Petrology of the Maksyutov Eclogite Blueschist Complex, Southern Urals

1. IntroductionThe Maksyutov high-pressure complex is a part of Precambrian folded belt (mainly Proterozoic but reactivated in Phanerozoic) with eclogites, garnet pyroxenites, peridotites, and blueschists. As a global structure crossing the Asian continent (Fig. 1), this belt comprises two branches-the outer eclogite blueschist " peri-oceanic" (1-5 and 11-12 in Fig. 1) and the inner clinopyroxenite eclogite "peri-continental" (6-10 in Fig. 1) ones. Comparative petrological study of these co…     

Garnet-pyroxene and lawsonite-bearing rocks of the Maksyutov Complex (Southern Urals)

The new petrological and geochrological data are used to constrain the nature of garnet-clinopyroxene and lawsonite-bearing rocks, which contain a rare variety of Fe-Ca-rich garnets. These rocks associated with antigorite serpentinites have no equivalents in the other units of the Maksyutov eclogite-glaucophane schist complex and, thus, can be regarded as a separate “mafic-ultramafic” unit. Based on their mineral and chemical composition, the garnet-clinopyroxene and lawsonite-bearing rocks can be interpreted as HP associations formed within a deep continental rifting setting. They experienced a series of metasomatic alterations during decompression exhumation and were accreted to the Maksyutov Complex as a result of the arc-continent collision. The U–Pb zircon data indicate that a Late Riphean–Lower Paleozoic age (824 and 440–470 Ma) was a crystallization age of garnet-clinopyroxene rocks and Ar–Ar white mica age (341 ± 2 Ma) represents the timing of the final accretion of all structural unit to the Maksyutov Complex.     

Geology and geodynamic evolution of the high-P/low-T Maksyutov Complex, southern Urals, Russia

The high-pressure/low-temperature Maksyutov Complex is situated in the southern Urals between the Silurian/Devonian Magnitogorsk island arc and the East European Platform. The elongated N-S-trending complex is made up of two contrasting tectono-metamorphic units. Unit 1 consists of a thick pile of Proterozoic clastic sediments suggested to represent the passive margin of the East European Platform. The overlying unit 2, composed of Paleozoic sediments, volcanic rocks, and a serpentinite mélange with rodingites, is interpreted as a remnant of the Uralian Paleo-ocean. Devonian eastward subduction of oceanic crust beneath the Magnitogorsk island arc resulted in an incipient blueschist-facies metamorphism of unit 2 indicated by lawsonite pseudomorphs in the rodingites. While unit 2 was accreted to the upper plate, subduction of the continental passive margin caused the high-pressure metamorphism of unit 1. Buoyancy-driven exhumation of unit 1 into the forearc region led to its juxtaposition with unit 2 along a retrograde top-to-the-ENE shear zone. Further exhumation of the Maksyutov Complex into its present tectonic position was accomplished by later shear zones that were active as normal faults and are exposed along the margins of the complex. At the western margin a top-to-the-west shear zone juxtaposed a low-grade remnant of a Paleozoic accretionary prism (Suvanyak Complex) above the Maksyutov Complex. Along the eastern margin a top-to-the-east shear zone and the brittle Main Uralian Normal Fault emplaced the Maksyutov Complex against the Magnitogorsk island arc in the hanging wall.     

Precise eclogitization ages deduced from Rb/Sr mineral systematics: The Maksyutov complex, Southern Urals, Russia

