Trace elements and evolution of granite melt as exemplified by the Raumid Pluton,Southern Pamirs

New trace element data were obtained by ICP-MS for 58 samples representing eight intrusive phases of the Raumid granite Pluton. All of the rocks, except for one sample that was deliberately taken from a greisenized zone, were not affected by postmagmatic fluid alteration. The sequential accumulation of incompatible trace elements (Rb, Ta, Nb, Pb, U, and others) in the Raumid Pluton from the early to late phases coupled with a decrease in incompatible element contents (Sr, Eu, Ba, and others) indicates a genetic link between the granites of all phases via fractional crystallization of a granite melt. The REE distribution patterns of final granite phases are typical of rare-metal granites. The Ta content in the granites of phase 8 is only slightly lower than that of typical rare-metal granites. Greisenization disturbed the systematic variations in trace element distribution formed during the magmatic stage. The ranges of trace element contents (Rb, Sr, Ta, Nb, and others) and ratios (Rb/Sr, La/Lu, Eu/Eu*, and others) in the Raumid granite overlap almost entirely the ranges of granitic rocks of various compositions, from the least differentiated with ordinary trace element contents to rare-metal granites. This indicates that the geochemical signature of rare-metal granites can develop at the magmatic stage owing to fractional crystallization of melts, which is the case for the melt of the Raumid granite.     

Petrogenesis of Rabor-Lalehzar magmatic rocks (SE Iran): Constraints from whole rock chemistry and Sr-Nd isotopes

The Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA) of Central Iran has been formed during Neotethyan Ocean subduction underneath Eurasia. The Rabor-Lalehzar magmatic complex (RLMC), covers an area ～1000?km² in the Kerman magmatic belt (KMB), SE of UDMA. RLMC magmatic rocks include both granitoids and volcanic rocks with calc-alkaline and adakitic signatures but with different ages.Miocene adakitic rocks are characterd by relatively enrichmented in incompatible elements, high (Sr/Y)_(N) (>40), and (La/Yb)_(N) (>10) ratios with slightly negative Eu anomalies (Eu_N/Eu*≈ 0.9), depletion in HFSEs, and relatively non-radiogenic Sr isotope signatures (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr?=?0.7048–0.7049). In contrast, the Oligocene granitoids exhibit low Sr/Y (<20) and La/Yb (<9) ratios, negative Eu anomalies (Eu_N/Eu*?≈?0.5), and enrichment in HFSEs and radiogenic Sr isotope signatures (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr?=?0.7050–0.7052), showing affinity to the island arc rocks. Eocene volcanic rocks which crusscut the younger granitoid rocks comprise andesites and dacites. Geochemically, lavas show calc-alkaline character without any Eu anomaly (Eu_N/Eu*?≈?1.0). Based on the geochemical and isotopic data we propose that melt source for both calc-alkaline and adakitic rocks from the RLMC can be related to the melting of a sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Basaltic melts derived from a metasomatized mantle wedge might be emplaced at the mantle-crust boundary and formed the juvenile mafic lower crust. However, some melts fractionated in the shallow magma chambers and continued to rise forming the volcanic intermediate-mafic rocks at the surface. On the other hand, the assimilation and fractional crystallization in the shallow magma chambers of may have been responsible for the development of Oligocene granitoids with calc-alkaline affinity. In the mid-Late Miocene, following the collision between Afro-Arabia and Iranian block the juvenile mafic crust of UDMA underwent thickening and metamorphosed into garnet-amphibolites. Subsequent upwelling of a hot asthenosphere during Miocene was responsible for partial melting of thickened juvenile crust of the SE UDMA (RLM complex). The adakitic melts ascended to the shallow crust to form the adakitic rocks in the KMB.     

