Growth of myrmekite coronas by contact metamorphism of granitic mylonites in the aureole of Cima di Vila, Eastern Alps, Italy

In the contact aureole of the Oligocene granodiorite of Cima di Vila, granitic pegmatites of Variscan age were strongly deformed during eo‐Alpine regional metamorphism, with local development of ultramylonites. In the ultramylonite matrix, consisting of quartz, plagioclase, muscovite and biotite, microstructures show grain growth of quartz within quartz ribbons, and development of decussate arrangements of mica. These features indicate that dynamic recrystallization related to mylonite development was followed by extensive static growth during contact metamorphism. K‐feldspar porphyroclasts up to 1.5 cm are mantled by myrmekite that forms a continuous corona with thickness of about 1 mm. In both XZ and YZ sections, myrmekite tubules are undeformed, and symmetrically distributed in the corona, and oligoclase‐andesine hosts have random crystallographic orientation. Myrmekite development has been modelled from the P–T–t evolution of the ultramylonites, assuming that the development of the ultramylonites occurred during eo‐Alpine metamorphism at c. 450 °C, 7.5 kbar, followed by contact metamorphism at c. 530 °C, 2.75 kbar. Phase diagram pseudosections calculated from the measured bulk composition of granitic pegmatite protolith indicate that the equilibrium assemblage changes from Qtz–Phe–Ab ± Zo ± Cpx ± Kfs during the ultramylonite stage to Qtz–Pl(An_30–40)–Ms–Kfs–Bt(Ann₅₅) during the contact metamorphic stage. The thermodynamic prediction of increasing plagioclase mode and anorthite content, change of white mica composition and growth of biotite, occurring during the end of the heating path, are in agreement with the observed microstructures and analysed phase compositions of ultramylonites. Along with microstructural evidence, this supports the model that K‐feldspar replacement by myrmekite took place under static conditions, and was coeval with the static growth accompanying contact metamorphism. Myrmekite associated with muscovite can develop under prograde (up‐temperature) conditions in granites involved in polymetamorphism.     

Oxide and sulphide isograds along a Late Archean, deep-crustal profile in Tamil Nadu, south India

Oxide–sulphide–Fe–Mg–silicate and titanite–ilmenite textures as well as their mineral compositions have been studied in felsic and intermediate orthogneisses across an amphibolite (north) to granulite facies (south) traverse of lower Archean crust, Tamil Nadu, south India. Titanite is limited to the amphibolite facies terrane where it rims ilmenite or occurs as independent grains. Pyrite is widespread throughout the traverse increasing in abundance with increasing metamorphic grade. Pyrrhotite is confined to the high‐grade granulites. Ilmenite is widespread throughout the traverse increasing in abundance with increasing metamorphic grade and occurring primarily as hemo‐ilmenite in the high‐grade granulite facies rocks. Magnetite is widespread throughout the traverse and is commonly associated with ilmenite. It decreases in abundance with increasing metamorphic grade. In the granulite facies zone, reaction rims of magnetite + quartz occur along Fe–Mg silicate grain boundaries. Magnetite also commonly rims or is associated with pyrite. Both types of reaction rims represent an oxidation effect resulting from the partial subsolidus reduction of the hematite component in ilmenite to magnetite. This is confirmed by the presence of composite three oxide grains consisting of hematite, magnetite and ilmenite. Magnetite and magnetite–pyrite micro‐veins along silicate grain boundaries formed over a wide range of post‐peak metamorphic temperatures and pressures ranging from high‐grade SO₂ to low‐grade H₂S‐dominated conditions. Oxygen fugacities estimated from the orthopyroxene–magnetite–quartz, orthopyroxene–hematite–quartz, and magnetite–hematite buffers average 2.5 log units above QFM. It is proposed that the trends in mineral assemblages, textures and composition are the result of an external, infiltrating concentrated brine containing an oxidizing component such as CaSO₄ during high‐grade metamorphism later acted upon by prograde and retrograde mineral reactions that do not involve an externally derived fluid phase.     

