Trace element and isotopic (Sr, Nd, Pb, O) arguments for a mid-crustal origin of Pan-African garnet-bearing S-type granites from the Damara orogen (Namibia)

Geochronological data, major and trace element abundances, Nd and Sr isotope ratios, δ¹⁸O whole rock values and Pb isotope ratios from leached feldspars are presented for garnet-bearing granites (locality at Oetmoed and outcrop 10 km north of Omaruru) from the Damara Belt (Namibia). For the granites from outcrop 10 km N′ Omaruru, reversely discordant U–Pb monazite data give ²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U ages of 511±2 Ma and 517±2 Ma, similar to previously published estimates for the time of regional high grade metamorphism in the Central Zone. Based on textural and compositional variations, garnets from these granites are inferred to be refractory residues from partial melting in the deep crust. Because P–T estimates from these xenocrystic garnets are significantly higher (800°C/9–10 kbar) than regional estimates (700°C/5 kbar), the monazite ages are interpreted to date the peak of regional metamorphism in the source of the granites. Sm–Nd garnet–whole rock ages are between 500 and 490 Ma indicating the age of extraction of the granites from their deep crustal sources. For the granites from Oetmoed, both Sm–Nd and Pb–Pb ages obtained on igneous garnets range from 500 to 490 Ma. These ages are interpreted as emplacement ages and are significantly younger than the previously proposed age of 520 Ma for these granites based on Rb/Sr whole rock age determinations. Major and trace element compositions indicate that the granites are moderately to strongly peraluminous S-type granites. High initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (>0.716), high δ¹⁸O values of >13.8‰, negative initial _Nd values between −4 and −7 and evolved Pb isotope ratios indicate formation of the granites by anatexis of mid-crustal rocks similar to the exposed metapelites into which they intruded. The large range of Pb isotope ratios and the lack of correlation between Pb isotope ratios and Nd and Sr isotope ratios indicate heterogeneity of the involved crustal rocks. Evidence for the involvement of isotopically highly evolved lower crust is scarce and the influence of a depleted mantle component is unlikely. The crustal heating events that produced these granites might have been caused by crustal thickening and thrusting of crustal sheets enriched in heat-producing elements. Very limited fluxing of volatiles from underthrust low- to medium-grade metasedimentary rocks may have also been a factor in promoting partial melting. Furthermore, delamination of the lithospheric mantle and uprise of hot mantle could have caused localized high-T regions. The presence of coeval A-type granites at Oetmoed that have been derived at least in part from a mantle source supports this model.     

Sources of granite magmatism in the Embu Terrane (Ribeira Belt,Brazil): Neoproterozoic crust recycling constrained by elemental and isotope (Sr-Nd-Pb) geochemistry

Whole rock elemental and Sr–Nd isotope geochemistry and in situ K-feldspar Pb isotope geochemistry were used to identify the sources involved in the genesis of Neoproterozoic granites from the Embu Terrane, Ribeira Belt, SE Brazil. Granite magmatism spanned over 200 Ma (810–580 Ma), and is dominated by crust-derived relatively low-T (850–750 °C, zircon saturation) biotite granites to biotite-muscovite granites. Two Cryogenian plutons show the least negative εNd_t (−8 to −10) and highest mg# (30–40) of the whole set. Their compositions are strongly contrasted, implying distinct sources for the peraluminous (ASI ∼ 1.2) ∼660 Ma Serra do Quebra-Cangalha batholith (metasedimentary rocks from relatively young upper crust with high Rb/Sr and low Th/U) and the metaluminous (ASI = 0.96–1.00) ∼ 630 Ma Santa Catarina Granite. Although not typical, the geochemical signature of these granites may reflect a continental margin arc environment, and they could be products of a prolonged period of oceanic plate consumption started at ∼810 Ma. The predominant Ediacaran (595–580 Ma) plutons have a spread of compositions from biotite granites with SiO₂ as low as ∼65% (e.g., Itapeti, Mauá, Sabaúna and Lagoinha granites) to fractionated muscovite granites (Mogi das Cruzes, Santa Branca and Guacuri granites; up to ∼75% SiO₂). εNd_T are characteristically negative (−12 to −18), with corresponding Nd T_DM indicating sources with Paleoproterozoic mean crustal ages (2.0–2.5 Ga). The Guacuri and Santa Branca muscovite granites have the more negative εNd_t, highest ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_t (0.714–0.717) and lowest ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb, consistent with an old metasedimentary source with low time-integrated Rb/Sr. However, a positive Nd–Sr isotope correlation is suggested by data from the other granites, and would be consistent with mixing between an older source predominant in the Mauá granite and a younger, high Rb/Sr source that is more abundant in the Lagoinha granite sample. The Ediacaran granites are coeval with profuse granite magmatism attributed to continental arc magmatism in northern Ribeira and Araçuaí belts. However, their evolved compositions with low mg# and dominantly peraluminous character are unlike those of magmatic arc granites, and they are more likely products of post-collisional magmatism or correspond to an inner belt of crust-derived granites.     

Zircon U–Pb ages, Hf and O isotopes constrain the crustal architecture of the ultrahigh-pressure Dabie orogen in China