Zircon U–Pb geochronology,geochemistry and Hf isotopes of the Late Cretaceous Hongshan intrusion,western Yunnan,SW China

The Hongshan quartz monzonite porphyry is one of the Yanshanian intrusions in the southern part of the Yudun Arc. Detailed zircon U–Pb data of four samples yielded ages of 78.8–80.7 Ma, indicating that the Hongshan intrusion was emplaced during the late stage of Late Cretaceous. The Hongshan intrusion shows shoshonitic and high‐K calc‐alkaline, with A/CNK = 0.64–1.14. The rocks show an obvious fractionation between light and heavy rare‐earth elements (average [La/Yb]_N = 38.85), with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.60–0.87), enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements (Rb, Th, U and K) and depletion in high field‐strength elements (Nb, Ta and P). Rocks have high Sr and low Y content which are characteristics of adakitic rocks, suggesting magma derivation from thickened lower crust. In order to evaluate the nature of the source region, Hf isotope data of zircons were acquired through LA‐MC‐ICPMS. The negative and variable ε_Hf(t) values demonstrate that the Hongshan intrusion was derived from ancient crust, without mantle‐derived components and is significantly different from the Triassic intrusions in the southern part of the Yudun Arc. The three Yanshanian intrusions in Hongshan, Relin and Tongchangou are remarkably similar in terms of geochronology, geochemistry and Hf isotopes. We therefore infer that these intrusions had the same magmatic source and we correlate the tectonics with northward subduction of Tethys underneath the Asian continent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Genesis and Uranium Sources of Leucogranite-hosted Uranium Deposits in the Gaudeanmus Area, Central Damara Belt, Namibia: Study of Element and Nd Isotope Geochemistry

This paper presents a systematic study of major and trace elements and Sm-Nd isotopes in leucogranites closely related to uranium mineralization in the Gaudeanmus area, Namibia. The results illustrate that the uraniferous leucogranites possess high Si_O_2(68.8 wt%–76.0 wt%, average 73.1 wt%) and K(4.05 wt%–7.78 wt%, average 5.94 wt%) contents, and are sub-alkaline and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, as reflected by A/CNK values of 0.96–1.07 with an average of 1.01. The leucogranites are rich in light rare earth elements(LREE/HREE = 2.53–7.71;(La/Yb)N = 2.14–10.40), have moderate Eu depletion and high Rb/Sr ratios(2.03–5.50 with an average of 4.36); meanwhile, they are enriched in Rb, K, Th, U and Pb, and depleted in Ba, Nb, Ta, and Sr. The ε_(Nd)(t) values of uraninites range from -14.8 to -16.5, and the two-stage Nd model ages are 2.43–2.56 Ga. Detailed elemental and Sm-Nd isotopic geochemical characteristics suggest that the leucogranites were formed in a postorogenic extensional environment. The U-rich pre-Damara basement was the main source of uranium during the primary mineralization event, which is disseminated in leucogranites, whereas the uranium mineralization in veins possibly resulted from remobilization of the primary uranium minerals.     

Petrogenesis and evolution of late Mesozoic granitic magmatism in the Hohhot metamorphic core complex,Daqing Shan,North China

Late Mesozoic granitoid plutons of four distinct ages intrude the lower plate of the Hohhot metamorphic core complex along the northern margin of the North China craton. The plutons belong to two main groups: (1) Group I, deformed granitoids (148 and 140 Ma subgroups) with high Sr, LREE, and Na₂O, low Y and Yb contents, high Sr/Y and La/Yb ratios, weak or no Eu anomalies, low Rb/Ba ratios, similar initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0.7064–0.7071) and low Mg^# (<37 mostly, 100?×?molar MgO/MgO + FeO _t ); (2) Group II, non-deformed granitoids (132 and 114 Ma subgroups) with low Sr, relatively low Na₂O, high Y and Yb contents, pronounced negative Eu anomalies, high Rb/Ba ratios, and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0.7098–0.7161). The two groups share geochemical similarities in ?_Nd(t) (–11.3 to –15.4) and T _DM2 ages (1.85–2.18 thousand million years) as well as Hf isotopic ratios in zircons. Geochemical modelling (using the MELTS code) suggests that similar sources but different depths of magma generation produced the early, high-pressure low-Mg adakitic granitoids and late, low-pressure granitoids with A-type characteristics. The early granitoids likely represent a partially melted, deep-seated, thickened lower continental crust that involved a minor contribution from young materials, whereas the later group partially melted at shallower depths. This granitic magmatic evolution coincided with the tectonic transition from crustal contraction to extension.     

