An experimental study of Ostwald ripening of olivine and plagioclase in silicate melts: implications for the growth and size of crystals in magmas

We carried out an experimental study to characterize the kinetics of Ostwald ripening in the forsterite-basalt system and in the plagioclase (An₆₅)-andesite system. Eight experiments were done in each system to monitor the evolution of mean grain size and crystal size distribution (CSD) with time t; the experiments were performed in a 1-atmosphere quench furnace, at 1,250°C for plagioclase and 1,300°C for olivine. Very contrasted coarsening kinetics were observed in the two series. In the plagioclase series, the mean grain size increased as log(t), from ≈3 μm to only 8.7 μm in 336 h. The kinetic law in log(t) means that Ostwald ripening was rate-limited by surface nucleation at plagioclase-liquid interfaces. In the olivine series, the mean grain size increased as t ^1/3, from ≈3 μm to 23.2 μm in 496 h. A kinetic law in t ^1/3 is expected when Ostwald ripening is rate-limited either by diffusion in the liquid or by grain growth/dissolution controlled by a screw dislocation mechanism. The shape of olivine CSDs, in particular their positive skewness, indicates that grain coarsening in the olivine experiments was controlled by a screw dislocation mechanism, not by diffusion. As the degrees of undercooling ΔT (or supersaturation) involved in Ostwald ripening are essentially <1°C, the mechanisms of crystal growth identified in our experiments are expected to be those prevailing during the slow crystallisation of large magma chambers. We extrapolated our experimental data to geological time scales to estimate the effect of Ostwald ripening on the size of crystals in magmas. In the case of plagioclase, Ostwald ripening is only efficient for mean grain sizes of a few microns to 20 μm, even for a time scale of 10⁵ years. It can, however, result in a significant decrease of the number of small crystals per unit volume, and contribute to the development of convex upwards CSDs. For olivine, the mean grain size increases from 2–3 μm to ≈70 μm in 1 year and 700 μm in 10³ years; a mean grain size of 3 mm is reached in 10⁵ years. Accordingly, the rate of grain size-dependent processes, such as compaction of olivine-rich cumulates or melt extraction from partially molten peridotites, may significantly be enhanced by textural coarsening.     

Quantitative petrological evidence for the origin of K-feldspar megacrysts in dacites from Taapaca volcano,Chile

K-feldspar megacrysts are common in granitoids, but relatively rare in chemically equivalent volcanic rocks. Dacites from Taapaca volcano have euhedral sanidine megacrysts up to 5 cm long. Small crystals, where present, are rounded. Growth of the megacrysts engulfed plagioclase and amphibole crystals. Crystal size distributions (CSD) of sanidine megacrysts are hump shaped. All these data show that megacrysts developed from the host magma by coarsening: this was enabled by the cycling of magma temperature around the sanidine liquidus temperature in response to injections of more mafic magma and subsequent magmatic overturns. Plagioclase crystals enclosed in the megacrysts are small and have short, steep, straight CSDs, which contrasts with the CSDs of plagioclase in the groundmass which are shallower and extend to larger sizes. This shows that plagioclase was also coarsened approximately synchronously with sanidine, in response to the same temperature conditions.     

Crystal Size Distribution (CSD) and Textural Evolution of Accessory Apatite, Titanite and Allanite during Four Stages of Metamorphism: an Example from the Moine Supergroup, Scotland

Crystal size distributions (CSD) and shapes of accessory apatite,titanite and allanite are investigated in three texturally distinctgarnet zones (Z1–Z3) and in the matrix (Z4) of a garnet–epidote–biotitegneiss from the Moine Supergroup. Additionally, textural relationshipsand interactions between the accessory minerals and surroundingrock-forming minerals are considered, results of numerical CSDmodelling are presented, and geochronological and geologicalconsequences of the inferred CSD evolutions are discussed. Texturesand CSDs indicate that the accessory minerals were in, or near,a stage of nucleation and initial growth immediately prior togarnet Z1 overgrowth, and formed within less than 20 000 years,either by a size-independent or size-dependent growth mechanism.Subsequently, the CSDs were modified by different growth mechanisms,as supported by several parameters including CSDs, grain numbers,grain sizes, specific volumes and others. The apatite CSD evolutionfrom Z1 to Z4 is consistent with open-system LPE (Law of ProportionateEffects) growth accompanied and followed by supply controlledrandom ripening, whereas transformation of the original titaniteCSD is more consistent with Ostwald ripening, temporarily accompaniedby positive or negative McCabe growth. The allanite CSDs alsopoint to Ostwald ripening between Z3 and Z4. The textural observationsindicate that the growth evolution of the accessory phases wasinfluenced by mineral reactions with surrounding rock-formingminerals, as well as by deformation and matrix coarsening, ina manner similar to that found in more simple ceramic systems.The observed textures require a successive temperature risethroughout the tectono-metamorphic evolution of the investigatedrock, in agreement with existing P–T data. Fast nucleationand initial growth of the accessory minerals during Z1 was perhapsinitiated by contact metamorphism, whereas subsequent growthand annealing (Z2–Z4) result from regional metamorphicevents. KEY WORDS: apatite; titanite; allanite; CSD; Moine Supergroup; textures; kinetics     

