Petrogenesis of Jurassic granitoids in the west central Lhasa subterrane,Tibet, China: the Geji example

The Jurassic magmatic and volcanic rocks are widespread along the west central Lhasa subterrane. However, the petrogenesis of these rocks is poorly understood because of lacking high-quality geochronology and geochemical data. Here, we present new zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotopic data, whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for the Songduole and Qiangnong plutons in Geji area. LA-ICP-MS dating of zircon yield crystallization ages of 172.1 ± 1.9 and 155.9 ± 1.2 Ma for the Songduole and Qiangnong plutons, respectively. Geochemically, Songduole and Qiangnong granodiorite are characterized by high MgO (2.63–3.49 wt%), high Mg# (49–50), and low TiO₂ (0.48–0.57 wt%). Besides, all rocks show metaluminous, calc-alkaline signatures, with strong depletion of Nb, Ta, and Ti, enrichment of large-ion lithophile (e.g. Rb, Th, K), and a negative correlation between SiO₂ and P₂O₅. All these features are indicative of arc-related I-type magmatism. Five samples from the Songduole granodiorite have whole rock (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i of 0.71207–0.71257, ε_Nd(t) values of ?15.1 to ?13.9, zircon ε_Hf(t) values of ?17.4 to ?10.5, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 18.402–18.854, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 15.660–15.736, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 38.436–39.208. Samples from the Qiangnong granodiorite have (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i of 0.71230–0.71252, ε_Nd(t) values of ?15.1 to ?14.2, zircon ε_Hf(t) values of ?12.6 to ?6.4, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 18.688–18.766, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 15.696–15.717, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 38.546–39.083. These geochemical signatures indicate that the two plutons most likely originated from partial melting of the ancient Lhasa lower crust with obvious inputs of mantle-derived melts. Combined with regional geology, our results indicate that the Jurassic magmatism in the west central Lhasa subterrane most likely resulted from the southward subduction of the Bangong Ocean lithosphere beneath the central Lhasa terrane.     

Geodynamic setting of the Zijinshan porphyry–epithermal Cu–Au–Mo–Ag ore system,SW Fujian Province,China: Constrains from the geochronology and geochemistry of the igneous rocks

Zijinshan is a large porphyry–epithermal Cu–Au–Mo–Ag ore system located in the Zijinshan mineral field (ZMF) of southwestern Fujian Province, China. Although it is commonly accepted that the early Cretaceous magmatism and the metallogenesis of the mineral field are closely related, the tectonic setting for the ore-forming event(s) has been controversial and regarded as either extensional or subduction-related. New U–Pb zircon geochronology, Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic systematics, and geochemical data presented here from granites and volcanic rocks in the mineral field help to clarify this uncertainty.LA–MC–ICP-MS U–Pb zircon analyses yield weighted mean ages of between ca. 165 and 157 for the monzogranite, ca. 112 Ma for granodiorite, and between ca. 111 and 102 Ma for nine samples of volcanic units in the study area. These dates, integrated with previous geochronological data, indicate that there were two magmatic events in the area during the Middle to Late Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous. Major and trace element geochemistry indicates that these rocks are high-K, calc-alkaline granites, are enriched in LREE and Th, U, Ta, Nd, Sm and Yb, and depleted in Ba, K, Sr, P, Ti and Y. These features are characteristic of volcanic-arc granites or active-continental margin granites. The Middle to Late Jurassic monzogranitic plutons in the region have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7096 to 0.7173, εNd_T values of − 10.1 to − 7.6, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios of 18.51–18.86, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios of 15.64–15.73, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb isotope ratios of 38.76–39.18. The Early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks are distinctly different with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7055–0.7116, εNd_T values of − 8 to 0.5, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios ranging between 18.49 and 19.77, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 15.63–15.71, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 38.71–40.62. These characteristics suggest that the source for the Middle to Late Jurassic monzogranitic plutons is a partially melted Mesoproterozoic substrate, with a minor component from Paleozoic material, whereas the Early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks may represent mixing of crustal and mantle-derived melts. It is therefore suggested that the Middle to Late Jurassic monzogranitic plutons, and the Early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks in the ZMF are the result of an active continental-margin setting related to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian continent. Given that the mineralization and the early Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanic rocks in the area are genetically related, the Zijinshan porphyry–epithermal ore system formed in the subduction-related tectonic setting.     

