Petrostructural evolution of ultramafic rocks of the Kalninsky chromite-bearing massif, Western Sayan

The Kalininsky ultramafic massif is a fragment of lower structural zone of the Kurtushiba ophiolitic belt in the extreme northeastern part of the Western Sayan. The massif is composed largely of rocks making up the dunite-garzburgite banded complex. The northeastern part of the massif is composed mainly of dunite with linear NW-trending chromite-bearing zones, the localization of which is controlled by banding of the dunite-harzburgite complex. Harzburgite and dunite are characterized by inhomogeneous structures and textures caused by nonuniform ductile deformation, which is expressed as heterogeneous extinction, kink bands, and syntectonic and annealing recrystallization. The petrostructural patterns of olivine in harzburgite and dunite provide evidence for three stages of ductile deformation. At the first stage under deep mantle-crustal conditions, the ductile flow of ultramafic rocks developed mainly in a regime of axial compression, high temperature (>1000°C), and low strain rate (? < 10^?6 s^?1), which resulted in translational gliding along the (010)[100] and (100)[001] systems in olivine and enstatite, respectively, in combination with a subordinate role of syntectonic recrystallization. Consequently, the rocks acquired a medium-grained (mesogranular) microstructure. At the second stage, related to the thermal effect on ultramafics, the ductile flow developed under the settings of low strain rate (? < 10^?6 s^?1) and rising temperature (>1000°C). The translational gliding in olivine proceeded largely along (010)[100] and was accompanied by diffusion creep. As the temperature rose, ductile deformation gave way to secondary recrystallization of annealing, which facilitated the growth of olivine grains free of dislocations owing to absorption of individual grains oriented adversely relative to the compression axis and deformed grains saturated with dislocations. As a result, dunite and harzburgite with a coarse-grained porphyroblastic microstructure have been formed. The third stage of ductile flow was apparently related to their transport along deep-seated thrust faults under settings of intense shear deformations at a high temperature (～1000°C) and strain rate (? >10^?4 s^?1). The ductile flow in olivine resulted in heterogeneous translational gliding along (010)[100] and accompanied by intense syntectonic recrystallization with the formation of a porphyroblastic microstructure. Chromite mineralization in dunite is controlled by internal banding. Intense ductile flow facilitated the metamorphic separation of linearbanded Cr-spinel segregations. Thus, the results of a petrostructural study show that ultramafic rocks of the Kalninsky massif, ascending to the upper lithosphere, underwent both axial and shear ductile deformations in the mantle and lower crust, and these deformations controlled chromite mineralization.     

Platinum group element mineralization of the Svetly Bor and Veresovy Bor clinopyroxenite–dunite massifs,Middle Urals,Russia

The new data for the geology and mineralogy of the platinum group element (PGE) mineralization related to the chromite–platinum ore zones within the dunite of the Svetly Bor and Veresovy Bor massifs in the Middle Urals are discussed. The geological setting of the chromite–platinum ore zones, their platinum content, compositional and morphological features of the platinum group minerals (PGM) are compared to those within the Nizhny Tagil massif, the world standard of the zonal complexes in the Platinum Ural belt. The chromite–platinum orebodies are spatially related to the contacts between differently granular dunites. Majority of PGM are formed by Pt–Fe alloys that are close in terms of stoichiometry to isoferroplatinum (Pt₃Fe), and associated with Os–Ir alloys, Ru–Os and Ir–Rh sulfides, and Ir–Rh thiospinels of the cuproiridsite–cuprorhodsite–ferrorhodsite solid solution. The tetraferroplatinum (PtFe)–tulameenite (PtFe_0.5Cu_0.5) solid solution and Pt–Cu alloys belong to the later PGM assemblage. The established features of the chromite–platinum ore zones testify to the highly probable identification of the PGE mineralization within the dunite of the Svetly Bor and Vesesovy Bor massifs and could be used in prospecting and exploration for platinum.     

Early Palaeozoic sub-arc chromitite-bearing peridotite in the Kudi ophiolite on the westernmost Tibetan Plateau

ABSTRACT

A chromite deposit was discovered in the Kudi ophiolite in the Palaeozoic western Kunlun orogenic belt. Chromite forms elongated (<2 m in width) and banded chromitite bodies (<0.1 m in width for each band) in dunite and podiform chromitite bodies (<1.5 m in width) in harzburgite. Dunite is classified into two types. Type I dunite hosting massive and banded chromitites shows low Fo in olivine (88.1–90.9), moderate Cr^# [=Cr/(Cr + Al), 0.47–0.56] in chromite, and a positively sloped primitive mantle-normalized platinum group elements (PGE) pattern, suggesting that it is a cumulate of a mafic melt. Harzburgite and type II dunite show olivine with high Fo (>91.1) and chromite with moderate to high Cr^# (0.44–0.61), and flat to negatively sloped primitive mantle-normalized PGE patterns, indicating that they are residual mantle peridotite after partial melting. Chromite in all three types of chromitites has relatively uniform moderate values Cr^# ranging from 0.43 to 0.56. Massive chromitite contains euhedral chromite with high TiO₂ (0.40–0.43 wt.%) and has a positively sloped primitive mantle-normalized PGE pattern, suggesting that it represents a cumulate of a melt. Rocks containing disseminated and banded chromite show overall low total PGE, < 117 ppb, and a negatively sloped primitive mantle-normalized PGE pattern. Chromite grains in these two types of occurrences are irregular in shape and enclose olivine grains, suggesting that chromite formed later than olivine. We suggest that chromite-oversaturated melt penetrated into the pre-existing dunite and crystallized chromite. The oxygen fugacity (fO₂ values of chromitites and peridotites are high, ranging from FMQ+0.8 (0.8 logarithmic unit above the fayalite-magnetite-quartz buffer) to FMQ+2.3 for chromitites and from FMQ+0.9 to FMQ+2.8 for peridotites (dunite and harzburgite). The mineral compositions and high fO₂ values as well as estimated parental magma compositions of the chromitites suggest that the Kudi ophiolite formed in a sub-arc setting.     