Experimental quantification of plagioclase crystal size distribution during cooling of a basaltic liquid

An experimental study has been conducted to constrain how thermal history controls crystal size distribution (CSD) of plagioclase in cooling basalts. Data from all experiments are dominated by a log-linear segment of decreasing number density with increasing crystal size, consistent with observations in many natural rocks. The slope of the CSD is found to be a function of cooling rate, faster cooling leading to greater slopes. At constant cooling rate the CSDs flatten as temperature decreases, and are sometimes kinked, characteristics consistent with independent textural observations that crystal agglomeration contributes significantly to crystal “growth”. A downturn is observed toward small size, which suggests Ostwald ripening. Furthermore, we find that thermal history above the liquidus has a major influence on CSDs and on the temperatures of phase appearance. We conclude that near the liquidus heterogeneous nucleation typically dominates. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Ostwald ripening as a possible mechanism for zircon overgrowth formation during anatexis: theoretical constraints,a numerical model,and its application to pelitic migmatites of the Tickalara Metamorphics,northwestern Australia

A fundamental dichotomy exists between the low solubility of zircon in peraluminous melt predicted by experimental and geochemical studies and the large volume proportions of zircon overgrowths formed during high-temperature metamorphism and anatexis that are revealed by cathodoluminescence imaging. We investigate the potential of Ostwald ripening as a possible mechanism for overgrowth formation by presenting a numerical solution to the continuity equation governing open system, diffusion rate-limited Ostwald ripening in a zircon-saturated melt. Application of the model to a typical (log-normal) initial zircon crystal size distribution (CSD) suggests that despite uncertainties associated with the interfacial free energy of zircon, significant grain coarsening is possible via this mechanism under geological conditions and time scales relevant to high-grade metamorphism. Primary influences on the rate at which Ostwald ripening proceeds are (i) the temperature of the system, (ii) the duration of the time interval for which the system is above its solidus, and (iii) the nature of the initial (premelting) zircon CSD.To test the viability of the model, we examine zircon CSDs from three high-grade pelitic migmatites of the Tickalara Metamorphics (northwestern Australia), assuming that zircon crystals hosted by melanosome biotite were permanently occluded from the melt (and therefore approximate the premelting CSD). The model predicts that within 1 to 2 Ma, these biotite-hosted zircon CSDs will evolve into the observed leucosome-hosted zircon CSDs via melt-present Ostwald ripening, under geological conditions applicable to peak metamorphism.Although we have not conclusively demonstrated that Ostwald ripening contributed to changes in zircon CSDs during anatexis of the Tickalara metapelites, our results suggest that Ostwald ripening is a viable mechanism for zircon volume transfer in a zircon-saturated melt and capable of playing a significant role in overgrowth formation in rocks where the total volume of zircon overgrowths substantially exceeds the concentration of zircon dissolvable in the coexisting melt.     

Textural history of recent basaltic-andesites and plutonic inclusions from Merapi volcano