Kyanite-bearing rocks from the Hackett River area,N.W.T.: Implications for Archean geothermal gradients

The increase in metamorphic grade toward the Hackett River gneiss dome indicates that the structural dome is also a metamorphic culmination. In pelitic rocks east of the dome, the prograde sequence is chlorite, biotite, staurolite-cordierite, sillimanite. To the southwest the sequence is andalusite-staurolite-cordierite, sillimanite. In quartzofeldspathic gneisses which are closer to the dome than the sillimanite isograd, kyanite occurs as corroded relics, cross-cut by sillimanite and rimmed by cordierite and plagioclase.The pelites were metamorphosed under regional low-pressure conditions at the same time the quartzo-feldspathic rocks underwent higher-pressure metamorphism. A lateral variation in geothermal gradient during metamorphism is postulated to account for the change in facies-series. High heat flow beneath oceanic crust produced the low-pressure assemblages in the pelites; higher-pressure assemblages formed in a region of suppressed isotherms around a relatively cool, proto-continental trondhjemitic body. Low-pressure conditions were imposed on the kyanite-bearing gneisses during continuing metamorphism and diapiric uplift.Spatial association of late Archean kyanite-bearing rocks with early Archean sodic proto-cratons has also been noted in the Churchill and Superior Provinces of Canada as well as the Rhodesian Craton.     

浙西南八都群泥质麻粒岩的变质演化与pT轨迹

浙西南古元古界八都群是目前华夏地块最古老的变质基底,以往研究认为其变质程度仅达角闪岩相。近来在对遂昌地区八都群富铝片麻岩的研究过程中,发现了具有"石榴石+夕线石+正/反条纹长石+黑云母"特征组合的泥质麻粒岩,表明该地体曾经历麻粒岩相变质改造。通过岩相学与矿物化学分析,确定该岩石经历了3个阶段的演化过程,即:早期进变质阶段(M1),形成"石榴石+黑云母+白云母+夕线石+斜长石+石英"的矿物组合;变质峰期阶段(M2-3),形成"石榴石+夕线石+三元长石+黑云母+石英"的矿物组合;峰期后降压冷却阶段(M4),形成"黑云母+白云母+新生斜长石+石英"的矿物组合。岩石中石榴石普遍发育与降温过程有关的扩散成分环带和与降压过程有关的斜长石后生合晶。通过石榴石-黑云母温度计和GASP压力计估算变质峰期的温压条件为800~850℃、0.6~0.7 GPa,峰期后退变质阶段的温压条件为560~590℃、0.25~0.33 GPa,具有顺时针样式的pT演化轨迹,反映一种陆壳碰撞增厚、后又拉伸减薄的动力学过程。     

Thermal and baric evolution of garnet granulites from Sri Lanka

Abstract Garnet granulites from Sri Lanka preserve textural and chemical evidence for prograde equilibration at temperatures of at least 700–750°C and pressures in the vicinity of 6–8 kbar. Associated strain patterns suggest prograde metamorphism occurred during and immediately following an episode of crustal thickening, with the prograde P–T conditions probably reflecting a combination of the conductive and advective transport of heat at the mid-levels of tectonically thickened crust. The occurrence of prograde wollastonite provides evidence for internally buffered fluid compositions, or fluid absent conditions, during peak metamorphism and precludes pervasive advection of a CO₂-rich fluid. The advective heat component is therefore likely to have been provided by the transport of silicate melt. Intricate symplectitic textures record partial re-equilibration of the garnet granulites to lower pressures (˜ 4–6 kbar) at high temperatures (600–750°C), and testify either to the erosional denudation of the overthick crust prior to significant cooling (i.e. quasi-isothermal decompression) or to a subsequent static heating possibly of early Palaeozoic age (Pan-African). The metamorphic history of the Sri Lankan granulites is compared with high grade terrains in the neighbouring fragments of Gondwana, with the emphasis on similarities with Proterozoic granulites of the East Antarctic craton.     

变质作用高峰期后的离子再交换与纯转换反应及对温度压力计算的影响

变质程度达角闪岩相及麻粒岩相的各类变质岩石在变质作用高峰期后，如果降温速率比较慢，往往发生退变质性质的离子再交换反应与纯转换反应。这两类退变质反应不可避免地改造了变质高峰期的矿物成分，使岩石不能准确记录变质作用各阶段的矿物成分和变质作用p-T轨迹。对这两类反应的研究已成为近年来变质岩石学研究的热点之一。本文通过研究实例，简要综述了基性麻粒岩中石榴子石-斜方辉石之间的Fe-Mg再交换反应、酸性麻粒岩中斜长石-碱性长石之间的K-Na再交换反应、泥质片麻岩中石榴子石变斑晶边部的部分分解(纯转换)反应，以及恢复变质高峰期矿物成分和计算变质高峰期p-T条件的方法。指出只有在准确恢复变质高峰期变质矿物成分的基础上，获得的变质作用p-T-t轨迹才能反映客观地质事实。     

