Mineralogy,geochemistry and age dating of shear zone-hosted Nb-Ta-, Zr-Hf-, Th-, U-bearing granitic rocks in the Ghadir and El-Sella areas,South Eastern Desert,Egypt

The rare metal minerals of mineralized altered granites within the Ghadir and El-Sella shear zones, are represented by betafite, U-minerals (uraninite and uranophane), zircon, monazite, xenotime, and rutile in the Ghadir shear zone. While they are columbite-tantalite minerals as ferrocolumbite, pyrochlore, and fergusonite, Th-minerals (cheralite, uranothorite, and huttonite monazite), Hf-zircon, monazite and xenotime in the El-Sella shear zone. Hf-zircon in the El-Sella and Ghadir shear zones (increasing from the core to the rim) contains high inclusions of U-Th, and REE minerals such as cheralite, uranothorite, huttonite monazite and xenotime especially in the El Sella shear zone. The rare-metal minerals, identified from peralkminous granites of the shear zones are associated with muscovite, quartz, chlorite, fluorite, magnetite, and biotite that are restricted to the two shear zones. Uraninite (low Th content) occurring in the Ghadir shear zone indicates the hydrothermal origin, but there are thorite, uranothorite, cheralite, and Hf-zircon in the El Sella shear zone, also indicating the hyrothermal proccess after magmatic origin. Compositional variations of Ta/(Ta+Nb) and Mn/(Mn+Fe) in columbite from 0.07-0.42 and 0.04-0.33, respectively, and Hf contents in zircon are so high as to be 12%, especially in the rim in the El Sella shear zone. This feature re-flects the extreme degree of magmatic fractionation. Four samples from the altered granites of the Ghadir shear zone also are very low in TiO2 (0.04 wt%-0.17 wt%), Sr [(82-121)×10-6], and Ba [(36-380)×10-6], but high in Fe2O3T (0.46 wt%-0.68 wt%), CaO (0.64 wt%-1.23 wt%), alkalis (8.59 wt%-8.88 wt%), Rb [(11-203)×10-6], Zr [(98-121)×10-6], Nb [(9-276)×10-6], Ta [(2-139)×10-6], U [(14-63)×10-6], Th [(16-105)×10-6], Pb [(13-32)×10-6], Zn [(7-8)×10-6], Y [(15-138)×10-6], Hf [(3-9)×10-6], and ∑REE [(81-395)×10-6, especially LREE [(70-322)×10-6]. They are very high in Zr/Hf (15.07-85.96) and Nb/Ta (7.17-21.48), and low in Rb/Sr (2.56-3.36) and Th/U (0.096-3.36). Four samples of the altered granites from the El Sella shear zone are very low in TiO2 (0.23 wt%-0.38 wt%), Sr [(47-933)×10-6], and Ba [(82-175)×10-6] , with high Fe2O3T (1.96 wt%-2.87 wt%), CaO (0.43 wt%-0.6 wt%), alkalis (4.46 wt%-10.7 wt%), Rb [(109-313)×10-6], Zr [(178-1871)×10-6], Nb [(11-404)×10-6], U [(56-182)×10-6], Th [(7-188)×10-6], Ta [(0.5-57)×10-6], Pb [(12-28)×10-6], Zn [(1-13)×10-6], Y [(62-156)×10-6], Hf [(3-124)×10-6], and ∑REE [(101-184)×10-6], especially HREE [(7-139)×10-6]. This is consistent with the very fractionated, fluorine-bearing granitic rocks that were altered and sheared in the El Sella shear zone. Zr/Hf (14.23-39.79) and Nb/Ta (1.98-7.01) are very high, and Rb/Sr (0.14-1.7) and Th/U (0.25-2.5) are low in the Ghadir shear zone. Field evidence, textural relations, and the composi-tion of ore minerals suggest that the main mineralizing event was magmatic (615+/-7 Ma, and 644+/-7 Ma CHIME monazite), especially in the El Sella shear zone, with later hydrothermal alteration and local remobilization of the high-field-strength elements.     