Mt. Merapi in Central Java is one of the most active stratovolcanoes on Earth and is underlain by a multistage plumbing system. Crystal size distribution analyses (CSD) were carried out on recent Merapi basaltic-andesites and co-eruptive magmatic and plutonic inclusions to characterise the crystallisation processes that operate during storage and ascent and to obtain information on respective time scales. The basaltic-andesites exhibit log-linear, kinked-upwards CSD curves for plagioclase and clinopyroxene that can be separated into two main textural populations. Large plagioclase phenocrysts (≥1.6 mm) make up one population, but correspond to crystals with variable geochemical composition and reflect a period of crystal growth at deep to mid-crustal levels. This population was subsequently influenced by crystal accumulation and the onset of crustal assimilation, including the incorporation of high-Ca skarn-derived xenocrysts. Textural re-equilibration is required for these crystals to form a single population in CSD. A second episode of crystal growth at shallower levels is represented by chemically homogenous plagioclase crystals <1.6 mm in size. Crustal assimilation is indicated by, for example, oxygen isotopes and based on the CSD data, crystallisation combined with contamination is likely semi-continuous in these upper crustal storage chambers. The CSD data observed in the basaltic-andesite samples are remarkably consistent and require a large-volume steady state magmatic system beneath Merapi in which late textural equilibration plays a significant role. Plagioclase CSDs of co-eruptive magmatic and plutonic inclusions may contain a third crystal population (<1 mm) not found in the lavas. This third population has probably formed from enhanced degassing of portions of basaltic-andesite magma at shallow crustal levels which resulted in increased crystallinity and basaltic-andesite mush inclusions. A suite of coarse plutonic inclusions is also present that reflects crystallisation and accumulation of crystals in the deep Merapi plumbing system, as deduced from CSD patterns and mineral assemblages.     

Ostwald ripening of garnet in high P/T metamorphic rocks

This paper presents a theoretical formulation of Ostwald ripening of garnet and discusses the importance of the process during high pressure and low temperature (high P/T) metamorphism. The growth rate of garnet due to Ostwald ripening is formulated for the system consisting of minerals and an intergranular medium. Crystal size distribution (CSD) of garnets are examined and compared with the theoretical distribution for Ostwald ripening. Two types of CSDs are recognized. One is consistent with the theoretical prediction of size distribution while the other is wider than the theoretical distribution. The former CSD applies to samples in which garnets show homogeneous spatial distributions. The latter CSD applies to samples in which garnets show heterogeneous spatial distributions such as in clusters or layers. These relations suggest that the heterogeneity of spatial distributions results in a heterogeneity of concentration of garnet, causing the wide distributions. The mean diameter (dg) has a large variation in samples having narrow distributions. Ostwald ripening explains well the similar patterns of CSD in these samples with different dg because of a scaling law. Compositional profiles of garnets with different size are consistent with Ostwald ripening rather than nucleation and growth kinetics. This suggests that the CSDs result from Ostwald ripening. Magnitude of heating rate will determine which mechanism controls CSD. Nucleation and growth kinetics are dominant when heating rate is large. On the other hand, Ostwald ripening is dominant when heating rate is small. CSDs of garnets in high P/T metamorphic rocks are consistent with the latter case.     

Crystal Size Distributions (CSD) in Three Dimensions: Insights from the 3D Reconstruction of a Highly Porphyritic Rhyolite

Growth histories and residence times of crystals in magmaticsystems can be revealed by studying crystal sizes, size distributionsand shapes. In this contribution, serial sectioning has beenemployed on a sample of porphyritic rhyolite from a Permo-Carboniferouslaccolith from the Halle Volcanic Complex, Germany, to reconstructthe distribution of felsic phenocrysts in three dimensions inorder to determine their true shapes, sizes and three-dimensionalsize distributions. A model of all three phenocryst phases (quartz,plagioclase, K-feldspar) with 217 crystals, and a larger modelcontaining 1599 K-feldspar crystals was reconstructed in threedimensions. The first model revealed a non-touching frameworkof crystals in three dimensions, suggesting that individualcrystals grew freely in the melt prior to quenching of the texture.However, crystal shapes are complex and show large variationon a Zingg diagram (intermediate over long axis plotted againstshort over intermediate axis). They often do not resemble thecrystallographic shapes expected for phenocrysts growing unhinderedfrom a melt, indicating complex growth histories. In contrast,the three-dimensional size distribution is a simple straightline with a negative slope. Stereologically corrected size distributionsfrom individual sections compare well with stereologically correctedsize distributions obtained previously from the same sample.However, crystal size distribution (CSD) data from individualsections scatter considerably. It is shown that CSDs can berobustly reproduced with a sampling size of greater than 200crystals. The kind of shape assumed in stereological correctionof CSDs, however, has a large influence on the calculation andestimation of crystal residence times. KEY WORDS: 3D reconstruction; crystal shapes; CSD; porphyritic rhyolite; quantitative petrography     