羌塘角木日地区中二叠统龙格组泥岩地球化学特征及其地质意义

沉积岩物源分析对揭示盆地物质组成、储集岩性质及古环境恢复等研究具有重要指示意义。文中对藏北羌塘盆地角木日地区中二叠统龙格组的钙质泥岩样品进行了微量元素地球化学测试分析,系统地研究了微量元素含量、特征比值及稀土元素配分方式。结果表明研究区龙格组钙质泥岩样品具有中等轻稀土元素分异((La/Sm)N=2.50~5.41),重稀土元素比较平坦((Gd/Yb)N=1.32~2.47),具有微弱的Eu负异常;Sr/Ba,V/Cr,Ni/Co,Ceanom及δEu等相关参数综合显示,研究区中二叠纪时期整体表现为海相氧化环境;样品Rb/Sr比值及La/Th-Hf,La/Sc-Co/Th,Th/Sc-Zr/Sc关系图解综合说明龙格组钙质泥岩物源区风化作用较弱,源岩主要为安山岩;通过对沉积岩La/Sc-Ti/Zr,La-Th-Sc和Th-Sc-Zr/10等构造环境判别图解分析,综合表明区钙质泥岩物源区的构造背景主要为大洋岛弧型。     

Rare earth element and strontium isotope geochemistry in Dujiali Lake,central Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,China: Implications for the origin of hydromagnesite deposits

Rare earth element (REE) and strontium isotope data (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) are presented for hydromagnesite and surface waters that were collected from Dujiali Lake in central Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), China. The goal of this study is to constrain the solute sources of hydromagnesite deposits in Dujiali Lake. All lake waters from the area exhibit a slight LREE enrichment (average [La/Sm]_PAAS = 1.36), clear Eu anomalies (average [Eu/Eu*]_PAAS = 1.31), and nearly no Ce anomalies. The recharge waters show a flat pattern (average [La/Sm]_PAAS = 1.007), clear Eu anomalies (average [Eu/Eu*] _PAAS = 1.83), and nearly no Ce anomalies (average [Ce/Ce*]_PAAS = 1.016). The REE+Y data of the surface waters indicate the dissolution of ultramafic rock at depth and change in the hydrogeochemical characteristics through fluid-rock interaction. These data also indicate a significant contribution of paleo-groundwater to the formation of hydromagnesite, which most likely acquired REE and Sr signatures from the interaction with ultramafic rocks. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr data provide additional insight into the geochemical evolution of waters of the Dujiali Lake indicating that the source of Sr in the hydromagnesite does not directly derive from surface water and may have been influenced by both Mg-rich hydrothermal fluids and meteoric water. Additionally, speciation modeling predicts that carbonate complexes are the most abundant dissolved REE species in surface water. This study provides new insights into the origins of hydromagnesite deposits in Dujiali Lake, and contributes to the understanding of hydromagnesite formation in similar modern and ancient environments on Earth.     

Paleoarchean tonalite-trondhjemite complex in the northwestern part of the Sharyzhalgai uplift (southwestern Siberian craton): results of U-Pb and Sm-Nd study

In the northwestern part of the Sharyzhalgai uplift of the Siberian craton (Bulun block), the earliest sialic crust (grey-gneiss complex) is composed of plagiogneisses, their migmatized varieties, and subordinate plagiogranitoids. The petrochemical, trace-element, and Sm-Nd isotope compositions of rocks were studied, and U-Pb dating of zircons (SHRIMP II) was performed. Plagiogneisses and plagiogranitoids of trondhjemite and, more seldom, tonalite compositions are predominant; their compositions are typical of rocks of Archean tonalite-trondhjemitegranodiorite (TTG) complexes (Al₂O₃ ≥ 15%, Mg# = 28–38, (La/Yb)_n = 23–66, Sr/Y = 27–135, Eu/Eu^? = 0.7–1.1). Plagiogneisses of meta-andesite-rhyodacite association are subordinate (SiO₂ = 59–69%, (La/Yb)_n = 7–32, Sr/Y = 11–24, Eu/Eu^? = 0.5–0.7). Cathodoluminescent study of zircons revealed “magmatic cores” and metamorphic rims; most of the rims differ from the cores in U and Th contents and low or greatly varying Th/U ratios. In migmatized plagiogneisses of trondhjemite composition, two zircon generations of different morphologies have been recognized. The protoliths of the grey-gneiss complex rocks formed in the Paleoarchean as a result of two discrete magmatic events, at ～3.3 and 3.25 Ga, and their metamorphism and migmatization took place at ～3.2 Ga. The isotopic and geochemical features of rocks evidence that the primary melts were produced mainly through the melting of metabasic sources at different depths of the thickened crust. Plagiogneisses of trondhjemite composition apparently resulted from magma generation involving ancient sialic material.     