喜马拉雅造山带的部分熔融与淡色花岗岩成因机制

喜马拉雅造山带核部由高级变质岩和淡色花岗岩组成,是研究大陆碰撞造山带部分熔融与花岗岩成因的天然实验室.基于最新研究成果,探讨了喜马拉雅造山带核部变质作用的条件、类型以及P-T轨迹、部分熔融的方式与程度及熔体成分以及变质作用与部分熔融的时间和持续过程.相关证据表明,造山带核部经历了高压麻粒岩相至榴辉岩相变质作用,具有以增温增压进变质和近等温降压退变质为特征的顺时针型P-T轨迹.这些高压变质岩石发生了长期持续的高温变质与部分熔融.在泥质岩石的进变质过程中白云母和黑云母脱水熔融可以形成不同成分的熔体.同时,总结了淡色花岗岩的形成时间、地球化学特征和源区熔融方式,结果表明碰撞造山过程中加厚下地壳的脱水熔融形成了喜马拉雅造山带的淡色花岗岩.      

Textural and isotopic development of marble assemblages during the Barrovian-style M2 metamorphic event,Naxos, Greece

A detailed petrological analysis of the marble assemblages observed within the M2 metamorphic complex on Naxos is presented. Two distinct periods of mineral growth are documented; the first is associated with prograde M2 metamorphism and the second with retrograde M2 metamorphism occurring during ductile extensional thinning of the complex. The textural and miner-alogical characteristics and the carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of each generation are described, and the P-T-X _{CO 2} conditions at which these two mineral generations were stable, and the compositions of the fluids present during metamorphism are characterised. Whereas the low variance and stable isotope compositions of prograde siliceous dolomite assemblages are consistent with internally buffered fluid evolution, the retrograde mineral generation is shown to have grown as a result of the infiltration of a water-rich fluid phase that transported silica, Al₂O₃, Na₂O and FeO into the host rocks. This observation, together with the stable isotope compositions of the retrograde calcite, and the fact that occurrences of veins of this type are limited to marbles in the highest grade areas (T>600° C) of the metamorphic complex, suggests that the fluids responsible for vein formation were generated during the crystallisation of melts as the metamorphic complex cooled from peak temperatures. The existence of this second generation of minerals has significant implications for previous studies of heat transport by fluid flow on Naxos, because many of the unusually low ¹⁸O compositions of pelites at high grades may be ascribable to the effects of interaction with retrograde M2 fluids, rather than with prograde fluids.     

华北克拉通中部造山带早前寒武纪变质演化历史评述

根据变质作用程度不同,华北中部造山带早前寒武纪基底可以进一步分为高级区和花岗-绿岩带。前者变质程度可达高角闪岩相-麻粒岩相,包括太华、吕梁、阜平、恒山、怀安、宣化等杂岩,花岗-绿岩带的变质程度较低,多为绿片岩相-角闪岩相,包括登封、赞皇、五台等杂岩。已有变质演化研究表明,高级区恒山、怀安和宣化杂岩中的麻粒岩和(或)退变榴辉岩记录的峰期变质压力最高,恒山杂岩、阜平杂岩和宣化杂岩中的麻粒岩记录的峰期变质温度最高;花岗-绿岩带中的赞皇杂岩和五台杂岩出露高压斜长角闪岩和高压变泥质岩。中部带各变质杂岩中可识别出早期进变质、峰期、峰后快速降压和晚期冷却等变质阶段,拥有顺时针近等温降压型的变质作用P-T轨迹,与华北克拉通中部的俯冲碰撞有关。大量变质年代学数据显示,中部带各变质杂岩中至少记录了~1.85Ga、~1.95Ga和~2.5Ga三组变质年龄,其中,~1.85Ga的变质年龄占据了主导地位,大致与区域片麻理形成的时间一致,代表变质高峰期时代;~1.95Ga的变质年龄代表了峰期前的某个进变质片段;~2.5Ga的变质年龄则指示了更早一期的变质事件,推测与古老陆块~2.5Ga所遭受的大量幔源岩浆的侵入和底垫作用有关。然而,变质年龄与变质阶段的对应关系尚不明确。     

Petrogenesis of the Lien peridotite and associated eclogites, Almklovdalen, Western Norway

Core and rim compositions of minerals in garnet-bearing assemblages in the Lien peridotite define a retrograde metamorphic trend from 820° C, 28.1 kbar, to 645° C, 17.6 kbar. Eclogites in Basal Gneiss near the peridotite contain a record of prograde metamorphism which converges with the retrograde trend of the ultramafic rocks. The Lien peridotite appears to have been derived from the upper mantle under eclogite facies conditions and emplaced into unusually thick continental crust during a Caledonian eclogite facies metamorphic event.     

