Sources of the Late Riphean carbonatite magmatism of Northern Transbaikalia: Geochemical and isotope-geochemical data

New major and trace element and Nd-Sr isotope results are reported for the carbonatites of the Veseloe and Pogranichnoe occurrences, Northern Transbaikalia. The carbonatites from both these occurrences are enriched in Sr, Ba, LREE, Th, U, and depleted in Ti, Cr, and V relative to primitive mantle. As compared to the “average dolomite carbonatite”, the rocks from the Northern Transbaikalia have higher contents of Ni, Cr, and low contents of Ba, Ti, and V. The rocks are characterized by ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶S in the range of 0.7037–0.7043 and ɛNd from + 0.6 to + 2.05. Obtained geochemical and isotope data indicate that the carbonatites were derived from moderately depleted source with a contribution of enriched component.     

Characteristics of geochemical evolution of trace elements and REE in Gejiu granites,Yunnan Province

The evolution characteristics of Gejiu granites, Yunnan Province are described in terms of their petrology, especially their trace elements and REE geochemistry. The three major types of Gejiu granites: porphyritic biotite monzonitic granite (stage I), medium-coarse-grained biotite-K-feldspar granite (stage II) and two-mica alkali-feldspar granite (stage III) are thought to have been formed successively from the same granite magma source through fractional crystallization (Rayliegh fractionation), because linear correlations are found between log(Rb/Sr)-log Sn, log(Rb/Ba)-log Sn, log(Rb/Ba)-log(Rb/Sr), log La-log Sr, log Ce-log Sr, log Eu-log Sr, etc. In addition, the characteristics of REE distribution patterns in these three major types of granites also reflect the magmatic differentiation features of Gejiu granites. Of the three major types, the two-mica alkali-feldspar granite of stage III underwent the strongest differentiation, and thus has the closest genetic relationship with the Gejiu tin-polymetallic ore deposit. Such tin-polymetal mineralized granites are characterized by high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios, low K/Rb and ΣCe/ΣY ratios and remarkable Eu depletion.     

Sr and Nd isotope data of apatite,calcite and dolomite as indicators of source,and the relationships of phoscorites and carbonatites from the Kovdor massif,Kola peninsula,Russia

A detailed Sr−Nd isotopic study of primary apatite, calcite and dolomite from phoscorites and carbonatites of the Kovdor massif (380 Ma), Kola peninsula, Russia, reveals a complicated evolutionary history. At least six types of phoscorites and five types of carbonatite have been identified from Kovdor by previous investigators based on relative ages and their major and accessory minerals. Isotopic data from apatite define at least two distinct groups of phoscorite and carbonatite. Apatite from the earlier phoscorites and carbonatites (group 1) are characterized by relatively low⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70330–0.70349) and¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd initial ratios (0.51230–0.51240) with F=2.01–2.23 wt%, Sr=2185–2975 ppm, Nd=275–660 ppm and Sm=31.7–96.2 ppm. Apatite from the second group has higher⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70350–0.70363) and¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd initial ratios (0.51240–0.51247) and higher F (2.63–3.16 wt%), Sr (4790–7500 ppm), Nd (457–1074 ppm) and Sm (68.7–147.6 ppm) contents. This group corresponds to the later phoscorites and carbonatites. One apatite sample from a carbonatite from the earlier group fits into neither of the two groups and is characterized by the highest initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.70385) and lowest¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51229) of any of the apatites. Within both groups initial⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios show negative correlations. Strontium isotope data from coexisting calcite and dolomite support the findings from the apatite study. The Sr and Nd isotopic similarities between carbonatites and phoscorites indicate a genetic relationship between the two rock types. Wide variations in Sr and Nd isotopic composition within some of the earlier carbonatites indicate several distinct intrusive phases. Oxygen isotopic data from calcite and dolomite (δ¹⁸O=+7.2 to +7.7‰ SMOW) indicate the absence of any low-temerature secondary processes in phoscorites and carbonatites, and are consistent with a mantle origin for their parental melts. Apatite data from both groups of phoscorite plot in the depleted quadrant of an ε_Nd versus ε_Sr diagram. Data for the earlier group lie along the Kola Carbonatite Line (KCL) as defined by Kramm (1993) and data from the later group plot above the KCL. The evolution of the phoscorites and carbonatites cannot be explained by simple magmatic differentiation assuming closed system conditions. The Sr−Nd data can best be explained by the mixing of three components. Two of these are similar to the end-members that define the Kola Carbonatite Line and these were involved in the genesis of the early phoscorites and carbonatites. An additional component is needed to explain the isotopic characteristics of the later group. Our study shows that apatite from rocks of different mineralogy and age is ideal for placing constraints on mantle sources and for monitoring the Sr−Nd evolution of carbonatites. Editorial responsibility: W. Schreyer     