PGM in chromite ore of the Sopcheozero deposit, Kola Peninsula

The Sopcheozero chromite deposit is hosted in dunite of the Monchegorsk layered intrusion as a sheetlike body of disseminated ore with a chromite grade varying from 20 to 60%. The total PGM content in the ore attains 0.5–0.8 g/t. The composition of host rocks varies from plagioclase peridotite to dunite, but PGM were found only in chromite-bearing dunite. PGM inclusions were detected in the interstices of chromite and olivine grains and within grains themselves. The data obtained confirm the known tendency toward variation in PGM composition with increasing sulfur and light PGE contents in the residual magmatic melt. The first particles of refractory Ir, Os, and Ru intermetallides appeared at the final stage of olivine crystallization, whereas laurite (Ru,Os,Ir)S₂ and pentlandite (Fe,Ni)₉S₈ were formed at the final stage of chromite crystallization, when the sulfur concentration in the residual melt became sufficient.     

西藏罗布莎蛇绿岩中不同产出的纯橄岩及成因探讨

罗布莎蛇绿岩中的纯橄岩有三种产出情况,除了与豆荚状铬铁矿伴生的薄壳状纯橄岩外,还有产在方辉橄榄岩底部被认为是堆晶岩的厚层状纯橄岩和方辉橄榄岩中的透镜状纯橄岩。厚层状纯橄岩约700～1000m厚,以橄榄石富镁(Fo93～95),单斜辉石低铝富镁(Al2O30.47%～0.85%,Mg#95～97),铬尖晶石高铬低镁(Cr#值平均77,Mg#平均51)为特征。该纯橄岩中的浸染状铬铁矿也是高铬低镁型,但Mg#值(平均59)高于厚层状纯橄岩的副矿物铬尖晶石。薄壳状纯橄岩与厚层状纯橄岩成分相近,其橄榄石Fo92～94,单斜辉石Al2O3<1%和Mg#95～97;铬尖晶石的Cr#值平均71,Mg#值平均52。与薄壳状纯橄岩伴生的块状铬铁矿为高镁高铬型,但Mg#值(平均68)相对更高些,Cr#值平均79。透镜状纯橄岩的特征是橄榄石Fo(91～92)和铬尖晶石Cr#(60左右)均低于前两类纯橄岩,但单斜辉石的Al2O3(1.41%～1.71%)则高于前两者。透镜状纯橄岩的矿物成分与方辉橄榄岩重叠,两者为渐变过渡关系。研究对比表明,罗布莎厚层状纯橄岩不同于经典的蛇绿岩的超镁铁质堆晶岩,认为将其成因解释为拉斑玄武质熔体与地幔橄榄岩的反应较为合理。透镜状纯橄岩与方辉橄榄岩存在成生联系,可能是地幔橄榄岩高度部分熔融的产物,或熔体和方辉橄榄岩在原位发生反应的产物;薄壳状纯橄岩成因与厚层状纯橄岩相同,但与其相伴的块状铬铁矿是否由拉斑玄武质熔体与方辉橄榄岩反应形成,值得商榷。     

Exsolutions of Diopside and Magnetite in Olivine from Mantle Dunite, Luobusa Ophiolite, Tibet, China

The exsolutious of diopside and magnetite occur as intergrowth and orient within olivine from the mantle dunite, Luobusa ophiolite, Tibet. The dunite is very fresh with a mineral assemblage of olivine （〉95%） ＋ chromite （1%-4%） ＋ diopside （〈1%）. Two types of olivine are found in thin sections： one （Fo = 94） is coarse-grained, elongated with development of kink bands, wavy extinction and irregular margins; and the other （Fo = 96） is fine-grained and poly-angied. Some of the olivine grains contain minor Ca, Cr and Ni. Besides the exsolutions in olivine, three micron-size inclusions are also discovered. Analyzed through energy dispersive system （EDS） with unitary analytical method, the average compositions of the inclusions are： Na20, 3.12%-3.84%; MgO, 19.51%-23.79%; Al2O3, 9.33%-11.31%; SiO2, 44.89%-46.29%; CaO, 11.46%-12.90%; Cr2O3, 0.74%-2.29%; FeO, 4.26%- 5.27%, which is quite similar to those of amphibole. Diopside is anhedral f＇dling between olivines, or as micro-inclusions oriented in olivines. Chromite appears euhedral distributed between olivines, sometimes with apparent compositional zone. From core to rim of the chromite, Fe content increases and Cr decreases; and A! and Mg drop greatly on the rim. There is always incomplete magnetite zone around the chromite. Compared with the nodular chromite in the same section, the euhedral chromite has higher Fe3O4 and lower MgCr2O4 and MgAI2O4 end member contents, which means it formed under higher oxygen fugacity environment. With a geothermometer estimation, the equilibrium crystalline temperature is 820℃-960℃ for olivine and nodular chromite, 630℃-770℃ for olivine and euhedral chromite, and 350℃-550℃ for olivine and exsoluted magnetite, showing that the exsolutions occurred late at low temperature. Thus we propose that previously depleted mantle harzburgite reacted with the melt containing Na, Al and Ca, and produced an olivine solid solution added with Na^＋, Al^3＋, Ca^2＋, Fe^3＋, Cr^3＋. With temperature d     