The Maksyutov complex (Southern Urals, Russia) is a well-preserved example of subduction-related high-pressure metamorphism. One of its two litho-tectonic units consists of rocks that experienced eclogite-facies conditions. Published ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data on phengite, U/Pb data on rutile, and Sm/Nd mineral data define a cluster of ages around 370 to 380 Ma. Nevertheless, no consensus exists as to the detailed interpretation of data and the exact age of eclogitization. We present new, high-precision internal mineral Rb/Sr isochrons for eclogite-facies metabasites, felsic eclogites, and eclogite-facies quartz veins. Nine isochrons, mainly controlled by omphacite and white mica phases, give concordant ages with an average value of 375 ± 2 Ma (2σ). Microtextural features, such as prograde growth zoning in eclogite-facies phases, suggest that the assemblages dated formed at a stage of prograde metamorphism. Sr-isotopic equilibria among eclogite-facies phases, and among eclogite-facies fluid veins and the host rocks, indicate that our ages reflect crystallization ages, related to the prograde-metamorphic, probably fluid-mediated eclogitization reactions. This interpretation is reinforced by data from fluid-precipitated quartzitic eclogites, whose modal composition, together with intergrowth relationships, conclusively imply closed-system behavior after crystallization. The possible occurrence of a pre-375 Ma event of ultra-high-pressure metamorphism (UHPM) in the Maksyutov complex is disproved by isotope systematics, microtextures, and mineral zoning patterns.     

Geochemical signatures for eclogite protolith from the Maksyutov Complex, South Urals

We conducted a geochemical study of eclogites (40 samples) from a boudin of the Lower Unit of the Maksyutov Complex in the South Urals in order to determine their protolith nature. The eclogites have major element compositions corresponding to quartz-bearing hypersthene basalts. Trace-element characteristics of the eclogites further suggest that they resemble enriched-type of tholeiites such as E-MORB. The compositional variation of eclogites was likely caused by fractional crystallization of parental melt under hypabyssal conditions, during its intrusion in thinned continental crust shortly before subduction. The high-pressure metamorphism has not affected significantly the major- and trace-element signatures of the protoliths. The compositions of co-existing minerals from the distinguished rock groups do not show significant distinctions. The considerable scatter of P–T estimates of metamorphic conditions does not depend on whole-rock composition. Therefore, the eclogitization was preceded by a chemical differentiation of an initial magmatic source, which is responsible for co-existence of rocks of variable composition in the same boudin. Dikes or sills of tholeiite basalts having geochemical characteristics of E-MORB could be the protoliths for the Maksyutov eclogites.     

Petrotectonic evolution of the high- to ultrahigh-pressure Maksyutov Complex, Karayanova area, south Ural Mountains: structural and oxygen isotope constraints

The Maksyutov Complex consists of three fault-bounded lithologic units: a quartzofeldspathic gneiss containing mafic eclogite boudins (Unit #1); a metasedimentary blueschist-facies (Yumaguzinskaya) unit; and a meta-ophiolitic mélange (Unit #2). The geologic history of the high- to ultrahigh-pressure (HP–UHP) assembly of the Maksyutov Complex is complicated by several stages of prolonged retrograde metamorphism and deformation. The Sakmara River exposes all three units near the former village of Karayanova. A structural/petrologic cross-section through the area yields new quantitative data for the complex and, regionally, for the south Urals. Analysis of the Karayanova area has identified the major structures. Regional folding within the complex is parallel to the dominant foliation trending northeast–southwest. Stereonet data show that, during exhumation, this large-scale folding was refolded about axes trending southeast. Unit #1 and the Yumaguzinskaya are tectonically and petrologically distinct units juxtaposed by west-vergent thrusting and recrystallization within the same subduction zone. A shear zone developed later between Unit #2 and the Unit #1+Yumaguzinskaya tectonic package accompanying exhumation. Field relations and petrofabric demonstrate that blueschist-facies recrystallization overprinted an earlier eclogite-facies metamorphism. Thermobarometric measurements yield P–T values of 594–637°C, 1.5–1.7 GPa for eclogite, but these conditions may reflect annealing during the early-stage exhumation at 375 Ma. Cuboid graphite aggregates testify to precursor conditions for Unit #1 within the diamond stability field, if such textures are correctly interpreted. Measured ¹⁸O/¹⁶O partitioning between pairs of coexisting phases yield three main recrystallization temperature ranges: (1) 678±83°C, attending Unit #1 eclogite-facies metamorphism; (2) 453±17°C, during transitional blueschist/greenschist-facies metamorphism for the amalgamated Unit #1+Yumaguzinskaya+Unit #2 assembly; and (3) 250±68°C, reflecting late-stage hydrothermal alteration and exhumation. Oxygen isotope data for Units #1 and #2 indicate that garnet, blue amphibole, and pyroxene crystallized in isotopic equilibrium, validating previous thermobarometric calculations for a Unit #1 retrograde metamorphic event. Variations in δ¹⁸O values for phengites suggest the possibility of late metamorphic fluid infiltration. Retrograde recrystallization at high pressure in the presence of fluids and a calculated slow exhumation rate for the Maksyutov Complex account for the fact that inferred UHP coesite and diamond were completely back-reacted during decompression.     

