The Upper Age Boundary of the Formation of the Olondo Fragment of the Tokko–Khani Greenstone Belt,Aldan Shield: U–Pb (ID-TIMS) Geochronological Data

Doklady Earth Sciences - This work presents new U–Pb ID-TIMS geochronological data obtained for the rocks of the metagabbro–diorite–tonalite complex of the Olondo fragment of the...     

U–Th–Pb (SIMS) Dating and Formation Conditions of Volcanic Rocks in the Uyandina–Yasachnaya Volcanic Belt (Northeast Asia,Indigirka Section)

Doklady Earth Sciences - The Uyandina–Yasachnaya volcanoplutonic belt (UYVB) is located in Northeast Asia. As one of the largest volcanic belts in the region, it extends for 900 km from the...     

The Formation Age of Pegmatites of the Mama Mica Belt: New U–Pb (ID-TIMS) Data on Zircons

Doklady Earth Sciences - New geochronological (U–Pb ID-TIMS) data on zircons from pegmatites of the Mama mica belt in the Baikal Highlands are presented. The ages obtained for the plagioclase...     

The First Data of U/Pb and 40Ar/39Ar Dating of the Pre-Dzhugdzhur Volcanics: New Evidence of Time Diversity in the Formation of Individual Sectors of the Okhotsk–Chukotka Volcanogenic Belt

Doklady Earth Sciences - The first data of U/Pb and 40Ar/39Ar dating of volcanogenic rocks of the Pre-Dzhugdzhur volcano-tectonic trough (PDVT) of the Okhotsk–Chukotka volcanogenic belt...     

Early Paleozoic Protoliths of Gneisses and Granitic Gneisses in the Eastern South Urals: Results of U–Th–Pb (SIMS) Geochronological Studies

Doklady Earth Sciences - The Early Paleozoic age of the protolith for gneisses in the East Uralian megazone (South Urals) is proved by zircon dating. Two metamorphic complexes have been identified...     

Paleoproterozoic Granitoids of the Yurovka Swell Basement (Okhotsk Massif): First U–Pb SIMS Geochronological and Nd–Sr Isotope–Geochemical Data

The first results of U–Pb SIMS geochronological and Nd–Sr isotope–geochemical studies of the Yurovka Complex metavolcanics and granitoids of the Luktur Complex belonging to the Yurovka Swell yielded a Paleoproterozoic age of their formation pointing to a considerable Paleoproterozoic continental crust formation event. These data allow us to reconsider existing ideas about the similarity of the composition and age of the basement of the Yurovka Swell and that of the Paleoarchaean Kukhtui Swell of the Okhotsk Massif.     

The Exotic Inim Block of the Argun Superterrane of the Central Asian Fold Belt: Results of U–Th–Pb Geochronological (LA-ICP-MS) and Sm–Nd Isotopic–Geochemical Studies

Doklady Earth Sciences - The results of studies indicate that the age of the protoliths of garnet-bearing biotite–sericite–muscovite schists of the Inim Block is <991 Ma, and...     

Stratigraphy of the Okhotsk–Chukotka Belt in the Headwaters of the Malyi Anyui River (the Vicinity of Kupol Deposit): U–Pb and 40Ar/39Ar Age Data

Doklady Earth Sciences - U–Pb and 40Ar/39Ar age data obtained for volcanic rocks of the Okhotsk–Chukotka Belt in the headwaters of the Malyi Anyui River (the vicinity of Kupol deposit)...     

The Position of the Wuchiapingian–Changhsingian Boundary in Northeast Russia on the Basis of Radioisotopic and Chemostratigraphic Data

Doklady Earth Sciences - The approximate position of the Wuchiapingian–Changhsingian boundary of the Upper Permian in Northeast Russia was determined for the first time on the basis of the...     

