Reaction Textures in a Suite of Spinel Granulites from the Eastern Ghats Belt, India: Evidence for Polymetamorphism, a Partial Petrogenetic Grid in the System KFMASH and the Roles of ZnO and Fe2O3

Spinel granulites, with or without sapphirine, occur as lensesin garnetiferous quartzofeldspathic gneisses (leptynites) nearGokavaram in the Eastern Ghats Belt, India. Spinel granulitesare mineralogically heterogeneous and six mineral associationsoccur in closely spaced domains. These are (I) spinel–quartz–cordierite,(II) spinel–quartz–cordierite–garnet–orthopyroxene–sillimanite,(III) spinel–cordierite–orthopyroxene–sillimanite,(IV) spinel–quartz–sapphirine–sillimanite–garnet,(V) spinel–quartz-sapphirine–garnet and (IV) rhombohedral(Fe–Ti) oxide–cordierite–orthopyroxene–sillimanite.Common to all the associations are a porphyroblastic garnet(containing an internal schistosify defined by biotite, sillimaniteand quartz), perthite and plagioclase. Spinel contains variableamounts of exsolved magnetite and is distinctly Zn rich in thesapphirine-absent associations. X_Mg in the coexisting phasesdecreases in the order cordierite–biotite–sapphirine–orthopyroxene–spinel–garnet–(Fe–Ti)oxides. Textural criteria and compositional characteristicsof the phases document several retrograde mineral reactionswhich occurred subsequent to prograde dehydration melting reactionsinvolving biotite, sillimanite, quartz, plagioclase and spinel.The following retrograde mineral reactions are deduced: (1)spinel + quartz cordierite, (2) spinel + quartz garnet + sillimanite,(3) garnet + quartz cordierite + orthopyroxene, (4) garnet+ quartz + sillimanite cordierite, (5) spinel + cordierite orthopyroxene + sillimanite, (6) spinel + sillimanite + quartz sapphirine, (7) spinel + sapphirine + quartz garnet + sillimanite,and (8) spinel + quartz sapphirine + garnet. A partial petrogeneticgrid for the system FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–K₂O–H₂Oat high fo₂, has been constructed and the effects of ZnO andFe₂O₃ on this grid have been explored Combining available experimentaland natural occurrence data, the high fo₂ invariant points inthe partial grid have been located in P–T space. Geothermobarometricdata and consideration of the deduced mineral reactions in thepetrogenetic grid show that the spinel granulites evolved throughan anticlockwise P–T trajectory reaching peak metamorphicconditions >9 kbar and 950C, followed by near-isobaric cooling(dT/dP = 150C/kbar). This was superimposed by an event of near-isothermaldecompression (dT/dP = 15C/kbar). The studied spinel granulites,therefore, preserve relic prograde mineral associations andreaction textures despite being metamorphosed at very high temperatures,and bear evidence of polymetamorphism. KEY WORDS: spinel granulite; Eastern Ghats; India; polymetamorphism; geothermometry; geobarometry Corresponding author     

Ultrahigh-temperature Metamorphism (1150{degrees}C, 12 kbar) and Multistage Evolution of Mg-, Al-rich Granulites from the Central Highland Complex, Sri Lanka

Mg- and Al-rich granulites of the central Highland Complex,Sri Lanka preserve a range of reaction textures indicative ofa multistage P–T history following an ultrahigh-temperaturemetamorphic peak. The granulites contain a near-peak assemblageof sapphirine–garnet–orthopyroxene–sillimanite–quartz–K-feldspar,which was later overprinted by intergrowth, symplectite andcorona textures involving orthopyroxene, sapphirine, cordieriteand spinel. Biotite-rims, kornerupine and orthopyroxene-rimson biotite are considered to be late assemblages. Thermobarometriccalculations yield an estimated P–T of at least 1100°Cand 12 kbar for the near-peak metamorphism. Isopleths of Al₂O₃in orthopyroxene are consistent with a peak temperature above1150°C. The P–T path consists of four segments. Initialisobaric cooling after peak metamorphism (Segment A), whichproduced the garnet–sapphirine–quartz assemblage,was followed by near-isothermal decompression at ultrahigh temperature(Segment B), which produced the multiphase symplectites. Furtherisobaric cooling (Segment C) resulted in the formation of biotiteand kornerupine, and late isothermal decompression (SegmentD) formed orthopyroxene rims on biotite. This evolution canbe correlated with similar P–T paths elsewhere, but thereare not yet sufficient geochronological and structural dataavailable from the Highland Complex to allow the tectonic implicationsto be fully assessed. KEY WORDS: central Highland Complex; granulites; multistage evolution; Sri Lanka; UHT metamorphism     

Spinel–quartz high temperature paragenesis in Al–Fe granulites from the Ihouhaouene area (NW Hoggar, Algeria)