Genetic Mechanism of Mineral Inclusions in Zircons from the Khondalite Series, Southeastern Inner Mongolia

The early Precambrian khondalite series is widely distributed in the Jining-Zhuozi-Fengzhen-Liangcheng area, southeastern Inner Mongolia. The khondalite series mainly consists of sillimanite garnet potash feldspar (or two-feldspar) gneiss and garnet biotite plagioclase gneiss. These gneissic rocks have commonly experienced granulite-facies metamorphism. In zircons separated from sillimanite garnet potash feldspar gneisses, many mineral inclusions, including Sil, Grt, Ky, Kfs, Qtz and Ap, have been identified by the Laser Raman spectroscopy. Generally, prograde metamorphic mineral inclusion assemblages such as Ky + Kfs + Qtz + Ap and Ky + Grt + Kfs + Qtz are preserved in the core of zircon, while peak granulite-facies metamorphic minerals including Sil + Grt + Kfs + Qtz and Sil + Grt + Kfs + Qtz + Ap are identified in the mantle and rim of the same zircon. However, in some zircons are only preserved the peak metamorphic minerals such as Sil + Grt + Kfs + Qtz and Sil + Grt + Kfs + Qtz + Ap from core to ri     

Prograde metamorphic sequence of REE minerals in pelitic rocks of the Central Alps: implications for allanite–monazite–xenotime phase relations from 250 to 610 °C

The distribution of REE minerals in metasedimentary rocks was investigated to gain insight into the stability of allanite, monazite and xenotime in metapelites. Samples were collected in the central Swiss Alps, along a well‐established metamorphic field gradient that record conditions from very low grade metamorphism (250 °C) to the lower amphibolite facies (～600 °C). In the Alpine metapelites investigated, mass balance calculations show that LREE are mainly transferred between monazite and allanite during the course of prograde metamorphism. At very low grade metamorphism, detrital monazite grains (mostly Variscan in age) have two distinct populations in terms of LREE and MREE compositions. Newly formed monazite crystallized during low‐grade metamorphism (<440 °C); these are enriched in La, but depleted in Th and Y, compared with inherited grains. Upon the appearance of chloritoid (～440–450 °C, thermometry based on chlorite–choritoid and carbonaceous material), monazite is consumed, and MREE and LREE are taken up preferentially in two distinct zones of allanite distinguishable by EMPA and X‐ray mapping. Prior to garnet growth, allanite acquires two growth zones of clinozoisite: a first one rich in HREE + Y and a second one containing low REE contents. Following garnet growth, close to the chloritoid–out zone boundary (～556–580 °C, based on phase equilibrium calculations), allanite and its rims are partially to totally replaced by monazite and xenotime, both associated with plagioclase (± biotite ± staurolite ± kyanite ± quartz). In these samples, epidote relics are located in the matrix or as inclusions in garnet, and these preserve their characteristic chemical and textural growth zoning, indicating that they did not experience re‐equilibration following their prograde formation. Hence, the partial breakdown of allanite to monazite offers the attractive possibility to obtain in situ ages, representing two distinct crystallization stages. In addition, the complex REE + Y and Th zoning pattern of allanite and monazite are essential monitors of crystallization conditions at relatively low metamorphic grade.     