松树沟元古宙蛇绿岩Nd、Sr、Pb同位素地球化学特征

松树沟蛇绿岩中镁铁质岩的Sm-Nd全岩等时年龄为1030±46Ma,∈Nd(t)=+5.7,模式年龄在1422-1271Ma之间,矿物的内部等时年龄为983±140Ma。全岩等时年龄为其形成上限,矿物内部等时年龄为其变质年龄,说明该蛇绿岩形成于中元古代中、晚期。镁铁质岩的∈Nd(t)在+4.2-+6.9之间,是DMM与EMI两个地幔端元的混合产物;206Pb/204Pb在18.06-18.66之间,207Pb/204Pb和208Pb/204Pb值较高,分别在15.55-15.60和37.59-38.38之间,207Pb/204Pb和208Pb/204Pb对206Pb/204Pb的关系表明,岩浆源于具DUPAL异常的源区,(207Pb/204Pb)i相对(208Pb/204Pb)i更偏离NHRL可能是变质流体作用的反映。∈Sr(t)值较高且变化大,可与蛇绿岩类比,87Sr/86Sr比值变化大,可能与海水蚀变作用有关。据此推测,松树沟蛇绿岩代表洋壳残片。     

Late Mesozoic magmatism and metallogeny in NE China: The Sandaowanzi–Beidagou example

The Sandaowanzi (>22t Au) and Beidagou (>5t Au) tellurium–gold deposits are located in the northeastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (Heilongjiang Province, NE China). The ore-hosting volcanic rocks unconformably overly monzogranite and were intruded by adakitic granodiorite. In this study, we report new-age, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data to elucidate the genetic link between the igneous rocks and the Te–Au mineralization. New-age data indicate that local magmatism occurred in the Early Jurassic (ca. 177.2 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (ca. 118.7 ? 122.0 Ma). Geochemically, the igneous rocks are enriched in LREEs, Pb, K, and U, and depleted in Nb, P, and Ti, showing calc-alkaline affinity. The Early Jurassic monzogranite rocks are featured by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7111?0.7118; ε_Nd(t) = ?4.6 to ?4.7; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.098?18.102, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.558?15.580, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.781?37.928, whereas the Early Cretaceous adakitic granodiorite contains: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7071?0.7073; ε_Nd(t) = ? 3.4 to ?3.2; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.991?18.080, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.483?15.508, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.938?37.985. Initial isotopic ratios for the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7061?0.7087; ε_Nd(t) = ? 3.6 to ?2.9; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.136?18.199, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.512?15.628, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.064?38.155. The pyrite, chalcopyrite, and telluride grains yielded δ³⁴S of ?6.52 ‰ to 2.13 ‰ (mean = ? 0.82 ‰) and δ¹³C_PDB of the calcite samples are in the range of ?6.64 ‰ to ?5.24 ‰, implying the ore materials were derived from mantle. The geochemical and isotopic results indicate that primary melts of Late Mesozoic magmatic rocks have features by partial melting of the continental crust. The adakitic rocks may have been the products of the thickened lower crustal delamination and the subsequent asthenospheric upwelling during the intra-continental extension in NE China. Regionally, intrusive activity and molybdenum mineralization during the Jurassic was affected by subduction setting, whereas gold mineralization was controlled by the Early Cretaceous tectonothermal events associated with a superposition extension.     

Zircon U-Pb ages,geochemistry, and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic compositions of the Pinghe pluton,Southwest China: implications for the evolution of the early Palaeozoic Proto-Tethys in Southeast Asia

The geological record of the Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic Proto-Tethyan Ocean in Southeast Asia is not clear. To better constrain the evolution of the Proto-Tethys, we present new geochronology, geochemistry, and petrology of the late Cambrian to Ordovician Pinghe pluton monzogranite from the Baoshan block, western Yunnan, southwest China. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of four zircon samples yield ages of 482–494 and 439–445 Ma for the pluton, interpreted as two episodes within one magmatic event accompanying the whole process of subduction–collision–orogeny between buoyant blocks and oceanic crust of the Proto-Tethys. The monzogranite belongs to the strong peraluminous, high-K, calc-alkaline series and shows characteristics of both I-type and S-type granitic rocks. It is characterized by extremely high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba but low TiO₂, MgO, FeOt, and CaO/Na₂O ratios. The monzogranite is also moderately enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), lacks HREE fractionation, and has strongly negative Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.06–0.49), Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, and Ti anomalies. Whole-rock ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values range from ?8.7 to ?11.6 and ?5.55 to ?9.58, respectively. Nd and Hf two-stage model ages range from 1.66 to 2.06 Ga and 2.14 to 3.00 Ga, respectively, with variable radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (16.547–18.705), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (15.645–15.765), and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (38.273–38.830). These signatures suggest that the monzogranite magma was derived from partial melting of heterogeneous metapelite, which was generated from Neoarchean to Palaeoproterozoic materials mixed with basaltic magma. The monzogranite magma underwent crystallization differentiation of plagioclase, K-feldspar, and ilmenite. Magmatism to form the Pinghe pluton occurred in a post-collisional setting. Based on the comparison of coeval granites throughout adjacent regions (e.g. Himalayan orogen, Lhasa Terrane, and parts of Gondwana supercontinent), we propose that the Baoshan block was derived from the northern Australian Proto-Tethyan Andean-type active continental margin of Gondwana and experienced subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust and accretion of an outboard micro-continent. The Pinghe pluton could have formed when a subducting oceanic slab broke off during collision.     

