isotopic characteristics of some of the higher SiO₂ Guli rocks and SFB. Finally, metasomatic processes associated with the invasion of the Siberian super-plume add a fifth component responsible for the extreme enrichment in rare-earth and related elements found in some Guli rocks and SFB.     

Geochemistry of metasedimentary rocks of Uwet area,Oban Massif,southeastern Nigeria

Metasediments comprising phyllites, schists and gneisses constitute the predominant rock types in Uwet area of the Oban Massif of southeastern Nigeria. These rocks which range from middle greenschist to uppermost amphibolite facies grade are products of Barrovian-type regional metamorphism. They are of Pan-African age (600 ± 100 Ma).Mineralogical and chemical data indicate that the metasediments were derived from pelites, semipelites and greywackes. The data, compared to those reported in similar rocks from western Nigeria, confirm that the »schist belt« of Nigeria, composed of metasedimentary rocks, is not confined to the western half of the country but extends to southeastern Nigeria.Metamorphism of Uwet area is basically isochemical. Minor variations in bulk rock chemistry are attributable to facies changes in the deposition of the original sediments and to secondary effects such as addition of secondary quartz and calcite.

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Zusammenfassung Metasedimente, die sich aus Phylliten, Schiefern und Gneis zusammensetzen, sind die vorherrschenden Gesteinstypen in dem Uwetgebiet des Oban Massiv im Südosten Nigerias. Diese Gesteine, die von der mittleren Grünschieferfazies bis zur oberen Amphibolit-Fazies reichen, sind Produkte regionaler Metamorphose des Barrow-Typ. Ihr Alter ist Pan-Afrikanisch (600 ± 100 Ma).Mineralogische und chemische Daten zeigen an, daß die Sedimente von Pelite, Semipelite und Grauwacken stammen. Die Daten, verglichen mit denen ähnlicher Gesteine vom Westen Nigerias, bestätigen, daß sich der Schiefergürtel, der sich aus Metasedimenten zusammensetzt, nicht nur auf die westliche Hälfte des Landes beschränkt, sondern sich bis zum Südosten Nigerias ausdehnt.Metamorphose im Uwetgebiet ist grundlegend isochemisch. Geringe Veränderungen in der Chemie der Gesteine sind Veränderungen der Fazies in der Ablagerung der originalen Sedimente und sekundären Effekten wie Zusatz von sekundärem Quarz und Kalzit zuzuschreiben.

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Résumé Des métasédiments comportant des phyllites, des micaschistes et des gneiss, constituent les types de roches qui prédominent dans la région d'Uwet du Massif d'Oban, dans le sud-est du Nigéria. Ces roches dont le faciès métamorphique s'échelonne depuis celui des schistes verts moyens jusqu'à celui des amphiolites du degré le plus élevé sont les produits d'un métamorphisme régional du type Barrovien. Elles sont d'âge pan-africain (600 ± 100 ma).Les données minéralogiques et chimiques montrent que les métasédiments sont dérivés de pélites, de semi-pélites et de grauwackes. Ces données, comparées, comparées à celles de roches semblables du Nigéria occidental confirment que la zône des schistes cristallins du Nigéria, composée de roches métasédimentaires, ne se limite pas seulement à la moitié occidentale du pays, mais s'éxtend également à sa partie sud-est.Le métamorphisme de la région d'Uwet est fondamentalement isochimique. Des variations mineures dans le chimisme des roches sont attribuées aux variations de facies dans le dépôt des sédiments originaux à certains effets secondaires, comme l'addition de quartz et de calcite secondaires.

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First Data on the Geochemistry and Age of the Kontay Intrusion in Polar Siberia

The first ever comprehensive geochemical data on the Kontay intrusion, polar Siberia, demonstrate that the intrusion is profoundly differentiated and shows geochemical features typical of intraplate magmatism. The age of the intrusion is Early Paleozoic. The paper summarizes literature data regarded as circumstantial evidence that a large magmatic intraplate (perhaps, plume-related) province of Early Paleozoic age may occur in the northern part of the Siberian Platform, whose only component found as of now is the Kontay intrusion. The intrusion is demonstrated not to possess any precious-metal (Ag–Pd) ore potential, contrary to what was surmised previously.     