Large-volume platinum ore deposits in zonal mafic-ultramafic complexes of the Ural-Alaskan type and the outlook for their development

The results of mineralogical-technological studies of PGM mineralization in zonal mafic-ultramafic complexes of the Ural-Alaskan type are given. All studied massifs in the Urals and Kamchatka are characterized by similar evolution of mineral assemblages. The chromite (platinum-chromitite-dunite) and dunite (platinum-pegmatoid dunite) geological-economic types of small platinum deposits and occurrences are separate enriched sites (ore shoots) of large-volume platinum ore deposits. These are rather thick and extended zones of recrystallized dunites with attributes of high-temperature structural deformations and intense fluid reworking. Low Pt grade in ore (<0.5 gpt) is determined by fine and very fine (grain size class — 80 μm) euhedral PGM crystals distributed rather uniformly in ore mass. The high and occasionally anomalous Pt contents (up to 1 kgpt and higher) are related to large xenomorphic segregations of PGM, which concentrate largely in the marginal parts of separate chromite segregations. The significant part of productive Pt-bearing mineralization is hosted in olivine matrix of igneous rocks, so that recovery of platinum cannot be associated only with separation of chromite ore. The direct gravity concentration of platinum ore without preliminary separation of chromite concentrate is recommended as the main technique of platinum recovery. The technological scheme provides for two-stage comminution of ore with between-cycle separation of coarse the PGM fraction into the concentrate as a commodity product. The results obtained allow us to regard the aforementioned mineralization as a new geological and economic type of lode platinum deposits, whose potential is comparable with active platinum reserves in the complex Cu-Ni ores of the Noril’sk district.     

Base metal mineral segregation and Fe-Mg exchange inducing extreme compositions of olivine and chromite from the Xiadong Alaskan-type complex in the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Xiadong Alaskan-type complex shares much in common with typical Alaskan-type complexes worldwide, while showing some unique features in terms of mineral compositions. Olivine from the Xiadong dunites is characterized by extremely high Fo component of 91.7–96.7 and anomalously negative correlation of Fo with NiO, while chromite is featured by high 100 × Fe³⁺/(Fe³⁺ + Cr + Al) (>70), high 100 × Fe²⁺/(Fe²⁺ + Mg) (>70), high 100 × Cr/(Cr + Al) (>90), low MnO (<0.6 wt%) and TiO₂ contents (<0.5 wt%). To investigate these particular features, we conducted petrographic observation and mineral composition analyses for the Xiadong dunite. A number of Fe and/or Ni sulfides and alloys occurring as inclusions in olivine and chromite indicate that base metal mineral segregation took place prior to crystallization of olivine and chromite and probably induced Fe and Ni depletions in olivine. The FeO and MgO variations in profile analyses from chromite to adjacent olivine are compatible with Fe-Mg exchange. The diffusion mechanism of Fe from olivine to chromite and Mg from chromite to olivine may have elevated both Fo of olivine and 100 × Fe²⁺/(Mg + Fe²⁺) ratio of chromite and further enhanced the decoupling of Fo and NiO in olivine. We thus suggest that base metal mineral segregation and Fe-Mg exchange play important roles in the extreme compositions of the Xiadong dunite. The Ni depletion of olivine and degree of Fe-Mg exchange between olivine and chromite may be used as indicators of mineralization in mafic-ultramafic intrusions.     

Re-Os geochronology,O isotopes and mineral geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic Songshugou ultramafic massif in the Qinling Orogenic Belt,China