The earliest Jurassic A-type granite in the Nanling Range of southeastern South China: petrogenesis and geological implications

The tectonic transition from the palaeo-Tethyan to palaeo-Pacific dynamic domains in the South China Block (SCB) is still a matter of debate. The A-type granites collected from the southeastern SCB offered an opportunity to illustrate this tectonic transition. This article records a set of petrographic, geochronological, and geochemical data for the Wengong granitic pluton from the eastern Nanling Range. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating shows a crystallization age of 196.9 ± 4.4 Ma with ε_Hf(t) values ranging from +2.1 to +7.7. The samples have high SiO₂, Zr+Nb+Ce+Y, FeOt/MgO, Ga/Al, and Y/Nb and are depleted in Nb–Ta, Zr–Hf, Ba, Sr, Ti, and Eu, similar to those of the A₂-type granite. Their initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios range from 0.70885 to 0.70983 and the ε_Nd(t) values range from ?2.9 to ?1.1, close to those of the Early Palaeozoic mafic rocks in the southeastern SCB. The Wengong A₂-type granite was derived from partial melting of the mafic rocks underplated into the lower crust during the Early Palaeozoic.

The Mesozoic A-type granites in the southeastern SCB can be subdivided into 229–215 Ma (Late Triassic), 197–152 Ma (Jurassic), and 135–92 Ma (Cretaceous). They differ in geochemical and spatial distribution characteristics. The Late Triassic A-type granites were formed in the post-collision extensional setting associated with the palaeo-Tethyan dynamic domain, whereas the Cretaceous A-type granites were under the control of the palaeo-Pacific dynamic domain. The A-type granites were hardly exposed during the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic and Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. The Jurassic A-type granites were formed in the intra-plate extensional setting, a response to the tectonic transition from the palaeo-Tethyan to palaeo-Pacific dynamic domains. Thus, the occurrence of the Wengong A₂-type granite indicates that this tectonic transition possibly initiated at the earliest Early Jurassic.     

Geochemistry of late Palaeozoic granitoids of the Balkhash metallogenic belt,Kazakhstan: implications for crustal growth and tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT

The Balkhash metallogenic belt (BMB) in Kazakhstan is a famous porphyry Cu–Mo metallogenic belt in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The late Palaeozoic granitoids in the BMB are mainly high-K calc-alkaline and I-type granites, with shoshonite that formed during a late stage. Geochemical analyses and tectonic discrimination reveal a change in the tectonic environment from syn-collision and volcanic arcs during the Carboniferous to post-collision during the Permian. The late Palaeozoic granitoids from the Borly porphyry Cu deposit formed in a classical island-arc environment, and those from the Kounrad and Aktogai porphyry Cu deposits and the Sayak skarn Cu deposit are adakitic. The ε_Nd(t) values for the late Palaeozoic granitoids are between ?5.87 and +5.94, and the ε_Sr(t) values range from ?17.16 to +51.10. The continental crustal growth histories are different on either side of the Central Balkhash fault. On the eastern side, the ε_Nd(t) values of the granitoids from the Aktogai and Sayak deposits are very high, which are characteristic of depleted mantle and suggest that crustal growth occurred during the late Palaeozoic. On the western side, the ε_Nd(t) values of the granitoids from the Borly and Kounrad deposits are slightly low, which suggests the presence of a Neoproterozoic basement and the mixing of crust and mantle during magmatism. The granitoids have initial ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values of 18.335–20.993, 15.521–15.732, and 38.287–40.021, respectively, which demonstrate an affinity between the late Palaeozoic magmatism in the BMB and that in the Tianshan, Altai, and Junggar orogens.     

An Isotopic (Sr, Nd and Pb) Tracer Study on the Xiaoxinancha Gold-rich Copper Deposit in Yanbian, China: Implication for the Geodynamic Model of Diagenesis and Metallogenesis

An isotopic study was systemically carried out on the granitic complex, diorite-porphyrite, ores and ore minerals of the 103 Ma Xiaoxinancha gold-rich copper deposit in Jilin province to determine the geodynamic model of diagenesis and metallogenesis. Results show that the initial Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of the granitic complex are in the range of 0.70425–0.70505 for (87Sr/86Sr)i , 0.51243–0.51264 for INd, and –1.31 to +2.64 for εNd(t); those of the diorite-porphyrite are in the range from 0.70438–0.70448 for (87Sr/86Sr)i, 0.51259–0.51261 for INd, and +1.56 to +2.09 for εNd(t). For ores and sulfides, the (87Sr/86Sr)i , INd, and εNd(t) values are in the range from 0.70440–0.70805, 0.51259–0.51279 and +1.72 to +5.56, respectively. The Pb isotopic ratios of the granitic complex range from 18.2992–18.6636 for 206Pb/204Pb, from 15.5343–15.5660 for 207Pb/204Pb, and from 38.1640–38.5657 for 208Pb/204Pb. For diorite-porphyrite, the isotopic ratios of 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb are 18.3919, 15.5794 and 38.3566, respectively, whereas those of the ores and ore sulfides vary from 18.2275–18.3770 for 206Pb/204Pb, from 15.5555–15.5934 for 207Pb/204Pb and from 38.1318–38.3131 for 208Pb/204Pb. The results indicate that the mineralization was correlated to the formation and evolution of the granitic complex and the diorite-porphyrite. Combining with the reported data in petrologic characteristics, elemental geochemistry and chronology, conclusions can be drawn that the geodynamic settings of diagenesis and metallogenesis of this deposit were consistent with the subduction of the Izanagi oceanic plate during the Early Cretaceous. The diorite-porphyrite was formed by the emplacement of the adakitic magma triggered by partial melting of the enriched mantle, which originated from the derivative continental lithospheric mantle metasomatized by dehydration fluids from the subducting oceanic crust. The granitic complex was produced by fractional crystallization of the mixture between the adakitic magma and the high-K calc-alkaline acidic magma, which were generated by the remelting of the lower crust in the course of intraplate upwelling of the adakitic magma. The ore-bearing fluid reservoir convened in a late stage of the evolution of the mixed magma chamber.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of early Silurian high-K calc-alkaline granites and their potassic microgranular enclaves,western Kunlun orogen,NW Tibetan Plateau