Using LA-ICPMS Mapping and Sector Zonation to Understand Growth and Trace-Element Partitioning in Sector-Zoned Clinopyroxene Oikocrysts from the Norra Ulvo Gabbro, Sweden

Petrographic analysis and geochemical mapping are used to characterizesector-zoned clinopyroxene oikocrysts from the Norra UlvöGabbro, Sweden. The sector zones are distinguished opticallyand by differences in TiO₂ , Al₂O₃ , and incompatible traceelements. The oikocrysts grew with a branching morphology asevidenced by numerous triple points in a single oikocryst. Oikocrystsgrew from the center of domains outward and the growth withinindividual domains did not completely fill the space until theoikocryst had reached its full size. In some domains sectorzones are overgrown by growth zones that lack sectors. The lastcrystallization infilled channels that allowed late-stage liquidsto move through the oikocryst at the contacts with chadacrysts.Calculation of partitioning behavior of trace elements betweenadjacent sectors shows it to be regular and consistent withexperimental results. The data show that the CaTiAl₂O₆ componentgreatly enhances the solubility of most incompatible elementsin clinopyroxene. KEY WORDS: cumulate; layered intrusion; oikocryst; sector-zoned; trace elements     

Understanding mafic-felsic magma interactions in a subvolcanic magma chamber using rapakivi feldspar: A case study from the Bathani volcano-sedimentary sequence,eastern India

The Ghansura Rhyolite Dome of the Bathani volcano-sedimentary sequence in eastern India originated from a subvolcanic felsic magma chamber that was intruded by volatile-rich basaltic magma during its evolution leading to the formation of a porphyritic andesite. The porphyritic andesite consists of rapakivi feldspars, which are characterized by phenocrysts of alkali feldspar mantled by plagioclase rims. Results presented in this work suggest that intimate mixing of the mafic and felsic magmas produced a homogeneous hybrid magma of intermediate composition. The mixing of the hot volatile-rich mafic magma with the relatively colder felsic magma halted undercooling in the subvolcanic felsic system and produced a hybrid magma rich in volatiles. Under such conditions, selective crystals in the hybrid magma underwent textural coarsening or Ostwald ripening. Rapid crystallization of anhydrous phases, like feldspars, increased the melt water content in the hybrid magma. Eventually, volatile saturation in the hybrid magma was reached that led to the sudden release of volatiles. The sudden release of volatiles or devolatilization event led to resorption of alkali feldspar phenocrysts and stabilizing plagioclase, some of which precipitated around the resorbed phenocrysts to produce rapakivi feldspars.     

Crystallization Conditions and Mineral Chemistry in the East of Tafresh,Central Iran,with Insights into Magmatic Processes

The Tafresh granitoids are located at the central part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc(UDMA) in Iran. These rocks, mainly consisting of diorite and granodiorite, were emplaced during the Early Miocene. They are composed of varying proportions of plagioclase + K-feldspar + hornblende ± quartz ± biotite. Discrimination diagrams and chemical indices of amphibole phases reveal a calc-alkaline affinity and fall clearly in the crust-mantle mixed source field. The estimated pressure, derived from Al in amphibole barometry, is approximately 3 Kb. The granitoids are I-type, metaluminous and belong to the calc-alkaline series. They are all enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, depleted in high field strength elements and display geochemical features typical of subduction-related calc-alkaline arc magmas. Most crystal size distribution(CSD) line patterns from the granitoids show a non-straight trend which points to the effect of physical processes during petrogenesis.The presence of numerous mafic enclaves, sieve texture and oscillatory zoning along with the CSD results show that magma mixing in the magma chamber had an important role in the petrogenesis of Tafresh granitoids. Moreover, the CSD analysis suggests that the plagioclase crystals were crystallized in a time span of less than 1000 years, which is indicative of shallow depth magma crystallization.     