The Qinling Orogenic Belt was formed by subduction and collision between the North and South China Blocks along the Shangdan suture. The Songshugou ultramafic massif located on the northern side of the Shangdan suture provides essential insights into the mantle origin and evolutionary processes during spreading and subduction of the Shangdan oceanic lithosphere. The ultramafic massif comprises harzburgite, coarse- and fine-grained dunites. The spinels from harzburgite exhibit low Cr# and high Mg# numbers, suggesting a mid-ocean ridge peridotite origin, whereas spinels from both coarse- and fine-grained dunites are indicated as resulted from melt-rock reaction due to their systematic higher Cr# and low Mg# numbers. This melt-rock reaction in the dunites is also indicated by the low TiO₂ (mostly <0.4 wt%) in the spinel and high Fo (90–92) in olivines. Due to its relatively homogeneous nature in the mantle, oxygen isotopic composition is a sensitive indicator for the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Songshugou ultramafic rocks. Based on in-situ oxygen isotope analyses of olivines from twenty-six rock samples, most harzburgites from the Songshugou ultramafic massif show low δ¹⁸O values of 4.54–5.30‰, suggesting the olivines are equilibrium with N-MORB magmas and originally formed in a mid-ocean ridge setting. The coarse- and fine-grained dunites exhibit slightly higher olivine δ¹⁸O values of 4.69–6.00‰ and 5.00–6.11‰, respectively, suggesting they may have been modified by subduction-related boninitic melt-rock reaction. The δ¹⁸O values of olivines systematically increasing from the harzburgites, to coarse-grained dunites and fine-grained dunites may suggest enhancing of melt-rock reaction. The decreasing of Os concentration, ¹⁸⁷Re/¹⁸⁸Os and ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratios from harzburgite to dunite suggest an ¹⁸⁷Os-enriched, subduction zone melt was responsible for creating the melt channel for melt-rock reactions. Together with the high-temperature ductile deformation microstructures, these isotopic and mineral geochemical features suggest that the harzburgites represent mantle residues after partial melting at mid-ocean ridge or supra-subduction zone, while the dunites were probably resulted from reactions between boninitic melt and harzburgites in a supra-subduction zone. Re-Os geochronology yields a maximum Re depletion model age (T_RD) of 805 Ma, constraining the minimum formation age of the harzburgites derived from oceanic mantle. Eight samples of whole rock and chromite yield a Re-Os isochron age of 500 ± 120 Ma, constraining the timing of melt-rock reactions. Combined with the regional geology and our previous investigations, the Songshugou ultramafic rocks favors a mantle origin at mid-ocean ridge before 805 Ma, and were modified by boninitic melt percolations in a SSZ setting at ca. 500 Ma. This long-term tectonic process from spreading to subduction might imply a huge Pan-Tethyan ocean between the Laurasia (e.g., North China Block) and Gondwana (e.g., South China Block) and/or a one-side subduction.     

REE and PGE Geochemical Constraints on the Formation of Dunites in the Luobusa Ophiolite, Southern Tibet

The Luobusa ophiolite, Southern Tibet, lies in the Indus–YarlungZangbo suture zone that separates Eurasia to the north fromthe Indian continent to the south. The ophiolite contains awell-preserved mantle sequence consisting of harzburgite, clinopyroxene(cpx)-bearing harzburgite and dunite. The harzburgite containsabundant pods of chromitite, most of which have dunite envelopes,and the cpx-bearing harzburgites host numerous dunite dykes.Dunite also exists as a massive unit similar to those of themantle–crust transition zones in other ophiolites. Allof the dunites in the ophiolite have a similar mineralogy, comprisingmainly olivine with minor orthopyroxene and chromite and tracesof clinopyroxene. They also display similar chemical compositions,including U-shaped chondrite-normalized REE patterns. Mantle-normalizedPGE patterns show variable negative Pt anomalies. Detailed analysisof a chromite-bearing dunite dyke, which grades into the hostcpx-bearing harzburgite, indicates that LREE and Ir decrease,whereas HREE, Pd and Pt increase away from the dunite. Thesefeatures are consistent with formation of the dunite dykes byinteraction of MORB peridotites with boninitic melts from whichthe chromitites were formed. Because the transition-zone dunitesare mineralogically and chemically identical to those formedby such melt–rock reaction, we infer that they are ofsimilar origin. The Luobusa ultramafic rocks originally formedas MORB-source upper mantle, which was subsequently trappedas part of a mantle wedge above a subduction zone. Hydrous meltsgenerated under the influence of the subducted slab at depthmigrated upward and reacted with the cpx-bearing harzburgitesto form the dunite dykes. The modified melts ponded in smallpockets higher in the section, where they produced podiformchromitites with dunite envelopes. At the top of the mantlesection, pervasive reaction between melts and harzburgite producedthe transition-zone dunites. KEY WORDS: melt–rock interaction; REE; PGE; hydrous melt; mantle; ophiolite; Tibet     

Alteration of chromitites from the Voidolakkos and Xerolivado mines,Vourinos ophiolite complex,Greece: implications for deformation‐induced metamorphism