Age and tectonic setting of granitoid gneisses in the Eastern Desert of Egypt and south-west Sinai

Strongly deformed and locally migmatized gneisses occur at several places in the southern Eastern Desert of Egypt and in Sinai and have variously been interpreted as a basement to Pan-african (900 to 600 Ma) supracrustal and intrusive assemblages. A suite of grabbroic to granitic gneisses was investigated in the Hafafit area, which constitutes an I-type calc-alkaline intrusive assemblage whose chemistry suggests emplacement along an active continental margin and whose granitoid members can be correlated with the so-called Older Granites of Egypt.²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb single zircon evaporation from three samples of the Hafafit gneisses yielded protolith emplacement ages between 677 ± 9 and 700 ± 12 Ma and document granitoid activity over a period of about 23 Ma. A migmatitic granitic gneiss from Wadi Bitan, south-west of Ras Banas, has a zircon age of 704 ± 8 Ma, and its protolith was apparently generated during the same intrusive event as the granitoids at Hafafit. Single zircons from a dioritic gneiss from Wadi Feiran in south-west Sinai suggest emplacement of the protolith at 796 ± 6 Ma and this is comparable with ages for granitoids in north-east Sinai and southern Israel. None of the above gneisses is derived from remelting of older continental crust, but they are interpreted as reflecting subduction-related calc-alkaline magmatism during early Pan-african magmatic arc formation.     

Mineralogy,M-type tetrad effect and radioactivity of altered granites at the G. Abu Garadi shear zone,central Eastern Desert,Egypt

The G. Abu Garadi area is covered mainly by metasediments, alkali feldspar granites and stream sediments. The alkali feldspar granite is traversed by a major strike-slip fault trending in an N-S direction as well as two subordinate sets of faults trending NW to WNW for the first one and NE for the second one. These faults represent the shear zones affected by magmatic (syngenetic) as well as hydrothermal (epigenetic) activities causing alteration of the granitic rocks. The most common alteration features are albitization, greisenization and koalinitization. The mass balance calculations of the studied altered samples show enrichments in Zr, Y, Ni, U, Th and Ga and depletions in Zn, Sr, Nb, Ba, Pb, Cu and V. Only the greisenized samples exhibit a significant enrichment in Nb, ∑REE budget and pronounced lanthanide tetrad effect (M-type), especially TE1,4, while weakly expressed tetrad effects are for the other albitized and koalinitized samples. Mineralogically, the common accessory minerals in the altered samples include samarskite-(Y), betafite, uranothorite, zircon, fluorite and cassiterite. The greisenized granites contain high eU and eTh than the other altered types, where they are characterized by an assemblage of the radioactive minerals; samarskite-(Y), betafite, uranothorite in addition to zircon. The inter-element relationships between U and Th and also their ratios illustrate that the radioelement distribution in these granites is mainly governed by magmatic processes, in addition to post-magmatic ones. The distribution of chemical elements and the fractionation of some isovalents within the shear zone are largely controlled by the newly formed mineral phases. With respect to uranium mobilization, uranium migrated from the host alkali feldspar granites of G. Abu Garadi, while the shear zones acted as traps for the migrated uranium. Moreover, U migrated in the shear zone during greisenization and albitization, and migrated out during koalinitization.     