The crustal structure of the Dabie orogen was reconstructed by a combined study of U–Pb ages, Hf and O isotope compositions of zircons from granitic gneiss from North Dabie, the largest lithotectonic unit in the orogen. The results were deciphered from metamorphic history to protolith origin with respect to continental subduction and exhumation. Zircon U–Pb dating provides consistent ages of 751 ± 7 Ma for protolith crystallization, and two group ages of 213 ± 4 to 245 ± 17 Ma and 126 ± 4 to 131 ± 36 Ma for regional metamorphism. Majority of zircon Hf isotope analyses displays negative ε_Hf(t) values of − 5.1 to − 2.9 with crust Hf model ages of 1.84 to 1.99 Ga, indicating protolith origin from reworking of middle Paleoproterozoic crust. The remaining analyses exhibit positive ε_Hf(t) values of 5.3 to 14.5 with mantle Hf model ages of 0.74 to 1.11 Ga, suggesting prompt reworking of Late Mesoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic juvenile crust. Zircon O isotope analyses yield δ¹⁸O values of − 3.26 to 2.79‰, indicating differential involvement of meteoric water in protolith magma by remelting of hydrothermally altered low δ¹⁸O rocks. North Dabie shares the same age of Neoproterozoic low δ¹⁸O protolith with Central Dabie experiencing the Triassic UHP metamorphism, but it was significantly reworked at Early Cretaceous in association with contemporaneous magma emplacement. The Rodinia breakup at about 750 Ma would lead to not only the reworking of juvenile crust in an active rift zone for bimodal protolith of Central Dabie, but also reworking of ancient crust in an arc-continent collision zone for the North Dabie protolith. The spatial difference in the metamorphic age (Triassic vs. Cretaceous) between the northern and southern parts of North Dabie suggests intra-crustal detachment during the continental subduction. Furthermore, the Dabie orogen would have a three-layer structure prior to the Early Cretaceous magmatism: Central Dabie in the upper, North Dabie in the middle, and the source region of Cretaceous magmas in the lower.     

Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of Neoproterozoic, highly fractionated A-type granites from Mianning, South China

The origin of Neoproterozoic intrusions (ca. 860–750 Ma) along the western part of the Yangtze Craton has been the subject of debate in recent years, with two competing models proposed. The plume model argues for an extensional setting and emphasizes the role of a superplume in the Rodinia breakup, whereas the arc model argues for the presence of a subduction zone in the Yangtze Craton. As a contribution to this animated dispute, geochronologic and geochemical analyses have been carried out on the Mianning granite, which is the largest pluton (700 km²) in the northern Kangdian rift of the western Yangtze Craton. It is shown that the Mianning granites were emplaced at ca. 780 Ma and display highly fractionated feature (i.e., SiO₂ > 75 wt%; Eu/Eu* = 0.03–0.50; enrichment of K, Rb, Th, U, Zr, Hf, Y and REEs; depletion of Nb, Ta, Ba, Sr, P, Eu and Ti). They are metaluminous to strongly peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.93–1.55) and contain abundant perthite and minor alkali riebeckite and sphene, sharing the petrological and geochemical characters of A₂-type granites. Positive _Nd (t) (2.97–5.24) and zircon _Hf (t) (9.2–12.1) values are consistent with a derivation by partial melting of a relatively young crust formed about 1000–900 Ma. Given the general absence of A-type granites in arc settings, the Mianning A-type granites are suggestive of an anorogenic, crustal extensional environment for the western Yangtze Craton during the Neoproterozoic. The data presented in this study are therefore consistent with an intracontinental rift model, but are not sufficient to identify plume involvement in the Neoproterozoic magmatism.     

Late Paleozoic underplating in North Xinjiang: Evidence from shoshonites and adakites

Shoshonitic series volcanic rocks (SSVR) and adakites are widely distributed in the Permian terrestrial volcanic strata of the Yishijilike–Awulale range of west Tianshan, north Xinjiang, China. Isotopic dating yields Permian ages of 280–250 Ma. The SSVR include absarokite, shoshonite and banakite which are characterized by enrichment of alkalis, particularly in K, combined with lower Ti, higher Al (A/NKC = 0.70–0.99, metaluminous) and Fe₂O₃ > FeO. The SSVR that are rich in LILE with high REE contents and Eu/Eu range from 0.59 to 1.30. They are rich in LREE ((La/Yb)_N 2.15–11.97) and depleted in Nb, Ta and Ti (TNT negative anomalies). The adakites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/NKC = 0.85-1.16) and belong to the high-SiO₂ type of adakite (HSA, SiO₂ = 62%–71%). They are characterized by lower ΣREE with strong LREE enrichment ((La/Yb)_N 13–35). Pronounced positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu = 1.02–1.27), very low Yb contents and distinct TNT-negative anomalies are evident. The SSVR have ε_Nd(t) (+ 1.28 to + 4.92) and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0.7041–0.7057) that are similar to adakites in the regions which are characterized by ε_Nd(t) = 0.95 to + 5.69 and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7050–0.7053. Trace element, REE and Sr/Nd isotopic compositions suggest that both SSVR and adakites possess similar source regions associated with underplated mantle-derived basaltic materials. Lithosphere extension driven by magmatic underplating was responsible for the generation of both the SSVR and adakites. This magmatism serves as a petrological indicator of underplating during the Permian. Obviously thickened crust (62–52 km), a complex Moho discontinuity, high heat flow (~ 100 mw·m^− 2), widespread contemporary alkali-rich granites, basic dike swarms (K–Ar ages of 187–271 Ma, Ar–Ar ages of 174–270 Ma and Rb–Sr ages of 255 ± 28 Ma; ε_Nd(t) + 1.84 to + 10.1; (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i 0.7035 and 0.7065), and basic granulites (SHRIMP U–Pb age of 268–279 ± 5.6 Ma) provide additional evidences for the underplating event in this area during Permian.     

Post-Brasiliano (Pan-African) high-K granitic magmatism in Central Brazil: the role of late Precambrian-early Palaeozoic extension

