西藏罗布莎康金拉铬铁矿区地幔橄榄岩锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄及地质意义

本文对罗布莎蛇绿岩康金拉11号铬铁矿矿体的近矿围岩纯橄岩和方辉橄榄岩分别进行了锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年代学研究。结果显示两个样品的年龄都非常发散:纯橄岩的时代跨越早白垩世到太古宙,年龄125.6±2.6~1791±23Ma,4粒锆石的加权平均年龄为130.0±2.8Ma(2.1%)。而方辉橄榄岩的年龄208.9±3.7~2770±44Ma,从晚三叠世到太古宙,2粒锆石的加权平均值为209.7±5.2Ma(2.5%),锆石的复杂年代学结果反映该岩石经历的多阶段地质演化过程。激光拉曼分析显示纯橄岩和方辉橄榄岩中的锆石含磷灰石、长石和石英为主的地壳物质包裹体,暗示其地壳成因,记录了地幔经历了地壳混染过程。这些物质存在于由洋底扩张形成的蛇绿岩中,表明俯冲下去的大陆地壳物质在地幔循环中被运移到海底扩张脊并出露地表。结合我们在康金拉地幔橄榄岩和铬铁矿中发现的大量异常地幔矿物,可能显示了一个地壳物质俯冲至地幔,而后从洋脊回到地表的物质循环过程,佐证了豆荚状铬铁矿多阶段多期次的演化模式。     

Character of zircon distribution in dunites of the South Urals (Sakharin and East Khabarnin massifs)

Zircons in dunites of the Sakharin and East Khararnin massifs, situated in the South Urals and part of the platinum-bearing Uralian belt, were investigated for the first time. Several types were identified in the polygene-polychronous zircon assemblage of both massifs. The first is represented by Proterozoic (from 1517 ± 12 to 2693 ± 9 Ma) crystals similar to those widely spread in the Riphean and more ancient Uralian deposits. The second type includes dunite varieties of typical magmatic habit and of ages from 377 ± 3.6 Ma to 402 ± 3 Ma. The third contains crystals and crystal fragments of a high degree of crystallinity. The concordant Archean dating (2808 ± 26 Ma) for zircons of this type determines the minimum age of the dunite substrate. Zircons of Type 4 are heterogeneous, consist of the relict (nuclear) part represented by crystals of Types I and III and the newly formed mantle, and are consistent with zircons of Type II.     

Zircon ages and geochemical compositions of the Manlay ophiolite and coeval island arc: Implications for the tectonic evolution of South Mongolia

Numerous small dismembered ophiolite fragments occur in South Mongolia, but they are very poorly studied. The lack of age data and geochemical analysis hampers our understanding of the Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the region. We conducted detailed studies on the Manlay ophiolitic complex and Huree volcanic rocks south of the Main Mongolian Lineament (MML) to provide some constraints on these rocks. The Manlay ophiolite consists of dunite, harzburgite, pyroxenite, gabbro, plagiogranite, basalt and chert, locally with chromite mineralization in dunite. The gabbro and plagiogranite yielded SHRIMP zircon weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 509 ± 5 Ma and 482 ± 4 Ma, respectively. The basalt and dolerite samples of this complex show enrichment in LREE and LILE and negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, and the chrome spinel from the chromitite lens in the dunite is characterized by high Cr^# and low TiO₂ contents. These features suggest a supra-subduction zone (SSZ) origin for the ophiolitic complex. The Huree volcanic rocks, ranging from basalt to dacite, display enrichment in LREE and LILE, weak Eu anomalies and distinctly negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, consistent with those of typical magmas in a subduction environment. An andesite sample from this arc yielded a SHRIMP ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U zircon age of 487 ± 5 Ma, which is the oldest reliable age for an island arc in South Mongolia. Recognition of an Early Paleozoic ophiolitic complex and a coeval island arc indicates that South Mongolia underwent a period of active volcanism during Late Cambrian to Ordovician. Additionally, the tuff overlying the ophiolitic complex and a granite intruding the ophiolite have SHRIMP zircon U–Pb ages of 391 ± 5 Ma and 304 ± 4 Ma, respectively. Combining the available data, we propose that the Early Paleozoic subduction–accretionary complexes likely constitute the basement of the Late-Paleozoic arc formations and correlate with the Lake Zone in western Mongolia.     