Thermomechanical maturation of the continental crust and its effects on the late Eocene–early Oligocene volcanic record of the Sierra Madre del Sur Province,southern Mexico

We interpret the voluminous late Eocene–early Oligocene volcanic successions of the north-central Sierra Madre del Sur as the eruptive manifestation of a progressive thermomechanical maturation of the crust, driven by sustained igneous activity that affected the region since the early Eocene. Widespread Eocene magmatism and injection of mantle-derived melts into the crust beneath the Michoacán-Puebla area promoted the development of a hot zone extending to upper crustal levels, and the formation of a mature intracrustal magmatic system. Within this context, the intermediate siliceous compositions of the Tilzapotla, Muñeca, and Goleta explosive centres were generated through fractional crystallization, crustal contamination, and anatexis. In particular, decreasing bulk-rock Sr and Eu concentrations and Nd isotopes with increasing silica in the Tilzapotla and Muñeca suites document an evolution through low-pressure fractional crystallization of plagioclase-dominated assemblages, simultaneous with the assimilation of middle–upper crustal materials. In contrast, marked Eu, Sr, and Ba depletions coupled with high and variable Rb/Nd at constant ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd in the Goleta rhyolites suggest their derivation from partial melting of biotite-bearing quartz-feldspathic lithologies. Ascent of the thermal anomaly induced by magma emplacement and accumulation at shallow depths shifted the brittle–ductile crustal transition close to the surface, and produced an ignimbrite flare-up through caldera-forming eruptions. A different petrogenetic–volcanologic scenario developed in north-western Oaxaca, where less profuse early–middle Eocene igneous activity and an ancient lower crustal basement made up of refractory granulitic lithologies inhibited the expansion of the hot zone to shallow levels, and constrained magmatic evolution at depth. Here, composite and monogenetic volcanoes with intermediate compositions were produced through high-pressure fractional crystallization and crustal contamination. Specifically, increasing La/Yb and Sm/Yb with increasing silica in the Oaxaca suite, and negative correlations of Nd isotopes with SiO₂ at low Rb/Nd, suggest garnet fractionation from parental basalts, coupled with the assimilation of Rb-depleted lower crustal materials.     

Laser-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon ages and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Niyasar plutonic complex,Iran: constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic evolution

We conducted geochemical and isotopic studies on the Oligocene–Miocene Niyasar plutonic suite in the central Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt, in order better to understand the magma sources and tectonic implications. The Niyasar plutonic suite comprises early Eocene microdiorite, early Oligocene dioritic sills, and middle Miocene tonalite + quartzdiorite and minor diorite assemblages. All samples show a medium-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous affinity and have similar geochemical features, including strong enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g. Rb, Ba, Sr), enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs, e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti, P). The chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of microdiorite and dioritic sills are slightly fractionated [(La/Yb)_n = 1.1–4] and display weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–1.1). Isotopic data for these mafic mantle-derived rocks display I_Sr = 0.70604–0.70813, ?_Nd (microdiorite: 50 Ma and dioritic sills: 35 Ma, respectively) = +1.6 and ?0.4, TDM = 1.3 Ga, and lead isotopic ratios are (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.62–18.57, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.61–15.66, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.65–38.69. The middle Miocene granitoids (18 Ma) are also characterized by relatively high REE and minor Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.77–0.98) and have uniform initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7065–0.7082), a range of initial Nd isotopic ratios [?Nd(T)] varying from ?2.3 to ?3.7, and Pb isotopic composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.67–18.94, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.63–15.71, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.73–39.01. Geochemical and isotopic evidence for these Eocene–Ologocene mafic rocks suggests that the magmas originated from lithospheric mantle with a large involvement of EMII component during subduction of the Neotethyan ocean slab beneath the Central Iranian plate, and were significantly affected by crustal contamination. Geochemical and isotopic data of the middle Miocene granitoids rule out a purely crustal-derived magma genesis, and suggest a mixed mantle–crustal [MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization)] origin in a post-collision extensional setting. Sr–Nd isotope modelling shows that the generation of these magmas involved ～60% to 70% of a lower crustal-derived melt and ～30% to 40% of subcontinental lithospheric mantle. All Niyasar plutons exhibit transitional geochemical features, indicating that involvement of an EMII component in the subcontinental mantle and also continental crust beneath the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt increased from early Eocene to middle Miocene time.     