The spinel–quartz-bearing Al–Fe granulites from Ihouhaouene (In Ouzzal, West Hoggar) have a migmatitic appearance with quartzo-feldspathic layers intercalated with restitic layers. These granulites are characterized by a hercynitic spinel–quartz assemblage typical of high grade terranes. The stability of the spinel–quartz assemblage is attributed to an elevation of temperature (from 800 to >1100 °C) at high pressures (10–11 kbar), followed by an isothermal decompression from 9 to 5 kbar, an evolution typical of the In Ouzzal clockwise P–T path. The Al–Fe granulites’ history can be subdivided into different successive crystallisation stages. During the first stage, the spinel–quartz assemblage formed, probably following a prograde event that also produced partial melting. During a second stage, the primary spinel–garnet–sillimanite–quartz paragenesis broke-down to give rise to the secondary assemblage. The metamorphic evolution and phase relations during this stage are shown in P–T–X pseudosections calculated for the simple FMASH system. These pseudosections show that the orthopyroxene–cordierite–spinel symplectite appeared during a high temperature decompression, as a product of destabilisation of garnet in sillimanite-free microdomains with high X_Mg values. At the same time, the spinel–quartz association broke-down into cordierite in Fe-rich microdomains. Average pressure and temperature estimates for the orthopyroxene–spinel–garnet–cordierite–quartz association are close to the thermal peak of metamorphism (1000 ± 116 °C at 6.3 ± 0.5 kbar). With decreasing temperatures garnet–sillimanite corona developed from the breakdown of the primary spinel–quartz assemblage in the Fe-rich microdomains, whereas cordierite–spinel formed at the expense of primary sillimanite and garnet in the Mg-rich microdomains.     

Petrology of Whiteschists and Associated Rocks at Mautia Hill (Tanzania): Fluid Infiltration during High-Grade Metamorphism?

Talc–kyanite schists (whiteschists), magnesiohornblende–kyanite–talc–quartzschists and enstatite–sapphirine–chlorite schistsoccur at Mautia Hill in the East African Orogen of Tanzania.They are associated with metapelites and garnet–clinopyroxene–quartzmetabasites. Geobarometry (GASP/GADS equilibria) applied tothe latter two rock types indicates a peak pressure of P = 10–11kbar. These results are confirmed by the high fO₂ assemblagehollandite–kyanite–quartz and late-stage manganianandalusite that contains up to 19·5 mol. % Mn₂SiO₅. Maximumtemperatures of T = 720°C are inferred from late-stage yoderite+ quartz. A clockwise P–T evolution is constrained byprograde kyanite inclusions in metapelitic garnet and late-stagereaction rims of cordierite between green yoderite and talcthat reflect conditions at least 3–4 kbar below the peakpressure. Oxidizing conditions are recorded throughout the metamorphichistory of the whiteschists and chlorite schists, as indicatedby the presence of haematite coexisting with pseudobrookiteand/or rutile. Increasing water activity near peak pressuresis thought to have led to the breakdown of the high-pressureassemblages (Tlc–Ky–Hem and Mg-Hbl–Ky–Hem)and the subsequent formation of certain uncommon minerals, e.g.yellow sapphirine, Mn–andalusite, green and purple yoderite,piemontite and boron-free kornerupine. The proposed increasein water activity is attributed to fluid infiltration resultingfrom the devolatilization of underlying sediments during metamorphism. KEY WORDS: fluid infiltration; high-pressure amphibolite facies; East African Orogen; Pan-African; whiteschist     

Petrology of phlogopite-sapphirine-bearing Al-Mg granulites from Ihouhaouene, In Ouzzal, Hoggar, Algeria: an example of phlogopite stability at high temperature

Al-Mg granulites, with cordierite, garnet, sapphirine, orthopyroxene, sillimanite, spinel, phlogopite, K-feldspar, plagioclase and variable quartz from Ihouhaouene (In Ouzzal, Algeria), display a range of decompression textures involving the breakdown of orthopyroxene and sillimanite, and of garnet. The succession of parageneses suggests that the P–T–t evolution corresponds to decompression with cooling from peak conditions of about 950°C and 10 kbar. This decompression path is obtained from the paragenetic analysis in the FMAS system. However, according to current KFMASH grids, this P–T–t evolution should take place outside the stability field of phlogopite+quartz; yet this assemblage is probably stable during most of the P-T evolution, notably during peak metamorphism. This discrepancy is interpreted as the effect of the high content of F in phlogopite which should shift its stability limit towards higher temperature. The consequences of this shift on the phase relationships in the KFeMASH system are investigated and it is concluded that a topological inversion could exist in the F-bearing system.     

