Cl/Br of scapolite as a fluid tracer in the earth's crust: insights into fluid sources in the Mary Kathleen Fold Belt,Mt. Isa Inlier,Australia

A combination of analytical methods, including trace element analysis of Br in scapolite by LA‐ICP‐MS, was employed to unravel the fluid–rock interaction history of the Mary Kathleen Fold Belt of northern Australia. Halogen ratios in the metamorphic and hydrothermally derived scapolite from a range of rock‐types record interaction between the host rocks and magmatic‐hydrothermal fluids derived from granite plutons and regional metamorphism. The results show that halite‐dissolution supplied at best only minor chlorine to fluids in the Fold Belt. Chlorine/bromine ratios in metamorphic scapolite indicate that fluids were dominantly derived from basinal brines formed from sub‐aerial evaporation of seawater beyond the point of halite saturation. This bittern fluid infiltrated the underlying sedimentary sequences prior to regional metamorphism. Zoned scapolite in a major late metamorphic mineralized shear‐zone records three discrete pulses of magmatic and metamorphic fluid, and it is suggested that fluid mixing may have assisted mineralization along and around this shear‐zone. As a crucial prerequisite for halogen fluid tracer studies using scapolite, we find in our samples that Cl and Br do not fractionate when incorporated in scapolite. Furthermore, unaltered rims of heavily retrogressed scapolite show indistinguishable Cl/Br signatures compared with fresh grains from the same sample indicating retrograde metamorphism did not significantly affect Cl and Br signatures in scapolite group minerals.     

Ordering and composition of scapolite: Field observations and structural interpretations

Field observations, experimental and crystallographic data and thermodynamic considerations all suggest that Al-Si order-disorder is a crucial factor in explaining composition and stability of the mineral scapolite. Over the whole compositional range, scapolites have Al^IV-O-Al^IV bonds with the exception of one intermediate member with an Al/Si ratio of 1/2. Scapolites of this composition are the lowest temperature form and appear in areas with argillaceous carbonates and evaporites which have been subjected to progressive metamorphism. In similar areas without evaporites, the onset of the CO₃-scapolite stability field is approx. 150° C higher with an Al/Si ratio in the scapolite of about 5/7. This particular CO₃-scapolite is a compromise between the number of Al-O-Al bonds and the volume of the anion site occupied by CO₃. Based on field- and experimental data, temperature-composition diagrams for scapolite, plagioclase and calcite have been constructed. These diagrams may be explained in the light of contrasting Al-Si order-disorder in plagioclase and scapolite, i.e. at low temperature, plagioclase endmembers and intermediate scapolite members are stable, towards higher temperatures the ∩-shaped temperature-composition field of plagioclase and the V-shaped one of scapolite interfere in a complicated way. Electron microscopy of Al-rich scapolite, 632/n extinction rules. But these scapolites (with or without Cl-anion) show domain boundaries. We interpret them as APB's in the Al/Si ordering pattern on T₂-T₃ sites which reverses when a displacement R=1/2 [111] is applied.     

Occurrence and origin of marialitic scapolite in the Humboldt lopolith,N.W. Nevada

The occurrence and origin of marialitic scapolite in the Humboldt lopolith was investigated in the field and in the laboratory using petrographic and experimental techniques. Scapolite occurs in three modes: as a pervasive replacement of plagioclase and other minerals in gabbro, diorite and extrusive rocks; as a poikiloblastic mineral in scapolitite dikes; and as a fracture-filling mineral with analcime, albite and sphene in scapolite veins. Additional secondary minerals associated with scapolite include epidote, prehnite, hornblende and diopside-salite clinopyroxene. Relations with these minerals suggest that most marialitic scapolite grew at temperatures around 400° C. Scapolite composition varies from EqAn₁₂ to EqAn₃₇, containing from 72 to 96 atomic% Cl in the R position. Experiments on systems of similar compositions indicate that NaCl-H₂O fluid having more than 40 mol% NaCl is needed to stabilize the scapolite.Variation in scapolite compositions is due to thermal and fluid compositional gradients normal to conduits of hydrothermal fluids, and occurs on a scale up to 100 m. The likely source of Na and Cl is pre-existing evaporites or evaporitic brine derived from the wallrocks. Salinity could have been increased to a level sufficient to stabilize scapolite by hydration of an originally dry magma, possibly aided by hydrothermal boiling. Results may be applied to hydrothermal alteration in areas of rifting or back-arc spreading, and in mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems.     