SHRIMP U–Pb and Ar–Ar geochronology of major porphyry and skarn Cu deposits in the Balkhash Metallogenic Belt,Central Asia,and geological implications

The Balkhash Metallogenic Belt (BMB) in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, with the occurrence of the super-large Kounrad and Aktogai, the large Borly porphyry Cu–Mo deposits, and the large Sayak skarn polymetallic ore-field, is one of the central regions of the Paleozoic Central Asian metallogenic domain and orogenic belt. In this study, newly obtained SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages of nine samples and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of six mineral samples (inclding hornblende, biotite and K-feldspar) give more detailed constraints on the timing of the granitic intrusions and their metallogeny. Porphyritic monzonite granite and tonalite porphyry from the Kounrad deposit yield U–Pb zircon SHRIMP ages of 327.3 ± 2.1 Ma and 308.7 ± 2.2 Ma, respectively. Quartz diorite and porphyritic granodiorite from the Aktogai deposit yield U–Pb SHRIMP ages of 335.7 ± 1.3 Ma and 327.5 ± 1.9 Ma, respectively. Porphyritic granodiorite and granodiorite from the Borly deposit yield U–Pb SHRIMP ages of 316.3 ± 0.8 Ma and 305 ± 3 Ma, respectively. Diorite, granodiorite, and monzonite from the Sayak ore-field yield U–Pb SHRIMP ages of 335 ± 2 Ma, 308 ± 10 Ma, and 297 ± 3 Ma, respectively. Hornblende, biotite, and K-feldspar from the Aktogai deposit yield ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar cooling ages of 310.6 Ma, 271.5 Ma, and 274.9 Ma, respectively. Hornblende, biotite, and K-feldspar from the Sayak ore-field yield ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar cooling ages of 287.3 ± 2.8 Ma, 307.9 ± 1.8 Ma, and 249.8 ± 1.6 Ma, respectively. The new ages constrain the timing of Late Paleozoic felsic magmatism to ∼336 to ∼297 Ma. Skarn mineralization in the Sayak ore-field formed at ∼335 and ∼308 Ma. Porphyry Cu–Mo mineralization in the Kounrad deposit and the Aktogai deposit formed at ∼327 Ma, and in the Borly deposit at ∼316 Ma. The Late Paleozoic regional cooling in the temperature range of ∼600 °C to ∼150 °C occurred from ∼307 to ∼257 Ma.     

The Late Neoproterozoic Age of Differentiated Volcanic Complexes of the Ulutau Massif: Results of U–Th–Pb (SIMS) Dating

Doklady Earth Sciences - The metamorphosed differentiated volcanogenic strata of the Aralbai Group have been studied in the eastern part of the Precambrian Ulutau massif of Central Kazakhstan. The...     

Peculiarities of Ore Formation at the Teploe Ag–Au Deposit,Northeast Russia

The mineralogical–geochemical and thermobarogeochemical features of the Teploe Ag–Au epithermal deposit are considered. The dissolution and redeposition of ore minerals are a result of thermal metamorphism. The redistribution of Ag leads to the formation of lenaite and exsolution structures in minerals of the Cu–Ag–S system; abundant stromeyerite, jalpaite, and mckinstryite compose a significant amount of ores. The atypical physicochemical parameters of the formation of ores include high (for epithermal mineralization) temperatures and low salinity and density of the fluid typical of a dry vapor. The results of fluid inclusion study ascribe the Teploe deposit to an intermediate class of epithermal deposits.     