In western Goiás, Brazil, the emplacement of large, high-K postorogenic granites and associated small gabbro-dioritic intrusions, followed immediately after the last deformational events of the Brasiliano-Pan-African orogeny at 600 Ma. Well-fitted whole-rock Rb---Sr isochrons indicate ages which suggest two discrete intrusive events: the older between 588 and 560 Ma and the younger between 508 and 485 Ma. The older granites display general petrographic and geochemical characteristics of highly differentiated calc-alkaline I-type granitoids, whereas the younger intrusions are more alkaline, similar to A-type granites.Initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios vary from 0.703 to 0.710 and initial Nd isotope ratios yield ε_Nd(T) values in the range between −4.0 and +3.0. There are no major differences in initial isotopic compositions between the two granite groups, suggesting that the parental magmas for both groups of rocks mostly originated by refusion of crustal sources isotopically similar to the 940-640 Ma basement arc-type metatonalites-metagranodiorites and associated arc metavolcanics.The major and trace element compositional differences between the two granite groups is explained in terms of modifications in the melting conditions within the crust, with younger melts being produced by the refusion of anhydrous, depleted crustal sources left after the extraction of previous batches of more hydrated calc-alkaline magmas. The heat input required to promote extensive remelting of the continental crust was, most likely, provided by mantle-derived mafic magmas that invaded and probably underplated the crust, during uplift and extension.The two intrusive events are bimodal in nature and are interpreted as shallow-level extension-related events associated with regional uplift and denudation occurring just after two orogenic pulses at the end of the Proterozoic and early Palaeozoic, the older at 600 Ma and the younger between 550 and 510 Ma. The onset of the granite magmatism at 590 Ma, shortly post-dating the Brasiliano orogeny (600 Ma), is broadly coeval with the initial stages of sedimentation of the terrigenous and carbonatic rocks of the ensialic Paraguay Belt in Brazil and its correlative in Bolivia, the Tucavaca Belt, which probably correspond to rift deposits related to the break up of Laurentia from Gondwana at the end of the Proterozoic and beginning of the Palaeozoic. Granites of the younger group cut the deformational structures of the Paraguay Belt metasediments and pre-date, by between 40 and 20 Ma, the initial stages of subsidence and sedimentation of the Paraná Basin.     

Petrogenesis of the Nanling Mountains granites from South China: Constraints from systematic apatite geochemistry and whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope compositions

The widespread Mesozoic granitoids in South China (135,300 km²) were emplaced in three main periods: Triassic (16% of the total surface area of Mesozoic granitoids), Jurassic (47%), and Cretaceous (37%). Though much study has been conducted on the most abundant Jurassic Nanling Mountains (NLM) granites, their rock affinities relative to the Triassic Darongshan (DRS) and Cretaceous Fuzhou–Zhangzhou Complex (FZC) granites which are typical S- and I-type, respectively, and the issue of their petrogenetic evolution is still the subject of much debate. In this study, we discuss the petrogenesis of NLM granites using apatite geochemistry combined with whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope compositions. Sixteen apatite samples from six granite batholiths, one gabbro, and three syenite bodies in the NLM area were analyzed for their major and trace element abundances and compared with those collected from DRS (n = 7) and FZC (n = 6) granites. The apatite geochemistry reveals that Na, Si, S, Mn, Sr, U, Th concentrations and REE distribution patterns for apatites from DRS and FZC granites basically are similar to the S and I granite types of the Lachlan Fold Belt (Australia), whereas those from NLM granites have intermediate properties and cannot be correlated directly with these granite types. According to some indications set by the apatite geochemistry (e.g., lower U and higher Eu abundances), NLM apatites appear to have formed under oxidizing conditions. In addition, we further found that their REE distribution patterns are closely related to aluminum saturation index (ASI) and Nd isotope composition, rather than SiO₂ content or degree of differentiation, of the host rock. The majority of apatites from NLM granites (ASI = 0.97–1.08 and εNd(T) = −8.8 to −11.6) display slightly right-inclined apatite REE patterns distinguishable from the typical S- and I-type. However, those from few granites with ASI > 1.1 and εNd(T) < −11.6 have REE distribution patterns (near-flat) similar to DRS apatites whereas those from granites with ASI < 1.0 and εNd(T) > −6.6 and gabbro and syenite are similar to FZC apatites (strongly right-inclined). In light of Sr and Nd isotope compositions, magmas of NLM intrusives, except gabbro and syenite, and few granites with εNd(T) > −8, generally do not involve a mantle component. Instead, they fit with a melt derived largely from in situ melting or anatexis of the pre-Mesozoic (mainly Caledonian) granitic crust with subordinate pre-Yanshanian (mainly Indosinian) granitic crust. We suggest that an application, using combined whole-rock ASI and εNd(T) values, is as useful as the apatite geochemistry for recognizing possible sources for the NLM granites.     

Geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Pb Isotopes of the Granites from the Hashitu Mo Deposit of Inner Mongolia, China: Constraints on Their Origin and Tectonic Setting

The Hashitu molybdenum deposit is located in the southern part of the Great Hinggan Range,NE China.Molybdenum mineralization is hosted by and genetically associated with monzogranite and porphyritic syenogranite.Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes of the intrusions show that the porphyritic syenogranite has initial~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr ratios of 0.70418-0.70952,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 1.3 to 2.1(t=143Ma),~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 19.191-19.573,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 15.551-15.572,and~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of38.826-39.143.The monzogranite has initial~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr ratios of 0.70293-0.71305,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 1.1 to2.0(t=147 Ma),~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 19.507-20.075,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 15.564-15.596,and~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb ratios of 39.012-39.599.The calculated Nd model ages(T_(DM))for monzogranite and porphyritic syenogranite range from 866 to 1121 Ma and 795 to 1020 Ma,respectively.The granitic rocks in the Hashitu area have the same isotope range as granites in the southern parts of the Great Hinggan Range.The isotope composition indicates that these granites are derived from the partial melting of a juvenile lower crust originating from a depleted mantle with minor contamination by ancient continental crust.The integrating our results with published data and the Late Mesozoic regional tectonic setting of the region suggest that the granites in the Hashitu area formed in an intra-continent extensional setting,and they are related to the thinning of the thickened lithosphere and upwelling of the asthenosphere.     