云南个旧碱性杂岩体的岩石成因及稀土元素富集机制

云南个旧碱性杂岩体由边缘相碱长正长岩和中心相霞石正长岩组成.全岩地球化学分析表明,该碱性杂岩体具有高碱、富钾、富铁、低镁、高分异的碱性-过碱性岩石特征,晚期更富集碱金属元素;LREE/HREE值为20～59,(La/Sm)N = 8～50,(Sm/Yb)N = 1.2～5.0,富集轻稀土元素,轻稀土元素较重稀土元素分馏...     

Determining the Geodynamic Setting of Adakitic Granitoids Using Geochemical Data

Discriminant analysis was performed for representative sets of igneous rocks with adakitic geochemical signatures (granitoids of Archean tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite suites, island-arc adakites, and adakites and adakitic granitoids of collisional to postcollisional geodynamic settings). It was shown that the granitoids of Archean tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite suites are significantly different from islandarc adakites, as well as from collisional to postcollisional adakites and adakitic granitoids. The following discriminant function was proposed for the geodynamic classification of island arc and collisional-postcollisional adakites and adakitic granitoids on the basis of chemical composition: DF₃ =–1.69324TiO₂–0.25537Al₂O₃–0.21269FeO* + 0.06076MgO–0.09796CaO + 0.47377Na₂O + 0.29270K₂O + 3.57821P₂O₅ + 0.00431Rb + 0.00036Sr + 0.03119Y + 0.00006Zr + 0.01088Nb–0.00048Ba + 0.01366La + 0.0004Ce + 0.02319Nd–0.18584Sm + 1.29135Eu–0.62229Gd + 0.3819Dy + 2.06583Er–2.62769Yb + 1.6464.     

Two Types of Granites in the Western Yangtze Block and Their Implications for Regional Tectonic Evolution: Constraints from Geochemistry and Isotopic Data

In the western Yangtze Block, widespread Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic rocks are the key to understanding the Precambrian tectonic-magmatic evolution of the region. However, their petrogenesis and tectonic setting are still controversial. In this paper, zircon U-Pb ages, Sm-Nd isotopic and whole-rock geochemical data are reported from selected fresh samples in the southern Dechang county, southwestern China, in order to constrain their emplacement age and magma source, as well as their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. They are mainly composed of biotite monzogranite, monzonitic granite, biotite granodiorites, and quartz diorite. Two ages of 1055 ± 43 Ma and 837.6 ± 3.8 Ma were obtained through zircon U-Pb dating by LA-ICP-MS and LA-MC-ICP-MS, respectively. According to their major element compositions, the Grenville-age granites are peraluminous calc-alkaline series calcic S-type granite. In contrast, the mid-Neoproterozoic granites are metaluminous calc-alkaline series alkalic I-type granite. Furthermore, the S-type granites are enriched in LREEs relative to HREEs with(La/Yb)_N ratios of 3.85–18.56 and underwent major fractionation with strongly negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu~* = 0.38–0.66). In the MORB-normalized trace element variation diagram, all the samples are enriched in Ce and large ion lithophile elements such as Rb, Th, and K, and depleted in high field strength elements such as Nb, and Ti, with negative Sr and Ti anomalies. The I-type granites are enriched in LREEs with slight negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu~* = 0.83–0.93). They are characterized by the enrichment of highly incompatible elements(such as K, Rb, Ba, Th) and LREEs, relative to MORB. Neodymium isotopic data show that the S-type granites display ~(143)Nd/(~(144) Nd) values of 0.51241–0.51256, and have ε_(Nd)(t = 1055 Ma) values of(-3.29) to(-3.81). Calculated t_(DM) ages yield values from 1.87 to 1.91 Ga with the t_(DM).2 stg ages of 1.86 to 1.9 Ga. The I-type granites have ~(143)Nd/(~(144) Nd) ratios between 0.51192 and 0.51195, corresponding to initial ε_(Nd)(t = 837 Ma) values of 1.22 to 5.63. Calculated t_(DM) ages yield values from 1.0 to 1.38 Ga and the t_(DM).2 stg ages yield values from 0.99 to 1.06 Ga. The S-type granites are distinguished as syn-collision granite, whereas the I-type granites were formed as arc magmas according to the Rb-(Yb+Ta) and R_1-R_2 tectonic discrimination diagrams. To conclude, there are two types of spatially associated granite, the Mesoproterozoic S-type granite which were derived from remelting of upper crustal mudstone and/or clastics and resulted from the convergence of two continental plates, and the mid-Neoproterozoic I-type granite which formed in continental arc and resulted from mantle-derived magma mixed crust material, in the western Yangtze Block. Furthermore, we suggest that collision between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks occurred at about 1055 Ma, and caused the Stype granite. The I-type granite related to the subduction of oceanic lithosphere eastward underneath the Yangtze Block in the mid-Neoproterozoic.     