Petrology of metapelites in the Bugaboo aureole,British Columbia,Canada

Contact metamorphism of greenschist facies Neoproterozoic turbidites by the Cretaceous Bugaboo Batholith in southeastern British Columbia has resulted in a well‐developed contact aureole. The aureole is about 1 km wide and can be divided into three main zones: (i) spotted phyllite zone, extending from the first appearance of spots of cordierite or andalusite to the last occurrence of primary chlorite; (ii) cordierite + andalusite + biotite zone, comprising hornfelses or schists with abundant porphyroblasts of cordierite and andalusite and, at higher grades, fibrolitic sillimanite; and (iii) K‐feldspar zone, characterized by hornfelses and schists that, in the inner part of this zone, are variably migmatitic. Four parts of the aureole were examined, three of which are characterized by schists, and one of which (Cobalt Lake area) is characterized by hornfelses and has exceptional exposure and comparatively unaltered rocks. Petrographic, modal, mineral‐compositional and whole rock‐compositional data were collected from the Cobalt Lake transect, allowing the prograde reaction sequence to be inferred. Notable features of the aureole at Cobalt Lake include: initial development of andalusite and plagioclase at the expense of paragonite‐rich white mica; a narrow interval across which cordierite, andalusite and biotite increase markedly at the expense of chlorite; gradual development of andalusite and biotite at the expense of cordierite and muscovite upgrade of chlorite consumption; and near‐simultaneous development of andalusite + K‐feldspar and sillimanite, the latter indicating a pressure of contact metamorphism of ~3 kbar. In other parts of the aureole, the development of sillimanite downgrade of the initial development of K‐feldspar suggests slightly higher pressures of contact metamorphism. Lack of correspondence between the observed sequence of reactions in the aureole and those predicted thermodynamically suggests that modifications to some of the thermodynamic data or activity–composition models may be required. Textural features in the aureole suggest the influence of kinetic factors on metamorphic recrystallization, including: (i) deformation‐catalysed reaction in the schists compared to the hornfelses, as indicated by different mineral‐growth sequences inferred from microstructures, and (ii) heating rate‐controlled recrystallization, as indicated by the decrease in grain size of hornfelses with increasing metamorphic grade.     

深熔过程中熔体成分与锆石行为模拟计算

发生深熔作用是高级变质作用的一个重要特征。深熔过程中产生的熔体可为淡色花岗岩提供潜在的源区;深熔过程中锆石的行为直接影响对变质锆石记年地质意义的理解。在含Zr体系下的相平衡模拟显示泥质成分深熔过程中产生熔体的成分在P-T空间中规律变化。温度升高时熔体Zr/Si值、Zr、FeO、MgO以及CaO等含量明显增加,压力较高时K2O含量也随温度升高而明显增加。Na2O含量随温度升高而降低,但随压力升高而增加。压力升高时Al/Si值显著升高。温度较高时Na/(Na+K)等值线较陡,减压熔融过程不会显著改变熔体Na/(Na+K)值,而升温减压过程以及近等压升温过程都会明显降低熔体Na/(Na+K)值。中压时随温度升高熔体Fe/(Fe+Mg)值缓慢升高,而石榴石的生长发育会迅速降低熔体Fe/(Fe+Mg)值。不同温压条件下对应的固相线熔融、白云母脱水熔融以及黑云母脱水熔融形成的熔体成分具有明显差异。对比模拟熔体成分在P-T空间的演化,喜马拉雅地区电气石淡色花岗岩对应熔体的形成温压条件应低于二云母淡色花岗岩,同类型淡色花岗岩之间在形成条件上也可能存在一定差异,并经历了差异性演化过程。含Zr体系下的相平衡关系显示进变过程是消耗锆石的过程,因而在进变过程中变质锆石难以生长,发生深熔作用的岩石中的变质锆石主要在退变过程中形成并记录退变质年龄。熔体丢失相关模拟显示不同温度阶段发生熔体丢失对锆石稳定性的影响不同。温度较低时Zr含量较少的熔体丢失会扩大持续进变过程中锆石的稳定范围,而温度较高时富Zr熔体的丢失会降低持续进变过程中锆石的稳定温度。类似于分离熔融作用的过程最利于残留相中剩余锆石在持续进变过程中的保存。     

Intermediate high-pressure exhumation of the northern segment of the Sanbagawa belt, Saruta-gawa area, central Shikoku, Japan