The western Kunlun orogen occupies a key position along the tectonic junction between the Pan-Asian and Tethyan domains, reflecting Proto- and Palaeo-Tethys subduction and terrane collision during early Palaeozoic to early Mesozoic time. We present the first detailed zircon U–Pb chronology, major and trace element, and Sr–Nd–O–Hf isotope geochemistry of the Qiukesu pluton and its microgranular enclaves from this multiple orogenic belt. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Qiukesu pluton was emplaced in the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma). It consists of weakly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline monzogranite and syenogranite, with initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7131–0.7229, ?_Nd(T) of –4.1 to –5.7, δ¹⁸O of 8.0–10.8‰, and ?_Hf(T) (in situ zircon) of –4.9. Elemental and isotopic data suggest that the granites formed by partial melting of lower-crustal granulitized metasedimentary-igneous Precambrian basement triggered by underplating of coeval mantle-derived enclave-forming intermediate magmas. Fractional crystallization of these purely crustal melts may explain the more felsic end-member granitic rocks, whereas such crustal melts plus additional input from coeval enclave-forming intermediate magma could account for the less felsic granites. The enclaves are intermediate (SiO₂ 57.6–62.2 wt.%) with high K₂O (1.8–3.6 wt.%). They have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7132–0.7226, ?_Nd(T) of –5.0 to –6.0, δ¹⁸O of 6.9–9.9‰, and ?_Hf(T) (in situ zircon) of –8.1. We interpret the enclave magmas as having been derived by partial melting of subduction-modified mantle in the P–T transition zone between the spinel and spinel-garnet stability fields. Our new data suggest that subduction of the Proto-Tethyan oceanic crust was continuous to the early Silurian (ca. 435 Ma); the final closure of the Proto-Tethys occurred in the middle Silurian.     

The giant tin polymetallic mineralization in southwest China:Integrated geochemical and isotopic constraints and implications for Cretaceous tectonomagmatic event

The Gejiu-Bozushan-Laojunshan W-Sn polymetallic metallogenic belt(GBLB) in southeast Yunnan Province is an important part of the southwestern Yangtze Block in South China.Tin polymetallic mineralization in this belt includes the Niusipo,Malage,Songshujiao,Laochang and Kafang ore fields in the Gejiu area which are spatially and temporally associated with the Kafang-Laochang and Songshujiao granite plutons.These granites are characterized by variable A/CNK values(mostly 1.1,except for two samples with 1.09),high contents of SiO_2(74.38-76.84 wt.%) and Al_2 O_3(12.46-14.05 wt.%) and variable CaO/Na_2 O ratios(0.2-0.65) as well as high zircon δ~(18)O values(7.74‰-9.86‰),indicative of S-type affinities.These rocks are depleted in Rb,Th,U,Ti,LREE[(La/Yb)N=1.4-20.51],Ba,Nb,Sr,and Ti and display strong negative Eu and Ba anomalies.The rocks possess high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios,relatively low initial ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr ratios(0.6917-0.7101),and less radiogenic εNd(t)values(-8.0 to-9.1).The zircon grains from these rocks show negative ε_(Hf)(t) values in the range of-3.7 to-9.9 with mean T_(DM2)(Nd) and T_(DM2)(Hf) values of 1.57 Ga and 1.55 Ga.They show initial ~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb ranging from15.69 to 15.71 and ~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb from 18.36 to 18.70.Monazite from Songshujiao granites exhibits higher U and lower Th/U ratios,lower δ~(18)O values and higher ε_(Hf)(t) values than those of the zircon grains in the KafangLaochang granites.The geochemical and isotopic features indicate that the Laochang-Kafang granites originated by partial melting of Mesoproterozoic crustal components including biotite-rich metapelite and metagraywacke,whereas the Songshujiao granites were derived from Mesoproterozoic muscovite-rich metapelite crustal source.Most zircon grains from the Songshujiao,Laochang and Kafang granites have high-U concentrations and their SIMS U-Pb ages show age scatter from 81.6 Ma to 88.6 Ma,80.7 Ma to 86.1 Ma and 82.3 Ma to 87.0 Ma,suggesting formation earlier than the monazite and cassiterite.Monazite SIMS U-Pb ages and Th-Pb ages of three same granite samples are consistent and show yielded 206 Pb/~(238)U ages of 83.7 ± 0.6 Ma,83.7±0.6 Ma,and 83.4±0.6 Ma,and ~(208)Pb/~(232)Th ages of 83.2 ± 0.5 Ma,83.8 ± 0.4 Ma,and 83.5±0.9 Ma,which are within the range of the SIMS zircon U-Pb ages from these rocks.The data constrain the crystallization of the granites at ca.83 Ma.In situ U-Pb dating of two cassiterite samples from the cassiterite-sulfide ore in the Songshujiao ore field and Kafang ore field,and two from the cassiterite-oxide+cassiterite bearing dolomite in the Laochang ore field yielded weighted mean 206 Pb/~(238)U ages of 83.5±0.4 Ma(MSWD=0.6),83.5 ± 0.4 Ma(MSWD=0.5),83.6 ±0.4 Ma(MSWD=0.6) and 83.2 ±0.7 Ma(MSWD=0.6),respectively.Combined with geological characteristics,the new geochronological data indicate that the formation of the granites and Sn polymetallic deposits are coeval.We correlate the magmatic and metallogenic event with lithospheric thinning and asthenosphere upwelling in continental extension setting in relation to the eastward subduction of the Neo-Tethys beneath the Sanjiang tectonic domain during Late Cretaceous.     