Genesis of Pb–Zn Mineralization Beneath the Xiangshan Uranium Orefield,South China: Constraints from H–O–S–Pb Isotopes and Rb–Sr Dating

The volcanic‐hosted Xiangshan uranium orefield is the largest uranium deposit in South China. Recent exploration has discovered extensive Pb–Zn mineralization beneath the uranium orebodies. Detailed geological investigation reveals that the major metallic minerals include pyrite, sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite, whilst the major non‐metallic minerals include quartz, sericite, and calcite. New δ¹⁸O_fluid and δD_fluid data indicate that the ore‐forming fluids were mainly derived from magmatic, and the sulfide δ³⁴S values (2.2–6.9‰) suggest a dominantly magmatic sulfur source. The Pb isotope compositions are homogeneous (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.120–18.233, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.575–15.698, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.047–38.446). The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of sulfide minerals range from 0.7197 to 0.7204, which is much higher than volcanic rocks and fall into the range of metamorphic basement. Lead and strontium isotopic compositions indicate that the metallogenic materials probably were derived from metamorphic basement. Pyrite Rb–Sr dating of the ores yielded 131.3 ± 4.0 Ma, indicating that the Pb–Zn mineralization occurred in the Early Cretaceous.     

Age and Sources of Dunite from the Konder Massif (Aldan Shield)

The Sm–Nd and Rb–Sr isotope characteristics were studied in clinopyroxenes (Cpx) of ultrabasic rocks (dunite, wehrlite, pyroxenite, and kosvite) from the Konder massif, which is a source of a unique placer platinum deposit. The chemical composition of the clinopyroxenes studied provides evidence for their crystallization from a single melt in the course of magmatic differentiation. The Sm–Nd isotope characteristics of Cpx in dunite from the Konder massif correspond to the regression with an age of 128 ± 40 Ma, which provides evidence for the same age of rocks of the “dunite core,” wehrlite, pyroxenite, kosvite, and alkaline rocks of the subsequent intrusive stage in the Konder massif. Variations in the Sr and Nd isotope characteristics in dunite, wehrlite, pyroxenite, and kosvite result from contamination of the picritic melt with rocks of the continental crust in the course of its cumulative evolution, which allows us to exclude the model of diapiric intrusion of mantle dunite.     

Neoproterozoic calc‐alkaline peraluminous granitoids of the Deleihimmi pluton,Central Eastern Desert,Egypt: implications for transition from late‐ to post‐collisional tectonomagmatic evolution in the northern Arabian–Nubian Shield