Formation of eclogite, and reaction during exhumation to mid-crustal levels, Snowbird tectonic zone, western Canadian Shield

A re‐evaluation of the P–T history of eclogite within the East Athabasca granulite terrane of the Snowbird tectonic zone, northern Saskatchewan, Canada was undertaken. Using calculated pseudosections in combination with new garnet–clinopyroxene and zircon and rutile trace element thermometry, peak metamorphic conditions are constrained to ～16 kbar and 750 °C, followed by near‐isothermal decompression to ～10 kbar. Associated with the eclogite are two types of occurrences of sapphirine‐bearing rocks preserving a rich variety of reaction textures that allow examination of the retrograde history below 10 kbar. The first occurs as a 1–2 m zone adjacent to the eclogite body with a peak assemblage of garnet–kyanite–quartz interpreted to have formed during the eclogite facies metamorphism. Rims of orthopyroxene and plagioclase developed around garnet, and sapphirine–plagioclase and spinel–plagioclase symplectites developed around kyanite. The second variety of sapphirine‐bearing rocks occurs in kyanite veins within the eclogite. The veins involve orthopyroxene, garnet and plagioclase layers spatially organized around a central kyanite layer that are interpreted to have formed following the eclogite facies metamorphism. The layering has itself been modified, with, in particular, kyanite being replaced by sapphirine–plagioclase, spinel–plagioclase and corundum–plagioclase symplectites, as well as the kyanite being replaced by sillimanite. Petrological modelling in the CFMAS system examining chemical potential gradients between kyanite and surrounding quartz indicates that these vein textures probably formed during further essentially isothermal decompression, ultimately reaching ～7 kbar and 750 °C. These results indicate that the final reaction in these rocks occurred at mid‐crustal levels at upper amphibolite facies conditions. Previous geochronological and thermochronological constraints bracket the time interval of decompression to <5–10 Myr, indicating that ～25 km of exhumation took place during this interval. This corresponds to minimum unroofing rates of ～2–5 mm year^?1 following eclogite facies metamorphism, after which the rocks resided at mid‐crustal levels for 80–100 Myr.     

Disequilibrium Induced by Fast Decompression in St-Bt-Grt-Ky-Sil-And Metapelites from the Betic Belt (Southern Spain)

Medium-grade metapelites from the Torrox unit (Western Alpujarrides,Betic Cordilleras) provide an example of the phase relationshipsto be expected from extensional collapse of thickened crust.The rocks contain assemblages formed by combinations of St–Bt–GrtKySil–And,and are characterized by a marked state of textural and compositionaldisequilibrium that originated during post-peak, near-isothermaldecompression at moderately high temperatures (from >10 to2–3 kbar, at 550–650C). Major disequilibrium featuresinclude abundant reaction textures, metastable coexistence ofthe three aluminium silicate (Als) polymorphs, wide heterogeneitiesin the composition of phases within single samples and unsystematicor abnormal Mg-Fe partitioning among biolite, garnet and staurolite.Reaction relations and compositional trends of phases can beshown to be consistent with expectations from model systems,however, indicating that disequilibrium was a consequence ofreaction overstepping along the isothermal decompression path.Ensuing fast, near-isobaric cooling abruptly terminated metamorphism,and allowed for the preservation of disequilibrium featuresafter decompression. Given that the rocks decompressed at relativelyhigh temperature, the occurrence of reaction overstepping suggeststhat decompression proceeded at a very fast rate, consistentwith a bulk exhumation velocity in the range of 5–10 km/Ma,as estimated from available radio-metric data for this stage. KEY WORDS: decompression; disequilibrium; extensional collapse; medium-grade metapelites; reaction overstepping ^*Corresponding author. Telephone: + 34 58 243355. Fax: + 34 58 243368. e-mail: agcasco{at}goliat.ugr.es     

Reaction history of sapphirine granulites and a decompressional P-T path in a granulite complex from the Eastern Ghats

The sapphirine granulites from G. Madugula, Eastern Ghats preserve a variety of mineral textures and reactions. Corona and reaction textures are used in conjunction with mineral compositions to construct a sequence of metamorphic reactions describing the mineralogical evolution of sapphirine granulites. An early stage is characterized by the development of sapphirine + quartz, spinel + quartz in textural equilibrium, and possible relicts after osumilite during peak metamorphic conditions. Sapphirine/spinel crystals were later detached from quartz in the form of mineral coronas. During a subsequent sapphirine-cordierite stage, several cordierite forming reactions reflect decreasingP-T conditions. Finally during the late stage, a few samples show evidence of retrogressive hydration. Sapphirine is rather iron-rich (12.8 wt%) and the Mg number in the analysed minerals varies in the order: cordierite > phlogopite > sapphirine > orthopyroxene > spinel > garnet.P-T conditions of metamorphism have been constrained through the application of geothermobarometry and thermodynamically calibrated MAS equilibria.P-T vectors from granulite facies rocks in the G. Madugula area indicate that the rocks experienced substantial decompression (up to 3 kbar) and moderate cooling (150–200°C) subsequent to peak conditions of metamorphism (8.4 kbar, > 900°C). The decompressionalP-T history of sapphirine granulites interpreted from textural features and thermobarometric estimates suggest that they may have eventually resulted from exhumation of thickened crust.     