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the origin of the 304 ± 5 Ma Karamay A-type granites from West Junggar,Northwest China: implications for understanding the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

U–Pb zircon geochronological, geochemical, and whole-rock Sr–Nd isotopic analyses are reported for a suite of Karamay A-type granites from the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) in the western Junggar region of northern Xinjiang, Northwest China, with the aim of investigating the sources and petrogenesis of A-type granites. The Karamay pluton includes monzogranite and syenogranite. Laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb dating yielded a concordant weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 304 ± 5 Ma (n = 11), defining a late Carboniferous magmatic event. Geochemically, the rock suite is characterized by high SiO₂, FeOt/MgO, total alkalies (K₂O + Na₂O), Zr, Nb, Y, Ta, Ga/Al, and rare earth elements (REEs) (except for Eu), and low contents of MgO, CaO, and P₂O₅, with negative Ba, Sr, P, Eu, and Ti anomalies. These features indicate an A-type affinity for the Karamay granitic intrusions. Isotopically, they display consistently depleted Sr–Nd isotopic compositions (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7014–0.7022, ?_Nd(t) = +5.6–+7.0). Geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data suggest that the Karamay A-type granites were derived from remelting juvenile lower crust, followed by fractional crystallization. The Karamay A-type granites as well as widespread late Carboniferous magmatism in the western Junggar region of the southwestern CAOB may have been related to ridge subduction and a resultant slab window. This further demonstrates the importance of the late Palaeozoic granitic magmatism in terms of vertical crustal growth in northern Xinjiang.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Cretaceous Nanshanping alkaline rocks from the Zijinshan district in Fujian Province,South China: Implications for crust–mantle interaction and lithospheric extension

In situ zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic data, major and trace elements, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions are reported for Nanshanping alkaline rocks from the Zijingshan district in southwestern Fujian Province (the Interior or Western Cathaysia Block) of South China. The Nanshanping alkaline rocks, which consist of porphyritic quartz monzonite, porphyritic syenite, and syenite, revealed a Late Cretaceous age of 100–93 Ma. All of the rocks show high SiO₂, K₂O + Na₂O, and LREE but low CaO, Fe₂O₃^T, MgO, and HFSE (Nb, Ta, P, and Ti) concentrations. These rocks also exhibit uniform initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7078 to 0.7087 and ε_Nd(t) values of −4.1 to −7.2, thus falling within the compositional field of Cretaceous basalts and mafic dikes occurring in the Cathaysia Block. Additionally, these rocks display initial Pb isotopic compositions with a ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i ratio of 18.25 to 18.45, a ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i ratio of 15.63 to 15.67, and a ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_i ratio of 38.45 to 38.88. Combined with the zircon Hf isotopic compositions (ε_Hf(t) = −11.7 to −3.2), which are different from those of the basement rocks, we suggest that Nanshanping alkaline rocks were primarily derived from a subduction-related enriched mantle source. High Rb/Sr (0.29–0.65) and Zr/Hf (37.5–49.2) but relatively low Ba/Rb (4.4–8.1) ratios suggest that the parental magmas of these rocks were most likely formed via partial melting of a phlogopite-bearing mantle source with carbonate metasomatism. The relatively high SiO₂ (62.35–70.79 wt.%) and low Nb/Ta (10.0–15.3) ratios, positive correlation between SiO₂ and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_I, and negative correlation between SiO₂ and ε_Nd(t) of these rocks suggest that the crustal materials were also involved in formation of the Nanshanping alkaline rocks. Combined with geochemical and isotopic features, we infer magmatic processes similar to AFC (assimilation and fractional crystallization) involving early fractionation of clinopyroxene and olivine and subsequent fractionation of biotite-dominated assemblages coupled with a lesser amount of crustal contamination, thereby forming the Nanshanping alkaline rocks. The Nanshanping alkaline rocks appear to be associated with an extensional environment in the Cathaysia Block. This extensional regime could have resulted in the slab break-off and rollback of the subducting paleo-Pacific plate and the upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle, which induced partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle in the Cretaceous.     