Chromitites, associated with upper mantle spinel peridotites from the Voidolakkos and Xerolivado districts, located in the Vourinos ophiolite complex, northwestern continental Greece, were re‐investigated with respect to their structural and textural mode of occurrence, as well as their compositional signatures. They include variably deformed banded and podiform chromitite bodies made up of massive, semi‐massive, nodular, anti‐nodular, schlieren and disseminated chromian spinel. Chromitites have suffered intense shearing that was more severe in all but disseminated textured ore. Deformation has partly produced elongation of chromian spinel nodules and widespread protocataclastic zones within chromitites. The examined deposits are composed of magnesiochromite that shows a quite restricted range of Cr# [Cr/(Cr + Al)] values varying between 0.76 and 0.83, whereas Mg# [Mg/(Mg + Fe²⁺)] ranges from 0.55 to 0.67 accompanied by relatively low content in TiO₂ (<0.15 wt.% on average). Compositional data indicate that these high‐Cr chromitite bodies crystallized from melts of boninitic affinities that have been compositionally modified after reaction with depleted harzburgite, followed by interaction with relatively undifferentiated low SiO₂ melts within an intertwined system of dunite channels in the mantle wedge below the fore‐arc region of a supra‐subduction zone (SSZ). Magnesiochromite displays limited textural modification, being scarcely transformed to an opaque spinel phase along grain boundaries and fracture walls. The opaque spinel phase is characterized by elevated Cr# (0.76–0.97), relatively low Mg# (0.33–0.63) and low Fe³⁺# (≤0.14) and corresponds to ferrian chromite. Microscopic studies revealed that ferrian chromite is paragenetically associated with clinochlore even in unaltered chromitite specimens and the degree of serpentinization does not correlate with the frequency and abundance of alteration effects on magnesiochromite. Therefore, it is supported that regional metamorphism prior to serpentinization was responsible for the formation of the ferrian chromite–clinochlore association. In addition, magnesiochromite alteration was systematically recorded only in variably sheared chromitites displaying protocataclastic brecciation, thus it can be claimed that metamorphism was mainly governed by deformation mechanisms, which took place during the transition from ductile to semi‐brittle conditions. Ferrian chromite can be locally erratically enriched in MnO and ZnO, which is attributed to a Mn‐ and Zn‐bearing, slightly acid post‐magmatic fluid that invaded the chromitites across weakness zones. Overall, the data suggest that after magnesiochromite equilibration with the intergranular olivine, both phases were partly replaced by ferrian chromite and clinochlore, respectively, during a brief, fluid assisted episode of retrogade metamorphism that took place within a temperature interval between 700 and 300 °C, before ocean‐floor alteration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Platinum–palladium–gold mineralization in the Nkenja mafic–ultramafic body, Ubendian metamorphic belt, Tanzania

Significant and widespread enrichment of platinum, palladium, and gold has been found within the Nkenja mafic–ultramafic body located in southern Tanzania in the central part of the Ubendian metamorphic belt. This body is dominated by partly serpentinized chromitiferous dunite, wehrlite and olivine clinopyroxenite, which are tectonically intercalated with amphibolitized metagabbro. The dunites contain both disseminated and seam-type chrome spinel with an Al-rich composition. The seams are thin, impersistent and, together with enclosing dunite, often show deformation at granulite facies conditions. Forsterite contents of olivine in the dunite range from 87 to 92?mol%. Clinopyroxene in wehrlite and clinopyroxenite is diopsidic with significant contents of Al and Na. Clinopyroxene forms irregular bands and crosscutting veins in the dunite, as well as occurring as weakly dispersed isolated grains in the dunite. Elevated levels of Pt, Pd and Au occur in all ultramafic rocks, but not amphibolitized metagabbro, and there is a weak correlation between high abundances of platinum-group element (PGE) and chromitites. PGE values are erratically distributed and are associated with trace to minor amounts of disseminated sulphides (pyrrhotite, pentlandite, heazlewoodite, chalcopyrite and bornite). The abundances of all PGE are consistently anomalous, suggesting a primary igneous control by sulphides in ultramafic rock. However, there has evidently been a strong metamorphic and/or hydrothermal overprint on what was probably an original magmatic concentration of PGE-bearing sulphides. Geological mapping and petrological evidence, as well as the style of PGE sulphide mineralization, are consistent with the Nkenja ultramafic body being part of the crustal section of a dismembered Palaeoproterozoic ophiolite.     

Structural and magnetic microinhomogeneities in accessory spinel of the system Fe2+(Cr2–xFex3+)O4 from the Kytlym massif (Urals platinum-bearing belt)

The microstructure and magnetic properties of accessory Fe–Cr-spinels from the Kytlym massif of the Urals platinum-bearing belt were studied. Atypical Fe–Cr-spinels in the form of magnetic microareas in grains of primary nonmagnetic Fe–Cr-spinel have been revealed for the first time in the bed dunites of the Kytlym multiphase concentrically zoned massif, North Urals. These spinels are responsible for the magnetic properties of the dunites. It has been established that the microareas are separations in solid solution Fe²⁺(Cr_2–xFe_x³⁺)O₄, which are enriched in Fe^3 + and are probably an intermediate product of the transformation of primary accessory Fe-Cr-spinel during the formation of the dunite massif. These are magnetic microphases with particular chemical composition, cation distribution, and corresponding reversed crystal lattice, which determine the main magnetic properties of the microarea: the magnitude and direction of magnetization vector and Curie temperature. The formation of this earlier unknown type of magnetic Fe–Cr-spinel is probably conjugate with the formation and concentration of PGE mineralization in the bed dunites of the Kytlym platinum-bearing massif. The presence of such magnetization carriers in rocks and ores must be taken into account in geophysical research at the Urals chromite and platinum–chromite deposits.     