Ca-rich Garnet-Clinopyroxene Rocks at Hujialin in the Su-Lu Terrane (Eastern China): Deeply Subducted Arc Cumulates?

Layers of Ca-rich garnet–clinopyroxene rocks enclosedin a serpentinite body at Hujialin, in the Su–Lu terraneof eastern China, preserve igneous textures, relict spinel ingarnet, and exsolution lamellae of Ca-rich garnet, ilmenite/magnetite,Fe-rich spinel, and also amphibole in clinopyroxene. In termsof their major and trace element compositions, the studied samplesform a trend from arc cumulates towards Fe–Ti gabbros.Reconstructed augite compositions plot on the trend for clinopyroxenein arc cumulates. These data suggest that the rocks crystallizedfrom mantle-derived magmas differentiated to various extentsbeneath an arc. The Ca-rich garnet + diopside assemblage isinferred to have formed by compressing Ca-rich augite, whereasthe relatively Mg-rich cores of garnet porphyroblasts may haveformed at the expense of spinel. The protolith cumulates weresubducted from near the crust–mantle boundary (c. 1 GPa)deep into the upper mantle (4·8 ± 0·6 GPaand 750 ± 50°C). Negatively sloped P–T pathsfor the garnet–clinopyroxene rocks and the corollary ofcorner flow induced subduction of mantle wedge peridotite arenot supported by the available data. Cooling with, or without,decompression of the cumulates after the igneous stage probablyoccurred prior to deep subduction. KEY WORDS: arc cumulates; Ca-rich garnet; garnet–clinopyroxene rocks; Su–Lu terrane; UHP metamorphism     

A review of Archaean and Paleoproterozoic evolution of the In Ouzzal granulitic terrane (Western Hoggar, Algeria)

The In Ouzzal terrane (Western Hoggar) is an example of Archaean crust remobilized during a very-high-temperature metamorphism related to the Paleoproterozoic orogeny (2 Ga). Pan-African events (≈0.6 Ga) are localized and generally of low intensity. The In Ouzzal terrane is composed of two Archaean units, a lower crustal unit made up essentially of enderbites and charnockites, and a supracrustal unit of quartzites, banded iron formations, marbles, Al–Mg and Al–Fe granulites commonly associated with mafic (metanorites and garnet pyroxenites) and ultramafic (pyroxenites, lherzolites and harzburgites) lenses. Cordierite-bearing monzogranitic gneisses and anorthosites occur also in this unit. The continental crust represented by the granulitic unit of In Ouzzal was formed during various orogenic reworking events spread between 3200 and 2000 Ma. The formation of a continental crust made up of tonalites and trondhjemites took place between 3200 and 2700 Ma. Towards 2650 Ma, extension-related alkali-granites were emplaced. The deposition of the metasedimentary protoliths between 2700 and 2650 Ma, was coeval with rifting. The metasedimentary rocks such as quartzites and Al–Mg pelites anomalously rich in Cr and Ni, are interpreted as a mixture between an immature component resulting from the erosion and hydrothermal alteration of mafic to ultramafic materials, and a granitic mature component. The youngest Archaean igneous event at 2500 Ma includes calc-alkaline granites resulting from partial melting of a predominantly tonalitic continental crust. These granites were subsequently converted into charnockitic orthogneisses. This indicates crustal thickening or heating, and probably late Archaean high-grade metamorphism coeval with the development of domes and basins. The Paleoproterozoic deformation consists essentially of a re-activation of the pre-existing Archaean structures. The structural features observed at the base of the crust argue in favour of deformation under granulite-facies. These features are compatible with homogeneous horizontal shortening of overall NW–SE trend that accentuated the vertical stretching and flattening of old structures in the form of basins and domes. This shortening was accommodated by horizontal displacements along transpressive shear corridors. Reactional textures and the development of parageneses during the Paleoproterozoic suggest a clockwise P–T path characterized by prograde evolution at high pressures (800–1050 °C at 10–11 kbar), leading to the appearance of exceptional parageneses with corundum–quartz, sapphirine–quartz and sapphirine–spinel–quartz. This was followed by an isothermal decompression (9–5 kbar). Despite the high temperatures attained, the dehydrated continental crust did not undergo any significant partial melting. The P–T path followed by the granulites is compatible with a continental collision, followed by delamination of the lithosphere and uprise of the asthenosphere. During exhumation of this chain, the shear zones controlled the emplacement of carbonatites associated with fenites.     