New data on carbonatites of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex,the southern Urals,Russia

Carbonatites that are hosted in metamorphosed ultramafic massifs in the roof of miaskite intrusions of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex are considered. Carbonatites have been revealed in the Buldym, Khaldikha, Spirikha, and Kagan massifs. The geological setting, structure of carbonatite bodies, distribution of accessory rare-metal mineralization, typomorphism of rock-forming minerals, geochemistry, and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions are discussed. Dolomite-calcite carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks contain tetraferriphlogopite, richterite, accessory zircon, apatite, magnetite, ilmenite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and pyrochlore. According to geothermometric data and the composition of rock-forming minerals, the dolomite-calcite carbonatites were formed under K-feldspar-calcite, albite-calcite, and amphibole-dolomite-calcite facies conditions at 575–300°C. The Buldym pyrochlore deposit is related to carbonatites of these facies. In addition, dolomite carbonatites with accessory Nb and REE mineralization (monazite, aeschynite, allanite, REE-pyrochlore, and columbite) are hosted in ultramafic massifs. The dolomite carbonatites were formed under chlorite-sericite-ankerite facies conditions at 300–200°C. The Spirikha REE deposit is related to dolomite carbonatite and alkaline metasomatic rocks. It has been established that carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks are characterized by high Sr, Ba, and LREE contents and variable Nb, Zr, Ti, V, and Th contents similar to the geochemical attributes of calcio-and magnesiocarbonatites. The low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7044?0.7045 and εNd ranging from 0.65 to ?3.3 testify to their derivation from a deep mantle source of EM₁ type.     

四川冕宁包子山稀土矿床富Sr碳酸岩的发现及意义

全球范围内出露的碳酸岩大多为钙质、镁质、铁质碳酸岩,少量为钠质和硅质碳酸岩,极少有富Sr碳酸岩的报道,其岩石成因、资源意义及对碳酸岩岩浆演化的指示意义尚不清楚。本次在四川省牦牛坪稀土矿区南部包子山稀土矿床的露天采坑中发现了超级富Sr的碳酸岩,其呈不规则的脉状侵入到构造角砾岩中。岩石呈紫色-淡紫色,微晶-斑状结构,斑晶主要为萤石,基质主要为菱锶矿、方解石、氟碳铈矿、氟碳钙铈矿、金云母、重晶石并含少量的金属硫化物和氧化物。全岩的微量元素分析表明,其稀土元素总量(∑REE)达3.5%～6.1%,Sr含量达19.0%～27.7%,已超过稀土矿床和锶矿床的工业品位要求。岩石中的中、重稀土元素含量占稀土元素总量的1.14%～1.77%,一些高价值稀土元素含量较高,如Pr(939×10~(-6)～1399×10~(-6))、Nd(2783×10~(-6)～3937×10~(-6))、Gd(237×10~(-6)～320×10~(-6)),因此除轻稀土元素外,中、重稀土和锶元素也具有重要的资源意义。岩石强烈富集REE、Sr、Ba,而明显亏损P、Nb、Ta、Zr、Hf元素,可能与岩浆演化过程中锆石和其它基性矿物的结晶分离有关。全岩的Sr-Nd同位素组成与牦牛坪、里庄稀土矿床的碳酸岩相似,表明它们为同源岩浆产物。笔者认为,富Sr的碳酸岩代表了碳酸岩岩浆演化晚期的产物,REE、Sr、Ba、F和S元素均在岩浆演化晚期的碳酸岩中高度富集。碳酸岩岩浆超浅成侵位至构造角砾岩中,并与下渗的大气水相遇导致岩浆的淬冷和微晶-斑状结构的形成。早期基性矿物(如霓辉石、黑云母)及碳酸盐矿物(如方解石、白云石等)的结晶分离是造成晚期碳酸岩中稀土元素富集的重要原因。富Sr碳酸岩中石英斑晶的发现和其较低的SiO_2含量表明碳酸岩岩浆演化晚期可能是硅饱和的,且这种岩浆具有很低的SiO_2溶解能力。以菱锶矿(体积分数 50%)为主要碳酸盐矿物的稀土碳酸岩可能代表了一种新的碳酸岩类型,明显不同于已知的钙质、镁质、铁质和钠质碳酸岩。     