Low-Sulfide PGE ores in paleoproterozoic Monchegorsk pluton and massifs of its southern framing,Kola Peninsula,Russia: Geological characteristic and isotopic geochronological evidence of polychronous ore–magmatic systems

New U–Pb and Sm–Nd isotopic geochronological data are reported for rocks of the Monchegorsk pluton and massifs of its southern framing, which contain low-sulfide PGE ores. U–Pb zircon ages have been determined for orthopyroxenite (2506 ± 3 Ma) and mineralized norite (2503 ± 8 Ma) from critical units of Monchepluton at the Nyud-II deposit, metaplagioclasite (2496 ± 4 Ma) from PGE-bearing reef at the Vurechuaivench deposit, and host metagabbronorite (2504.3 ± 2.2. Ma); the latter is the youngest in Monchepluton. In the southern framing of Monchepluton, the following new datings are now available: U–Pb zircon ages of mineralized metanorite from the lower marginal zone (2504 ± 1 Ma) and metagabbro from the upper zone (2478 ± 20 Ma) of the South Sopcha PGE deposit, as well as metanorite from the Lake Moroshkovoe massif (2463.1 ± 2.7 Ma). The Sm–Nd isochron (rock-forming minerals, sulfides, whole-rock samples) age of orthopyroxenite from the Nyud-II deposit (2497 ± 36 Ma) is close to results obtained using the U–Pb method. The age of harzburgite from PGE-bearing 330 horizon reef of the Sopcha massif related to Monchepluton is 2451 ± 64 Ma at initial ε_Nd =–6.0. The latter value agrees with geological data indicating that this reef was formed due to the injection of an additional portion of high-temperature ultramafic magma, which experienced significant crustal contamination. The results of Sm–Nd isotopic geochronological study of ore-bearing metaplagioclasite from PGE reef of the Vurechuaivench deposit (2410 ± 58 Ma at ε_Nd =–2.4) provide evidence for the appreciable effect of metamorphic and hydrothermal metasomatic alterations on PGE ore formation. The Sm–Nd age of mineralized norite from the Nyud-II deposit is 1940 ± 32 Ma at initial ε_Nd =–7.8. This estimate reflects the influence of the Svecofennian metamorphism on the Monchepluton ore–magmatic system, which resulted in the rearrangement of the Sm–Nd system and its incomplete closure. Thus, the new isotopic geochronological data record the polychronous development of the Monchegorsk ore–magmatic systems and the massifs in its southern framing.     

Emplacement age of the Songshugou ultramafic massif in the Qinling orogenic belt,and geologic implications

The Songshugou ultramafic massif is located to the north of the Shang‐Dan fault, the Palaeozoic suture between the North and South China blocks. It is the largest Apline‐type ultramafic body in the Qinling orogenic belt of central China, consisting mainly of dunite with a small amount of harzburgite and minor pyroxenite. We present new LA‐ICP‐MS U?Pb dating and trace element results for zircon from two garnet amphibolite samples in the contact metamorphic zone surrounding the massif. One was sampled ～1 m from the massif, the other ～5 m away. The studied zircon grains are small, anhedral, and display typical metamorphic characteristics of low Th/U values (<0.1). The U and Th concentrations of zircon range from several hundred ppm to less than 10 ppm. Cathodoluminescence images show two apparent generations of zircon, with lighter cores and darker rims. Core and rim ages however, are identical within error. These two samples yield identical concordant ages of 506±7 and 510±7 Ma, suggesting that the Songshugou ultramafic massif was emplaced at ～510 Ma. Low HREE concentrations and the absence of Eu anomalies in most analysed zircons suggest that the studied grains most likely formed during garnet amphibolite metamorphism induced by emplacement of the ultramafic massif.

To better understand the cooling history of the massif, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of amphibole from three garnet amphibolite specimens in the contact metamorphic zone and one amphobolite sample about 20 m away from the massif were determined. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages increase from 372±15 Ma (JSM‐01) near the massif to disturbed, unreliable ‘plateau’ ages of 474±8 Ma (JSM‐03) and 781±146 Ma (JSM‐04) with increasing distance from the ultramafic massif, showing limited heating during exhumation of the massif, followed by slow cooling. Therefore, the Songshugou ultramafic massif does not reflect the Jining orogeny at ～1 Ga. Instead, it was emplaced into the Proterozoic, Qinling Group during the Palaeozoic, probably due to the subduction along the Shang‐Dan fault.     