The widely distributed late‐collisional calc‐alkaline granitoids in the northern Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) have a geodynamic interest as they represent significant addition of material into the ANS juvenile crust in a short time interval (∼630–590 Ma). The Deleihimmi granitoids in the Egyptian Central Eastern Desert are, therefore, particularly interesting since they form a multiphase pluton composed largely of late‐collisional biotite granitoids enclosing granodiorite microgranular enclaves and intruded by leuco‐ and muscovite granites. Geochemically, different granitoid phases share some features and distinctly vary in others. They display slightly peraluminous (ASI = 1–1.16), non‐alkaline (calc‐alkaline and highly fractionated calc‐alkaline), I‐type affinities. Both biotite granitoids and leucogranites show similar rare earth element (REE) patterns [(La/Lu)_N = 3.04–2.92 and 1.9–1.14; Eu/Eu* = 0.26–0.19 and 0.11–0.08, respectively) and related most likely by closed system crystal fractionation of a common parent. On the other hand, the late phase muscovite granites have distinctive geochemical features typical of rare‐metal granites. They are remarkably depleted in Sr and Ba (4–35 and 13–18 ppm, respectively), and enriched in Rb (381–473 ppm) and many rare metals. Moreover, their REE patterns show a tetrad effect (TE_1,3 = 1.13 and 1.29) and pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.07 and 0.08), implying extensive open system fractionation via fluid–rock interaction during the magmatic stage. Origin of the calc‐alkaline granitoids by high degree of partial melting of mafic lower crust with subsequent crystal fractionation is advocated. The broad distribution of late‐collisional calc‐alkaline granitoids in the northern ANS is related most likely to large areal and intensive lithospheric delamination subsequent to slab break‐off and crustal/mantle thickening. Such delamination caused both crustal uplift and partial melting of the remaining mantle lithosphere in response to asthenospheric uprise. The melts produced underplate the lower crust to promote its melting. The presence of microgranular enclaves, resulting from mingling of mantle‐derived mafic magma with felsic crustal‐derived liquid, favours this process. The derivation of the late‐phase rare‐metal granites by open system fractionation via fluid interaction is almost related to the onset of extension above the rising asthenosphere that results in mantle degassing during the switch to post‐collisional stage. Consequently, the switch from late‐ to post‐collisional stage of crustal evolution in the northern ANS could be potentially significant not only geodynamically but also economically. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characteristics of geochemical evolution of trace elements and REE in Gejiu granites,Yunnan Province

The evolution characteristics of Gejiu granites, Yunnan Province are described in terms of their petrology, especially their trace elements and REE geochemistry. The three major types of Gejiu granites: porphyritic biotite monzonitic granite (stage I), medium-coarse-grained biotite-K-feldspar granite (stage II) and two-mica alkali-feldspar granite (stage III) are thought to have been formed successively from the same granite magma source through fractional crystallization (Rayliegh fractionation), because linear correlations are found between log(Rb/Sr)-log Sn, log(Rb/Ba)-log Sn, log(Rb/Ba)-log(Rb/Sr), log La-log Sr, log Ce-log Sr, log Eu-log Sr, etc. In addition, the characteristics of REE distribution patterns in these three major types of granites also reflect the magmatic differentiation features of Gejiu granites. Of the three major types, the two-mica alkali-feldspar granite of stage III underwent the strongest differentiation, and thus has the closest genetic relationship with the Gejiu tin-polymetallic ore deposit. Such tin-polymetal mineralized granites are characterized by high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios, low K/Rb and ΣCe/ΣY ratios and remarkable Eu depletion.     

Isotopes and Geochronology of the Meixian-type Pb-Zn-(Ag)Deposits,Central Fujian Rift,South China:Implications for Geological Events

Central Fujian Rift is another new and important volcanogenic massive sulfide Pb-Zn polymetallic metallogenetic belt. In order to find out the material genesis and mineralization period of Meixian-type Pb-Zn-Ag deposits, S and Pb isotope analysis and isotope geochronology of ores and wall rocks for five major deposits are discussed. It is concluded that the composition of sulfur isotope from sulfide ore vary slightly in different deposits and the mean value is close to zero with the 834S ranging from -3.5‰ to ＋5.6‰ averaging at ＋2.0‰, which indicates that the sulfur might originate from magma or possibly erupted directly from volcano or was leached from ore-hosted volcanic rock. The lead from ores in most deposits displays radioactive genesis character （206pb/204pb〉18.140, 207Pb/204pb〉15.584, 208pb/204pb〉38.569） and lead isotope values of ores are higher than those of wall rocks, which indicates that the lead was likely leached from the ore-hosted volcanic rocks. Based on isotope data, two significant Pb-Zn metallogenesis are delineated, which are Mid- and Late-Proterozoic sedimentary exhalative metailogenesis （The single zircon U-Pb, Sm-Nd isochronal and Ar-Ar dating ages of ore- hosted wall rocks are calculated to be among 933-1788 Ma.） and Yanshanian magmatic hydrothermal superimposed and alternated metallogenesis （intrusive SHRIMP zircon U-Pb and Rb-Sr isochronal ages between 127-154 Ma）.     