Isotopic and Geochemical Investigation of the Chilwa Island Carbonatite Complex, Malawi: Evidence for a Depleted Mantle Source Region, Liquid Immiscibility, and Open-System Behaviour

Initial Nd, Pb, and Sr isotopic data from carbonatites and associatedintrusive silica-undersaturated rocks from the early Jurassic,Chilwa Island complex, located in southern Malawi, central Africa,suggest melt derivation from a Rb/Sr- and Nd/Sm-depleted butTh/Pb- and U/Pb-enriched mantle source. Initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd(0.51265–0.51270) isotope ratios from the Chilwa Islandcarbonatites are relatively constant, but their initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(0.70319–0.70361) ratios are variable. The ¹⁸O_smow (9.53–14.15%0)and ¹³C_PDB (–3.27 to –1.50%0) isotope ratios ofthe carbonates are enriched relative to the range of mantlevalues, and there is a negative correlation between ¹⁸O andSr isotope ratios. The variations in Sr, C, and O isotopic ratiosfrom the carbonatites suggest secondary processes, such as interactionwith meteoric groundwater during late-stage carbonatite activity.The initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd (0.51246 0.51269) and initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(0.70344–0.70383) isotope ratios from the intrusive silicaterocks are more variable, and the Sr more radiogenic than thosefrom the carbonatites. Most of the Pb isotope data from Chilwa Island plot to the rightof the geochron and close to the oceanic regression line definedby MORBs and OIBs. Initial Pb isotopic ratios from both carbonatites(²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.63–15.71; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 19.13–19.78)and silicate rocks (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 15.61–15.72; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb18.18–20.12) show pronounced variations, and form twogroups in Pb-Pb plots. The isotopic variations shown by Nd, Pb, and Sr for the ChilwaIsland carbonatites and intrusive silicates suggest that thesemelts underwent different evolutionary histories. The chemicaldata, including isotopic ratios, from the carbonatites and olivinenephelinites are consistent with magmatic differentiation ofa carbonated-nephelinite magma. A model is proposed in whichdifferentiation of the carbonatite magma was accompanied byfenitization (metasomatic alteration) of the country rocks bycarbonatite-derived fluids, and subsequent alteration of thecarbonatite by hydrothermal activity. The chemical and isotopicdata from the non-nephelinitic intrusive silicate rocks reveala more complex evolutionary history, involving either selectivebinary mixing of lower-crustal granulites and a nephelinitemagma, or incremental batch melting of a depleted source andsubsequent crustal contamination.     

The main geochemical features of carbonatites

A great deal of data is available on the geochemistry of the carbonatite family as well as diverse sedimentary, metamorphic and endogenic carbonate rocks. The distinctive geochemical features of carbonatites are expressed first of all in their simultaneous enrichment in Sr, Ba, ree and V. Since the carbonatite family is related both to alkaline petrogenesis and a mantle origin, these associations allow distinction of carbonatites from the large variety of other carbonate rocks. At the same time, carbonatites associated with different types of alkaline rocks under different geologic-tectonic settings differ in contents of a number of elements (Sr, Ba, Nb, ree, Pb, Zn, P). These differences permit the geochemical classification of various rock associations of carbonatites. This geochemical classification is of practical interest because the ore productivity of the various associations is different.     