U-Pb dating of the baddeleytte-zircon system from Pt-bearing dunite of the Konder massif, Aldan shield: New data

The U-Pb age was obtained for the coexisting baddeleytte-zircon system from dunites of the Konder massif, Aldan shield. Four groups of zircons are heterogeneous by morphology, habit, age, and geochemistry in contrast to homogeneous baddeleytte. The studied zircon groups are characterized by several U-Pb age clusters in the range of 1895 ± 50 to 125.8 ± 3.8 Ma, which indicates their long evolution in Pt-bearing dunites. The young assemblage of baddeleytte and zircon (124.9 ± 1.9 and 125.8 ± 3.8 Ma, respectively) also differs from ancient zircons in the morphology and geochemistry and probably dates to a much later event of diapir evolution, which may be referred to the formation of apatite-phlogopite ore pyroxenites inside the dunite core and tectono-magmatic activation of the Aldan shield.     

Linking deformation, migmatite formation and zircon U–Pb geochronology in polymetamorphic orthogneisses, Sveconorwegian Province, Sweden

Absolute ages of migmatization in the polymetamorphic, parautochthonous basement of the Sveconorwegian Province, Sweden, have been determined using U–Pb ion probe analysis of zircon domains that formed in leucosome of migmatitic orthogneisses. Migmatite zircon was formed by recrystallization whereas dissolution–reprecipitation and neocrystallization were subordinate. The recrystallized migmatite zircon was identified by comparison of zircon in mesosomes and leucosomes. It is backscatter electron‐bright, U‐rich (800–4400 ppm) with low Th/U‐ratios (generally 0.01–0.1), unzoned or ‘oscillatory ghost zoned’, and occurs as up to 100 μm‐thick rims with transitional contacts to cores of protolith zircon. Protolith ages of 1686 ± 12 and 1668 ± 11 Ma were obtained from moderately resorbed, igneous zircon crystals (generally Th/U = 0.5–1.5, U < 300 ppm) in mesosomes; protolith zircon is also present as resorbed cores in the leucosomes. Linkage of folding, synchronous migmatization and formation of recrystallized zircon rims allowed direct dating of south‐vergent folding at 976 ± 7 Ma. At a second locality, similar recrystallized zircon rims in leucosome date pre‐Sveconorwegian migmatization at 1425 ± 7 Ma; an upper age bracket of 1394 ± 12 Ma for two overprinting phases of deformation (upright folding along gently SSW‐plunging axes and stretching in ESE) was set by zircon in a folded metagranitic dyke. Lower age brackets for these events were set at 952 ± 7 and 946 ± 8 Ma by zircon in two crosscutting and undeformed granite–pegmatite dykes. Together with previously published data the present results demonstrate: (i) Tectonometamorphic reworking during the Hallandian orogenesis at 1.44–1.42 Ga, resulting in migmatization and formation of a coarse gneissic layering. (ii) Sveconorwegian continent–continent collision at 0.98–0.96 Ga, involving (a) emplacement of an eclogite unit, (b) regional high‐pressure granulite facies metamorphism, (c) southvergent folding, subhorizontal, east–west stretching and migmatization, all of which caused overprint or transposition of older Mesoproterozoic and Sveconorwegian structures. The Sveconorwegian migmatization and folding took place during or shortly after the emplacement of Sveconorwegian eclogite and is interpreted as a result of north–south shortening, synchronous with east–west extension and unroofing during late stages of the continent–continent collision.     