Crystal Clusters, Feldspar Glomerocrysts, and Magma Envelopes in the Atascosa Lookout Lava Flow, Southern Arizona, USA: Recorders of Magmatic Events

The Atascosa Lookout trachyandesite lava flow is the youngestand most compositionally primitive unit in the middle TertiaryAtascosa–Tumacacori–Cerro Colorado volcanic complex(ATCC). The flow hosts a variety of objects of contrasting origin,including (1) clusters of plagioclase ± chromian diopside,magnesian augite, quartz, hornblende, and orthopyroxene; (2)amoeboid-shaped quartz-bearing enclaves; (3) plagioclase crystalswith a concentric interior zone of small melt inclusions (dustyplagioclase); (4) plagioclase crystals with cores filled withlarge melt inclusions (honeycomb plagioclase); (5) plagioclaseglomerocrysts. The groundmass of the trachyandesitic flow istrachydacite. Some crystal clusters, enclaves, and plagioclaseglomerocrysts are surrounded by diffuse envelopes of trachydacitehigher in K and Mg and lower in Si than the trachydacitic groundmassof the flow. This envelope material is interpreted as foreignmagma that engulfed these objects as it invaded their host magma.Both the crystal clusters and plagioclase glomerocrysts maybe the remains of cumulate crystal layers, disrupted by influxesof magma into their reservoirs. Crystals in the lava flow originatedin at least three distinct magmas and their hybrids. The groundmassof the lava flow preserves evidence for repeated infusion ofenvelope magma into the system. These influxes fueled the invasionof crystal clusters, plagioclase glomerocrysts, enclaves, andswirls of the envelope magma into the groundmass of the AtascosaLookout lava flow. Despite the compositional and textural varietyapparent in the lava flow, the magmas involved in its developmentmay have been genetically closely related. The collection offeatures in the lava flow resulted from the development of compositionallayers in the magma, accumulation of crystal-rich horizons,disturbance of the system by repeated magma influx, and minorcrustal assimilation. KEY WORDS: crystal clusters; enclaves; glomerocrysts; trachyandesite     

Evolution of the Magma Chamber beneath Usu Volcano since 1663: a Natural Laboratory for Observing Changing Phenocryst Compositions and Textures

We have investigated the evolution of an active silicic magma-feedingsystem beneath Usu volcano, Japan, where eight eruptions havebeen recorded since AD 1663. All magmatic products contain similartypes of plagioclase and orthopyroxene phenocrysts that consistof homogeneous cores with uniform compositions, and a zonedmantle that increases in size with time. The compositions ofplagioclase and orthopyroxene phenocrysts vary gradually andregularly with time, as do the bulk-rock compositions. The textureof these phenocrysts also changes systematically, caused byprogressive crystal growth, dissolution and diffusion. On thebasis of these observations, we conclude that the same magma-feedingsystem has persisted at Usu volcano since AD 1663. Compositionalvariation of magnetite phenocrysts differs from that of plagioclaseand orthopyroxene, because magnetite has large diffusion coefficientsand should represent magmatic conditions immediately beforethe eruption. Most pumices from Usu volcano contain two typesof magnetite phenocryst, each with a different composition andcrystallization temperature, indicating that two magmas mixedbefore each eruption (approximately several days before). Theend-members changed with time: rhyolite + basaltic andesite(1663); dacite ± rhyolite (1769, 1822, 1853); dacite± dacite (1977, 2000). The temperature of the magma apparentlyincreases with time, and the increase can be explained by sequentialtapping from a magma chamber with a thermal and chemical gradientin addition to injection of high-temperature magma. KEY WORDS: continuous existence of magma chamber; dacite; dissolution and diffusion of phenocrysts; magma mixing; magnetite     

准噶尔盆地老山沟火山岩晶体粒度分布及其结晶动力学意义

摘　 要　 阐述了火山岩晶体粒度分布的基本原理和研究方法‚分析了老山沟火山岩斜长石、 辉石、橄榄石、铁钛氧化物的晶体粒度分布。前3种矿物在中间粒度处发生了有意义的弯折‚ 原因是岩浆上升时过冷度增大。估算了岩浆房中斜长石、橄榄石的成核速率、结晶时间及上 升过程中处于结晶带的时间。研究表明‚在岩浆的演化过程中‚晶体的分离和累积作用及岩 浆的混合和对围岩的同化作用可以忽略。     

Mechanism of Crystal Redistribution in a Sheet-like Magma Body: Constraints from the Nosappumisaki and Other Shoshonite Intrusions in the Nemuro Peninsula, Northern Japan