Mg-Al Sapphirine- and Ca-Al Hibonite-bearing Granulite Xenoliths from the Chyulu Hills Volcanic Field, Kenya

Basanites of the Chyulu Hills (Kenya Rift) contain mafic Mg–Aland Ca–Al granulite xenoliths. Their protoliths are interpretedas troctolitic cumulates; however, the original mineral assemblageswere almost completely transformed by subsolidus reactions.Mg–Al granulites contain the minerals spinel, sapphirine,sillimanite, plagioclase, corundum, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxeneand garnet, whereas Ca–Al granulites are characterizedby hibonite, spinel, sapphirine, mullite, sillimanite, plagioclase,quartz, clinopyroxene, corundum, and garnet. In the Mg–Algranulites, the first generation of orthopyroxene and some spinelmay be of igneous origin. In the Ca–Al granulites, hibonite(and possibly some spinel) are the earliest, possibly igneous,minerals in the crystallization sequence. Most pyroxene, spineland corundum in Mg–Al and Ca–Al granulites formedby subsolidus reactions. The qualitative P–T path derivedfrom metamorphic reactions corresponds to subsolidus cooling,probably accompanied, or followed by, compression. Final equilibrationwas achieved at T 600–740°C and P <8 kbar, inthe stability field of sillimanite. The early coexistence ofcorundum and pyroxenes (± spinel), as well as the associationof sillimanite and sapphirine with clinopyroxene and the presenceof hibonite, makes both types of granulite rare. The Ca–Alhibonite-bearing granulites are unique. Both types enlarge thespectrum of known Ca–Al–Mg-rich granulites worldwide. KEY WORDS: granulite xenoliths; corundum; sapphirine; hibonite; Kenya Rift     

Polymetamorphism in the NE Shackleton Range, Antarctica: Constraints from Petrology and U-Pb, Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr TIMS and in situ U-Pb LA-PIMMS Dating

Metapelitic rock samples from the NE Shackleton Range, Antarctica,include garnet with contrasting zonation patterns and two agespectra. Garnet porphyroblasts in K-rich kyanite–sillimanite–staurolite–garnet–muscovite–biotite schistsfrom Lord Nunatak show prograde growth zonation, and give Sm–Ndgarnet, U–Pb monazite and Rb–Sr muscovite ages of518 ± 5, 514 ± 1 and 499 ± 12 Ma, respectively.Geothermobarometry and P–T pseudo-section calculationsin the model system CaO–Na₂O–K₂O– TiO₂–MnO–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂Oare consistent with garnet growth during prograde heating from540°C/7 kbar to 650°C/7·5 kbar, and partial resorptionduring a subsequent P–T decrease to <650°C at <6kbar. All data indicate that rocks from Lord Nunatak were affectedby a single orogenic cycle. In contrast, garnet porphyroblastsin K-poor kyanite–sillimanite– staurolite–garnet–cordierite–biotite-schistsfrom Meade Nunatak show two growth stages and diffusion-controlledzonation. Two distinct age groups were obtained. Laser ablationplasma ionization multicollector mass spectrometry in situ analysesof monazite, completely enclosed by a first garnet generation,yield ages of c. 1700 Ma, whereas monazite grains in open garnetfractures and in most matrix domains give c. 500 Ma. Both agegroups are also obtained by U–Pb thermal ionization massspectrometry analyses of matrix monazite and zircon, which fallon a discordia with lower and upper intercepts at 502 ±1 and 1686 ± 2 Ma, respectively. Sm–Nd garnet datingyields an age of 1571 ± 40 Ma and Rb–Sr biotiteanalyses give an age of 504 ± 1 Ma. Integrated geochronologicaland petrological data provide evidence that rocks from MeadeNunatak underwent a polymetamorphic Barrovian-type metamorphism:(1) garnet 1 growth and subsequent diffusive garnet annealingbetween 1700 and 1570 Ma; (2) garnet 2 growth during the RossOrogeny at c. 500 Ma. During the final orogenic event the rocksexperienced peak P–T conditions of about 650°C/7·0kbar and a retrograde stage at c. 575°C/4·0 kbar. KEY WORDS: garnet microtexture; P–T pseudosection; geochronology; polymetamorphism; Shackleton Range; Antarctica     

Gedrite–garnet–sillimanite-bearing granulites from Amessmessa area, south In Ouzzal, Hoggar, Algeria

Some granulites from the Amessmessa area (south In Ouzzal unit, Hoggar) contain the peak assemblage gedrite+garnet+sillimanite+quartz that was used to estimate the P–T conditions of metamorphism. The rocks developed symplectites and corona textures by the breakdown of the primary paragenesis to orthopyroxene, cordierite and spinel. The successive parageneses formed in separate microdomains according to a clockwise P–T path. Geothermometry, geobarometry and phase diagram calculations indicate that the textures formed by decompression and cooling from 7–9 kbar and 850–900°C to 3.5–4.5 kbar and 700–800°C. This P–T evolution is consistent with low to medium a_H2O, between 0.4 and 0.7, and is similar to the metamorphic conditions deduced in Al–Mg granulites from the north of In Ouzzal.     