Multiple partial melting events in the Sulu UHP terrane: zircon U–Pb dating of granitic leucosomes within amphibolite and gneiss

Thin layers and lenses of granitic leucosome are widely distributed within amphibolites, paragneisses and orthogneisses of the Sulu UHP terrane. They are parallel to, or cross‐cut, foliations in the host rocks at different scales and show evidence of coalescence and migration to form centimetre‐ to decimetre‐scale segregations. Variously migmatized rocks extend at least 350 km from SW Sulu (Maobei) to NE Sulu (Weihai), in a band at least 50 km wide. A combined study of mineral inclusions, cathoduluminescence (CL) images, U–Pb LA‐ICP‐MS dates, and in‐situ trace element compositions of zircon provide clear evidence on the nature and timing of partial melting in these UHP rocks. Most zircon from the granitic leucosomes occurs as distinct overgrowths around inherited (igneous or metamorphic) cores or as new, euhedral crystals. The overgrowths and new crystals commonly show perfectly euhedral shapes, have pronounced oscillatory zoning and contain felsic mineral inclusions, such as Kfs + Pl + Qtz ± Ilm ± monazite (Mon). In contrast, the inherited igneous or metamorphic cores are rounded or irregular, contain low‐P or UHP mineral inclusions and show clear dissolution textures. These data suggest that the new zircon is anatectic in origin and that it grew during partial melting of the UHP rocks. The REE patterns of the anatectic zircon show steep slopes from the HREE to LREE with strongly to moderately negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.31–0.72) and pronounced positive Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 6.8–26.5). Abundant U–Pb spot analyses of the anatectic zircon reveal two discrete and meaningful ages of partial melting within the Sulu UHP terrane. Anatectic zircon from 12 granitic leucosomes within amphibolites, paragneisses, and orthogneisses from Sulu UHP slices II and III yields consistent mean U–Pb ages of 219.0 ± 1.2 to 218.3 ± 1.6 Ma, 218.8 ± 2.0 to 217.3 ± 1.7 Ma and 218.2 ± 1.4 to 215.0 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. In contrast, anatectic zircon from six granitic leucosomes within paragneisses and orthogneisses from Sulu UHP slice III records younger mean U–Pb ages of 151.9 ± 1.3 to 151.1 ± 1.8 Ma and 155.9 ± 1.8 to 153.7 ± 1.7 Ma, respectively. These data imply that the Sulu UHP terrane experienced two Mesozoic partial melting events. The first partial melting event (219–215 Ma) was probably associated with a Late Triassic granulite facies stage of ‘hot’ exhumation, whereas the second (156–151 Ma) is interpreted as the result of Middle‐Late Jurassic extension and thinning of the previously thickened crust of the Sulu UHP terrane. Both partial melting events induced extensive retrograde metamorphism of the eclogites and their country rocks.     

The paleoproterozoic Kandalaksha Anorthosite Massif: New U–Pb (ID–TIMS) data and geochemical features of zircon

New U–Pb and Sm–Nd isotope data have been obtained in the Kandalaksha–Kolvitsa zone, Baltic Shield, on accessory zircon and rutile, along with whole-rock and secondary metamorphic minerals. Isotope U–Pb age of single zircon grains from metagabbro of the Kandalaksha Anorthosite Massif is 2453.5 ± 4.8 Ma, which is close to the U–Pb age of zircon from the Kolvitsa Massif metagabbro (2448 ± 5 Ma). For the first time, REEs in zircon grains of the Kandalaksha metagabbro have been analyzed and the results have been plotted. Ti-in-zircon thermometry has been applied using LA–ICP–MS: it yielded an average temperature of zircon crystallization of 844°C. The isotope and geochemical new data obtained indicate a magmatic genesis of the zircon crystals studied.     

Zircon response to high-grade metamorphism as revealed by U–Pb and cathodoluminescence studies

Correct interpretation of zircon ages from high-grade metamorphic terrains poses a major challenge because of the differential response of the U–Pb system to metamorphism, and many aspects like pressure–temperature conditions, metamorphic mineral transformations and textural properties of the zircon crystals have to be explored. A large (c. 450?km²) coherent migmatite complex was recently discovered in the Bohemian Massif, Central European Variscides. Rocks from this complex are characterized by granulite- and amphibolite-facies mineral assemblages and, based on compositional and isotopic trends, are identified as the remnants of a magma body derived from mixing between tonalite and supracrustal rocks. Zircon crystals from the migmatites are exclusively large (200–400?μm) and yield ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb evaporation ages between 342–328?Ma and single-grain zircon fractions analysed by U–Pb ID-TIMS method plot along the concordia curve between 342 and 325?Ma. High-resolution U–Pb SHRIMP analyses substantiate the existence of a resolvable age variability and yield older ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages (342–330?Ma, weighted mean age?=?333.6?±?3.1?Ma) for inner zone domains without relict cores and younger ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages (333–320?Ma, weighted mean age?=?326.0?±?2.8?Ma) for rim domains. Pre-metamorphic cores were identified only in one sample (²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages at 375.0?±?3.9, 420.3?±?4.4 and 426.2?±?4.4?Ma). Most zircon ages bracket the time span between granulite-facies metamorphism in the Bohemian Massif (~345?Ma) and the late-Variscan anatectic overprint (Bavarian phase, ~325?Ma). It is argued that pre-existing zircon was variously affected by these metamorphic events and that primary magmatic growth zones were replaced by secondary textures as a result of diffusion reaction processes and replacement of zircon by dissolution and recrystallization followed by new zircon rim growth. Collectively, the results show that the zircons equilibrated during high-grade metamorphism and record partial loss of radiogenic Pb during post-peak granulite events and new growth under subsequent anatectic conditions.     