Late Mesozoic carbonatite provinces in Central Asia: Their compositions,sources and genetic settings

Identification of the Late Mesozoic carbonatite province in Central Asia is herein discussed. Its regional extent and distribution is investigated, and the areas with manifestations of carbonatite magmatism are described. It is shown that they were developed in terranes with heterogeneous and heterochronous basements: Siberian (Aldan Shield) and North China cratons; Early Paleozoic (Caledonian) and Middle–Late Paleozoic (Hercynian) structures of the Central Asian fold belt (Transbaikal and Tuva zones in Russia; Mongolia). Irrespective of the structural position, the carbonatites were generated within a relatively narrow time interval (150–118 Ma). The geochemical (Sr, LREE, Ba, F and P) specialization of carbonatites of the province is reflected in their mineral composition. Some rocks of the carbonatite complexes always include one or more distinctive minerals: fluorite, Ba–Sr sulfates, Ba–Sr–Ca carbonates, LREE fluorocarbonates, or apatite. Compared to counterparts from other age groups (for example, Maimecha–Kotui group in North Asia), these carbonatites are depleted in Ti, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf. It is shown that the Sr and Nd isotope composition of carbonatites correlates with the geological age of the host crust. Rocks of carbonatite complexes associated with cratons are characterized by the lowest εNd(T) and highest ISr(T) values, indicating that their formation involved an ancient lithospheric material. Carbonatite magmatism occurred simultaneously with the largest plateau basalts 130–120 Ma ago in rift zones in the Late Mesozoic intraplate volcanic province of Central Asia. This interval corresponds to timing of global activation of intraplate magmatism processes, suggesting a link of the carbonatite province with these processes. It is shown that fields with the carbonatite magmatism were controlled by small mantle plumes (“hot fingers”) responsible for the Central Asian mantle plume events.     

渤海湾盆地石炭-二叠系微量元素特征及其指相意义

本文采用ICP-MS测试分析技术,对渤海湾盆地4口钻井42件石炭—二叠系岩心样进行了Sr、Ba、Ga、V、Ni、Co等沉积环境敏感元素的系统测试分析,讨论6种元素含量及Sr/Ba、Ba/Ga、Ni/Co等比值的变化特征。除去5件样品中的异常点,测试元素大多数集中的变化范围:Sr(100~200)×10-6,Ba(100~700)×10-6,Ga(10~40)×10-6,V(80~200)×10-6,Co(5~30)×10-6,Ni(15~45)×10-6,Sr/Ba 0.2~0.9,Ba/Ga 2~20,Ni/Co 1~4。根据微量元素指标特点结合岩相资料,认为渤海湾盆地本溪组发育海相沉积,太原组发育过渡相沉积,山西组及其以上地层发育陆相沉积。元素指标中,Ba、Sr/Ba和Ba/Ga沉积环境指示意义显著,在判断渤海湾盆地石炭—二叠纪沉积相方面具有实用价值。     

The geochemistry of carbonatites and related rocks from two carbonatite complexes,south Nyanza,Kenya

Carbonatites, metasomatised country rocks, and carbonatitic calcite and magnetite have been analysed from two carbonatite complexes, Homa and Wasaki, W. Kenya.The carbonatites are all greatly Ce-earth enriched, contain abundant ‘carbonatitic’ trace elements (Sr, Ba, Nb and REE), and generally low concentrations of Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, Ga, Ge, Sn, Bi, Li and Mo. At both complexes early søvite is rich in Sr, and impoverished in other trace elements relative to the alvikites. The late-intruded melacarbonatites contain the greatest concentrations of Ba, REE, Fe and Mn.It is concluded that the accumulation of these elements in the later carbonatites is mainly due to fractionation of carbonates from carbonatite magma which was initially rich in ‘carbonatitic’ trace elements.     