Stratiform base-metal deposits in the Eastern province of the Southern Urals, Russia

The stratiform base-metal Biksizak and Amur deposits, Kolpakovsky and Andree-Yul??evsky group of ore occurrences localized in the Eastern province of the Southern Urals and the adjacent Central Urals are considered in this paper. Their geology, composition of ore, and orebody morphology are characterized. These objects and occurrences occupy different geological positions, being hosted in (1) Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian limestones formed in an island-arc setting (Biksizak deposit, Kolpakovsky occurrence); (2) Middle and Upper Devonian flyschoid sequences at a distance from the active volcanic zone (Amur deposit); and (3) Riphean (?) platform cover (Andree-Yul??evsky group of occurrences). The objects considered differ in origin. The hydrothermal Pb-Zn ores of the Biksizak deposit and the Kolpakovsky occurrence are epigenetic with respect to the host rocks. They were formed in the Early Carboniferous and related to early collisional minor andesite and quartz diorite porphyry intrusions. The hydrothermal-sedimentary Amur massive sulfide Zn deposit of the Filizchai type was formed at the end of Middle Devonian. Zinc occurrences of the Andree-Yul??evsky group are probably products of regeneration of older stratiform lodes.     

安徽省大别山南部宿松杂岩变质作用研究

宿松杂岩的变质作用可分为３个阶段：早期、主期和晚期阶段。主期阶段的矿物组合在云母片岩中为石榴石＋多硅白云母＋石英＋磁铁矿±钠云母±绿帘石／黝帘石;在白云母钠长（二长）片岩和片麻岩中为石榴石＋多硅白云母＋钠长石＋石英＋绿帘石／黝帘石±冻蓝闪石;在石榴石钠长角闪岩中为石榴石＋冻蓝闪石＋钠长石＋黝帘石＋石英±钠云母±金红石／磁铁矿。根据多种地质温压计和变质反应可以推测主期变质条件为：Ｔ＝５２０℃～５８０℃,Ｐ＝１．２～１．４ＧＰａ,地热梯度为１２℃／ｋｍ,相当于高压过渡型。晚期阶段变质条件为：Ｔ＝４６０℃～４８０℃,Ｐ＝０．６～０．７ＧＰａ,为中压绿帘角闪岩相。宿松杂岩的变质条件介于其南部的蓝闪绿片岩相和北部的榴辉岩相之间,三者是扬子板块向华北板块之下俯冲到不同深度的产物。     

Gold Enrichment in the Supergene Zone of a Southern Urals Pyrite Deposit,Russia

The Gay deposit, situated in the Orenburg region, is identified with one of Russia's principal occurrences of pyrite (pyrite deposits are an important source of Russia's gold). It belongs to the west subzone of the Magnitogorsk synclinorium and occurs in Devonian rhyolite-basaltic volcanic rocks. The deposit comprises five large pyrite-chalcopyrite, pyrite-chalcopyrite- sphalerite, and pyrite orebodies. The supergene zone extends to 120-240 m below surface and consists of the following three subhorizontal zones (from bottom to top): the secondary sulfide enrichment, the leaching, and the oxidation zone (where ores are enriched in gold).