The Dovyren intrusive complex: Problems of petrology and Ni sulfide mineralization

This paper presents a review of petrological-geochemical studies at the Yoko-Dovyren Massif with an emphasis on relations between parameters of the parental magma, a model for the genesis of the lower contact zone, and the nature of Ni sulfide ore mineralization, including the evaluation of the possible ore potential. Arguments are presented in support of the conclusion that the Dovyren magma brought much intratelluric olivine of the composition Fo _85–87 into the chamber, and the composition of the initial melt corresponded to gabbronorite or moderately magnesian basite with no more than 10 wt % MgO. The probable temperature of the parental magma was approximately 1200–1250°C, and the sulfur solubility did not exceed 0.10–0.12 wt % (P = 1 kbar, WM buffer). The comparison of this estimate with the average S contents in the bottom plagioperidotites (0.12±0.06 wt %) indicates that the initial magma was saturated with a sulfide phase. For the first time the problem of the composition of contaminated dunites was formulated (these rocks occur in the Layered Series and contain more magnesian olivine Fo _87–92). The reason for the increase in the mg# of olivine is thought to be the partial melting and compaction of the original cumulates due to the infiltration of intercumulus melt enriched in volatile components. The volatiles were presumably provided by the thermal decomposition of carbonate xenoliths, a process that resulted in an increase in the CO₂ pressure and the transfer of calcite-magnesite components of carbonates into the melt. This follows from (1) the occurrence of magnesian skarn developing after carbonates, (2) high CaO contents in olivine form the contaminated dunite, (3) the appearance of olivine-bearing pyroxenites and wehrlites in the upper part of the dunite zone, (4) correlation between the olivine and chromite composition in the contaminated and uncontaminated dunites, (5) broad variations in the oxygen isotopic composition of olivine and plagioclase from rocks of the Layered Series, (6) experimental data on the dissolution of carbonates in alkali basalt melts, and (7) analogies with isotopic-geochemical characteristics of rocks from the Jinchuan ultramafic complex. Petrological implications of the interpretation of the Dovyren chamber are discussed with reference to closed and flow-through (during an initial stage) magmatic systems. A petrological-geological model is proposed for the genesis of the Synnyr-Dovyren volcanic-plutonic complex and related Ni sulfide ore mineralization. The potential resources of Cu-Ni sulfide ores in the plagioperidotites are evaluated with regard to the still-unexposed part of the massif.     

Mylonitized peridotites of Songshugou in the Qinling orogen,central China: A fragment of fossil oceanic lithosphere mantle

The Songshugou mylonitized peridotites within the Qinling Group metamorphic rocks in Central China are distributed in the northern part of the Shang-Dan Suture Zone (SDSZ) and contain abundant dunites and harzburgites. The dunites were intensely deformed and mylonitized converting the coarse-grained type to medium- and fine-grained types which contain prominent lenticular structure and relict olivine (Ol) porphyroclasts. Mineralogical and geochemical compositions suggest that the protoliths of the mylonitized peridotites were coarse-grained peridotites of lithospheric mantle origin. The harzburgites occur as enclaves within mylonitic peridotites in the form of lenses or veins. The orthopyroxenes in harzburgites were formed at the expense of Ol and have similar compositions to those of metasomatized harzburgites, characterized by low Al₂O₃, CaO and Cr₂O₃ contents. The harzburgites exhibit the gently U-type REE patterns with enriched incompatible elements (Rb, Ba, Sr, Zr and Hf), suggesting the metasomatic origin. The obvious ductile deformation of the large porphyroclastic orthopyroxene (Opx) suggests that the metasomatism occurred before the deformation. Ductile shearing deformation is indicated by the small fold structures and net-style ductile shearing zones within the Songshugou peridotite massif. The process is also result in the alignment of elongated Ol grains from initially coarse-granular via porphyroclastic to fine-granular texture. The relatively low Fo olivine, together with high Al₂O₃, and CaO contents and the abnormally low total PGE abundance in the fine-grained dunites suggest the ingress of melt/fluid during the mylonitization. The presences of significant amount of amphibole in the peridotites indicate the ingress of hydrous fluids. In general, the Songshugou peridotites have similar compositional characteristics with peridotites of Oman and Troodos ophiolites which are fragments of oceanic lithosphere mantle. One coarse-grained dunite has a T_RD age of 875 Ma. Additionally two stages Paleozoic T_RD ages are obtained from medium-grained and fine-grained dunites (491 Ma and 550 Ma; 446 Ma and 476 Ma). The broadly coeval nature of mylonitization with progressive metamorphism of surrounding amphibolites suggested that the Songshugou peridotites were generated before the early Paleozoic deformation. Our data, combined with the previous work on the surrounding HP/UHP metamorphic rocks, demonstrate that the Songshugou mylonitized peridotites represent fragments of the Neoproterozoic fossil oceanic lithospheric mantle that experienced extensive deformation during the Early Paleozoic subduction processes.     

Boundaries of intergrowths between mineral individuals: A zone of secondary mineral formation in aggregates

Intergrowth boundaries between mineral individuals in dunite of the Gal’moenan massif in Koryakia was studied in terms of crystal morphology, crystal optics, and ontogenesis. The results obtained allowed us to trace the staged formation of olivine and chromite and four generations of these minerals. Micro-and nanotopography of boundary surfaces between intergrown mineral individuals of different generations was examined with optic, electron, and atomic force microscopes. The boundaries between mineral individuals of different generations are distinguished by their microsculpture for both olivine and chromite grains. Both minerals demonstrate a compositional trend toward refinement from older to younger generations. The decrease in the iron mole fraction in olivine and chromite is accompanied by the crystallization of magnetite along weakened zones in olivine of the first generation and as outer rims around the chromite grains of the second generation observable under optic and electronic microscopes. The subsequent refinement of chromite results in the release of PGE from its lattice, as established by atomic power microscopy. The newly formed PGM are localized at the boundaries between mineral individuals and, thus, mark a special stage in the ontogenetic evolution of mineral aggregates. Further recrystallization is expressed in the spatial redistribution of grain boundaries and the formation of monomineralic intergrowth boundaries, i.e., the glomerogranular structure of rock and substructures of PGM, chromite, and olivine grains as intermediate types of organization of the granular assemblies in the form of reticulate, chain, and cellular structures and substructures of aggregates.     