Geochemical and isotopic investigation of the Laiwu–Zibo carbonatites from western Shandong Province, China, and implications for their petrogenesis and enriched mantle source

Major and trace element and Nd–Sr isotope data of the Mesozoic Laiwu–Zibo carbonatites (LZCs) from western Shandong Province, China, provide clues to the petrogenesis and the nature of their mantle source. The Laiwu–Zibo carbonatites can be petrologically classified as calcio-, magnesio- and ferro-carbonatites. All these carbonatites show a similarity in geochemistry. On the one hand, they are extremely enriched in Ba, Sr and LREE and markedly low in K, Rb and Ti, which are similar to those global carbonatites, on the other hand, they have extremely high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7095–0.7106) and very low _Nd (−18.2 to −14.3), a character completely different from those global carbonatites. The small variations in Sr and Nd isotopic ratios suggest that crustal contamination can not modify the primary isotopic compositions of LZC magmas and those values are representatives of their mantle source. The Nd–Sr isotopic compositions of LZCs and their similarity to those of Mesozoic Fangcheng basalts imply that they derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle. The formation of such enriched lithospheric mantle is connected with the major collision between the North China Craton (NCC) and the Yangtze Craton. Crustal materials from the Yangtze Craton were subducted beneath the NCC and melts derived from the subducted crust of the Yangtze Craton produced an enriched Mesozoic mantle, which is the source for the LZCs and Fangcheng basalts. The absence of alkaline silicate rocks, which are usually associated with carbonatites suggest that the LZCs originated from the mantle by directly partial melting.     

Confirmation and Preliminary Study of Aluminous A—Type Granites in the Wuyi Mountain Area,Eastern Jiangxi Province,China

Widespread in the Wuyi Mountain area of eastern Jiangxi are petrochemically peraluminous granites and they are characterized as being high in silica (SiO₂ > 75% ) and highly alkaline (ALK=6.9% -7.5%) with K₂O > Na₂O and rather high ratios of FeO^T/MgO (11.3-17.9). The rocks have low contents of CaO, MgO, TiO₂ and P₂ O₅. The granites are enriched in REE (ΣREE =210.3 - 496. 8 μg/g) with remarkable negative Eu anomalies, but depleted in Eu, Ba, Sr, V, Co, and Ni, with 10000 x Ga/Al ratios, varying from 6. 1 to 9. 8. It is clear that these granites are obviously different from the I- and S-type granites, but are quite similar to those typical A-type granites such as aluminous A-type granites in the coastal areas of Fujian Province. State Geological Survey Project: supported by the Regional Geological Survey Project (No: 20001300002091 ) on the basis of the maps (scale 1: 250000) of Jingdezheng City, Nanchang City and Shangrao City.     

Geochemical Characteristics of Cenozoic Basaltic High-K Volcanic Rocks from Maguan Area, Eastern Tibet

The major element, trace element and Nd-Sr isotopic composition of Cenozoic basaltic volcanic rocks from the Maguan area, eastern Tibet, indicates that the volcanic rocks are enriched in alkalis, especially K (K2O up to 3.81%) and depleted in Ti (TiO2 = 1.27%-2.00%). These rocks may be classified as two groups, based on their Mg# numbers: one may represent primary magma (Mg# numbers from 68 to 69), and the other, the evolved magma(Mg# numbers from 49 to 57). Their REE contents are very high (∑REE = 155.06-239.04μg/g). Their REE distribution patterns are of the right-inclined type, characterized by LREE enrichment [(La/Yb)N =12.0-19.2], no Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce*=1.0), and weak negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*=0.9). The rocks are highly enriched in Rb, Sr and Ba (59.5-93.8μg/g, 732-999 μg/g, and 450-632 g/g, respectively), high in U and Th (1.59-2.31μg/g and 4.73-8.16 μg/g, respectively), and high in Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf (70-118 μg/g,3.72-5.93 μg/g, 215-381 μg/g, and 5.47-9.03 μg/g, respectively). In the primitive mantle-normalized incompatible element spidergram, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and P show positive anomalies, whereas Ba, Ti and Y show negative anomalies. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios range from 0. 704029 to 0.704761; 143Nd/144Nd from 0. 512769 to 0. 512949; and εNd from 2.6 to 6.1. These geochemical features might suggest that the potential source of the basaltic high-K volcanic rocks in the Maguan area is similar to the OIB-source mantle of Hawaii and Kergeulen volcanic rocks.     