The retrograde chemical zonal structure of amphibole in hematite-bearing basic and quartz schists from the higher grade zone in the Saruta-gawa area of the Sanbagawa belt was studied to investigate the relationships between the prograde and retrograde P–T paths of the Sanbagawa metamorphism. This amphibole coexists with chlorite, epidote, muscovite, albite, quartz and hematite, and is composed of Al-rich core and Al-poor mantle. The core is fairly homogeneous and has a barroisitic composition. In the mantle part, ^[B]Na increases with decreasing ^[4]Al towards the margins, which have winchite–magnesioriebeckite compositions. The barroisite–winchite–magnesioriebeckite composite crystal is sometimes rimmed by actinolite and/or winchite with low ^[4]Al and ^[B]Na. The Al-rich core and Al-poor mantle are regarded as prograde and retrograde products, respectively. The retrograde mantle in the Saruta-gawa area: (1) is systematically richer in ^[B]Na [0.40–1.73 per formula unit (pfu; for O=23)] than that from the same grade zone in the Asemi-gawa area (0.19–0.78 pfu), about 8 km south of the studied area; (2) tends to be ^[B]Na-poorer (less than 1.73 pfu) than prograde sodic amphibole (up to 1.93 ^[B]Na pfu) produced in the peak temperature stage from the lower grade zone in the same and other areas; and (3) extends its compositional range towards higher ^[B]Na and lower ^[4]Al than prograde-formed amphibole from the same grade zone in the same area. These zonal characteristics imply that (1) the Saruta-gawa samples experienced retrograde metamorphism under higher P/T conditions than the Asemi-gawa samples, (2) the retrograde P–T path of the Saruta-gawa area passes on the lower pressure side of the metamorphic field gradient, and (3) the Saruta-gawa samples underwent retrograde metamorphism under higher P/T conditions than the prograde metamorphism. The higher P/T conditions of the retrograde metamorphism suggests an increasing dP/dT of the geotherm during exhumation. Retrograde P–T conditions during the formation of magnesioriebeckite can be roughly estimated at 7–8 kbar, 400–450°C based on semi-quantitative phase relations of actinolite–winchite–magnesioriebeckite–barroisite series associated with chlorite, epidote, muscovite, albite, quartz and hematite.     

Two-stage prograde and retrograde Variscan metamorphism of glaucophane-eclogites, blueschists and greenschists from Ile de Groix (Brittany, France)

On Ile de Groix, Variscan metamorphic former tholeiitic and alkaline basalts occur as glaucophane-eclogites, blueschists and greenschists in isolated lenses and layers within metapelites. Whole-rock '¹⁸O_SMOW values of the metabasites show limited variations (10.4-12.0‰) and no systematic differences among rock types and metamorphic grades. This provides no argument for large-scale blueschist-to-greenschist transformation driven by infiltration of externally derived fluids. Metamorphic mineralogical changes should have been triggered by internal fluids. Element variations in interlayered blue- and greenschists can be attributed to magmatic fractionation. Assemblages with garnet, clinopyroxene and glaucophane of a high-pressure/low-temperature (HP-LT) metamorphism M1, and NaCa-amphiboles (barroisite, magnesiohornblende, actinolite) of a medium-pressure/medium-temperature metamorphism M2 crystallized during deformation D1. Detailed core-rim zonation profiles display increasing and then decreasing Al^IV in glaucophane of M1. NaCa-amphiboles of M2, mantling glaucophane and crystallized in porphyroblasts, show first increasing, then decreasing, Al^IV and Al^VI. Empirically calibrated thermobarometers allowed P-T path reconstructions. In glaucophane-eclogites of a metamorphic zone I, a prograde evolution to M1 peak conditions at 400-500°C/10-12 kbar was followed by a retrograde P-T path within the glaucophane stability field. The subsequent M2 evolution was again prograde up to >600°C at 8 kbar and then retrograde. Similarly, in metamorphic zones II and III, prograde and retrograde paths of M1 and M2 at lower maximal temperatures and pressures exist. The almost complete metamorphic cycle during M2 signalizes that the HP-LT rocks escaped from an early erosion by a moderate second burial event and explains the long-lasting slow uplift with low average cooling rates.     

Metamorphism of metapelites: calculations of equilibrium assemblages and numerical simulations of the crystallization of garnet