The first U–Pb SIMS age datings of zircons from upper Permian deposits of the Northeastern Russia: Significance for interregional correlations

The Regional Stratigraphic Scale (RSS) of the Permian deposits in northeastern Russia represents the only complete stratigraphic succession of Permian marine deposits distinguished in Russia, which serves as a standard at the correlation of Permian deposits of all regions of the eastern part of the Boreal Biogeographic Superrealm. However, a high level of faunistic endemism makes it extremely difficult to correlate directly stratons of the RSS with stages of the International Stratigraphic Scale (ISS) of the Permian deposits. The first U–Pb SIMS age datings of zircons from felsic tuffs of the Omchak Formation of the Ayan-Yuryakh Anticlinorium (the lower part of the Permian Khivachian Horizon of the RSS of northeastern Russia) allowed us to obtain the important reference level for the Upper Permian subdivision of the Permian RSS. The zircon age of 257.1 ± 3.0 Ma is in good agreement with the stratigraphic position of the studied sample, which makes it possible to correlate the surrounding deposits with the Wuchiapingian Stage of the Permian deposits in the International Stratigraphic Scale.     

U–Pb and Th–Pb dating of apatite by LA-ICPMS

Apatite is a common U- and Th-bearing accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and a minor but widespread detrital component in clastic sedimentary rocks. U–Pb and Th–Pb dating of apatite has potential application in sedimentary provenance studies, as it likely represents first cycle detritus compared to the polycyclic behavior of zircon. However, low U, Th and radiogenic Pb concentrations, elevated common Pb and the lack of a U–Th–Pb apatite standard remain significant challenges in dating apatite by LA-ICPMS, and consequently in developing the chronometer as a provenance tool.This study has determined U–Pb and Th–Pb ages for seven well known apatite occurrences (Durango, Emerald Lake, Kovdor, Mineville, Mud Tank, Otter Lake and Slyudyanka) by LA-ICPMS. Analytical procedures involved rastering a 10 μm spot over a 40 × 40 μm square to a depth of 10 μm using a Geolas 193 nm ArF excimer laser coupled to a Thermo ElementXR single-collector ICPMS. These raster conditions minimized laser-induced inter-element fractionation, which was corrected for using the back-calculated intercept of the time-resolved signal. A Tl–U–Bi–Np tracer solution was aspirated with the sample into the plasma to correct for instrument mass bias. External standards (Ple?ovice and 91500 zircon, NIST SRM 610 and 612 silicate glasses and STDP5 phosphate glass) along with Kovdor apatite were analyzed to monitor U–Pb, Th–Pb, U–Th and Pb–Pb ratiosCommon Pb correction employed the ²⁰⁷Pb method, and also a ²⁰⁸Pb correction method for samples with low Th/U. The ²⁰⁷Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb corrections employed either the initial Pb isotopic composition or the Stacey and Kramers model and propagated conservative uncertainties in the initial Pb isotopic composition. Common Pb correction using the Stacey and Kramers (1975) model employed an initial Pb isotopic composition calculated from either the estimated U–Pb age of the sample or an iterative approach. The age difference between these two methods is typically less than 2%, suggesting that the iterative approach works well for samples where there are no constraints on the initial Pb composition, such as a detrital sample. No ²⁰⁴Pb correction was undertaken because of low ²⁰⁴Pb counts on single collector instruments and ²⁰⁴Pb interference by ²⁰⁴Hg in the argon gas supply.Age calculations employed between 11 and 33 analyses per sample and used a weighted average of the common Pb-corrected ages, a Tera–Wasserburg Concordia intercept age and a Tera–Wasserburg Concordia intercept age anchored through common Pb. The samples in general yield ages consistent (at the 2σ level) with independent estimates of the U–Pb apatite age, which demonstrates the suitability of the analytical protocol employed. Weighted mean age uncertainties are as low as 1–2% for U- and/or Th-rich Palaeozoic–Neoproterozoic samples; the uncertainty on the youngest sample, the Cenozoic (31.44 Ma) Durango apatite, ranges from 3.7–7.6% according to the common Pb correction method employed. The accurate and relatively precise common Pb-corrected ages demonstrate the U–Pb and Th–Pb apatite chronometers are suitable as sedimentary provenance tools. The Kovdor carbonatite apatite is recommended as a potential U–Pb and Th–Pb apatite standard as it yields precise and reproducible ²⁰⁷Pb-corrected, ²³²Th–²⁰⁸Pb, and common Pb-anchored Tera–Wasserburg Concordia intercept ages.     