A Jurassic garnet-bearing granitic pluton from NE China showing tetrad REE patterns

NE China is characterized by the massive distribution of Phanerozoic granitoids. Most of them are of I- and A-type granites, whereas S-type granites are rarely documented. The present work deals with the Dongqing pluton, a small granitic body emplaced in the southern Zhangguangcai Range. The pluton comprises a two-mica (±garnet) granite and a garnet-bearing muscovite granite; the latter occurs as veins in the former. The pluton shows a gradational contact with the surrounding host granites. Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotope analyses on whole-rocks and minerals reveal that the two types of granites were emplaced synchronously at about 160 Ma. The pluton was emplaced coeval with the surrounding I-type granitic pluton, and had a rapid cooling history. It is characterized by an initial Sr isotopic ratio of 0.706, slightly negative _Nd(T) values (−0.5 to −1.9) and young depleted-mantle model ages (970–1090 Ma). This suggests that the parent magma originated from partial melting of relatively juvenile crust, which is largely compatible with the general scenario for much of the Phanerozoic granitoids emplaced in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.Geochemically, the granites of the Dongqing pluton are peraluminous, with a Shand Index (molar ratio A/CNK) of 1.0–1.1 for the two-mica granites and 1.2–1.3 for the garnet-bearing granites. All the garnet-bearing granites and some of the two-mica granites show tetrad REE patterns (=tetrad group), whereas most two-mica granites show normal granitic REE patterns (=normal group). The normal group granites exhibit depletion in Nb, Ta, P and Ti in spidergrams, and generally weak positive Eu anomalies in REE patterns. By contrast, the tetrad group granites manifest depletion in Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti and significant negative Eu anomalies. The trace element data constrain the parental magmas to having undergone extensive magmatic differentiation. During their late stage magmatic evolution, intense interaction of residual melts with aqueous hydrothermal fluids resulted in the non-CHARAC (charge and radius controlled) trace element behavior and the tetrad effect in REE distribution patterns. This, in turn, leads to the invalidation of the commonly used tectonic discrimination criteria derived from trace element abundances of normal granites. In view of this and previous studies, we conclude that there were probably no S-type granites produced in NE China during the Phanerozoic. Consequently, weathered sedimentary material did not play an important role in the genesis of the strongly peraluminous granites in the Zhangguangcai Range.     

Geochemical, Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf isotopic studies of Late Carboniferous magmatism in the West Junggar, Xinjiang: Implications for ridge subduction?

Voluminous granitic intrusions are distributed in the West Junggar, NW China, and they can be classified as the dioritic rocks, charnockite and alkali-feldspar granite groups. The dioritic rocks (SiO₂ = 50.4–63.8 wt.%) are calc-alkaline and Mg enriched (average MgO = 4.54 wt.%, Mg^# = 0.39–0.64), with high Sr/Y ratios (average = 21.2), weak negative Eu (average Eu/Eu = 0.80) and pronounced negative Nb–Ta anomalies. Their Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7035–0.7042, ε_Nd(t) = 4.5–7.9, ε_Hf(t) = 14.1–14.5) show a depleted mantle-like signature. These features are compatible with adakites derived from partial melting of subducted oceanic crust that interacted with mantle materials. The charnockites (SiO₂ = 60.0–65.3 wt.%) show transitional geochemical characteristics from calc-alkaline to alkaline, with weak negative Eu (average Eu/Eu = 0.75) but pronounced negative Nb–Ta anomalies. Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7037–0.7039, ε_Nd(t) = 5.2–8.0, ε_Hf(t) = 13.9–14.7) also indicate a depleted source, suggesting melts from a hot, juvenile lower crust. Alkali-feldspar granites (SiO₂ = 70.0–78.4 wt.%) are alkali and Fe-enriched, and have distinct negative Eu and Nb–Ta anomalies (average Eu/Eu = 0.26), low Sr/Y ratios (average = 2.11), and depleted Sr–Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7024–0.7045, ε_Nd(t) = 5.1–8.9, ε_Hf(t) = 13.7–14.2). These characteristics are also comparable with those of rocks derived from juvenile lower crust. Despite of the differences in petrology, geochemistry and possibly different origins, zircon ages indicate that these three groups of rocks were coevally emplaced at ~ 305 Ma.A ridge subduction model can account for the geochemical characteristics of these granitoids and coeval mafic rocks. As the “slab window” opened, upwelling asthenosphere provided enhanced heat flux and triggered voluminous magmatisms: partial melting of the subducting slab formed the dioritic rocks; partial melting of the hot juvenile lower crust produced charnockite and alkali-feldspar granite, and partial melting in the mantle wedge generated mafic rocks in the region. These results suggest that subduction was ongoing in the Late Carboniferous and, thus support that the accretion and collision in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt took place in North Xinjiang after 305 Ma, and possibly in the Permian.     

Petrogenesis of ore-forming and pre/post-ore granitoids from the Kounrad,Borly and Sayak porphyry/skarn Cu deposits,Central Kazakhstan

Ore-forming porphyries and barren granitoids from porphyry Cu deposits differ in many ways, particularly with respect to their adakitic affinity and calc-alkaline characteristics. In this study, zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating, whole rock geochemistry, whole rock Sr–Nd–Pb and zircon O–Hf isotopic analyses were carried out on the ore-forming granitoids from the Kounrad, Borly and Sayak deposits, and also on pre-ore and post-ore granitoids in adjacent regions of Central Kazakhstan. Geochronology results indicate that pre-ore magmatism occurred in the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (361.3–339.4 Ma), followed by large scale Cu mineralization (325.0–327.3 Ma at Kounrad, 311.4–315.2 Ma at Borly and 309.5–311.4 Ma at Sayak), and finally, emplacement of the Late Carboniferous post-ore barren granitoids (305.0 Ma). The geochemistry of these rocks is consistent with calc-alkaline arc magmatism characterized by strong depletions in Nb, Ta and Ti and enrichments in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, suggesting a supra-subduction zone setting. However, the ore-forming rocks at Kounrad and Sayak show adakitic characteristics with high Sr (517.5–785.3 ppm), Sr/Y (50.60–79.26), (La/Yb)_N (9.37–19.62) but low Y (6.94–11.54 ppm) and Yb (0.57–1.07 ppm), whereas ore-forming rocks at Borly and barren rocks from northwest of Borly and Sayak have normal arc magma geochemical features. The Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotopic compositions show three different signatures: (1) Sayak granitoids have very young juvenile lower crust-derived compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.70384 to 0.70451, ɛ_Nd (t) = + 4.9 to + 6.0; T_DM2 (Nd) = 580 to 670 Ma, ɛ_Hf (t) = + 11.3 to + 15.5; T_DM^C (Hf) = 330 to 600 Ma, δ¹⁸O = 6.0 to 8.1‰), and were probably generated from depleted mantle-derived magma with 5–15% sediment melt addition in the magma source; (2) the Kt-1 granite from northwest of Sayak shows extremely enriched Sr–Nd isotopic compositions ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.71050, ɛ_Nd (t) = − 7.8, T_DM2 (Nd) = 1700 Ma), likely derived from partial melting of ancient continental crust; (3) other granitoids have transitional Sr–Nd compositions between the Sayak and Kt-1 samples, indicating a juvenile lower crust source with the addition of 10–30% of ancient crustal material. The pre-ore magmatism was probably related to partial melting of juvenile lower crust due to northward subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash Ocean, whereas the ore-forming adakitic rocks at Aktogai, Kounrad and Sayak formed by partial melting of thickened lower crust which subsequently delaminated. The ore-forming rocks at Borly, and the later post-ore barren granites, formed by partial melting of juvenile lower crust with normal thickness. This tectonic setting supports the existence of an Andean-type magmatic arc in the Devonian to the Late Carboniferous, resulting from the subduction of the Junggar–Balkhash oceanic plate. The link between whole rock geochemistry and scale of mineralization suggests a higher metallogenic potential for adakitic rocks than for normal arc magmatism.     