Retrograde formation of NaCl-scapolite in high pressure metaevaporites from the Cordilleras Béticas (Spain)

A Permo-Triassic pelite-carbonate rock series (with interacalated metabasitic rocks) in the Cordilleras Béticas, Spain, was metamorphosed during the Alpine metamorphism at high pressures (P _min near 18 kbar). The rocks show well preserved sedimentary features of evaporites such as pseudomorphs of talc, of kyanite-phengitetalc-biotite, and of quartz after sulfate minerals, and relicts of baryte, anhydrite, NaCl, and KCl, indicating a salt-clay mixture of illite, chlorite, talc, and halite as the original rock. The evaporitic metapelites have a whole rock composition characterized by high Mg/(Mg+Ca) ratios>0.7, variable alkaline and Sr, Ba, contents, but are mostly K₂O rich (<8.8 wt%). The F (<2600 ppm), Cl (<3600 ppm), and P₂O₅ (<0.24 wt%) contents are also high. The pelitic member of this series is a fine grained biotite rock. Kyanite-phengite-talc-biotite aggregates in pseudomorphs developed in the high pressure stage. Albite-rich plagioclase was formed when the rocks crossed the albite stability curve in the early stages of the uplift. Scapolite, rich in NaCl (Ca/(Ca+Na) mol% 24–40) and poor in SO₄, with Cl/(Cl+CO₃) ratios between 0.6 and 0.8, formed as porphyroblasts, sometimes replacing up to 60% of the rock in a late stage of metamorphism (between 10 and 5 kbar, near 600°C). No reaction with albite is observed, and the scapolite formed from biotite by: $$\begin{gathered} Al - biotite + CaCO_3 + NaCl + SiO_2 \hfill \\ = Al - poor biotite + scapolite + MgCO_3 + KCl \hfill \\ + MgCl_2 + H_2 O \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$ Calculated fluid composition in equilibrium with scapolite indicates varying salt concentrations in the fluid. Distribution of Cl and F in biotite and apatite also indicates varying fluid compositions.     

A petrologic, geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic study on contact metamorphism and degassing of Devonian evaporites in the Norilsk aureoles, Siberia

Devonian evaporites and associated sedimentary rocks in the Norilsk region were contact metamorphosed during emplacement of mafic sills that form part of the end-Permian (~252 Ma) Siberian Traps. We present mineralogical, geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic data on sedimentary rocks unaffected by metamorphism, and meta-sedimentary rocks from selected contact aureoles at Norilsk, to examine the mechanisms responsible for magma-evaporite interaction and its relation to the end-Permian environmental crisis. The sedimentary rocks include massive anhydrite, rock salt, dolostone, calcareous siltstones and shale, and the meta-sedimentary rocks comprise calcareous hornfels, siliceous hornfels and minor meta-anhydrite and meta-sandstone. Contact metamorphism took place at low pressure and at maximum temperatures corresponding to the phlogopite-diopside stability field. Calcareous hornfels have high CaO, MgO, CΟ₂, SΟ₃, low SiO₂ and initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7079–0.7092, features indicative of calcareous siltstone protoliths. Siliceous hornfels, in contrast, have high SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Na₂O, low in other major element oxides and initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7083–0.7152, consistent with pelitic or shaley protoliths. Loss of CO₂ in a subset of calcareous hornfels can be explained by decarbonation reactions during metamorphism, but release of SO₂ from evaporites cannot be accounted for by a similar mechanism. Occurrences of wollastonite and a variety of hydrous minerals in the calcareous hornfels are consistent with equilibration with hydrous fluid, which was capable of leaching large quantities of anhydrite in the presence of dissolved NaCl. In this way, substantial sediment-derived sulfur could have been mobilized, incorporated into the magmatic system and released to the atmosphere. The release of CO₂ and SO₂ from Siberian evaporites added to the variety of toxic gases generated during metamorphism of organic matter, coal and rock salt, contributing to the end-Permian environmental crisis.     

The origin of scapolite in the regionally metamorphosed rocks of Mary Kathleen,Queensland, Australia

Scapolite at Mary Kathleen (North-Western Queensland) occurs in calcareous and non-calcareous metapelites, acid and basic metavolcanics and metadolerites. Graphical treatment of the relationship between scapolite composition (Me%) and the host rock oxide ratios CaO/Na₂O and Al₂O₃/(CaO + Na₂O) reveals the following points:

1. The calcareous metapelites are also very sodic.
2. Scapolite in calcareous metapelites is more marialitic than that in low-calcium equivalents.
3. In graphs of Me% against CaO/Na₂O and Al₂O₃/(CaO + Na₂O) the metasediments and the metaigneous rocks show markedly different trends.