Processes of crystal separation in a magma heavily laden withcrystals without phase change are investigated from observationson frozen magma systems: Nosappumisaki and other shoshoniteintrusions in the Nemuro peninsula, Japan, for which the originof the crystals and the initial conditions are well constrained.The Nosappumisaki intrusion is 120 m in thickness and extendsfor more than 1·5 km. It exhibits a wide range of lithologicalvariation, principally as a result of crystal redistributionafter intrusion. Crystals in each lithology can be clearly dividedinto two kinds according to their composition and texture: thosepresent before the intrusion of the magma (‘phenocrysts’)and those that crystallized in situ after intrusion. From thevertical change in mode and size of ‘phenocrysts’,it is shown that (1) augite ‘phenocrysts’ were rapidlydeposited, with little overgrowth after intrusion, by significantcoagulation or clustering on a time-scale of more than a fewyears, and (2) plagioclase ‘phenocrysts’, definitelydenser than the melt but concentrated in the upper level, floatedby counter flow of massive deposition of augite ‘phenocrysts’.These results indicate that in a magma heavily laden with crystalsof a few millimeters in size (>20 vol. %), crystal–crystaland crystal–melt interaction play an important role inthe separation of crystals from the host melt. KEY WORDS: magma chamber; sill; crystal settling; plagioclase flotation; Nosappumisaki     

Crystal Size Distributions Derived from 3D Datasets: Sample Size Versus Uncertainties

Crystal size distributions (CSD) are the most commonly studiedcharacter in quantitative textural investigations of igneousrocks. The quality of CSD depends fundamentally on the samplesize (i.e. total number of crystals). Here we use 3D X-ray tomographicdatasets of two early erupted Bishop Tuff pumice clasts (comprising849 and 446 quartz crystals) to investigate the effect of samplesize on the quality of the quartz size distributions. BecauseCSD are obtained using a counting procedure, uncertainties relatedto counting statistics can be used as minimum estimates of error.Given that most natural samples are characterized by a decreasingnumber of crystals with increasing crystal size, uncertaintiestend to increase markedly with crystal size, and the numberof small crystals to be counted grows very quickly with increasingsample size. Accordingly, with as few as 100 crystals in total,it is possible to properly estimate the population densitiesfor small size bins (20–80 µm). However, to obtainmeaningful estimates across four bin sizes (20–320 µm),at least 250 crystals, but preferably >400 crystals are needed.To minimize the total number of crystals counted, and keep theuncertainties on the larger size ranges within reasonable values,it becomes necessary to study multiple volumes at variable spatialresolution. KEY WORDS: crystal size distributions; quantitative petrography; texture; X-ray tomography     

Pyroxene oikocrysts in troctolitic cumulates — evidence for supercooled crystallisation and postcumulus modification

Studies of pyroxene oikocrysts in plagioclase-olivine cumulates crystallised from high alumina olivine tholeiite magmas in layered intrusions inferred to represent periodically replenished magma chambers show that small plagioclases enclosed within the oikocrysts differ significantly from plagioclases in the host rock. Plagioclases within oikocrysts are very elongate with a high surface area, show extensive mutual attachment at high angles resembling skeletal growth, and tend to be randomly orientated. Some are rounded and embayed, are reversely zoned and more sodic by An 5–10 than some of the plagioclase in the host rock. Plagioclase crystal centres tend to be closer spaced in the oikocrysts than in the host rock. In contrast, plagioclases in the host rock are discrete, coarser grained, less elongate, strongly aligned, and locally polygonised.Plagioclases in the oikocrysts are inferred to be self-nucleated clusters resulting from supercooled crystallisation at up to 25–40° C below equilibrium crystallisation temperatures. The oikocrysts crystallised early and are cumulus, and at least some crystallised in place. They are significant because they probably preserved the early condition of the crystal mush. Comparison of plagioclases within the oikocrysts and in the host rocks allows the textural evolution during solidification to be inferred. Features of supercooled plagioclases in the oikocrysts are generally absent beyond the oikocrysts because they were largely overprinted by postcumulus processes involving grainsize coarsening due to selective resorption, and the development of lamination. Supercooling may thus have been more common than is recognised but the inherent disequilibrium of supercooled products made them susceptible to postcumulus overprint except where preserved in early oikocrysts. Thus, much of the cumulus-looking plagioclase in cumulates may not be truly cumulus, but really the result of substantial postcumulus overprint or magmatic diagenesis.     