A Paleoproterozoic orogeny recorded in a long-lived cratonic remnant (Wuyishan terrane), eastern Cathaysia Block, China

The Precambrian basement of northern Wuyishan (southern Zhejiang Province, eastern Cathaysia Block, South China), consists mainly of Paleoproterozoic granites and metamorphic rocks of the Badu Complex, which are the oldest rocks found in the Cathaysia Block. LA-ICPMS zircon U–Pb ages for a gneiss and five gneissic granites from the Tianhou, Danzhu, Xiaji and Lizhuang plutons indicate that magmatism and metamorphism took place between 1888 and 1855 Ma. The Xiaji (1888 ± 7 Ma) and Lizhuang (1875 ± 9 Ma) granites have high SiO₂, K₂O and Rb contents, high A/CNK (1.09–1.40) and Rb/Sr, and low contents of Sr, REE and mafic components (Mg, Fe, Ti, Mn and other transition metals). They have the geochemical signature of S-type granites, and a sedimentary protolith is confirmed by the presence of abundant inherited zircons with a range of ages and Hf-isotope compositions. The Tianhou and Danzhu granites are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.80–1.07), and have low SiO₂ contents, high Ga/Al and FeO/(FeO + MgO) ratios, and Zn and HFSE concentrations typical of A-type granites. They also record high crystallization temperatures (885–920 °C), consistent with A-type granites. High Y/Nb ratios (>1.4) indicate that they belong to the A₂ subgroup, suggesting that they probably formed in a post-orogenic tectonic setting. Their ages range from 1867 to 1855 Ma, slightly later than the syn-collisional Lizhuang and Xiaji S-type granites. These granitic rocks and the metamorphic rocks of the Badu Complex define a late Paleoproterozoic orogenic cycle in the area. All the 1.86–1.90 Ga zircons, whether derived from S- or A-type granites, show similar Hf-isotopic compositions, with Hf model ages clustering at 2.8 Ga. These model ages, and inherited zircons (ca. 2.5–2.7 Ga) found in some rocks, indicate that the late Paleoproterozoic magmatism and tectonism of the eastern Cathaysia Block represent an overprint on an Archaean basement. This Paleoproterozoic orogeny in the Wuyishan terrane coincides with the assembly of the supercontinent Columbia, suggesting that the Wuyishan terrane was the part of this supercontinent.Zircon ages also record an early Mesozoic (Triassic) tectonothermal overprint that was very intensive in the northern Wuyishan area, leading to high-grade metamorphism of Paleoproterozoic basement, Pb loss from Paleoproterozoic zircons and overgrowth of new zircon. The central and southern parts of Wuyishan and the Chencai area (northern Zhejiang Province) also experienced strong reworking in Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic times. The Wuyishan terrane (especially in the north) represents a long-lived remnant of the old craton, which has survived for at least one billion years. The compositions of the basement rocks, the Paleoproterozoic orogeny and the Triassic tectonothermal imprint in the Wuyishan terrane are similar to those recognized in the Yeongnam massif of South Korea, suggesting that the two terranes may have been connected from Paleoproterozoic to Triassic time.     

Shrimp U–Pb zircon geochronology,geochemistry, and Nd–Sr isotopic study of contrasting granites in the Emeishan large igneous province,SW China

The Cida A-type granitic stock (∼ 4 km²) and Ailanghe I-type granite batholith (∼ 100 km²) in the Pan-Xi (Panzhihua-Xichang) area, SW China, are two important examples of granites formed during an episode of magmatism associated with the Permian Emeishan mantle plume activity. This is a classic setting of plume-related, anorogenic magmatism exhibiting the typical association of mantle-derived mafic and alkaline rocks along with silicic units. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb data reveal that the Cida granitic pluton (261 ± 4 Ma) was emplaced shortly before the Ailanghe granites (251 ± 6 Ma). The Cida granitoids display mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of A-type granites including high FeO^⁎/MgO ratios, elevated high-field-strength elements (HFSE) contents and high Ga/Al ratios, which are much higher than those of the Ailanghe granites. All the granitic rocks show significant negative Eu anomalies and demonstrate the characteristic negative anomalies in Ba, Sr, and Ti in the spidergrams. It can be concluded that the Cida granitic rocks are highly fractionated A-type granitoids whereas the Ailanghe granitic rocks belong to highly evolved I-type granites.The Cida granitoids and enclaves have Nd and Sr isotopic initial ratios (ε_Nd(t) = − 0.25 to + 1.35 and (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7023 to 0.7053) close to those of the associated mafic intrusions and Emeishan basalts, indicating the involvement of a major mantle plume component. The Ailanghe granites exhibit prominent negative Nb and Ta anomalies and weakly positive Pb anomalies in the spidergram and have nonradiogenic ε_Nd(t) ratios (− 6.34 to − 6.26) and high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values (0.7102 to 0.7111), which indicate a significant contribution from crustal material. These observations combined with geochemical modeling suggest that the Cida A-type granitoids were produced by extensive fractional crystallization from basaltic parental magmas. In contrast, the Ailanghe I-type granites most probably originated by partial melting of the mid-upper crustal, metasedimentary–metavolcanic rocks from the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Huili group and newly underplated basaltic rocks.In the present study, it is proposed that petrogenetic distinctions between A-type and I-type granites may not be as clear-cut as previously supposed, and that many compositional and genetically different granites of the A- and I-types can be produced in the plume-related setting. Their ultimate nature depends more importantly on the type and proportion of mantle and crustal material involved and melting conditions. Significant melt production and possible underplating and/or intrusion into the lower crust, may play an important role in generating the juvenile mafic lower crust (average 20 km) in the central part of the Emeishan mantle plume.     