It is concluded that scapolite in the metasediments originated by isochemical metamorphism of shales and marls containing evaporitic halite. The local abundance of halite was the main control on the composition and distribution of the scapolite, but the relative abundance of CaO and Na₂O was a modifying factor. In the metaigneous rocks scapolite formed metasomatically during regional metamorphism by the introduction of volatile-rich fluids derived from the adjacent evaporitic sediments. The relative availability of CO₂ and Cl₂ again appears to have been the primary control on scapolite composition and may in turn have been controlled by bulk rock composition.     

Geothermal evolution of the evaporite-bearing sequences of the Lesser Himalaya, India

Neoproterozoic evaporites occurring in the western part of the Lesser Himalaya in India, coeval to Pakistan, Iran and Oman evaporites, were investigated in order to understand the degree of metamorphism in them and in associated carbonates. The evaporite-bearing succession occurs in association of phyllite, quartzite and carbonate near the Main boundary Thrust. In order to learn the details about the burial history of these evaporite rocks, the Kübler illite crystallinity index (KI) was measured from the illite peaks of the clay minerals separated from the evaporite rocks and it indicated that this section has reached a maximum temperature up to ~300°C. Microthermometric measurements on fluid inclusions present in the associated dolomite show range of homogenization temperatures (Th), from 220 to 280°C, well within the temperature range of anchizone metamorphism. Additionally, dolomite shows a highly negative δ¹⁸O signature (mean, −15.5‰_PDB), which is more likely related to diagenetic overprint from deep burial conditions rather than original precipitation from ¹⁸O-depleted seawater. The evaporites (sulfates and chloride) probably were transformed many times after their precipitation, but they have retained only the features developed during last one or two phases of alteration and deformation as they are continuously susceptible to minor changes in temperatures and stresses. The final temperature range of 42–78°C in sulfates and chloride gives thermal approximation estimate that is not in concordance with the thermal history of the basin and are likely related to conversion of anhydrite into gypsum and recrystallization of halite during exhumation. Highly negative oxygen isotopic composition, homogenization temperatures and KI values equivalent to a high anchizone metamorphism suggest a burial depth of ~10 km for these terminal Neoproterozoic evaporite-bearing sequences of the Lesser Himalaya.     

Geochemistry of evaporite-bearing series: A tentative guide for the identification of metaevaporites

Literature on metasedimentary rocks indicates that former evaporites have been assumed where brines are present as fluid inclusions or minerals such as scapolite, tourmaline and lazurite, which are considered as evidence of equilibria with brines. Very few works take into account the chemical composition of rocks, because chemical data on evaporite-bearing sedimentary series are scarce.This paper is a contribution to a geochemical approach: 172 analyses of major and trace elements are given on argillites, dolomitic marls and mixed sulphate rocks from some large evaporitic series, mainly from the Triassic of France, the Devonian of the Canning Basin and the Proterozoc of the Amadeus Basin in Australia. Compared with rocks from common platform series, these samples clearly exhibit specific chemical features: high Mg contents, high Mg/Ca ratios except for Ca-sulphate-rich rocks and relatively low iron contents caused by the widespread occurrence of Mg-rich clay minerals. Though sulphate-bearing rocks often show low Mg/Ca ratios, their chemical composition clearly indicates Mg-rich clay fractions. K content is high while Na is low, except in a few halite-bearing rocks. Argillites are characterized by high Li and F contents, and high Li/Mg and B/A1 ratios, while major amounts of Sr are recorded in sulphatebearing rocks.Application to metamorphic series is discussed with some illustrative examples. Though chemical changes during metamorphism are probably frequent in series of evaporitic origin, some relations between Al, Fe, Mg, Ca are often maintained. Under nearly isochemical conditions, the resulting metasediments exhibit abundant phlogopite through a large part of the metamorphic column, owing to high Mg, K and F contents. Such rocks are, for instance, well developed in the Zambian Copperbelt, Central Africa. Although further investigations are needed both on nonmetamorphic and metamorphic evaporite sequences, the efficiency of this approach for identifying an evaporitic origin is well established.     