A sapphirine–phlogopite–cordierite paragenesis in a low-P amphibolite facies terrain, Arunta Inlier, Australia

Summary Silica-undersaturated phlogopite schists from the Cackleberry Metamorphics, Arunta Inlier, central Australia, preserve relatively low-temperature sapphirine-bearing parageneses that developed during low-pressure upper amphibolite facies metamorphism. Peak metamorphic phlogopite–cordierite–sapphirine assemblages are interpreted to have formed during the same event recorded in nearby metapelites, at c.3 kbar and 650–700 °C. Initial cooling of the terrain resulted in the breakdown of sapphirine to corundum–chlorite–phlogopite and corundum–spinel–chlorite assemblages. Further retrogression at greenschist facies conditions resulted in the replacement of sapphirine by diaspore–chlorite intergrowths. The reaction textures are consistent with a near-isobaric heating-cooling path at low-pressure, and provide evidence for the stability of sapphirine at c.700 °C at low pressures in rocks of an appropriate Mg- and Fe³⁺-rich bulk composition. Received August 15, 2001 accepted December 27, 2001     

First application of the revised Ti-in-zircon geothermometer to Paleoproterozoic ultrahigh-temperature granulites of Tuguiwula, Inner Mongolia, North China Craton

The revised titanium-in-zircon geothermometer was applied to Paleoproterozoic ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) granulites at Tuguiwula, Inner Mongolia, North China Craton. The Tuguiwula granulites contain diagnostic UHT mineral assemblages such as sapphirine + quartz and high alumina orthopyroxene + sillimanite + quartz, suggesting formation under temperatures of ca. 1,000°C and pressures of up to 10 kbar. Here, we report detailed petrographic studies and ICP-MS data on titanium concentration in zircons associated with the UHT assemblages. The zircons associated with sapphirine–spinel–sillimanite–magnetite assemblages have the highest Ti concentration of up to 57 ppm, yielding a temperature of 941°C, and suggesting that the growth of zircons occurred under ultrahigh-temperature conditions. The maximum temperatures obtained by the revised Ti-in-zircon geothermometer is lower than the equilibrium temperature of sapphirine + quartz, indicating an interval of cooling history of the granulites from UHT condition to ca. 940°C. Many of the zircons have Ti concentrations ranging from 10 to 33 ppm, indicating their growth or recrystallization under lower temperatures of ca. 745–870°C. These zircons are interpreted to have recrystallized during the retrograde stage indicated by microstructures such as cordierite rim or corona between spinel and quartz, and orthopyroxene–cordierite symplectite around garnet. Previous geochronological study on the zircons of the Tuguiwula UHT granulites gave a mean U–Pb SHRIMP age of 1.92 Ga. However, based on the Ti-in-zircon geothermometer results reported in this work, and considering the relatively slow thermal relaxation of these rocks, we infer that the timing of peak UHT metamorphism in the Tuguiwula area could be slightly older than 1.92 Ga.     

Orthopyroxene-Corundum in Mg-Al-rich Granulites from the Oygarden Islands, East Antarctica

High-Mg–Al, silica-undersaturated metapelites from theOygarden Group of islands, East Antarctica, preserve clear evidencefor the stable coexistence of the assemblage orthopyroxene +corundum in natural rocks. The quartz-absent metapelite occursas pods and isolated layers within a high-strain zone relatedto deformation during the c. 0·93 Ga Rayner StructuralEpisode. Assemblages that include orthopyroxene, corundum, sapphirine,sillimanite, cordierite, garnet and kornerupine are developedacross a pre-existing compositional zoning, leading to contrastingmineral Fe–Mg ratios. The assemblage orthopyroxene–corundumis shown to exist in only a very restricted range of bulk compositionsand P–T histories. Simplified qualitative FMAS grids havebeen constructed for kornerupine-absent and -present systems,illustrating MAS terminations and divariant equilibria thathelp to describe the mineral assemblage and reaction history.Reaction textures that include coronas of sapphirine and sillimaniteseparating orthopyroxene and corundum, and symplectites of orthopyroxene+ sapphirine ± cordierite/plagioclase, orthopyroxene+ sillimanite ± cordierite/plagioclase and orthopyroxene+ sapphirine + sillimanite embaying garnet, imply a clockwiseP–T–t evolution. Conditions of P > 9–10kbar and T     

Sapphirine parageneses from the Caraiba complex, Bahia, Brazil: the influence of Fe2+–Fe3+ distribution on the stability of sapphirine in natural assemblages