Exsolution Lamellae in Olivine Grains of Dunite Units from Different Types of Mafic‐Ultramafic Complexes

Exsolution microstructures in olivine grains from dunite units in a few selected tectonic environments are reported here. They include lamellae of clinopyroxene and clinopyroxene-magnetite intergrowth in the Gaositai and Yellow Hill Alaskan-type complexes, clinopyroxene-magnetite intergrowth in the K?z?lda? ophiolite, and chromite lamellae in the Hongshishan mafic-ultramafic intrusive complex. These lamellae commonly occur as needle-or rod-like features and are oriented in olivine grains. The host olivine grains have Fo contents of 92.5–92.6 in the Gaositai complex, 86.5–90.1 in the Yellow Hill complex, 93.2–93.4 in the K?z?lda? ophiolite and 86.9–88.3 in the Hongshishan complex. Clinopyroxene in the rod-like intergrowth exsolved in olivine grains in the Gaositai and Yellow Hill is diopside with similar major element compositions of Ca O(23.6–24.3 wt%), SiO_2(52.2–54.0 wt%), Al_2O_3(0.67–2.15 wt%), Cr_2O_3(0.10–0.42 wt%) and Na_2O(0.14–0.26 wt%). It falls into the compositional field of hydrothermal clinopyroxene and its origin is thus probably related to reaction between dunite and fluids. The enrichment of the fluids in Ca~(2+), Fe~(3+), Cr~(3+) and Na+, resulted in elevated concentrations of these cations in olivine solid solutions via the reaction. With decreasing temperature, the olivine solid solutions altered to an intergrowth of magnetite and clinopyroxene. The Fe~(3+) and Cr~(3+) preferentially partitioned into magnetite, while Ca~(2+) and Na+ entered clinopyroxene. Since the studied Alaskan-type complexes and ophiolite formed in a subduction environment, the fluids were probably released from the subducted slab. In contrast, the exsolved chromite in olivine grains from the Hongshishan complex that formed in post-orogenic extension setting can be related to olivine equilibrated with Cr-bearing liquid. Similarly, these lamellae have all been observed in serpentine surrounding olivine grains, indicating genetic relations with serpentinization.     

Probe and SIMS investigation of clinopyroxene inclusions in chromites from the Troodos chromitites (Cyprus): Implications for dunite–chromitite genesis

Chromite ores formation is still a debated topic and, in this study, detailed analyses of major, minor elements by EMPA and Rare Earth Elements (REE) by SIMS, were performed on silicate inclusions detected in chromite grains of chromitite pods, enveloping dunites and on clinopyroxene of lherzolitic host rock of well known Trodoos chromite ores. Results show the complexity of relationships among lithologies that reflects the subtlety of genetic events and of chromite ore occurrence.Analyses of textural and chemical features have led to a better understanding of the chromite ore genetic process, that is related to a supra-subduction geodynamic setting where partial melting processes were overlapped by metasomatic events.Metasomatism, that marks the general genetic context, is characterized by the presence of a hydrated boninitic melt that favors the precipitation of chromite ores. Chromite ores, typical of ophiolite complexes and usually enveloped by dunite are, in this case, characterized by the presence of two different types of dunites whose geochemical differences are reflected by olivine mineral chemistry and by different REE patterns of analyzed clinopyroxenes. Such geochemical marks, related to different magmatic and metasomatic events, could be a main key for location of fertile or barren dunites in terms of chromite ore occurrence in the field.     

西昆仑库地蛇绿岩富Al型豆荚状铬铁矿床成因

西昆仑库地蛇绿岩发育小规模的铬铁矿床,矿体呈豆荚状和层状、似层状,均与纯橄岩紧密伴生。这些纯橄岩主要由橄榄石和副矿物尖晶石组成,与方辉橄榄岩相比,橄榄岩中的橄榄石粒径粗(平均2.5mm),Mg#(88~90)低,这与它们全岩低Mg#(90)值,富Al_2O_3、TiO_2、Cr_2O_3、Fe_2O_3相吻合,与熔融残余成因的纯橄岩明显不同,反映了其很可能是由熔体与方辉橄榄岩反应而成。矿体主要由块状、浸染状及脉状铬铁矿石组成;铬铁矿石中的尖晶石具有低而相对稳定的Cr#(43~56),低于富铬型铬铁矿矿床中的铬铁矿(Cr#60)。块状矿石与纯橄岩呈突变接触,矿石中的尖晶石呈浑圆状,包裹有较多橄榄石、辉石等硅酸盐矿物及角闪石等含水硅酸盐矿物;浸染状铬铁矿石中的尖晶石与橄榄石颗粒构成交织结构,或呈云朵状,沿橄榄石颗粒边界相互连接,矿石的结构构造显示了熔/岩反应成因特征。通过计算分析,我们认为该区富铝型铬铁矿石是由拉斑玄武质熔体与地幔橄榄岩反应而成,由于熔体中含有较高的H_2O,参与反应的熔体可能源于弧后扩张脊环境。     

Structure and Petrology of the Alpine-type Peridotite at Burro Mountain, California, U.S.A.