西昆仑早古生代岩浆作用过程:布隆花岗岩地球化学和锆石U-Pb-Hf同位素组成研究

西昆仑布隆二长花岗岩出露于西昆仑库地蛇绿混杂岩两侧。地球化学特征显示,布隆二长花岗岩主要为高钾钙碱-钾玄岩系列、过铝质花岗岩(A/CNK=1.1)。岩石具有低的Rb/Sr(0.67～0.88)、Sr/Y比值(13.2～16.6),弱的负Eu异常(Eu/Eu^*=0.68～0.84)和中等Sr(214×10^-6～247×10^-6)、Rb含量(165×10^-6～191×10^-6),指示布隆二长花岗岩主要为黑云母和角闪石脱水熔融源区,其原岩可能来自于杂砂岩或壳源中性岩类。LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年结果显示该花岗岩的结晶年龄为441±2 Ma(MSWD=0.33)。锆石的ε_Hf(t)值(平均值为-3.0)和Hf两阶段模式年龄值(1 493～1 116 Ma)反映该花岗岩来自于中新元古代地壳的熔融。新获得的资料显示,西昆仑早古生代花岗岩均发育于库地蛇绿混杂岩两侧,且具有多个期次: 507～500 Ma、471～468 Ma、447～430 Ma和408～404 Ma,推测西昆仑早古生代花岗岩为古特提斯洋在该地区长期俯冲的背景下形成的产物。     

Isotopic Geochronology of the Late Paleozoic Kanggur Gold Deposit of East Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, NW China

Abstract: The Kanggur gold deposit lies in East Tianshan mountains, eastern section of Central Asia orogenic belt. The gold mineralization occurs on the northern margin of the Aqishan‐Yamansu Paleozoic island arc in the Tarim Plate. It was hosted mainly in Middle‐Lower Carboniferous calc‐alkaline volcanic rocks, and controlled by the distributions of syn‐tectonic intrusions and ductile shear zones. In order to determine ore‐forming age of the Kanggur deposit, samples were collected from ores, wall rocks, altered rocks and intrusions. The dating methods include Rb‐Sr isochron and Sm‐Nd isochron, and secondly ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age spectrum, U‐Pb and Pb‐Pb methods. Based on the mineral assemblage and crosscutting relationship of ore veins, five mineralization stages are identified. This result is confirmed by isotope geochronologic data. The first stage featuring formation of pyrite‐bearing phyllic rock, is mineralogically represented by pyrite, sericite and quartz with poor native gold. The Rb‐Sr isochron age of this stage is 2905 Ma. The second stage represents the main ore‐forming stage and is characterized by native gold–quartz–pyrite–magnetite–chlorite assemblage. Magnetite and pyrite of this stage are dated by Sm‐Nd isochron at 290.47.2 Ma and fluid inclusion in quartz is dated by Rb‐Sr isochron at 282.35 Ma. The third mineralization stage features native gold–quartz–pyrite vein. In the fourth stage, Au‐bearing polymetallic sulfide‐quartz veins formed. Fluid inclusions in quartz are dated by Rb‐Sr isochron method at 25821 Ma. The fifth stage is composed of sulfide‐free quartz–carbonate veins with Rb‐Sr age of 2547 Ma. The first and second stages are related to ductile‐brittle deformation of shear zones, and are named dynamo‐metamorphic hydrothermal period. The third to fifth stages related to intrusive processes of tonalite and brittle fracturing of the shear zones, are called magmato‐hydrothermal mineralization period. The Rb‐Sr isochron age of 2905 Ma of the altered andesite in the Kanggur mine area may reflect timing of regional ductile shear zone. The Rb‐Sr isochron age of 28216 Ma of the quartz‐syenite porphyry and the zircon U‐Pb age of 2757 Ma of tonalite in the north of Kanggur gold mine area are consistent with the age of gold mineralization (290‐254 Ma). This correspondence indicates that the tonalite and subvolcanic rocks may have been related to gold mineralization. The Rb–Sr, Sm‐Nd and U‐Pb ages and regional geology support the hypothesis that the Kanggur gold deposit was formed during collisional orogenesis process in Late Variscan.