There are two levels of secondary gold enrichment in the weathering profile. The lower level, located in the leaching zone, corresponds with the level of water table fluctuations. The rich, flat-lying horizon (1.5-10.0 m) is composed of bedded, friable native sulfur-quartz ores; it contains 19.0-52.2 ppm Au and up to 389 ppm Ag. Native gold and silver halides (chlorargyrite, iodargyrite, and embolite) are the principal precious-metal minerals. Electrum, native silver, acanthite, and uytenbogaardtite constitute the minor ones. The upper level of the enrichment is located in the lower part of gossan. This bonanza is composed of hematite-quartz ochres. Gold concentration is 13.5 to 21.2 ppm. Native gold of high fineness and silver halides apparently are associated here with poorly crystallized iron oxides. The formation of supergene gold enrichments may result partly from residual concentration and partly from mobilization and reprecipitation of the precious metal. Rich horizons form by repeated gold redeposition in accordance with weathering and a gradual erosion surface lowering. The lower bonanza forms at first in the process of oxidation involving pyrite and native sulfur. Gold may be transported by complexes with metastable sulfur oxy-anions: sulfites, thiosulfates, or polythionates. The upper enriched horizon forms in the course of further evolution of the weathering profile in the stage of hematite recrystallizaiton and its transformation into goethite.     

K-rich fluid metasomatism at high-pressure metamorphic conditions: Lawsonite decomposition in rodingitized ultramafite of the Maksyutovo Complex, Southern Urals (Russia)

Fine grained rodingite‐like rocks containing epidote, clinozoisite, garnet, chlorite, phengite and titanite occur within antigorite serpentinite boudins from the high‐pressure metamorphic Maksyutovo Complex in the Southern Urals. Pseudomorphs after lawsonite, resorption of garnet by chlorite and phengite and stoichiometry suggest the reaction lawsonite + garnet + K‐bearing fluid → clinozoisite + chlorite + phengite, and define a relic assemblage of lawsonite + garnet + chlorite + titanite ± epidote as well as a later post‐lawsonite assemblage of clinozoisite + phengite + chlorite + titanite. The reaction lawsonite + titanite → clinozoisite + rutile + pyrophyllite + H₂O delimits the maximum stability of former lawsonite + titanite to pressures >13 kbar. P–T conditions of 18–21 kbar/520–540 °C result, if the average chlorite, Mg‐rich garnet rim and average epidote compositions are used as equilibrium compositions of the former lawsonite assemblage. These estimates indicate a similar depth of formation but lower temperatures to those recorded in nearby eclogites. The metamorphic conditions of the lawsonite assemblage are considerably higher than previously suggested and, together with published structural data, support a model in which a normal fault within the Maksyutovo complex acted as the major transport plane of eclogite exhumation. The maximum Si content of phengite and minimum Fe content in clinozoisite constrain the metamorphic conditions of the later pseudomorph assemblage to be >4.5 kbar and <440 °C. Rb–Sr isotopic dating of the pseudomorph assemblage results in a formation age of 339 ± 6 and 338 ± 5 Ma, respectively. These results support the recent exhumation models for this complex.     

Mineralogy and formation conditions of ores in the Bereznyakovskoe ore field,the Southern Urals,Russia

The Bereznyakovskoe ore field is situated in the Birgil’da-Tomino ore district of the East Ural volcanic zone. The ore field comprises several centers of hydrothermal mineralization, including the Central Bereznyakovskoe and Southeastern Bereznyakovskoe deposits, which are characterized in this paper. The disseminated and stringer-disseminated orebodies at these deposits are hosted in Upper Devonian-Lower Carboniferous dacitic-andesitic tuff and are accompanied by quartz-sericite hydrothermal alteration. Three ore stages are recognized: early ore (pyrite); main ore (telluride-base-metal, with enargite, fahlore-telluride, and gold telluride substages); and late ore (galena-sphalerite). The early and the main ore stages covered temperature intervals of 320–380 to 180°C and 280–300 to 170°C, respectively; the ore precipitated from fluids with a predominance of NaCl. The mineral zoning of the ore field is expressed in the following change of prevalent mineral assemblages from the Central Bereznyakovskoe deposit toward the Southeastern Bereznyakovskoe deposit: enargite, tennantite, native tellurium, tellurides, and selenides → tennantite-tetrahedrite, tellurides, and sulfoselenides (galenoclausthalite) → tetrahedrite, tellurides, native gold, galena, and sphalerite. The established trend of mineral assemblages was controlled by a decrease in $ f_{S_2 } $ f_{S_2 } , $ f_{Te_2 } $ f_{Te_2 } and $ f_{O_2 } $ f_{O_2 } and an increase in pH of mineral-forming fluids from early to late assemblages and from the Central Bereznyakovskoe deposit toward the Southeastern Bereznyakovskoe deposit. Thus, the Central Bereznyakovskoe deposit was located in the center of an epithermal high-sulfidation ore-forming system. As follows from widespread enargite and digenite, a high Au/Ag ratio, and Au-Cu specialization of this deposit, it is rather deeply eroded. The ore mineralization at the Southeastern Bereznyakovskoe deposit fits the intermediate- or low-sulfidation type and is distinguished by development of tennantite, a low Au/Ag ratio, and enrichment in base metals against a lowered copper content. In general, the Bereznyakovskoe ore field is a hydrothermal system with a wide spectrum of epithermal mineralization styles.     