Geochronological framework and Pb, Sr isotope geochemistry of the Qingchengzi Pb–Zn–Ag–Au orefield, Northeastern China

The Qingchengzi orefield in northeastern China, is a concentration of several Pb–Zn, Ag, and Au ore deposits. A combination of geochronological and Pb, Sr isotopic investigations was conducted. Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb ages of 225.3 ± 1.8 Ma and 184.5 ± 1.6 Ma were obtained for the Xinling and Yaojiagou granites, respectively. By step-dissolution Rb–Sr dating, ages of 221 ± 12 Ma and 138.7 ± 4.1 Ma were obtained for the sphalerite of the Zhenzigou Zn–Pb deposit and pyrargyrite of the Ag ore in the Gaojiabaozi Ag deposit, respectively. Pb isotopic ratios of the Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.38 to 18.53) are higher than those of the Pb–Zn ores (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.66 to 17.96; Chen et al. [Chen, J.F., Yu, G., Xue, C.J., Qian, H., He, J.F., Xing, Z., Zhang, X., 2005. Pb isotope geochemistry of lead, zinc, gold and silver deposit clustered region, Liaodong rift zone, northeastern China. Science in China Series D 48, 467–476.]). Triassic granites show low Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.12 to 17.41, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.47 to 15.54, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.51 to 37.89) and metamorphic rocks of the Liaohe Group have high ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.20 to 24.28 and 18.32 to 20.06, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.69 to 16.44 and 15.66 to 15.98, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.29 to 38.61 and 38.69 to 40.00 for the marble of the Dashiqiao Formation and schist of the Gaixian Formation, respectively).Magmatic activities at Qingchengzi and in adjacent regions took place in three stages, and each contained several magmatic pulses: ca. 220 to 225 Ma and 211 to 216 Ma in the Triassic; 179 to 185 Ma, 163 to 168 Ma, 155 Ma and 149 Ma in the Jurassic, as well as ca. 140 to 130 Ma in the Early Cretaceous. The Triassic magmatism was part of the Triassic magmatic belt along the northern margin of the North China Craton produced in a post-collisional extensional setting, and granites in it formed by crustal melting induced by mantle magma. The Jurassic and Early Cretaceous magmatism was related to the lithospheric delamination in eastern China. The Triassic is the most important metallogenic stage at Qingchengzi. The Pb–Zn deposits, the Pb–Zn–Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi, and the gold deposits were all formed in this stage. They are temporally and spatially associated with the Triassic magmatic activity. Mineralization is very weak in the Jurassic. Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi was formed in the Early Cretaceous, which is suggested by the young Rb–Sr isochron age, field relations, and significantly different Pb isotopic ratios between the Pb–Zn–Ag and Ag ores. Pb isotopic compositions of the Pb–Zn ores suggest binary mixing for the source of the deposits. The magmatic end-member is the Triassic granites and the other metamorphic rocks of the Liaohe Group. Slightly different proportions of the two end-members, or an involvement of materials from hidden Cretaceous granites with slightly different Pb isotopic ratios, is postulated to interpret the difference of Pb isotopic compositions between the Pb–Zn–(Ag) and Ag ores. Sr isotopic ratios support this conclusion. At the western part of the Qingchengzi orefield, hydrothermal fluid driven by the heat provided by the now exposed Triassic granites deposited ore-forming materials in the low and middle horizons of the marbles of the Dashiqiao Formation near the intrusions to form mesothermal Zn–Pb deposits. In the eastern part, hydrothermal fluids associated with deep, hidden Triassic intrusions moved upward along a regional fault over a long distance and then deposited the ore-forming materials to form epithermal Au and Pb–Zn–Ag ores. Young magmatic activities are all represented by dykes across the entire orefield, suggesting that the corresponding main intrusion bodies are situated in the deep part of the crust. Among these, only intrusions with age of ca. 140 Ma might have released sufficient amounts of fluid to be responsible for the formation of the Ag ore at Gaojiabaozi.Our age results support previous conclusions that sphalerite can provide a reliable Rb–Sr age as long as the fluid inclusion phase is effectively separated from the “sulfide” phase. Our work suggests that the separation can be achieved by a step-resolution technique. Moreover, we suggest that pyrargyrite is a promising mineral for Rb–Sr isochron dating.     

Multi-stage crustal growth and Neoarchean geodynamics in the Eastern Dharwar Craton,southern India