First Results of U–Th–Pb (SIMS) Geochronological Study of Zircon from Serpentinized Ultramafic Rocks of the Tekturmas Ophiolite Zone (Central Kazakhstan)

Doklady Earth Sciences - Accessory zircon extracted from serpentinized dunite and harzburgite of the Tekturmas Zone of Central Kazakhstan, which is one of the largest ophiolite zones in the western...     

Metallogeny of precious and base metal mineralization in the Murchison Greenstone Belt, South Africa: indications from U–Pb and Pb–Pb geochronology

The 3.09 to 2.97 Ga Murchison Greenstone Belt is an important metallotect in the northern Kaapvaal Craton (South Africa), hosting several precious and base metal deposits. Central to the metallotect is the Antimony Line, striking ENE for over 35?km, which hosts a series of structurally controlled Sb–Au deposits. To the north of the Antimony Line, hosted within felsic volcanic rocks, is the Copper–Zinc Line where a series of small, ca. 2.97 Ga Cu–Zn volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS)-type deposits occur. New data are provided for the Malati Pump gold mine, located at the eastern end of the Antimony Line. Crystallizations of a granodiorite in the Malati Pump Mine and of the Baderoukwe granodiorite are dated at 2,964?±?7 and 2,970?±?7?Ma, respectively (zircon U–Pb), while pyrite associated with gold mineralization yielded a Pb–Pb age of 2,967?±?48?Ma. Therefore, granodiorite emplacement, sulfide mineral deposition and gold mineralization all happened at ca. 2.97?Ga. It is, thus, suggested that the major styles of orogenic Au–Sb and the Cu–Zn VMS mineralization in the Murchison Greenstone Belt are contemporaneous and that the formation of meso- to epithermal Au–Sb mineralization at fairly shallow levels was accompanied by submarine extrusion of felsic volcanic rocks to form associated Cu–Zn VMS mineralization.     

Monazite RW-1: a homogenous natural reference material for SIMS U–Pb and Th–Pb isotopic analysis

Mineralogy and Petrology - Well-characterized matrix-matched natural mineral references of known age are an important prerequisite for SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) U–Th–Pb...     

The final collision of the CAOB: Constraint from the zircon U–Pb dating of the Linxi Formation, Inner Mongolia

The Linxi Formation occupies an extensive area in the eastern Inner Mongolia in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB).The Linxi Formation is composed of slate,siltstone,sandstone and plant,lamellibranch microfossils in the associated strata.Major and trace element data(including REE) for sandstones from the formation indicate that these rocks have a greywacke protolith and have been deposited during a strong tectonic activity.LA-ICPMS U—Pb dating of detrital zircons yield ages of 1801 to 238 Ma for four samples from the Linxi Formation.425—585 Ma,together with the ~500 Ma age for the metamorphism event previously determined for Northeast China,indicates that their provenance is the metamorphic rocks of Pan-African age that have a tectonic affinity to NE China.A few older zircons with U-Pb ages at 1689-1801 Ma,1307-1414 Ma,593-978 Ma are also present,revealing the Neoproterozoic history of NE China.The youngest population shows a peak at ca.252 Ma,suggesting that the main deposition of the Linxi Formation was at late Permain.Moreover,the ca.250 Ma zircon grains of all four samples yield weighted mean ~(206)Pb/~(238)U ages of 250 ± 3 Ma,248 ± 3 Ma,249 ± 3 Ma,and 250 ± 2 Ma,respectively.These ages,together with the youngest zircon age in the sample ZJB-28(ca.238 Ma),suggest that the deposition of the Linxi Formation extended to the early Triassic.Combining with previous results,we suggest that the final collision of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB) in the southern of Linxi Formation,which located in the Solonker-Xra Moron-Changchun suture,and the timing for final collision should be at early Triassic.