The alpine-type peridotite at Burro Mountain is a partiallyserpentinized harzburgite-dunite body approximately 2 km indiameter. It lies in a chaotic mélange derived from theFranciscan Formation (Upper Jurassic to Upper Cretaceous) ofthe southern Coast Ranges of California. The peridotite is boundedon the east by a vertical fault in the Nacimiento fault zonethat brings sedimentary rocks of Taliaferro's (1943b) AsuncionGroup (Upper Cretaceous) into contact with the peridotite. Theperidotite appears to be one of a number of tectonic lenses,having a wide range in size, that make up the mélange.These lenses include metagraywacke, metachert, greenstone, amphibolite,and blueschist, as well as ultramafic rocks, and represent awide range of pressure-temperature environments. The outer shell of the peridotite is a sheared serpentinitezone 10–15 m thick. The peridotite was tectonically emplacedat its present level as a cold solid mass and had little effecton the mineral assemblages of the Franciscan Formation. Localdevelopment of lawsonite and aragonite in shear zones may berelated to the peridotite emplacement. Foliated harzburgite forms approximately 60 per cent of theperidotite. It is a lithologically uniform rock that has anolivine: orthopyroxene ratio of approximately 75:25. Accessoryclinopyroxene and chromian spinel generally make up less than5 per cent of the harzburgite. Dunite, composed of olivine,accessory chromian spinel (< 5 per cent), and trace amountsof pyroxene, makes up approximately 40 per cent of the peridotiteand occurs as dikes, sills, and irregular bodies in the harzburgite. Olivine and pyroxene show small but significant compositionalvariations and chromian spinel shows a large range in the cationratio Cr/(Cr+Al+ Fe³⁺). The compositional variations in theseminerals are related to original differences in bulk chemicalcomposition. The following compositional ranges were determinedfor minerals in the harzburgite: olivine, Fo_91.1–Fo_91.4;orthopyroxene, En_89.8–En_91.1; clinopyroxene, Ca_47.0Mg_50.0Fe_3.0–Ca_48.7Mg_48.2Fe_3.1;chromian spinel, Cr/(Cr+Al+Fe³⁺) 0.37–0.55. The pyroxeneshave a range in A1₂O₃ content of 1.3–3.0 wt per cent.Olivine from dunite ranges from Fo₉₁ to Fo_{92 7} and the chromianspinel has a range in the Cr/(Cr+Al+Fe³⁺) ratio of 0.30–0.75.Although all the dunites are lithologically similar, three distincttypes are recognized on the basis of composition of coexistingolivine and chromian spinel. Structural relations between thethree types of dunite suggest three periods of emplacement (possiblyoverlapping) of dunite into harzburgite. The evidence indicatesthat the dunite, and probably also the harzburgite crystallizedfrom an ultramafic magma, probably in the upper mantle. After the magmatic episode and crystallization, the peridotitewas subjected to a deep-seated plastic deformation and recrystallization.The first phase of the deformation produced a pervasive, planarstructural element (S₁) that crosscuts many harzburgite-dunitecontacts. It is probable that some of the dunite sills wereemplaced during this deformation. The foliation, S₁, is definedby layers of different orthopyroxene content in harzburgite,and by discontinuous layers of chromian spinel in dunite. Flowor slip along S₁ produced slip folds in harzburgite—dunitecontacts with axial planes parallel to S₁. At a later stage,isoclinal folds developed in S₁, and the present olivine microfabricwas probably formed by recrystallization in the stress fieldthat produced the isoclinal folding. In the olivine microfabric,X tends to be perpendicular to the axial planes (S₂) of theisoclinal folds and Y and Z tend to form double maxima in S₂approximately 90° apart. Mg–Fe²⁺ distribution betweencoexisting mineral pairs yields a calculated temperature offormation of approximately 1200 °C. Although this temperatureis only a nominal value, it indicates that the mineral pairsequilibrated at a significantly high temperature. In view ofthe deformation and recrystallization, the calculated temperaturepossibly represents subsolidus re-equilibration of the mineralsduring this event. The deformation and recrystallization probablyoccurred shortly after crystallization while the peridotitewas still at a high temperature. A later deep-seated deformation produced small scattered kinkfolds in S₁ that tend to disrupt the major olivine microfabric.The kink folding was accompanied or followed by the developmentof kink bands in olivine that reflect intragranular glidingon the system T = [Okl], t = [100]. The kink bands probablyformed at a minimum temperature of 1000 °C. Following the deep-seated deformation, which probably took placein the mantle, the peridotite mass was tectonically detachedand moved upward to its present level in the crust. Cleavages,joints, and faults provided channels for water to pervade theperidotite and allow alteration of the primary minerals.