Geochemical characteristics of crustal anatexis during the formation of migmatite at the Southern Sierra Nevada,California

We provide data on the geochemical and isotopic consequences of nonmodal partial melting of a thick Jurassic pelite unit at mid-crustal levels that produced a migmatite complex in conjunction with the intrusion of part of the southern Sierra Nevada batholith at ca. 100 Ma. Field relations suggest that this pelitic migmatite formed and then abruptly solidified prior to substantial mobilization and escape of its melt products. Hence, this area yields insights into potential mid-crustal level contributions of crustal components into Cordilleran-type batholiths. Major and trace-element analyses in addition to field and petrographic data demonstrate that leucosomes are products of partial melting of the pelitic protolith host. Compared with the metapelites, leucosomes have higher Sr and lower Sm concentrations and lower Rb/Sr ratios. The initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of leucosomes range from 0.7124 to 0.7247, similar to those of the metapelite protoliths (0.7125–0.7221). However, the leucosomes have a much wider range of initial ε_Nd values, which range from −6.0 to −11.0, as compared to −8.7 to −11.3 for the metapelites. Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of the leucosomes, migmatites, and metapelites suggest disequilibrium partial melting of the metapelite protolith. Based on their Sr, Nd, and other trace-element characteristics, two groups of leucosomes have been identified. Group A leucosomes have relatively high Rb, Pb, Ba, and K₂O contents, Rb/Sr ratios (0.15<Rb/Sr<1.0), and initial ε_Nd values. Group B leucosomes have relatively low Rb, Pb, Ba, and K₂O contents, Rb/Sr ratios (<0.15), and initial ε_Nd values. The low Rb concentrations and Rb/Sr ratios of the group B leucosomes together suggest that partial melting was dominated by water-saturated or H₂O-fluxed melting of quartz + feldspar assemblage with minor involvement of muscovite. Breakdown of quartz and plagioclase with minor contributions from muscovite resulted in low Rb/Sr ratios characterizing both group A and group B leucosomes. In contrast, group A leucosomes have greater contributions from K-feldspar, which is suggested by: (1) their relatively high K concentrations, (2) positive or slightly negative Eu anomalies, and (3) correlation of their Pb and Ba concentrations with K₂O contents. It is also shown that accessory minerals have played a critical role in regulating the partitioning of key trace elements such as Sm, Nd, Nb, and V between melt products and residues during migmatization. The various degrees of parent/daughter fractionations in the Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd isotopic systems as a consequence of nonmodal crustal anatexis would render melt products with distinct isotopic signatures, which could profoundly influence the products of subsequent mixing events. This is not only important for geochemical patterns of intracrustal differentiation, but also a potentially important process in generating crustal-scale as well as individual pluton-scale isotopic heterogeneities.     

Origin and evolution of the Ilmeny–Vishnevogorsky carbonatites (Urals, Russia): insights from trace-element compositions, and Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb, Lu-Hf isotope data

The carbonatites of the Ilmeny-Vishnevogorsky Alkaline Complex (IVAC) are specific in geological and geochemical aspects and differ by some characteristics from classic carbonatites of the zoned alkaline-ultramafic complexes. Geological, geochemical and isotopic data and comparison with relevant experimental systems show that the IVAC carbonatites are genetically related to miaskites, and seem to be formed as a result of separation of carbonatite liquid from a miaskitic magma. Appreciable role of a carbonate fluid is established at the later stages of carbonatite formation. The trace element contents in the IVAC carbonatites are similar to carbonatites of the ultramafic-alkaline complexes. The characteristic signatures of the IVAC carbonatites are a high Sr content, a slight depletion in Ba, Nb, Та, Ti, Zr, and Hf, and enrichment in HREE in comparison with carbonatites of ultramafic-alkaline complexes. This testifies a specific nature of the IVAC carbonatites related to the fractionation of a miaskitic magma and to further Late Paleozoic metamorphism. Isotope data suggest a mantle source for IVAC carbonatites and indicate that moderately depleted mantle and enriched EMI-type components participated in magma generation. The lower crust could have been involved in the generation of the IVAC magma.     