Abstract Sapphirine-bearing rocks occur in three conformable, metre-size lenses in intrusive quartzo-feldspathic orthogneisses in the Curaçà valley of the Archaean Caraiba complex of Brazil. In the lenses there are six different sapphirine-bearing rock types, which have the following phases (each containing phlogopite in addition): A: Sapphirine, orthopyroxene; B: Sapphirine, cordierite, orthopyroxene, spinel; C: Sapphirine, cordierite; D: Sapphirine, cordierite, orthopyroxene, quartz; E: Sapphirine, cordierite, orthopyroxene, sillimanite, quartz; F: Sapphirine, cordierite, K-feldspar, quartz. Neither sapphirine and quartz nor orthopyroxene and sillimanite have been found in contact, however. During mylonitization, introduction of silica into the three quartz-free rocks (which represent relict protolith material) gave rise to the three cordierite and quartz-bearing rocks. Stable parageneses in the more magnesian rocks were sapphirine–orthopyroxene and sapphirine–cordierite. In more iron-rich rocks, sapphirine–cordierite, sapphirine-cordierite–sillimanite, cordierite–sillimanite, sapphirine–cordierite–spinel–magnetite and quartz–cordierite–orthopyroxene were stable. The iron oxide content in sapphirine of the six rocks increases from an average of 2.0 to 10.5 wt % (total Fe as FeO) in the order: C,F–A,D–B,E. With increase in Fe there is an increase in recalculated Fe₂O₃ in sapphirine. The four rock types associated with the sapphirine-bearing lenses are: I: Orthopyroxene, cordierite, biotite, quartz, feldspar tonalitic to grandioritic gneiss; II: Biotite, quartz, feldspar gneiss; III: Orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, hornblende, plagioclase meta-norite; IV: Biotite, orthopyroxene, quartz, feldspar, garnet, cordierite, sillimanite granulite gneiss. The stable parageneses in type IV are orthopyroxene–cordierite–quartz, garnet–sillimanite–quartz and garnet–cordierite–sillimanite. Geothermobarometry suggests that the associated host rocks equilibrated at 720–750°C and 5.5–6.5 kbar. Petrogenetic grids for the FMASH and FMAFSH (FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–Fe₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O) model systems indicate that sapphirine-bearing assemblages without garnet were stabilized by a high Fe³⁺ content and a high X_Mg= (Mg/ (Mg+Fe²⁺)) under these P–T conditions.     

Metamorphic Evolution of Garnet-Epidote-Biotite Gneiss from the Moine Supergroup, Scotland, and Geotectonic Implications

Metapelitic gneisses from the Glenfinnan Group of the MoineSupergroup, Scotland, contain sparse large and numerous smallgarnets, associated with complex zoned epidote and plagioclasein a biotite matrix. The large garnets show four zones (AI–AIV),whereas the small garnets show three or fewer zones, indicatingsuccessive garnet nucleation with increasing nucleation densities.Garnet zones AI and AIV grew under static conditions, whereasthe formation of AII and AIII was accompanied by deformation.Garnet zones AI and AII were formed in the assemblage (all +biotite + epidote + plagioclase + quartz + fluid + apatite)garnet + chlorite + muscovite ± ilmenite ± sphene± magnetite; zone AIII in the assemblage garnet + muscovite+ sphene ± magnetite; and zone AIV in the assemblagegarnet + sphene ± ilmenite. The chemical zonation andmicrostructures of garnet A indicate two important discontinuities;one at the transition between garnet zones AI and AII, and asecond between zones AII and AIII, which correlate with complexzonation shown by epidote and plagioclase. These discontinuitiesmay result from polymetamorphic garnet growth during differentorogenic cycles affecting the Moine Supergroup. Geothermobarometriccalculations and Gibbs method modelling provide evidence thatgarnet zone AI grew rapidly during heating from about 550 to560°C at pressures of about 4–6 kbar. In contrast,the formation of zone AII was accompanied by nearly isothermalcompression from 6 to 8·5 kbar (560 575°C), indicatingcrustal stacking. After a certain period of cooling, garnetzone AIII grew during renewed heating at P–T conditionsof about 640°C and pressures between 5 and 9 kbar. Growthof garnet AIV was accompanied by further temperature rise, reachingmaximum conditions of about 670°C at 5 kbar. KEY WORDS: epidote; garnet; Gibbs method; Moine Supergroup; P–T path     

Mesoproterozoic Reworking of Palaeoproterozoic Ultrahigh-temperature Granulites in the Central Indian Tectonic Zone and its Implications