Geology and rare-earth element geochemistry of highly evolved, molybdenite-bearing granitic plutons, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

The field relations, mineralogy, and major and trace elements (including REE analyses of whole-rock samples and minerals) of granites and their associated molybdenite uranium mineralized aplites in Southeastern Desert, Egypt, have been studied. The granites are leucocratic and mostly peraluminous in nature with muscovite increasing at the expense of biotite. The chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the granitic rocks indicate that their melts originated from the LILE-enriched mantle wedge by partial melting and are contaminated by crustal melts, followed by thermogravitational processes. Leucogranites with higher Na2O/K2O ratios from Um Dargag and Um Maiat crystallized under H2O-saturated equilibrium conditions in which the exsolved vapor continuously migrated away. The REE patterns of the granites studied are characterized by LREE enrichments and negative Eu anomalies. In comparison, the potassic aplites and the more sodic leucogranites are depleted in LREE, enriched in HREE and show more remarkable negative Eu anomalies. Allanite and monazite are the most important REE carriers in the granites. These minerals are strongly enriched in LREE, whereas fluorite and xenotime, which are more abundant in the aplites, are enriched in HREE. The average Lu/Ce ratio represents the fractionation trend with respect to HREE. It is 0.71 for radioactive fluorite, and it increases to 1.22 for non-radioactive fluorite. The high REE contents of molybdenite represent re-deposition of the mobilized Mo and REE. Due to the strong control of accessory minerals, the REEs are of limited use in petrogenetic modelling of highly evolved granitic systems.     

Two episodes of the Indosinian thermal event on the South China Block: Constraints from LA-ICPMS U–Pb zircon and electron microprobe monazite ages of the Darongshan S-type granitic suite

The Darongshan granitic suite (~ 10,000 km²) consists of five major units (Taima, Nadong and Jiuzhou plutons, and Pubei and Darongshan batholiths) typical of peraluminous S-type granitoids containing abundant granulite inclusions in the Cathaysia block, South China. Six samples from these plutons and batholiths have been investigated using both LA-ICPMS U–Pb age dating on zircon cores and EMP U–Th–Pb chemical age dating on monazite cores and rims. LA-ICPMS zircon results give similar major age populations ranging between 260 ± 3 and 250 ± 3 Ma for all units, with apparent older age peaks concentrated at 1020, 800, 430 and 330 Ma. On the other hand, EMP monazite results yield younger ages of 231–229 Ma for Nadong, Taima, Pubei and Darongshan and 224 Ma for Jiuzhou samples, with older age groups of 264 Ma for Taima and 256–250 Ma for Pubei units. Since the older monazite ages are similar to the majority of zircon ages, the latter are considered as inherited ages. Further because such zircon ages are similar with the emplacement time of the Emeishan large igneous province in western South China, they likely reflect the timing of metamorphism for the included fragments of granulitic crusts that had been formed by invasion of the Emeishan plume. The younger monazite ages, as present for all plutons and batholiths in the entire Darongshan area, are taken as the formation age of the host granites. Combining U–Pb zircon and EMP monazite ages known for Permo-Triassic high temperature and high pressure metamorphic rocks and granites in the Indochina block (e.g., the Kannack Complex of the Kontum massif), it is suggested that the Indosinian thermal activity had set records over both the Indochina (plus Simao) and South China blocks in two main episodes, one is 260–250 Ma and the other is 231–229 Ma. One plausible explanation is that these two blocks were one united continent before the Emeishan plume activity and an opening was triggered by this plume at ~ 260 Ma. Due to forces of the approaching Sibumasu block, both the South China and Indochina blocks were amalgamated again at ~ 230 Ma. We, therefore, advocate that double subduction of the plume-triggered oceanic crusts in opposite directions is responsible for the generation of the Darongshan granitic suite in the South China block and its counterpart in the Indochina block.     