Zircon from charnockite gneiss,charnockite, and leucosome of migmatite in the Nimnyr Block of the Aldan Shield

The microgeochemistry of zircon was studied in three samples: charnockite gneiss (1594), charnockite (1594a), and migmatite leucosome Lc4 (1594c). Prismatic (Zrn I) and oval (Zrn II) zircon morphotypes are distinguished in the first two samples. Most zircon grains consist of two-phase cores and overgrowth rims variable in thickness. The average weighted concordant U–Pb age of Zrn II cores from charnockite gneiss is 2436 ± 10 Ma. The concordant ages of Zrn I and Zrn II cores from charnockite are 2402 ± 16 Ma and 2453 ± 14 Ma, respectively. Some overgrowth rims are 1.9–2.1 Ga in age. In leucosome Lc4, all measured prismatic zircon crystals yielded a discordant age of 1942 ± 11 Ma (the upper intersection of discordia with concordia). These zircons are strongly altered and anomalously enriched in U and Th. Zrn I grains are enriched relative to Zrn II in REE, Li, Ca, Sr, Ba, Hf, Th, and U. Zrn I is considered to be a product of melt crystallization or subsolidus recrystallization in the presence of melt. Zrn II is relict or crystallizing from melt and then partly fused again. Zrn I from charnockite gneiss and especially from charnockite are markedly altered and have a more discordant age than Zrn II. This is probably related to concentration of fluid in the residual melt left after zircon crystallization.     

Chemical dating of zircon from granitic pegmatite of the Shartash Massif (Central Urals)

Using techniques of microprobe analysis and Raman microspectroscopy, a study of the composition, structure, and age of high-uranium zircon from the Sharatash intrusion pegmatite was performed. The presence of a number of zones in crystals having different physicochemical characteristics has been revealed. The Id-e zones affected by a radiation dose of (30–130) × 10¹⁸ α-dec/g were completely amorphized, and their chemical isochron age was estimated at 311.4 ± 7.1 Ma: this is interpreted as the time of zircon formation in the pegmatite. The age of uraninite coupled with zircon is 317.1 ± 2.3 Ma. These dating results clarify the formation time of the final phase (pegmatite) of the Shartash intrusion and determine the upper age limit of hydrothermal gold mineralization (Berezovsk deposit) associated with the granite massif.     

The Zircon-Bearing Chromitites of the Phlogopite Peridotite of Finero (Ivrea Zone, Southern Alps): Evidence and Geochronology of a Metasomatized Mantle Slab

The phlogopite peridotite unit of the Finero Complex is a restiticharzburgite that records two metasomatic events. The first eventis related to the intrusion of basaltic magma, which reactedwith the pyroxene of the host harzburgite to produce chromititepods with dunite haloes. It also produced secondary clinopyroxeneand amphibole in the harzburgite and enriched harzburgite inNa and the light rare earth elements. The second metasomaticevent is related to the later intrusion of clinopyroxeniticdykes. During this event, water-rich vapour penetrated the harzburgitealong fractures and reacted with it to form phlogopite, thusenriching the rock in K. Chromitites host zircons that yieldan age for the first metasomatic event of 207·9 + 1·7/-1·3Ma, during which time extensional tectonics prevailed in theSouthern Alps. KEY WORDS: metasomatism; chromitite; zircon; geochronology; Finero     