Orthopyroxene oikocrysts in the MG1 chromitite layer of the Bushveld Complex: implications for cumulate formation and recrystallisation

Two typical mineral textures of the MG 1 chromitite of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, were observed; one characterised by abundant orthopyroxene oikocrysts, and the other by coarse-grained granular chromitite with only minor amounts of interstitial material. Oikocrysts form elongate clusters of several crystals aligned parallel to the layering, and typically have subhedral, almost chromite-free, core zones containing remnants of olivine. The core zones are surrounded by poikilitic aureoles overgrowing euhedral to subhedral chromite chadacrysts. Chromite grains show no preferred crystal orientation, whereas orthopyroxene grains forming clusters commonly share the same crystallographic orientation. Oikocryst core zones have lower Mg# and higher concentrations of incompatible trace elements compared to their poikilitic aureoles. Core zones are relatively enriched in REE compared to a postulated parental magma (B1) and did not crystallise in equilibrium with the surrounding minerals, whereas the composition of the poikilitic orthopyroxene is consistent with growth from the B1 magma. These observations cannot be explained by the classic cumulus and post-cumulus models of oikocryst formation. Instead, we suggest that the oikocryst core zones in the MG1 chromitite layer formed by peritectic replacement of olivine primocrysts by reaction with an upwards-percolating melt enriched in incompatible trace elements. Poikilitic overgrowth on oikocryst core zones occurred in equilibrium with a basaltic melt of B1 composition near the magma-crystal mush interface. Finally, adcumulus crystallisation followed by grain growth resulted in the surrounding granular chromitite.     

运用定量化结构分析方法揭示蚀变花岗斑岩的形成过程——以新疆莫阿特茂金岩体为例

地球化学分析方法已广泛运用于火成岩成因的研究中,但对于一些蚀变较严重的岩石,有时仅通过地球化学分析难以还原岩浆固结的过程。火成岩定量化结构分析方法是通过对岩石中矿物的定量分析(诸如晶体粒度分布分析,晶体空间分布分析,以及晶体定向程度分析等),从而反演岩浆固结过程中发生的动力学过程。这种方法很好地避免了蚀变作用对还原岩体形成过程所产生的诸多影响。本文运用火成岩定量化结构分析方法,对新疆莫阿特茂金花岗斑岩体钻孔中10个样品的钾长石斑晶和石英斑晶分别进行分析。尽管这些样品普遍发生了碳酸盐化蚀变作用,定性观察中结构特征也比较均一,但是钾长石和石英斑晶的定量化结构数据及其在钻孔深度(约170 m)范围内的变化趋势显示,茂金花岗斑岩体可能至少由4次脉冲岩浆叠加形成,每股岩浆中心的CSD曲线小晶体缺乏,发生了粗化现象。由于脉冲式岩浆多次注入,导致的温度振荡加剧了矿物粗化。脉冲岩浆中心处斑晶体积含量的增加,可能与岩浆流动过程中对大晶体的影响有关,80 m深度以下脉冲岩浆接触带的斑晶体积含量明显增加,是由于机械压缩导致的。     

Experimental Constraints on the Conditions of Formation of Highly Calcic Plagioclase Microlites at the Soufrire Hills Volcano, Montserrat

High-pressure and -temperature experiments on a bulk-rock compositionrepresentative of the groundmass of the Soufrière HillsVolcano andesite have allowed the phase equilibria of the systemto be determined; these are then compared with the natural samples.Experimental conditions varied from 825 to 1100°C and from5 to 225 MPa; the main phases observed were clinopyroxene, crystallinesilica, amphibole and plagioclase. A relationship between plagioclasemicrolite size and anorthite content is identified in samplesof the natural andesite. Large crystals (>60 µm² inarea) have cores of An_60–75, whereas small crystals (<60µm² in area) have cores of An_40–60. Experimentalresults show that if the magma is heated to >950°C thehigh-anorthite microlite crystals can form at magma chamberpressures without any need for a change in bulk composition.It is proposed that convective self-mixing occurs within themagma chamber. Geothermometry of coexisting plagioclase–amphibolepairs confirms the complex crystallization history of the naturalsamples. Analysis of natural glass samples has identified compositionalvariations that can be related to the crystallinity of the sampleand also the groundmass plagioclase composition. Rapidly eruptedpumice samples have high glass contents, lower SiO₂ glass compositionsand plagioclase microlites that are large in size (>60 µm²)and have a high anorthite content (>An₆₀). Slowly erupteddome samples are highly crystalline and contain numerous plagioclasemicrolites of variable size and composition. KEY WORDS: glass evolution; experiment; Montserrat; plagioclase; self-mixing