Geochronology and geochemistry of Early Devonian intrusions in the Qimantagh area,Northwest China: evidence for post-collisional slab break-off

The Qimantagh area of Northwest China lies in the western part of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt and is characterized by extensive magmatism, particularly in the Triassic. However, recent research has shown that Devonian magmatism was also widespread in this area and has a genetic relationship with mineralization. This article presents a detailed study of three types of Early Devonian intrusions: high-K calc-alkaline granites, A-type granites, and mafic intrusions, all from the Qimantagh region. These rocks were subjected to precise zircon U–Pb dating, major and trace element analyses, and Sr–Nd isotope measurements, focusing on the Lalingzaohuo (eastern Qimantagh) and Yemaquan (central Qimantagh) monzogranites, as well as the coeval Tanbeixuefeng (western Qimantagh) mafic dike swarm. To better understand the Early Devonian igneous activity in the Eastern Kunlun, data for other coeval granitoids were compared with our data. The Yemaquan monzogranite yielded a mean zircon U–Pb age of 400.5 ± 1.4 Ma. These rocks are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous, with Al₂O₃ contents of 13.10–14.16 wt.%, high alkali contents (total K₂O + Na₂O) of 6.89–7.68 wt.%, relatively low Sr contents (79–192 ppm), and high (La/Yb)_N ratios, all of which indicate an I-type granite affinity. The Lalingzaohuo monzogranites yielded mean zircon U–Pb ages of 396.2–402.2 Ma. These rocks have higher SiO₂ and alkali contents than the Yemaquan monzogranite, with high 10,000 Ga/Al ratios, high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents, high Fe₂O₃^T/MgO ratios, and high Y contents, indicating an A-type granite affinity. These two monzogranites have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.703–0.706 and εNd(t) values of –0.1 to –0.7. The Sr–Nd isotopic data require a significant input of a mantle component in the petrogenesis of these granites. The Tanbeixuefeng diabase dikes formed at ~396 Ma and have a continental tholeiitic affinity, as evident from small Ti–Nb–Ta anomalies and high contents of light rare earth and large-ion lithophile elements. We propose that post-collisional slab break-off was responsible for the generation of these Early Devonian intrusions in the Qimantagh area.     

A porphyry-skarn metallogenic system in the Lesser Xing’an Range,NE China: Implications from U–Pb and Re–Os geochronology and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes of the Luming Mo and Xulaojiugou Pb–Zn deposits

The Luming porphyry Mo deposit and the Xulaojiugou skarn Pb–Zn deposit are located in the southeast Lesser Xing’an Range, NE China. They are about 15 km apart, and are both related to monzogranite. Mo orebodies in the Luming deposit are hosted within the medium- to fine-grained monzogranite, while Pb–Zn orebodies in the Xulaojiugou deposit are hosted by the contact zone between the medium-grained monzogranite and the marbles of the early Cambrian Qianshan Formation.LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of the ore-related monzogranite in the Luming deposit yields crystallization age of 180.7 ± 1.6 Ma, and the medium-grained and porphyritic monzogranites from the Xulaojiugou deposit yield crystallization ages of 181.2 ± 1.1 Ma and 179.9 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. Analyses of seven molybdenite samples from the Luming deposit display Re–Os isochron age of 177.9 ± 2.6 Ma. These results indicate that the mineralization in the Luming and Xulaojiugou deposits occurred at about 181–178 Ma. These two deposits are genetically linked and belong to a porphyry-skarn metallogenic system. Combined with the previously reported geochronological data for ore deposits in adjacent areas, we consider that the early Jurassic is an important epoch for Mo and Pb–Zn mineralization in the Lesser Xing’an Range.The monzogranites from the Luming and Xulaojiugou deposits are enriched in and Rb, Th, U, Pb and light rare earth elements (LREEs), and are depleted in Ba, Nb, Ta, P, Ti and Eu. They have positive ε_Hf(t) values of 1.0–4.0 with two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 868–1033 Ma. Whole-rock Sr and Nd isotopes show restricted ranges of initial compositions, with (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i between 0.706346 and 0.707384 and ε_Nd(t) between −3.5 and −1.8. These data indicate that their primary magmas originated from the partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle which had been metasomatized by subducted slab-derived fluids/melts. The early Jurassic magmatic–metallogenic events in the Lesser Xing’an Range are interpreted as a response to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.     