Geochemistry of mafic rocks of the PGE-bearing Vurechuaivench Massif (Monchegorsk Complex,Kola region)

The platinum-bearing Paleoproterozoic Vurechuaivench Massif in the Monchegorsk Pluton is made up of amphibolized and saussuritized gabbronorites, anorthosites, and norites. The geochemical features of the massif rocks are considered at four detailed areas. It was confirmed that the Vurechuaivench and Nyud-Poaz massifs are geochemically similar. The rare-earth element (REE) distribution in the rocks of the Vurechuaivench Massif is peculiar in the low total REE content (9.4–27.6 ppm), negative REE slope, significant LREE enrichment [La/Yb] _n = 3.7–8.7), and distinctly expressed positive Eu anomaly ([Eu/Eu*] _n = 1.2–2.2). The REE distribution pattern remains unchangeable throughout the entire section, including the rocks of the Pt reef, with a gradual upsection REE increase. It is suggested that the PGE reef of the Vurechuaivench Massif, as the Platinova Reef (Skaergaard massif) and Sonju-Lake Intrusion (Duluth complex), was formed during fractional crystallization in a large magma chamber without new magma influx. It is conceivable that the Vurechuaivench Massif is the allochthonous fragment of a large loppolith-like body, the lower portions of which compose the Nyud-Poaz Massif, while the middle part was almost completely eroded.     

Na-rich carbonate inclusions in perovskite and calzirtite from the Guli intrusive Ca-carbonatite,polar Siberia

Carbonate phases, some rich in Na₂O and comparatively rich in SrO and BaO, occur as inclusions in perovskite and calzirtite (Ca₂Zr₅Ti₂O₁₆) in the carbonatite of the Guli complex, Siberia. This is the first record of alkali carbonates, akin to nyerereite [Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂], in plutonic igneous rocks. The inclusion populations suggest that the parental magma of the complex was Ca-rich but developed Na-rich differentiates during the latest stages. This points to the dominant calcic carbonatites of the complex not being derivatives of alkali-rich parental carbonatites. These alkali-rich carbonate inclusions (and rare inclusions of djerfisherite) have been preserved due to the resistance of perovskite and calzirtite to processes of leaching, hydrothermal alteration and weathering.     

Geochemistry and geochronology of meta-igneous rocks from the Tokat Massif, north-central Turkey: implications for Tethyan reconstructions

Located in the eastern Pontides of the Sakarya Zone in north-central Turkey, the Tokat Massif records the closure of both the Paleo-Tethyan (Karakaya Complex) and Neo-Tethyan ocean basins. Meta-igneous samples collected from the region were studied to determine their sources and ages. We find significant geochemical differences between metagabbros of the Karakaya and Neo-Tethyan units in terms of their trace elements: Neo-Tethyan rocks are consistent with generation in an island arc setting, whereas Karakaya assemblages were likely generated in an oceanic spreading-center environment. Karakaya metagabbros also contain glaucophane, consistent with subduction subsequent to formation. Small (2–50 μm) zircon and baddeleyite grains from four Karakaya metagabbros were dated in thin section using an ion microprobe. The results demonstrate the reliability of the method to directly constrain the tectonomagmatic history of these types of assemblages. The rocks yield Late Permian/Early Triassic ²³⁸U/²⁰⁶Pb crystallization ages of 258 ± 14 Ma (±1σ, zircon) and 254 ± 8 Ma (±1σ, baddeleyite) and an Early Cretaceous minimum metamorphic age of 137 ± 8 Ma (±1σ, zircon). Some zircon grains and baddeleyite grains with zircon overgrowths yield Early to Middle Jurassic ages. Here we present a model in which metamorphism and deformation in this region occurred during northward subduction and closure of a Paleo-Tethyan ocean basin and accretion of the Karakaya units to the Laurasian continental margin. This was followed by the onset of closure of the Neo-Tethys during the Campanian-Paleocene and accretion of island arc units to the Tokat region.     

Geochemistry of Platinum Group Elements in Mafic—Ultramafic Rocks of Xinjie Intrusion

The platinum group elements(PGE)in the mafic-ultramafic suite in the Xinjie layered intrusion and associated basalts and syenites were analyzed using neutron activation techniques after fire-assay preconcentration.On this basis,the geochemistry of the platinum group during the magmatic stage is discussed.With respect to PGE distribution,the Xijie layered intrusion is similar to the Bushveld ferruginous ultramafic series and is distinct from komatiite and Alpine-type peridotite.It is also similar to the Emeishan basalt in PGE characteristics,implying that the original magmas of them may be of the same type.     