Petrological and Geochemical Variations within the Tal y Fan Intrusion: a Study of Element Mobility During Low-Grade Metamorphism with Implications for Petrotectonic Modelling

The Tal y Fan Intrusion is an altered olivine dolerite sheetemplaced into a coeval sequence of subaqueous volcanic rocksof Caradoc (Ordovician) age in NE Snowdonia, Wales. Primarymineral and chemical variations across the 110 m thick sheetsuggest that the magma was drawn from a zoned magma chamber,although the intrusion consolidated predominantly as a singlecooling unit. An horizon of ferrodolerite resulted from in situfractionation. Secondary mineral assemblages are indicativeof the prehnite-pumpellyite and prehnite-actinolite fades, suggestingmetamorphic alteration conditions of approximately 310?C and1-85 kb. Major elemental variation largely reflects primarymineral variations across the intrusion, although Ca, Al, andNa show limited mobility in the outermost 4-5 m, related tobreakdown of plagioclase feldspar during metamorphism. The LILelements Rb, Sr, K, and Ba were highly mobile, particularlyin the marginal zones, whereas Th, in addition to the incompatibleelements Zr, Y, Ti, P, Nb, Ta, Hf, and the REE, was immobileeven in the marginal zones. Accordingly petrotectonic modellingbased on discriminant diagrams using these immobile elementsis considered most reliable. The Tal y Fan Intrusion has characteristicstransitional between N-type and E-type MORB, similar to tholeiiticwithin plate basalts. In contrast with other Ordovician volcanicsequences of the Welsh Basin, no subduction component is identifiedin the Tal y Fan magma, the LIL element enrichment observedbeing related to alteration     

Metamorphism and Isotopic Evolution of Granulites of Southern India: Reference to Neoproterozoic Crustal Evolution

Granulites are important component of high-grade metamorphic rocks reflecting intense conditions observed for crustal rocks in terms of temperature, and pressure. This review paper demonstrates how these high-grade granulites are critical to understanding the evolution of the lower continental crust with special reference to southern India. Geothermobarometric traverse across different granulite blocks in southern India shows wide ranging P-T conditions of metamorphism (700–1000 ° C, and 5–10 kbar). The sapphirine-, orthopyroxene-sillimanite, and spinel -bearing quartz-deficient granulites recognised from parts of southern granulite terrain (Ganguvarpatti, Kiranur, and Palani hill ranges etc.) show oriented sillimanite aggregates pseudomorph after course twinned kyanite, staurolite + kyanite assemblages, and corroded blebs of gedrite within orthopyroxene, suggesting a prograde stage of a clockwise P-T evolution. Evidence of ITD history comes from the textures in which an early Mg-rich garnet (X_Mg 52–60) with orthopyroxene (up to 10% Al₂O₃) involving sillimanite breakdown forming variety of symplectites having combinations of orthopyroxene, sapphirine, cordierite, and spinel. These spectacular reaction textures, and mineralogic sensors from the high-grade rocks establish a prograde clockwise P-T-t path with notable decompressive history (ITD) in the southern granulite terrain. The inferred P-T-t paths have been further integrated with the recent geochronological, and isotopic data to constrain the timing, and duration of metamorphism, emplacement of the magmatic protolith for characterising the evolution of the granulites, and their bearing on the geodynamic implications. Based on the emerging evidence for Neoproterozoic tectonothermal imprints in the southern granulite terrain, history of the assembly of dispersed fragments is also addressed within the East Gondwana framework.     