High-P granulites of the Songshugou area (Qinling Orogen,east-central China): Petrography,phase relations,and U/Pb zircon geochronology

High-pressure (HP) granulites provide telling records of mineral reactions at upper mantle to lower crustal levels and key information on the fate of material in subduction systems. The latter especially applies when they abut eclogite and mantle dunite because such rock associations are crucial for understanding the incompletely known processes at the interface of converging plates. A continental arc, active c. 520–395 Ma ago, formed an enigmatic example of such a rock association in the Songshugou area, Qinling Orogen. To unravel the juxtaposition of the distinct rocks, this study combines petrography, phase equilibria modelling, conventional thermobarometry, and zircon U–Th–Pb–Ti–REE analysis. Two mafic HP granulites, which contain the mineral assemblages garnet–clinopyroxene–plagioclase–rutile–mesoperthite–quartz and garnet–clinopyroxene–plagioclase–rutile, experienced peak metamorphic conditions of ≤1.4 GPa, 860°C and ~1.3 GPa, ≥910°C, respectively. During decompression and cooling, at 489 ± 4 Ma, amphibole lamellae unmixed from a clinopyroxene solid solution and orthopyroxene in part replaced garnet. A felsic HP granulite shows equilibration of garnet, perthite, antiperthite, kyanite, quartz, and rutile at 810–860°C, ~1.2 GPa, sillimanite growth during decompression, and upper amphibolite facies cooling at 510 ± 4 Ma. Though the thermobarometric data are just within the methodological errors, the U/Pb zircon ages imply the HP granulites did not evolve coherently. The HP granulites either represent foundered lower arc crust or originated from subduction erosion because their geochemistry is indistinguishable from that of the hanging-wall plate. Published and new pressure–temperature–time–deformation paths converge at ~710°C, ~0.9 GPa, and ≲470 Ma, implying exhumation tectonics juxtaposed the HP granulites with a mélange of eclogite and mantle dunite at lower crustal levels. This study highlights that lower arc crust can comprise material of diverse evolution.     

The age of Kondyor massif dunites (Aldan Province, Russia): First U-Pb isotopic data

The material and isotope-geochemical peculiarities of zircons from dunites of the Kondyor massif (Aldan Province, Southeast Siberian Craton) have been described for the first time. This massif is associated with an economic platinum placer deposit. On the basis of detailed study of the morphology, internal structure, and geochemical characteristics, zircons have been subdivided into two types. The first type is represented by crystals of oval and rounded shapes, characterized by a bimodal distribution of ??ancient?? (2477 ± 18 and 1885 ± 52 Ma) U-Pb (SHRIMP-II) ages. The second type of zircons forms idiomorphic crystals and aggregates of prismatic habitus, forming two ??young?? age clusters (176 ± 1.2 and 143 ± 2.0 Ma). The obtained results allow us to make a conclusion about the long evolution of platinum-bearing dunites. The first type of zircons formed by metamictic cores and homogeneous peripheral rims indicates the time of metamorphism at the Archean-Proterozoic boundary (??2.5 Ga), implying an older age of porous zircon cores. Such zircons characterize the minimal age of the initial mantle substance or a close time when the platinum-bearing dunite was generated. Based on their formation time, the second type of zircons can be referred to the epoch of tectonic-magmatic activation of the Aldan Shield. The new geochronological data, along with the material identity of dunites from the Urals and the Aldan Province, argue for a common genetic origin of platinum-bearing dunites of the fold belts and ancient cratons.     

Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions of migmatites from the North Qinling terrane and their geological implications