Early Cretaceous adakitic rocks in the Anqing region,southeastern China: constraints on petrogenesis and metallogenic significance

ABSTRACT

The Anqing region in Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt is one of the important Cu polymetal producers in China. The origin of Cu polymetallic deposits in the region is closely related to Early Cretaceous adakitic intrusions. To constrain the petrogenetic and metallogenic significance of the adakitic rocks, a detailed geochronological, geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic study was performed. The Anqing adakitic rocks (SiO₂ = 57.4–64.2 wt.%) consist mainly of quartz monzodiorite, formed at 138.2 ± 1.7 Ma (Mean Standard Weighted Deviation (MSWD) = 0.61). They have high MgO, Al₂O₃, Sr, and low Rb, Y, Yb contents, together with high Sr/Y (50.5–222) and La/Yb (31.9–46.9) ratios. They also show negative whole-rock ε_Nd(t) (?9.8 to ?8.5) and zircon ε_Hf(t) (?10.0 to ?5.4), and high oxygen fugacity (mainly ?17.0 to ?8.01) values and radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions with (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 17.692–17.884, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.413–15.511, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 37.611–37.943. Coupled with negative Nb–Ta anomalies, low K₂O/Na₂O ratios (0.39–0.62), and high Mg# values (0.44–0.71), these data suggest the adakitic rocks and associated large-scale Cu–Au mineralization of the Anqing region resulted from partial melting of the high oxidized subducted oceanic crust. Addition of mantle-derived magmas and assimilation of crustal materials during emplacement are also possible.     

Petrogenesis of the Bao'anzhai granite and associated Mo mineralization,western Dabie orogen,east-central China: Constraints from zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating,whole-rock geochemistry,and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes

Recently, many Mo deposits genetically related to emplacement of Early Cretaceous granites have been found in the Dabie–Qinling belt. A typical intrusion that combines magmatism and metallogenesis, the Bao'anzhai granite, yields a zircon ²³⁸U–²⁰⁶Pb age of 123.2 ± 1.1 Ma and a molybdenite Re–Os isochron age of 122.5 ± 2.7 Ma. This granite is characterized by high silica and alkali, but low Mg, Fe, and Ca. It is enriched with light rare earth elements (REEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, Rb, K, Th, U) but depleted of heavy REEs, high field strength elements (HFSEs, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Y), and Sr. This high-K granite has medium initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.706518–0.707116) and low initial Pb isotopic ratios [(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i, 16.423–16.699; (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i, 15.285–15.345; (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i, 37.335–37.633], and is characterized by low ?_Nd(t) and ?_Hf(t) values (?14.92 to??14.22 and??21.67 to??19.19, respectively). These data indicate that this pluton is a high-K calc-alkaline fractionated I-type granitite. It was generated by partial melting of the Yangtze lower crust, which is probably similar to Neoproterozoic TTG-like magmatic rocks at the north Yangtze Block under a non-thickened lower crust environment (<35 km). The ores also have low radiogenic Pb isotopes (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 16.592–17.674; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.300–15.476; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 37.419–37.911) and low Re content in molybdenite (5.693–10.970 ppm), suggesting a crustal magmatic source for the metallogenic minerals in the Mo deposit.     

The genesis of felsic magmatism during the closure of the Northeastern Paleo-Tethys Ocean: Evidence from the Heri batholith in West Qinling,China

To better understand the origin of voluminous silicic rocks in a convergent continental margin, we conducted an integrated study in which we have obtained geochronological, mineralogical, and isotopic (including whole-rock Sr–Nd–Pb, in-situ zircon Hf) data of the Heri batholith in West Qinling on the NE Tibetan Plateau. The batholith is composed of metaluminous to weakly peraluminous granodiorites (235–233 Ma) and porphyritic granodiorites (230–223 Ma) with an I-type affinity. Both lithologies share similar major, trace elemental and SrNd isotopic compositions. Detailed elemental data demonstrate that these granodioritic rocks underwent fractional crystallization of hornblende and apatite, with plagioclase (i.e. sieve-textured plagioclase cores) accumulation to some extent. Except for porphyritic granodiorites, the Pb isotopes for other analyzed samples are characterized by high radiogenicity and uniformity ((²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t: 17.263–18.472, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t: 15.571–15.591, and (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t: 38.032–38.304), together with limited variations in initial Sr ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_t: 0.707251–0.708103) and Nd (ε_Nd(t) = −7.1 to −6.3) isotopes with two-stage model ages (T_DM2) of 1.58–1.52 Ga. These factors collectively point to a derivation from the Mesoproterozoic basement rocks at the lower crustal level, or a comprehensive mixing of different-age components that generated an average crustal residence age. The SrNd isotopic compositions of the porphyritic granodiorites are strikingly similar to those of granodiorites. Compared with the experimental melt compositions of amphibolites, the Heri granitoids are probably derived from an amphibolitic source under fluid-absent conditions due to the incongruent breakdown of amphibole and biotite. Based on the temporal–spatial distribution of granitic intrusions in West Qinling and the regional tectonic evolution, our interpretation is that the Heri batholith was formed during the initial collision between the North China Craton (NCC) and the South China Craton (SCC), which was accompanied by the closure of the Paleotethyan Ocean. Considering both previously published data and our new data, we propose that the Heri granitoids were mainly generated by the partial melting of lower crustal amphibolites, with minor mantle-derived melts.     