Geochemistry of sedimentary rocks and its relation to crustal evolution and mineralization in Southwest Yangtze Massif, China

Through a systematic study on trace elements and REE geochemistry of mudstone deposited in the basin and lower slope environments during Upper Proterozoic to Triassic in the Southwest Yangtze Mssif,three geochemical abnormal horizons of which the geochemical characteristics are quite different from those of other horizons have been established for the first time.They are the Lower Cambrian,the Upper Devonian and the Upper Permian,As compared with the crustal evolution in this area.these three geochemical abnormal horizons are corresponding to the pulling-apart periods of geotectonic cycles.which illustrates that uncommon depositional sources puring into the basin from the earth‘s interior may be one of the most important causes to originate the geochemical anomalies in these lhrizons.Thus it can be realized that the geochemistry of post-Archean sedimentary rocks has a great deal to do with the crustal evolution and it can be used as a tracer to analyze the crustal evolution.The elements in this area are mainly concentrated in these geochemical abnormal horizons,and the degree of enrichment and deficiency of trace elements in other horizons is very limited.A series of research on mineralization indicates that the main strata-bound ore deposits discovered in the Southwest Yangtze Massif occur in the Cambrian,Devonian and Permian-Trassic strata.The results of isotope tracer resarch have also proved that most of the metallogenic elements in these ore deposits came from the host strata.which illustrates that the geochemical abnormal horizons may have made great contributions to these ore-forming processes.Thus it can be concluded that it is only the particular horizons corresponding to the particular periode of earth‘s evolution that can they be the significant source beds because only in these uncommon horizons there can be highly enriched metallogeinc elements.which may be one of the most important reasons for explaining the time-bound nature of mineralization.     

Geochemistry of Riphean terrigenous rocks in the Southern Urals and Siberia and variations of the continental-crust maturity

We consider the general and specific features of the evolution of the composition of fine-grained terrigenous rocks in the Riphean sedimentary megasequences of the Southern Urals, Uchur-Maya region, and Yenisei Ridge. It has been established that the crust on the southwestern (in the modern frame of references) periphery of the Siberian craton was geochemically the most mature segment of the Riphean continental crust. For example, the fine-grained clastic rocks and metapelites of all Riphean lithostratigraphic units of the Yenisei Ridge have higher median contents of Th than the most mature Paleoproterozoic crust, and in median contents of Y and Cr/Th values they are the most similar to it. In the Southern Urals and Uchur-Maya region, some units of the Riphean sedimentary sequences show median contents of Y and Th and Cr/Th values close to those of primitive Archean crust. Analysis of Cr/Th variations in the fine-grained terrigenous rocks of all three megasequences shows that the minimum Cr/Th values, evidencing a predominance or the abundance of felsic rocks in provenances, are typical of the Riphean argillaceous shales and metapelites of the Yenisei Ridge. The distinct Cr/Th and Cr/Sc increase in the fine-grained clastic rocks of the Chingasan Group of the ridge reflects the large-scale destruction of continental crust during the formation of rift troughs as a result of the Rodinia breakup in the second half of the Late Riphean. The Cr/Th variations in the Lower and Middle Riphean argillaceous shales and mudstones of the Bashkirian mega-anticlinorium and Uchur-Maya region are in agreement, which evidences the subglobal occurrence of rifting in the early Middle Riphean (so-called “Mashak rifting”).     

The origin of the acidic and basic rocks of the Tichka Massif,Morocco, based on rare earth elements

The Tichka Massif is one of many late-Paleozoic massifs emplaced in northwestern Africa. It consists of granitic pods surrounded by a complex assemblage of dioritic and gabbroic rocks. Previous workers have suggested an independent origin for the granitic and gabbroic rocks and this study evaluates this suggestion using REE data.The Ce/Yb ratio versus Ce plot for the gabbro shows a large Ce/Yb variation for small changes in Ce, whereas the granites show a linear increase of Ce/Yb with Ce. In the granites, the samples with the highest Ce/Yb ratio have the lowest SiO₂, whereas in the gabbros the Ce/Yb ratio is lowest in the low SiO₂ rocks. The diorites show a tightly clustered pattern.Based on the REE data the granite-diorite-gabbro sequence cannot be related by fractional crystallization. Partial melting of a garnet bearing mantle is consistent with the gabbroic trends. Partial melting of a crustal source with small amounts of apatite and abundant hornblende can produce the granitic rocks.