Migmatites are predominant in the North Qinling (NQ) orogen, but their formation ages are poorly constrained. This paper presents a combined study of cathodoluminescence imaging, U–Pb age, trace element and Hf isotopes of zircon in migmatites from the NQ unit. In the migmatites, most zircon grains occur as new, homogeneous crystals, while some are present as overgrowth rims around inherited cores. Morphological and trace element features suggest that the zircon crystals are metamorphic and formed during partial melting. The inherited cores have oscillatory zoning and yield U–Pb ages of c. 900 Ma, representing their protolith ages. The early Neoproterozoic protoliths probably formed in an active continental margin, being a response to the assembly of the supercontinent Rodinia. The migmatite zircon yields Hf model ages of 1911 ± 20 to 990 ± 22 Ma, indicating that the protoliths were derived from reworking of Palaeoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic crustal materials. The anatexis zircon yields formation ages ranging from 455 ± 5 to 420 ± 4 Ma, with a peak at c. 435 Ma. Combined with previous results, we suggest that the migmatization of the NQ terrane occurred at c. 455–400 Ma. The migmatization was c. 50 Ma later than the c. 490 Ma ultra‐high‐P (UHP) metamorphism, indicating that they occurred in two independent tectonic events. By contrast, the migmatization was coeval with the granulite facies metamorphism and the granitic magmatism in the NQ unit, which collectively argue for their formation due to the northward subduction of the Shangdan Ocean. UHP rocks were distributed mainly along the northern margin and occasionally in the inner part of the NQ unit, indicating that they were exhumed along the northern edge and detached from the basement by the subsequent migmatization process.     

Contact metamorphic P–T–t paths from Sm–Nd garnet ages, phase equilibria modelling and thermobarometry: Garnet Ledge, south-eastern Alaska, USA

Sm–Nd garnet‐whole rock geochronology, phase equilibria, and thermobarometry results from Garnet Ledge, south‐eastern Alaska, provide the first precisely constrained P–T–t path for garnet zone contact metamorphism. Garnet cores from two crystals and associated whole rocks yield a four point isochron age for initial garnet growth of 89.9 ± 3.6 Ma. Garnet rims and matrix minerals from the same samples yield a five point isochron age for final garnet growth of 89 ± 1 Ma. Six size fractions of zircon from the adjacent pluton yield a concordant U–Pb age of 91.6 ± 0.5 Ma. The garnet core and rim, and zircon ages are compatible with single‐stage garnet growth during and/or after pluton emplacement. All garnet core–whole rock and garnet rim‐matrix data from the two samples constrain garnet growth duration to ≤5.5 my. A garnet mid‐point and the associated matrix from one of the two garnet crystals yield an age of 90.0 ± 1.0 Ma. This mid‐point result is logically younger than the 90.7 ± 5.6 Ma core–whole rock age and older than the 88.4 ± 2.5 Ma rim‐matrix age for this sample. A MnNaCaKFMASH phase diagram (P–T pseudosection) and the garnet core composition are used to predict that cores of garnet crystals grew at 610 ± 20 °C and 5 ± 1 kbar. This exceeds the temperature of the garnet‐in reaction by c. 50 °C and is compatible with overstepping of the garnet growth reaction during contact metamorphism. Intersection of three reactions involving garnet‐biotite‐sillimanite‐plagioclase‐quartz calculated by THERMOCALC in average P–T mode, and exchange thermobarometry were used to estimate peak metamorphic conditions of 678 ± 58 °C at 6.1 ± 0.9 kbar and 685 ± 50 °C at 6.3 ± 1 kbar, respectively. Integration of pressure, temperature, and age estimates yields a pressure‐temperature‐time path compatible with near isobaric garnet growth over an interval of c. 70 °C and c. 2.3 my.     

Re–Os and U–Pb Geochronology of Porphyry and Skarn Types Copper Deposits in Jilin Province,NE China

Jilin Province in NE China lies on the eastern edge of the Xing–Meng Orogenic Belt. Mineral exploration in this area has resulted in the discovery of numerous large, medium, and small sized Cu, Mo, Au, and Co deposits. To better understand the formation and distribution of both the porphyry and skarn types Cu deposits of the region, we examined the geological characteristics of the deposits and applied zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os isotope dating to constrain the age of the mineralization. The Binghugou Cu deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age for quartz diorite of 128.1 ± 1.6 Ma; the Chang'anpu Cu deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age for granite porphyry of 117.0 ± 1.4 Ma; the Ermi Cu deposit yields a zircon U–Pb age for granite porphyry of 96.8 ± 1.1 Ma; the Tongshan Cu deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 128.7 to 130.2 Ma, an isochron age of 129.0 ± 1.6 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 129.2 ± 0.7 Ma; and the Tianhexing Cu deposit yields molybdenite Re–Os model ages of 113.9 to 115.2 Ma, an isochron age of 114.7 ± 1.2 Ma, and a weighted mean model age of 114.7 ± 0.7 Ma. The new ages, combined with existing geochronology data, show that intense porphyry and skarn types Cu mineralization was coeval with Cretaceous magmatism. The geotectonic processes responsible for the genesis of the Cu mineralization were probably related to lithospheric thinning. By analyzing the accumulated molybdenite Re–Os, zircon U–Pb, and Ar–Ar ages for NE China, it is concluded that the Cu deposits formed during multiple events coinciding with periods of magmatic activity. We have identified five phases of mineralization: early Paleozoic (~476 Ma), late Paleozoic (286.5–273.6 Ma), early Mesozoic (~228.7 Ma), Jurassic (194.8–137.1 Ma), and Cretaceous (131.2–96.8 Ma). Although Cu deposits formed during each phase, most of the Cu mineralization occurred during the Cretaceous.     