Petrogenesis of the Yangchang Mo‐bearing granite in the Xilamulun metallogenic belt,NE China: geochemistry,zircon U–Pb ages and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes

The Yangchang granite‐hosted Mo deposit is typical of the Xilamulun metallogenic belt, which is one of the important Mo–Pb–Zn–Ag producers in China. A combination of major and trace element, Sr, Nd and Pb isotope, and zircon U–Pb age data are reported for the Yangchang batholith to constrain its petrogenesis and Mo mineralization. Zircon LA‐ICPMS U–Pb dating yields mean ages of 138 ± 2 and 132 ± 2 Ma for monzogranite and granite porphyry, respectively. The monzogranites and granite porphyries are calc‐alkaline with K₂O/Na₂O ratios of 0.75–0.92 and 1.75–4.42, respectively. They are all enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs) with negative Nb and Ta anomalies in primitive‐mantle‐normalized trace element diagrams. The monzogranites have relatively high Sr (380–499 ppm) and Y (14–18 ppm) concentrations, and the granite porphyries have lower Sr (31–71 ppm) and Y (5–11 ppm) concentrations than those of monzogranites. The monzogranites and granite porphyries have relatively low initial Sr isotope ratios of 0.704573–0.705627 and 0.704281, respectively, and similar ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 18.75–18.98 and 18.48–18.71, respectively. In contrast, the ε_Nd(t) value (−3.7) of granite porphyry is lower than those of monzogranites (−1.5 to −2.7) with Nd model ages of about 1.0 Ga. These geochemical features suggest that the monzogranite and granite porphyries were derived from juvenile crustal rocks related to subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific plate under east China. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Early Cretaceous granitic rocks from the southern Jiaodong Peninsula,eastern China: implications for lithospheric extension

ABSTRACT

Zircon U–Pb ages, major element and trace element compositions, and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions for late Mesozoic granites from the southern Jiaodong Peninsula (eastern China) were determined. Ages for the Wulianshan, Xiaozhushan, and Dazhushan plutons are 119.1–122.3, 114.2, and 108.9 Ma, respectively. Major and trace element characteristics show that these granitic rocks belong to alkaline, A-type granites formed in an extensional setting. Trace element compositions show strong, variable negative anomalies in Ba, K, P and Ti, and positive anomalies in Rb, Th, U, Pb, Ce, Zr, and Hf, which are typical characteristics of A-type granites. Variable Sr and Nd isotopic compositions, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(i) = 0.70540–0.7071 and εNd(t) = ?14.5 to ?20.9. Whole-rock Pb isotopic compositions have the following ranges, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t = 15.707–16.561, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t = 15.376–16.462, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t = 36.324 to 37.064. Isotopic modelling indicates an origin that lies between mantle tapped by Cenozoic basalts around the Tan-Lu megafault and lower continental crust (LCC), and which can be explained by mixing of 11–18% mantle and 82–89% LCC. Based on new and compiled data, we suggest that the southern Jiaodong Peninsula, as well as the Laoshan area, was in a regional extensional setting of an orogenic belt during 106–126 Ma. The granitic rocks may be the result of late Mesozoic lithospheric thinning and decratonization (i.e. late Mesozoic craton destruction event occurring throughout eastern China).     

Geochemical and isotopic constraints on the age and origin of mafic dikes from eastern Shandong Province,eastern North China Craton

Post-orogenic mafic dikes are widespread across eastern Shandong Province, North China Craton, eastern China. We here report new U–Pb zircon ages and bulk-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for representative samples of these rocks. LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon analysis of two mafic dike samples yields consistent ages of 118.7 ± 0.25 million years and 122.4 ± 0.21 million years. These Mesozoic mafic dikes are characterized by high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) _i ranging from 0.7082 to 0.7087, low ?_Nd(t) values from??17.0 to??17.5, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 17.14 to 17.18, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 15.44 to 15.55, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb from 37.47 to 38.20. Our results suggest that the parental magmas of these dikes were derived from an ancient, enriched lithospheric mantle source that was metasomatized by foundered lower crustal eclogitic materials prior to magma generation. The mafic dikes underwent minor fractionation during ascent and negligible crustal contamination. Combined with previous studies, these findings provide additional evidence that intense lithospheric thinning beneath eastern Shandong occurred at ～120 Ma, and that this condition was caused by the removal/foundering of the lithospheric mantle and lower crust.