First Report of Sapphirine+Quartz Assemblage from Southern India: Implications for Ultrahigh-temperature Metamorphism

We report here for the first time, the occurrence of sapphirine+quartz assemblage in textural equilibrium from quartzo-feldspathic and pelitic granulites from southern India. The sapphirine-bearing rocks occur as layered gneisses associated with pink granite within massive charnockite in Rajapalaiyam area in the southern part of Madurai Block. Sapphirine occurs in three associations: (i) fine-grained subhedral mineral associated with quartz enclosed in garnet, (ii) intergrowth with Al-rich orthopyroxene (up to 9.7 wt.% Al₂O₃), and (iii) in symplectitic intergrowth with orthopyroxene (Al₂O₃= 5.9–6.7 wt.%) and cordierite surrounding garnet. The sapphirine in association with quartz is slightly magnesian (X_Mg = 0.79–0.80) and low in Si content (1.55–1.56 pfu) as compared with those associated with orthopyroxene and cordierite (X_Mg= 0.77–0.79, Si = 1.59–1.63 pfu). The sapphirine+quartz assemblage suggests that the granulites underwent T>1050 °C peak metamorphism. Cores of porphyroblastic orthopyroxene in the sapphirine-bearing rocks shows high-Al₂O₃ content of up to 9.7 wt.%, suggesting T = 1040–1060°C and P = 8 kbar. FMAS reaction of sapphirine+quartz→garnet+sillimanite+cordierite indicates a cooling from sapphirine+quartz stability field after the peak ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism. Slightly lower temperature estimates from ternary feldspar and sapphirine-spinel geothermometers (T = 950–1000°C) also support a post-peak isobaric cooling. Corona textures of orthopyroxene+cordierite (±sapphirine), orthopyroxene+sapphirine, and cordierite+spinel around garnet suggest subsequent decompression. The sapphirine-quartz association and related textures reported in this study have important bearing on the ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism and exhumation history of the Madurai Block as well as on the tectonic evolution of the continental deep crust in southern India.     

Ultrahigh-Pressure Metamorphism in the Western Gneiss Region of the Norwegian Caledonides

The distribution and characterization of UHP rocks within the Western Gneiss Region (WGR) of the Norwegian Caledonides is reviewed. While recent studies have documented a significantly increased number of eclogite localities preserving mineralogical evidence for Scandian-aged UHP metamorphism, much uncertainty remains over the regional extent of any UHP province because of the widespread overprinting by retrograde amphibolite-facies assemblages (especially in the dominant gneisses) during exhumation of the terrain. Based on current observations, the UHP metamorphic province may be limited to a northwest region of only～4000 km², although an enigmatic mixed zone of HP (quartz-stable) and UHP (coesite-stable) eclogites extends a minimum of 5 km farther south and east in the Outer Nordfjord area.

Quantitative P-T evaluation of key mineral reaction equilibria for eclogites sampled across the WGR indicates an overall regional trend of increased T and P to the northwest. This is consistent with Baltic plate rocks in the northwestern part of the WGR having been subducted to greatest depths during the Scandian plate collision. The distribution of garnet peridotites within the WGR and their significance to understanding the nature, location, and timing of crust-mantle interaction within a major continental-plate subduction zone also is briefly considered.     

大别山碧溪岭未经历超高压变质的片麻状花岗岩

关于大别山超高压变质带中与榴辉岩密切伴生的花岗片麻岩是否也经历了超高压变质作用一直是个争议的问题。笔者最近在碧溪岭片麻状花岗岩中首次发现了可靠的岩相学和矿物学证据 ,证明该岩石只遭受到绿片岩相变质作用的改造 ,而未曾记录超高压变质矿物组合。根据片麻状花岗岩与围岩接触部位强烈糜棱岩化的发育 ,认为超高压岩石在抬升到地壳范围时与以花岗质岩石为主构成的扬子陆壳发生了大规模的构造并置。