Genesis of the Khaluta alkaline-basic Ba-Sr carbonatite complex (West Transbaikala, Russia)

The Khaluta carbonatite complex comprizes fenites, alkaline syenites and shonkinites, and calcite and dolomite carbonatites. Textural and compositional criteria, melt inclusions, geochemical and isotopic data, and comparisons with relevant experimental systems show that the complex formed by liquid immiscibility of a carbonate-saturated parental silicate melt. Mineral and stable isotope geothermometers and melt inclusion measurements for the silicate rocks and carbonatite all give temperatures of crystallization of 915–1,000°C and 890–470°C, respectively. Melt inclusions containing sulphate minerals, and sulphate-rich minerals, most notably apatite and monazite, occur in all of the lithologies in the Khaluta complex. All lithologies, from fenites through shonkinites and syenites to calcite and dolomite carbonatites, and to hydrothermal mineralisation are further characterized by high Ba and Sr activity, as well as that of SO3 with formation of the sulphate minerals baryte, celestine and baryte-celestine. Thus, the characteristic features of the Khaluta parental melt were elevated concentrations of SO₃, Ba and Sr. In addition to the presence of SO₃, calculated fO₂ for magnetites indicate a high oxygen fugacity and that Fe⁺³>Fe⁺² in the Khaluta parental melt. Our findings suggest that the mantle source for Khaluta carbonatite and associated rocks, as well as for other carbonatites of the West Transbaikalia carbonatite province, were SO₃-rich and characterized by high oxygen fugacity.     

阿尔金北缘古元古代壳源火成碳酸岩的发现

报道了阿尔金东段北缘的古元古代晚期壳源火成碳酸岩全岩地球化学和锆石SHRIMP定年结果.它们明显切割围岩, 以岩株状、岩脉状产出, 包裹不同类型围岩包体.岩石主要由方解石、透辉石组成, 含石英、长石等长英质矿物.岩石高CaO(20.56%~39.80%), SiO₂含量变化较大(23.33%~54.06%), 稀土总量低(TREE=28.36×10-6~63.01×10-6)、弱负铕异常(Eu/Eu*=0.69~0.83)、轻重稀土分离不强((La/Yb)_N=9.20~16.85), 相对富集大离子亲石元素Sr、Rb、Ba、Th, 亏损高场强元素Nb、Ti、P.锆石具核-边结构, 边部锆石普遍存在不明显的环带, 具变质深熔锆石的结构特征, 其207Pb/206Pb加权平均年龄为1 931±18 Ma.它们是高级变质作用条件下米兰岩群不纯大理岩深熔作用的产物.      

Hot-fluid Driven Metasomatism of Samalpatti Carbonatites, South India: Evidence from Petrology, Mineral Chemistry, Trace Elements and Stable Isotope Compositions

The magmatic heritage of carbonatites can be identified on the basis of a combination of geological criteria such as, their mode of occurrence, the nature of associated igneous rocks, the presence of minerals of igneous origin, fenitization, characteristic trace element contents and isotopic composition. Late Proterozoic Samalpatti carbonatites were studied in view of these criteria, and were found to contain metamorphic minerals that normally form under thermal metamorphic conditions and which have unusual chemical compositions. A combination of criteria points clearly to a magmatic origin for these carbonatites. Field relations indicate that the dominant modes of intrusion of carbonatite into the encompassing pyroxenites and syenites include small dykes, veins, or lenses. The igneous nature of these carbonatites has been described elsewhere and chemically they are classified as calico-carbonatites. Currently, very little is known about the metamorphic textures and mineralogy observed in the Samalpatti carbonatites. In this study, several metamorphic minerals are reported including diopside, grossularite, vesuvianite, K-feldspar and wollastonite, and a hornfelsic texture is described. These mineral phases and texture characterize thermal metamorphism under low pressure and high temperature (LP-HT) metamorphic conditions (650°_750°C) or metasomatism aided by hot-fluid advection. The metamorphic nature of minerals reported is also confirmed by electron microprobe study. The Samalpatti carbonatite samples show much lower values of characteristic trace elements (P, Sr, Ba, Zr, Nb, Th, Y and REEs) than average concentrations for magmatic carbonatite. Stable isotopic (d¹³C and d¹⁸O) compositions of Samalpatti carbonatites do not fall in the primary igneous carbonatite (PIC) domain. The petrological and chemical signatures of these carbonatites suggest metasomatism in conjunction with fluid advection. Such a metasomatic process may drastically change the chemistry of the rocks in addition to enrichment of heavier stable isotopes. During this metasomatic process, characteristic elements would be dissolved in the high d¹⁸O fluid, and together with Rayleigh fractionation would contribute to enhanced concentrations of ¹³C and ¹⁸O in Samalpatti carbonatites.     