The Dharwar Craton is a composite Archean cratonic collage that preserves important records of crustal evolution on the early Earth. Here we present results from a multidisciplinary study involving field investigations, petrology, zircon SHRIMP U–Pb geochronology with in-situ Hf isotope analyses, and whole-rock geochemistry, including Nd isotope data on migmatitic TTG (tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite) gneisses, dark grey banded gneisses, calc-alkaline and anatectic granitoids, together with synplutonic mafic dykes along a wide Northwest – Southeast corridor forming a wide time window in the Central and Eastern blocks of the Dharwar Craton. The dark grey banded gneisses are transitional between TTGs and calc-alkaline granitoids, and are referred to as ‘transitional TTGs’, whereas the calc-alkaline granitoids show sanukitoid affinity. Our zircon U–Pb data, together with published results, reveal four major periods of crustal growth (ca. 3360-3200 Ma, 3000-2960 Ma, 2700-2600 Ma and 2570-2520 Ma) in this region. The first two periods correspond to TTG generation and accretion that is confined to the western part of the corridor, whereas widespread 2670-2600 Ma transitional TTG, together with a major outburst of 2570–2520 Ma juvenile calc-alkaline magmatism of sanukitoid affinity contributed to peak continental growth. The transitional TTGs were preceded by greenstone volcanism between 2746 Ma and 2700 Ma, whereas the calc-alkaline magmatism was contemporaneous with 2570–2545 Ma felsic volcanism. The terminal stage of all four major accretion events was marked by thermal events reflected by amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism at ca. 3200 Ma, 2960 Ma, 2620 Ma and 2520 Ma. Elemental ratios [(La/Yb)_N, Sr/Y, Nb/Ta, Hf/Sm)] and Hf-Nd isotope data suggest that the magmatic protoliths of the TTGs emplaced at different time periods formed by melting of thickened oceanic arc crust at different depths with plagioclase + amphibole ± garnet + titanite/ilmenite in the source residue, whereas the elemental (Ba–Sr, [(La/Yb)_N, Sr/Y, Nb/Ta, Hf/Sm)] and Hf-Nd isotope data [εHf_(T) = −0.67 to 5.61; εNd_(T) = 0.52 to 4.23; ] of the transitional TTGs suggest that their protoliths formed by melting of composite sources involving mantle and overlying arc crust with amphibole + garnet + clinopyroxene ± plagioclase + ilmenite in the residue. The highly incompatible and compatible element contents (REE, K–Ba–Sr, Mg, Ni, Cr), together with Hf and Nd isotope data [εHf_(T) = 4.5 to −3.2; εNd_(T) = 1.93 to −1.26; ], of the sanukitoids and synplutonic dykes suggest their derivation from enriched mantle reservoirs with minor crustal contamination. Field, elemental and isotope data [εHf_(T) = −4.3 to −15.0; εNd_(T) = −0.5 to −7.0] of the anatectic granites suggest their derivation through reworking of ancient as well as newly formed juvenile crust. Secular increase in incompatible as well as compatible element contents in the transitional TTGs to sanukitoids imply progressive enrichment of Neoarchean mantle reservoirs, possibly through melting of continent-derived detritus in a subduction zone setting, resulting in the establishment of a sizable continental mass by 2700 Ma, which in turn is linked to the evolving Earth. The Neoarchean geodynamic evolution is attributed to westward convergence of hot oceanic lithosphere, with continued convergence resulted in the assembly of micro-blocks, with eventual slab break-off leading to asthenosphere upwelling caused extensive mantle melting and hot juvenile magma additions to the crust. This led to lateral flow of hot ductile crust and 3D mass distribution and formation of an orogenic plateaux with subdued topography, as indicated by strain fabric data and strong seismic reflectivity along an E-W crustal profile in the Central and Eastern blocks of the Dharwar Craton.     

Paleoproterozoic subduction-related metasomatic signatures in the lithospheric mantle beneath NE Brazil: inferences from trace element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of Neoproterozoic high-K igneous rocks

Late Neoproterozoic (ca. 580 Ma), high-K, mafic-intermediate rocks represent voluminous bimodal magmatism in the Borborema Province, northeast Brazil. These rocks show the following chemical signatures that reflect derivation from a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle source: (1) enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, K, Th) and light rare-earth elements (REE) (La/Yb_CN=11–70), (2) pronounced negative Nb anomalies, and (3) radiogenic Sr (0.71202–0.7059) and unradiogenic Nd (_Nd from −9.3–−20.1) isotopic compositions. T_DM model ages suggest that modification of the lithospheric mantle source (metasomatised garnet lherzolite) may have occurred in the Paleoproterozoic during the Transamazonian/Eburnean tectonics that affected the region. Interaction with asthenospheric fluids is believed to have partially melted this enriched source in the Neoproterozoic, probably as a result of asthenosphere-derived fluid percolation in the Brasiliano/Pan-African shear zones that controlled the emplacement of these mafic-intermediate magmas. The involvement of this asthenospheric component is supported by the nonradiogenic Pb isotopic ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=16–17.3, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.1–15.6, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=36–37.5), which contrast with the enriched Sr and Nd compositions and thereby suggest the decoupling of Rb–Sr, Sm–Nd, and U–Pb systems at the time of intrusion of the mafic-intermediate magmas in the crust.     

Zircon ages and Hf isotopic compositions of Permian and Triassic A-type granites from central Inner Mongolia and their significance for late Palaeozoic and early Mesozoic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT

This work presents zircon ages and Hf-in-zircon isotopic data for Permian and Triassic A-type granitoids and reviews the evolution of central Inner Mongolia, China, during the early Permian and Late Triassic. SHRIMP U–Pb dating of zircons of peralkaline granites yielded ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 294 ± 4 Ma and 293 ± 9 Ma that reflect the time of Permian magmatism. Zircon ages were also obtained for Late Triassic granites (226 ± 4 Ma, 224 ± 4 Ma). Our results, in combination with published zircon ages and geochemical data, document distinct magmatic episodes in central Inner Mongolia.

The Permian peralkaline granites show typical geochemical features of A-type granites, which also have highly positive zircon ε_Hf(t) values (+4.9 – +17.1), indicating a significant contribution of an isotopically depleted source, likely formed from mantle-derived magmas. Late Triassic A-type granitoids, however, in central Inner Mongolia show large variations and mostly positive in zircon ε_Hf(t) values (?1.3 – +13.5), suggesting derivation from a mixture of crust and mantle or metasomatized lithospheric mantle with crustal contamination. The geochemical characteristics of the Permian peralkaline granites and Late Triassic A-type granitoids are consistent with a post-collisional setting and were likely related to asthenosphere upwelling during the evolution of the Northern Block and Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB).     