In the southern periphery of the Sausar Mobile Belt (SMB), thesouthern component of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ),a suite of felsic and aluminous granulites, intruded by gabbro,noritic gabbro, norite and orthopyroxenite, records the polymetamorphicevolution of the CITZ. Using sequences of prograde, peak andretrograde reaction textures, mineral chemistry, geothermobarometricresults and petrogenetic grid considerations from the felsicand the aluminous granulites and applying metamorphosed maficdyke markers and geochronological constraints, two temporallyunrelated granulite-facies tectonothermal events of Pre-Grenvillianage have been established. The first event caused ultrahigh-temperature(UHT) metamorphism (M₁) (T 950°C) at relatively deepercrustal levels (P 9 kbar) and a subsequent post-peak near-isobariccooling P–T history (M₂). M₁ caused pervasive biotite-dehydrationmelting, producing garnet–orthopyroxene and garnet–rutileand sapphirine–spinel-bearing incongruent solid assemblagesin felsic and aluminous granulites, respectively. During M₂,garnet–corundum and later spinel–sillimanite–biotiteassemblages were produced by reacting sapphirine–spinel–sillimaniteand rehydration of garnet–corundum assemblages, respectively.Applying electron microprobe (EMP) dating techniques to monazitesincluded in M₁ garnet or occurring in low-strain domains inthe felsic granulites, the UHT metamorphism is dated at 2040–2090Ma. Based on the deep crustal heating–cooling P–Ttrajectory, the authors infer an overall counterclockwise P–Tpath for this UHT event. During the second granulite event,the Palaeoproterozoic granulites experienced crustal attenuationto 6·4 kbar at T 675°C during M₃ and subsequentnear-isothermal loading to 8 kbar during M₄. In the felsic granulites,the former is marked by decomposition of M₁ garnet to orthopyroxene–plagioclasesymplectites. During M₄, there was renewed growth of garnet–quartzsymplectites in the felsic granulites, replacing the M₃ mineralassemblage and also the appearance of coronal garnet–quartz–clinopyroxeneassemblages in metamorphosed mafic dykes. Using monazites frommetamorphic overgrowths and metamorphic recrystallization domainsfrom the felsic granulite, the M₄ metamorphism is dated at 1525–1450Ma. Using geochronological and metamorphic constraints, theauthors interpret the M₃–M₄ stages to be part of the sameMesoproterozoic tectonothermal event. The result provides thefirst documentation of UHT metamorphism and Palaeo- and Mesoproterozoicmetamorphic processes in the CITZ. On a broader scale, the findingsare also consistent with the current prediction that isobaricallycooled granulites require a separate orogeny for their exhumation. KEY WORDS: Central Indian Tectonic Zone; UHT metamorphism; counterclockwise P–T path; monazite chemical dating     

Contrasting P-T Paths in the Eastern Himalaya, Nepal: Inverted Isograds in a Paired Metamorphic Mountain Belt

Petrology and phase equilibria of rocks from two profiles inEastern Nepal from the Lesser Himalayan Sequences, across theMain Central Thrust Zone and into the Greater Himalayan Sequencesreveal a Paired Metamorphic Mountain Belt (PMMB) composed oftwo thrust-bound metamorphic terranes of contrasting metamorphicstyle. At the higher structural level, the Greater HimalayanSequences experienced high-T/moderate-P metamorphism, with ananticlockwise P–T path. Low-P inclusion assemblages ofquartz + hercynitic spinel + sillimanite have been overgrownby peak metamorphic garnet + cordierite + sillimanite assemblagesthat equilibrated at 837 ± 59°C and 6·7 ±1·0 kbar. Matrix minerals are overprinted by numerousmetamorphic reaction textures that document isobaric coolingand re-equilibrated samples preserve evidence of cooling to600 ± 45°C at 5·7 ±1·1 kbar.Below the Main Central Thrust, the Lesser Himalayan Sequencesare a continuous (though inverted) Barrovian sequence of high-P/moderate-Tmetamorphic rocks. Metamorphic zones upwards from the loweststructural levels in the south are: Zone A: albite + chlorite + muscovite ± biotite; Zone B: albite + chlorite + muscovite + biotite + garnet; Zone C: albite + muscovite + biotite + garnet ± chlorite; Zone D: oligoclase + muscovite + biotite + garnet ± kyanite; Zone E: oligoclase + muscovite + biotite + garnet + staurolite+ kyanite; Zone F: bytownite + biotite + garnet + K-feldspar + kyanite± muscovite; Zone G: bytownite + biotite + garnet + K-feldspar + sillimanite+ melt ± kyanite. The Lesser Himalayan Sequences show evidence for a clockwiseP–T path. Peak-P conditions from mineral cores average10·0 ± 1·2 kbar and 557 ± 39°C,and peak-metamorphic conditions from rims average 8·8± 1·1 kbar and 609 ± 42°C in ZonesD–F. Matrix assemblages are overprinted by decompressionreaction textures, and in Zones F and G progress into the sillimanitefield. The two terranes were brought into juxtaposition duringformation of sillimanite–biotite ± gedrite foliationseams (S₃) formed at conditions of 674 ± 33°C and5·7 ± 1·1 kbar. The contrasting averagegeothermal gradients and P–T paths of these two metamorphicterranes suggest they make up a PMMB. The upper-plate positionof the Greater Himalayan Sequences produced an anticlockwiseP–T path, with the high average geothermal gradient beingpossibly due to high radiogenic element content in this terrane.In contrast, the lower-plate Lesser Himalayan Sequences weredeeply buried, metamorphosed in a clockwise P–T path anddisplay inverted isograds as a result of progressive ductileoverthrusting of the hot Greater Himalayan Sequences duringprograde metamorphism. KEY WORDS: thermobarometry; P–T paths; Himalaya; metamorphism; inverted isograds; paired metamorphic belts