Trace element geochemistry of the Mt Vulture carbonatites,southern Italy

The Mt Vulture carbonatites are the only carbonatite occurrence in the southern Apennines. We present new trace element data for these rocks in order to evaluate the factors influencing rare earth element (REE) and other trace element fractionations and their REE grade. This study focuses on massive hyalo-alvikites from two lava flows and one dike, which have different relative abundances of silicate and carbonate (i.e. Si/Ca). These differences are also evident from CaO/(CaO + MgO + FeO(T) + MnO) and Sr/Ba ratios. The REE grade of the Mt Vulture carbonatites is very similar to that of the global average for calcio-carbonatites. R-mode factor analysis shows that most of the trace element variance reflects the relative roles of carbonate and silicate minerals in influencing trace element distributions. Silicates largely control heavy rare earth element (HREE), transition metal, Zr, and Th abundances, whereas carbonate minerals control light rare earth element (LREE), Ba, and Pb abundances. In addition, apatite influences LREE concentrations. Increasing silica contents are accompanied by decreases in (La/Yb)N and (La/Sm)N ratios and less marked LREE enrichment. In contrast, higher carbonate contents are associated with increases in (La/Yb)N and (La/Sm)N. The Si/Ca ratio has little influence on Eu anomalies and middle rare earth element (MREE) to HREE fractionations. Apatite has a negligible effect on inter-REE fractionations amongst the carbonatites.     

The Hohonu Batholith of North Westland, New Zealand: granitoid compositions controlled by source H2O contents and generated during tectonic transition

Geochemical studies on the Hohonu Batholith, of the West Coast, South Island, New Zealand, have recognised two distinct but chemically related suites of mid-Cretaceous granitoids. The suites are characterised by restricted radiogenic isotopic compositions (Sr_(i) = 0.7062 to 0.7085; ɛNd_(i) = −4.4 to −6.1), and represent melting of a mafic lithosphere source followed by interaction with Ordovician metasediments. The two suites (Te Kinga Suite and Deutgam Suite) are distinguished by contrasting contents of Al₂O₃, Na₂O, Sr, Ba, Eu and HREE, attributable to different residual asssemblages controlled by differing H₂O contents during melting of a metabasaltic source. The relatively mafic, metaluminous, I-type Deutgam Suite represents magmas derived by dehydration melting in equilibrium with an amphibolitic (plagioclase + amphibole) residue. In contrast, the peraluminous, high silica compositions of the Te Kinga Suite were produced by melting at higher H₂O contents, reducing the stability of plagioclase and resulting in a melt in equilibrium with a plagioclase-free eclogitic (garnet + amphibole) residue. Residual plagioclase during generation of the Deutgam Suite resulted in lower Al₂O₃, Na₂O, Sr, Ba and Eu contents, whereas residual garnet during generation of the Te Kinga suite resulted in depleted HREE contents. The mid-Cretaceous granitoids of the Hohonu Batholith were generated during a period of rapid tectonic transition from crustal thickening during collision to crustal thinning and core complex formation during extension. Received: 23 July 1996 / Accepted: 21 August 1997