Geology and geochemistry of the granitic rocks and associated dykes, East Gabal Nuqra, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

A crescent-shape granitic stock and associated dykes is located to the East Gabal Nuqra at the extreme western part of Wadi Natash,South Eastern Desert,Egypt.The examined granites are classified as alkali-feldspar granites and mainly consist of quartz,potash feldspars,plagioclases,and aegirine-augite.Xenotime,zircon,apatite and allanite are accessories representing the source of Y,U,Th and REEs in these rocks.These granites are characterized by high K2O,Na2O and Zn contents and Rb/Sr ratio.Also,they are highly enriched in high field strength elements(HFSE),especially Zr(1529×10-6),Nb(100×10-6),Hf(91×10-6) and Y(624×10-6) and light rare-earth elements(LREE,141×10-6) concentrations and strongly depleted in Ca,Mg,Sr and Eu contents.These features suggest that they are similar to A-type granites(type-2).The rhyolite dykes and granites have similar geochemical characteristics whereas the chondrite-normalized REE patterns show a LREE enriched feature with strong negative Eu-anomaly,whereas the REE pattern of trachydacites show slightly fractionated pattern with no Eu-anomaly.It is suggested that the trachydacites were generated by small degree of partial-melting deep-seated basic source.Such liquid,when subjected to fractional crystallization involving separation of plagioclases as residue,generated the alkali-feldspar granites.And further fractional crystallization gave rise to the alkali rhyolites.The igneous rock suite originated from metaluminous to alkaline trachytic magma,and was developed in a within-plate tectonic environment.The extension caused by NW-SE right-lateral shear in area led to the emplacement of the alkali-feldspar granites.The later extrusion of the alkali rhyolite and trachydacite dykes was due to cauldron subsidence.     

湘南王仙岭花岗岩体的锆石U-Pb年代学、地球化学、锆石Hf同位素特征及其地质意义

湘南王仙岭岩体由主体电气石黑云母花岗岩和侵入其内部的黑云母二长花岗岩组成,LA-MC-ICPMS锆石U-Pb定年显示电气石黑云母花岗岩形成于印支期(235.0±1.3Ma),黑云母二长花岗岩形成于燕山期(155.9±1.0Ma),表明该岩体是两期岩浆活动的产物。这两期岩石均为高钾钙碱性系列,A/CNK值为1.07～1.66,属过铝-强过铝质花岗岩类。稀土元素显示LREE富集,HREE亏损,Eu负异常明显(0.01～0.38)的特征。早期电气石黑云母花岗岩和晚期黑云母二长花岗岩的εHf(t)值分别为-7.92～+4.61和-10.66～-5.35;两阶段Hf模式年龄(tDM2)分别为1758～967Ma和1875～1538Ma。两期花岗岩均来自于古中元古代地壳物质重熔,其中早期电气石黑云母花岗岩在侵位上升过程中捕获了部分幔源老锆石,成岩过程中有少量地幔物质参与,且其源区具有高εHf(t)值的特点。综合前人研究成果,本文认为华南中生代印支期和燕山期均有钨锡矿化作用,印支期花岗质岩浆形成于碰撞挤压作用间隙伸展环境,而燕山期花岗质岩浆可能形成于大陆边缘弧后伸展环境。     

Geochemical and Mineralogical Studies of the Mylonite Xenoliths and Monzogranite Rocks at Wadi Abu Rusheid,South Eastern Desert,Egypt: Insights on the Genesis of Mineralization

Abu Rusheid area lie in the south of the Eastern Desert of Egypt and comprises (1) ophiolitic mélange, consisting of ultramafic rocks and layered metagabbros in metasedimentary matrix (2) cataclastic group, consisting of protomylonites, mylonites, ultramylonites and silicified ultramylonites (3) monzogranites (4) pegmatite pockets, quartz veins and post-granite dykes. Focus on the monzogranites and the xenoliths of mylonite rocks from the geochemical and mineralogical points of view introduces a new view about the genesis of the related mineralization. Geochemically, the monzogranites have a metaluminous character and were crystallized under moderate water-vapor pressure around 3 kb and temperatures of 750–800°C. The monzogranites are altered along strike-slip faults exhibiting propylitic, with slightly sodic metasomatism and record high radioactive measurements. The average uranium and thorium (U and Th) contents in fresh monzogranites, mylonite xenolith and altered monzogranites are (7.3, 21.20), (40.36, 94.82), (60.34 and 347.88 ppm), respectively. These high radioactivities are attributed to the presence of kasolite, uranothorite, cerite, fluorite, zircon, apatite and columbite. The mylonite xenolith is higher in radioactivity than the surrounding fresh monzogranites, reflecting U and Th enrichment before emplacement of the monzogranites, then the latter were subjected to right lateral strike-slip faulting with producing hydrothermal solution rich in Th and U.     