Abstract This work uses a simplified model of equilibrium to predict the assemblage sequence and compositional zoning in garnet that should result from prograde metamorphism of common bulk compositions of pelitic rocks. An internally-consistent set of model thermodynamic data are derived for natural mineral compositions from natural assemblages. Equilibrium assemblages can be calculated for pelitic compositions with excess quartz and either muscovite or K-feldspar at any pressure and water pressure. The compositions and abundances of phases in equilibrium assemblages can be calculated where the elements Mg, Fe and Mn are exchanged among phases. The prograde metamorphic assemblage sequences and the effects of pressure on assemblages, predicted by the simulation method presented here, are similar enough to natural observations to suggest that the simulations can be used to analyse natural equilibrium and growth processes. The calculated phase diagrams at moderate and high crustal pressures explain the mineral assemblage sequence produced by prograde metamorphism in common pelitic compositions. Garnet appears by continuous reaction of biotite and chlorite as the garnet-biotite-chlorite divariant field migrates toward higher Mg/Fe ratios over the bulk composition. Staurolite appears in common bulk compositions when garnet and chlorite become incompatible. An aluminum silicate phase can appear when staurolite and chlorite react. Staurolite breaks down at an extremum point to produce garnet. Continuous reaction of biotite and sillimanite causes growth of abundant garnet. The reaction sequence involving garnet, staurolite and aluminum silicates is probably different at low pressure, but the main reason that staurolite and garnet are rare is the restricted compositional range over which their assemblages exist. Andalusite appears by the divariant reaction of chlorite and cordierite appears at low temperature in low pressure assemblages for common bulk compositions by the extremumpoint breakdown reaction of chlorite. Compositional zoning of garnet and the systematic variation of biotite composition in metamorphic sequences indicate that garnet is probably fractionated during growth. Fractionation of garnet causes garnet-consuming, univariant reactions to become multivariant. The metastable persistence of garnet should reduce the abundance and stability range of staurolite. Fractionation of even small quantities of garnet should deplete the equilibrating bulk composition of Mn, but have little effect otherwise. The simulations show that the prograde assemblage sequence in pelitic rocks can be complex in detail, with some assemblages lasting over temperature intervals of only a few degrees. The major prograde reactions that release water are the breakdown of chlorite to form garnet at low grade and the breakdown of muscovite at high grade. The volume of water released by formation of garnet at high grade is also important. These reactions have the capacity to buffer water pressure. The density of anhydrous pelitic rock increases markedly when chlorite breaks down and by the continuous reaction forming garnet at high grade. The heat content is controlled principally by heat capacity and continuous reactions. Discontinuous reactions have little thermal buffering capacity. Simulations of garnet fractionation show that commonly-observed garnet zoning profiles can be formed by garnet growth in the assemblage garnet-biotite-chlorite in common bulk compositions. A reversal of Fe-zoning in garnet can occur when garnet resumes growth above staurolite grade in the assemblage garnetbiotite-sillimanite. Discontinuities in zoning profiles can be caused only by disequilibrium. The disequilibrium can be due to either metastable persistence during a hiatus in growth or to growth by irreversible reaction. Because the appearance of garnet is controlled by a continuous rather than a discontinuous reaction, the appearance of garnet is very sensitive to bulk composition. The early development of garnet is also sensitive to the pressure and water pressure of metamorphism. As a consequence the first garnet isograd is of limited thermometric value. Metastable persistence of kyanite and manite at high grades could reduce the abundance of garnet and allow biotite to persist. Metastable persistence would also limit the of cordierite formation.     

Ternary feldspar thermometry in granulites from the Oaxacan Complex,Mexico

Coexisting feldspars from across 2,000 km² of the granulite facies Oaxacan Complex, southern Mexico exhibit variable amounts of solid solution from nearly binary (Ab-An and Ab-Or) to substantially ternary (Ab-An-Or). Reintegrated analyses of 21 coarsely exsolved perthite (AF)-plagioclase (PL) pairs yield AF=Or_30–63 Ab_30–56An_2–15 and PL=Or_1–2Ab_70–84An_11–28. These data have been used to test existing two feldspar geothermometers for this extended composition range.For all compositions, temperature estimates show relatively little spread in value (660° to 795° C, 7 kbar) using the Haselton et al. (1983) calibration (HHHR). These temperatures are in fair agreement with estimates of 750±40° C for feldspar pairs with nearly binary compositions using the Stormer (1975) thermometer (STO). However, STO temperatures increase significantly (to 990° C) with increasing ternary solid solution in AF, suggesting that thermometers derived for binary systems are inaccurate for ternary compositions. Isotherms drawn from HHHR which take into account variable anorthite solution in alkali feldspar show that estimated temperature decreased by 50–100° C for each 5 mole percent anorthite in alkali feldspar.Experimentally determined solvus relations (Seck 1971) require feldspars with significant ternary solid solution to have crystallized or to have equilibrated at higher temperature than feldspars with more binary compositions. However, petrographic and field relations of ternary and binary feldspars in the Oaxacan Complex suggest they were all equilibrated at similar metamorphic pressures and temperatures and do not support a model where ternary feldspars have preserved higher premetamorphic temperatures. The composition of coexisting feldspars from other Precambrian granulite-facies terranes are also inconsistent with Seck's (1971) results. Hence, thermometers which fit Seck's solvus relations may not yield accurate temperatures in high grade metamorphic terranes. Parallel tie-lines for ternary and binary feldspars in the Oaxacan Complex and the consistency of inferred temperatures (HHHR) for many granulite terranes suggest that estimation of temperature using tie-line slopes rather than solvus width may yield more accurate results for these samples.Peak metamorphic conditions in the Oaxacan Complex are inferred to have been 730±50° C, 7±1 kbar. Pressure estimates from four garnet-plagioclase barometers show good agreement. Results of feldspar thermometry are consistent with diopside-forsterite equilibria in marbles which restrict T=720–765° C at P=7 kbar.     