Sequential melting and fractional crystallization: Granites from Guarda-Sabugal area, central Portugal

Seven distinct phases of Variscan two-mica granite are recognized in the Guarda-Sabugal area. They intruded the Cambrian schist-metagraywacke complex, crystallized in the middle crust, and are syn- to late-D3 (309.2 ± 1.8 Ma), late-D3 (304–300 Ma) and late- to post-D3 (299 ± 3 Ma; ID-TIMS ages on zircon and monazite). Two of the granites, G2 and G5, are close in age and have similar Sr, Nd and O isotope characteristics but contrasting whole rock and mineral features and formed by sequential increasing degree of partial melting of a common metasedimentary protolith. During sequential melting Ti, total Fe, Mg, Ca, Zr, Zn, Sr, Ba and REE contents and (La/Yb)_N increase and Si and Rb contents decrease, plagioclase becomes richer in anorthite and biotite and muscovite richer in Ti and Mg. Each of these granites evolved subsequently by fractional crystallization of quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, biotite and ilmenite, defining separate series G2–G3–G7 and G5–G6 containing late Sn-bearing differentiates. Two other granites G1 and G4 represent distinct pulses of magma with individual fractionation trends for major and trace elements and distinct (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)₃₀₀, ?Nd₃₀₀ and δ¹⁸O values.     

Early Neoproterozoic evolution of Southeast Pakistan: evidence from geochemistry,geochronology, and isotopic composition of the Nagarparkar Igneous Complex

ABSTRACT

Rocks of the early Neoproterozoic age of the world have remained in discussion for their unique identity and evolutionary history. The rocks are also present in Sindh province of Pakistan and have been in debate for a couple of years. Yet, these igneous rocks have been studied very poorly regarding U-Pb and Lu-Hf age dating. The early Neoproterozoic rocks located in Nagarparkar town of Sindh have been considered as shoulder of Malani Igneous Suite (MIS) discovered in Southwest of India. The Nagarparkar Igneous Complex (NPIC) rocks are low-grade metamorphosed, mafic and silicic rocks. These rocks are accompanied by felsic and mafic dikes. Two types of granite from NPIC have been identified as peraluminous I-type biotite granites (Bt-granites), of medium-K calc-alkaline rocks series and A-type potash granites (Kfs-granites) of high-K calc-alkaline rocks series. Geochemical study shows that these Kfs-granites are relatively high in K and Na contents and low MgO and CaO. The Bt-granites have positive Rb, Ba, and Sr with negative Eu anomalies rich with HFSEs Zr, Hf, and slightly depleted HREEs, whereas Kfs-granites have positive Rb with negative Ba, Sr, and Eu anomalies and have positive anomalies of Zr and Hf with HREEs. In addition, these rocks possess crustal material, which leads to the enrichment of some incompatible trace elements and depletion of Sr and Ba in Kfs-granites and relatively high Sr and Ba in Bt-granites, indicating a juvenile lower continental crust affinity. Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of these granites yielded weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages ranging from 812.3 ± 14.1 Ma (N = 18; MSWD = 3.7); and 810 ± 7.4 Ma (N = 16; MSDW = 0.36) for the Bt-granites, and 755.3 ± 7.1 Ma (N = 21; MSDW = 2.0); NP-GG-01 and 736.3 ± 4.3 Ma (N = 24; MSWD = 1.05) for Kfs-granites, respectively. The Bt-granites and Kfs-granites have positive zircon ε_Hf^(t) values, which specify that they are derived from a juvenile upper and lower continental crust. Based on the geochemical and geochronological data, we suggest that the Bt-granites were formed through lower continental crust earlier to the rifting time, whereas the Kfs-granites were formed via upper continental crust, during crustal thinning caused by Rodinia rifting. These zircon U-Pb ages 812 to 736 Ma, petrographic, and geochemical characteristics match with those of the adjacent Siwana, Jalore, Mount Abu, and Sirohi granites of MIS. Thus, we can suggest that NPIC granites and adjacent MIS can possibly be assumed as a missing link of the supercontinent Rodinia remnants.     

Late Ediacaran crustal thickening in Iran: Geochemical and isotopic constraints from the ~550 Ma Mishu granitoids (northwest Iran)

The aim of this article is to examine the geochemistry and geochronology of the Cadomian Mishu granites from northwest Iran, in order to elucidate petrogenesis and their role in the evolution of the Cadomian crust of Iran. The Mishu granites mainly consist of two-mica granites associated with scarce outcrops of tonalite, amphibole granodiorite, and diorite. Leucogranitic dikes locally crosscut the Mishu granites. Two-mica granites show S-type characteristics whereas amphibole granodiorite, tonalities, and diorites have I-type signatures. The I-type granites show enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Ba and K) and depletion in high field strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ti and Ta). These characteristics show that these granites have been formed along an ancient, fossilized subduction zone. The S-type granites have high K, Rb, Cs (and other large ion lithophile elements) contents, resembling collision-related granites. U–Pb zircon dating of the Mishu rocks yielded ²³⁸U/²⁰⁶Pb crystallization ages of ca. 550 Ma. Moreover, Rb–Sr errorchron shows an early Ediacaran age (547 ± 84 Ma) for the Mishu igneous rocks. The two-mica granites (S-type granites) show high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) ratios, ranging from 0.7068 to 0.7095. Their ?Nd values change between ?4.2 and ?4.6. Amphibole granitoids and diorites (I-type granites) are characterized by relatively low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(i) ratios (0.7048–0.7079) and higher values of ?Nd (?0.8 to ?4.2). Leucogranitic dikes have quite juvenile signature, with ?Nd values ranging from +1.1 to +1.4 and Nd model ages (T_DM) from 1.1 to 1.2 Ga. The isotopic data suggests interaction of juvenile, mantle-derived melts with old continental crust to be the main factor for the generation of the Mishu granites. Interaction with older continental crust is also confirmed by the presence of abundant inherited zircon cores. The liquid-line of descend in the Harker diagrams suggests fractional crystallization was also a predominant mechanism during evolution of the Mishu I-type granites. The zircon U–Pb ages, whole rock trace elements, and Sr–Nd isotope data strongly indicate the similarities between the Mishu Cadomian granites with other late Neoproterozoic–early Cambrian (600–520 Ma) granites across Iran and the surrounding areas such as Turkey and Iberia. The generation of the Mishu I-type granites could be related to the subduction of the Proto-Tethyan Ocean during Cadomian orogeny, through interaction between juvenile melts and old (Mesoproterozoic or Archaean) continental crust. The S-type granites are related to the pooling of the basaltic melts within the middle–upper parts of the thick continental crust and then partial melting of that crust.