Paleozoic glaciation in NE Africa: field and remote sensing-based evidence from the South Eastern Desert of Egypt

ABSTRACT

Exhumed Paleozoic glacial deposits and landforms of the North Gondwana are reported here for the first time from the South Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt. Using field observations and remote sensing datasets (Advanced Land Observing Satellite [ALOS], Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar [PALSAR] radar, multispectral Landsat TM datasets, and digital elevation models [DEMs]), we mapped the distribution of Paleozoic glacial features (i.e. deposits and landforms) in the SED. Two main glaciogenic facies were identified in three locations in the SED: (1) massive, poorly sorted, matrix supported, boulder-rich diamictites in Wadi El-Naam and Korbiai, and (2) moderately-sorted, occasionally bedded outwash deposits in Betan area. Inspection of radar, DEMs, and Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI) images revealed previously unrecognized ENE-WSW trending glacial megalineations (MLs) over the peneplained Neoproterozoic basement rocks in the central sections of the SED, whose trends align along their projected extension with those of glacial features (tunnel valleys and striation trends) reported from Saudi Arabia. The glaciogenic features in the SED are believed to be largely eroded during the uplift associated with the Red Sea opening, except for those preserved as basal units beneath the Nubia Sandstone Formation or as remnant isolated deposits within paleo-depressions within the basement complex. The apparent spatial correlation of the SED glacial features with well-defined Late Ordovician deposits in North Africa and in Saudi Arabia, and the reported thermochronometric analyses and fossil records are consistent with a Late Ordovician age for the SED glaciogenic features and support models that call on the continuation of the Late Ordovician (Hirnantian) ice sheet from the Sahara into Arabia through the SED of Egypt.     

Zircon evaporation ages and geochemistry of metamorphosed volcanic rocks from the Vinjamuru domain,Krishna Province: evidence for 1.78 Ga convergent tectonics along the southeastern margin of the Eastern Dharwar Craton

Palaeoproterozoic intermediate to potassic felsic volcanism in volcano‐sedimentary sequences could either have occurred in continental rift or at convergent magmatic arc tectonic settings. The Vinjamuru domain of the Krishna Province in Andhra Pradesh, SE India, contains such felsic and intermediate metavolcanic rocks, whose geochemistry constrains their probable tectonic setting and which were dated by the zircon Pb evaporation method in order to constrain their time of formation. These rocks consist of interlayered quartz–garnet–biotite schist, quartz–hematite–baryte–sericite schist as well as cherty quartzite, and represent a calc‐alkaline volcanic sequence of andesitic to rhyolitic rocks that underwent amphibolite‐facies metamorphism at ~1.61 Ga. Zircons from four felsic metavolcanic rock samples yielded youngest mean ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages between 1771 and 1791 Ma, whereas the youngest zircon age for a meta‐andesite is 1868 Ma. A ~2.43 Ga zircon xenocryst reflects incorporation of Neoarchaean basement gneisses. Their calc‐alkaline trends, higher LILE, enriched chondrite‐normalized LREE pattern and negative Nb and Ti anomalies on primitive mantle‐normalized diagrams, suggest formation in a continental magmatic arc tectonic setting. Whereas the intermediate rocks may have been derived from mantle‐source parental arc magmas by fractionation and crustal contamination, the rhyolitic rocks had crustal parental magmas. The Vinjamuru Palaeoproterozoic volcanic eruption implies an event of convergent tectonism at the southeastern margin of the Eastern Dharwar Craton at ~1.78 Ga forming one of the major crustal domains of the Krishna Province. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.