Neoproterozoic island arcs in East Sayan: duration of magmatism (from U–Pb zircon dating of volcanic clastics)

Two island arcs of different ages have been reconstructed in the Neoproterozoic history of southeastern East Sayan: Dunzhugur and Shishkhid. According to earlier concepts, the Dunzhugur arc formed at ～1020 Ma and underwent collision with the Siberian(?) continent at ～810 Ma. The Shishkhid arc formed somewhat earlier than 800 Ma and existed till the end of the Late Baikalian (～600 Ma, from indirect data). This primitive geologic history, when each arc existed for 200 Myr, was suggested because of the deficit of direct data, and its reconstruction cast doubt. In this work we present results of preliminary dating of detrital zircons separated from the volcaniclastic rocks composing the above arcs. We analyzed 12 zircon crystals from the Dunzhugur volcanic clastics, whose ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age varies from 844 ± 8 to 1048 ± 12 Ma (1σ). Five most ancient zircons form a concordant cluster with an age of 1034 ± 9 Ma (2σ). Hence, the arc formed earlier than it was assumed and existed for a long time, most likely, till its collision with the continent. We also studied two zircon samples from the volcaniclastic rocks of the Oka accretionary prism, which probably formed in the Shishkhid arc. All ten crystals of the first sample form a concordant cluster with an age of 813 ± 7 Ma (2σ). The analyzed zircons of the second sample arrange in two clusters, with an age of 775 ± 8 Ma (2σ, nine crystals) and 819 ± 17 Ma (three crystals). Thus, the Shishkhid arc formed earlier than it was assumed, at the end of the Early Baikalian, and underwent active volcanism at least till 775 Ma. Dating of detrital zircons from the volcaniclastics generated at the mature stage of the Shishkhid-arc evolution will help to reconstruct partly or completely its history in the period 775–600 Ma.     

Trace-element study and age dating of zircon from chromitites of the Bushveld Complex (South Africa)

The layered Bushveld Complex hosts a number of chromitite layers, which were found to contain significant amounts of zircon grains compared with adjacent silicate rocks. Cathodoluminescent-dark, partially metamict cores and transparent rims of composite zircon grains were analyzed for trace elements with SIMS and LA-ICPMS techniques. The cores are enriched in REE, Y, Th and U and are characterized by distinctly flatter REE patterns in contrast to those of the rims and transparent homogenous crystals. Zircon from the different stratigraphic units has specific Th/U ratios, the highest of which (1.5–4) occurs in a Merensky Reef zircon core. The Ti content of Bushveld zircon ranges from 12 to 52 ppm correlating to a crystallization temperature range of 760–930 °C. The geochemical characteristics of the first zircon generation are consistent with its high-temperature crystallization as the first major U, Th and REE acceptor from a highly-evolved residue of the high-Mg basalt magma, whereas the rims and coreless crystals have crystallized from percolating intercumulus liquid of new influx of the same magma. U-Pb SHRIMP dating of zircon cores and rims does not reveal a distinguishable difference between their ages indicating the absence of inherited zircon. Concordia ages of 2,051?±?9 Ma (2σ, MSWD?=?0.1) and 2,056?±?5 Ma (2σ, MSWD?=?0.05) for zircons from the Merensky Reef and the Upper Platreef located equally near the top of the Critical Zone are in agreement with published ages for the Merensky Reef. Zircon from the deeper-seated Lower Group, Middle Group and Lower Platreef chromitites yields younger concordia ages that may reflect prolonged late-stage volatile activity.