Polymetamorphic history of a relict Permian hornfels from the central Gran Paradiso Massif (Western Alps,Italy): a microstructural and thermodynamic modelling study

A petrological and thermobarometric study of the Lago Teleccio hornfelses was undertaken to reconstruct the polymetamorphic evolution and constrain the P–T conditions of Permian contact metamorphism. The Lago Teleccio metasedimentary rocks record a Variscan regional metamorphism characterized by amphibolite facies mineral assemblages including quartz, plagioclase, K‐feldspar (Kfs 1), biotite, garnet (Grt 1) and staurolite; this was followed by a late‐Variscan mylonitization event. Metamorphism of the Variscan metamorphic rocks at the contact with a Permian granitic intrusion produced static recrystallization and/or new growth of quartz, garnet (Grt 2), plagioclase, K‐feldspar (Kfs 2), cordierite, green spinel, biotite and prismatic sillimanite (Contact 1). This thermal event, which occurred at a peak pressure of 0.23–0.35 GPa, temperature of 670–700 °C and a_H2O of 0.75–1, was followed either during post‐contact metamorphism cooling or, more likely, during the early‐Alpine metamorphism by the breakdown of cordierite into an anhydrous kyanite + orthopyroxene + quartz assemblage. The poorly developed early‐Alpine eclogite facies metamorphism (Alpine 1) was characterized by relatively anhydrous mineral associations and low strain, which locally produced coronitic and pseudomorphous microstructures in metasedimentary rocks, with scanty formation of jadeite, zoisite and a new high‐pressure garnet (Grt 3). Greenschist facies retrogression (Alpine 2) was characterized by the local development of a chlorite‐ and muscovite‐bearing mineral association, suggestive of aqueous fluid incursion. In the hornfelses, the limited extent of metamorphic overprinting is suggested by the fine grain size of the Alpine mineral associations, which formed at the expense of the Permian contact metamorphic associations, and was favoured by the anhydrous mineralogy of the hornfelses.     

Metamorphic Evolution of High‐pressure Politic Granulite from the Ailaoshan Orogenic Belt,Northeastern Margin of Indochina Block,West Yunnan,China

Ailaoshan orogenic belt located at the northeastern margin of the Indochina block, southeastern Tibet, was formed by subduction and collision between the Indochina and South China blocks in Triassic and slip shearing resulted from the extrusion of the Indochina block in Cenozoic. The high‐pressure pelitic granulite is located at the southeastern margin of the Ailaoshan metamorphic belt, occurs as a slice of about 500～700m in thickness, consists of garnet, sillimanite, feldspar, biotite and quartz with accessory of kyanite, sapphirine, spinel, rutile, ilmenite, zircon and apatite. The petrography and mineral chemistry show that the high‐pressure pelitic granulite had suffered three stages of metamorphism: 1) the prograde metamorphism recorded by the mineral assemblage of garnet, kyanite, feldspar, biotite and rutile; 2) the peak metamorphism shown by the mineral assemblage of garnet, sillimanite, sapphirine, ternary feldspar, K‐feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, spinel, quartz, rutile and zircon mantle; 3) the retrograde metamorphism recorded by the mineral assemblage of biotite, muscovite, plagioclase, quartz and zircon rim. Zircon SHRIMP U‐Pb dating indicates that the protolith of the pelite granulite was deposited before 336 Ma, the prograde to peak metamorphism occurred at P‐T conditions of ≥10.4 kbar at 850～919 °C in 235 Ma, and the retrograde metamorphism occurred at the P‐T condition of 3.5～3.9 kbar at 572～576 °C until to 33 Ma. They are consistent with the times of Indochina separated from Gondwanaland during late Paleozoic, the amalgamation of the south China and Indochina blocks during the Triassic, and the sinistral slip‐shearing since the Early Cenozoic respectively. It is inferred that that the sedimentary rock was subducted to the lower continental crust (30 km) and suffered granulite‐facies metamorphism due to the collision during Indosinian, then exhumed quickly to middle‐upper crust (10–12km) and superimposed retrograde metamorphism since the Cenozoic.