Contact metamorphic mineral assemblages,late Triassic Newark group,New Jersey

Essentially isochemical thermal metamorphism of soda-rich Stockton, Lockatong and Brunswick formations of the Newark Group by diabase sills produced unusually varied and unique mineral assemblages, most of which are predominantly Na. feldspar and biotite. Within a meter of a sill Stockton arkose was altered to quartzo-feldspathic hornfels with common diopside and sphene. Within 50 m of a sill Lockatong calcitic and dolomitic mudstone formed calc-silicate hornfels with differing combinations of diopside-hedenbergite, andradite and grossular, prehnite, datolite, idocrase and wollastonite. Within a meter of a sill metamorphosed Lockatong calcareous feldspathic argillite contains sanidine-anorthoclase, aegirine, aegirine-augite, riebeckite and scapolite. Lockatong analcime-dolomite argillite was altered to unique feldspathoidal assemblages containing cancrinite, natrolite-thomsonite and rarely sodalite within 134 m, and nepheline within 30 m of the Byram Sill. Reddish-brown Brunswick mudstone produced spotted pelitic hornfels within a few 10's of meters of a sill.Response to thermal metamorphism varied directly with diminishing grain size. In both sandstone and mudstone Na. feldspar increases and K. feldspar decreases toward intrusions; quartz is rare or absent in highest-grade hornfels. Development of biotite was retarded by detrital clay minerals and hematite pigment, as well as by low temperature. Minor differences in composition among carbonate-rich and analcime-rich Lockatong deposits led to a diversity of closely associated assemblages. Aqueous solutions and relatively low temperature, probably in part during retrogressive metamorphism, produced hydrous minerals. Datolite, tourmaline, scapolite and fluorite suggest minor additions of volatiles, but the widespread feldspathoids were made from soda-rich sedimentary rocks without significant additions from an igneous source.     

Contrasting mineral parageneses in high-temperature calc-silicate granulites: examples from the Eastern Ghats, India

Abstract Three types of mineral associations are described from calc-silicate granulites from the Eastern Ghats, India, where geothermobarometry in associated rocks suggests extremely high P–T conditions of metamorphism ( c . 9 ± 1 kbar, 950° C). These mineral associations are: (i) calcite + quartz + scapolite + plagioclase, (ii) calcite + scapolite + wollastonite + porphyroblastic garnet + coronal garnet and (iii) calcite + quartz + wollastonite + scapolite + porphyroblastic garnet + coronal garnet, all coexisting with K-feldspar, titanite and clinopyroxene. The first two associations evolved through nearly isobaric cooling retrograde paths, whereas the third evolved through a nearly isothermal decompression path followed by an isobaric cooling retrograde path. Textural and compositional characteristics suggest the following mineral reactions in the calc-silicate granulites: calcite + quartz = wollastonite + CO₂, calcite + plagioclase = scapolite, calcite + scapolite + wollastonite = porphyroblastic garnet ± quartz + CO₂, CaTs + wollastonite = coronal garnet (association ii) and wollastonite + scapolite = coronal garnet (association iii) + quartz + CO₂. Andradite content in garnet was buffered by the redox equilibria wollastonite + hedenbergite + O₂= andradite + quartz (association iii) and wollastonite + andradite + CaTs + scapolite = hedenbergite + calcite + grossular + O₂ (association ii). The contrasting mineral parageneses have been ascribed to interplay of variables such as X _CO2, f _O2, f _HCl in the fluid, bulk Na content and the nature of the retrograde P–T–X _CO2 paths through which the rocks evolved.     

Geologic setting,genesis and transformation of sulfide deposits in the northern part of Khetri copper belt,Rajasthan, India — an outline

The present study is confined to the northern part of the Khetri copper belt that extends for about 100 km in northern Rajasthan. Mineralization is more or less strata-bound and is confined to the garnetiferous chlorite schist and banded amphibolite quartzite, occurring towards the middle of the Proterozoic Delhi Supergroup. Preserved sedimentary features and re-estimation of the composition of the pre-metamorphic rocks suggest that the latter were deposited in shallow marine environment characterized by tidal activity. Cordierite-orthoamphibole-cummingtonite rock occurring in the neighbourhood of the ores is discussed, and is suggested to be isochemically metamorphosed sediment. The rocks together with the ores were deformed in two phases and metamorphosed in two progressive and one retrogressive events of metamorphism. Study of the host rocks suggests that the maximum temperature and pressure attained during metamorphism are respectively 550–600°C and < 5.5 kb. Principal ore minerals in Madan Kudan are chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite and locally magnetite. In Kolihan these are chalcophyrite, pyrrhotite and cubanite. Subordinate phases are sphalerite, ilmenite, arsenopyrite, mackinawite, molybdenite, cobaltite and pentlandite. The last two are very rare. Gangue minerals comprise quartz, chlorite, garnet, amphiboles, biotite, scapolite, plagioclase and graphite. The ores are metamorphosed at temperatures > 491°C. Sulfide assemblages are explained in terms of f_{S 2} during metamorphism. Co-folding of the ore zone with the host rocks, confinement of the ores to the carbonaceous pelites or semi-pelitic rocks, strata-bound and locally even stratiform nature of the orebodies, lack of finite wall rock alteration, metamorphism of the ores in the thermal range similar to that for the host rocks, absence of spatial and temporal relationship with the granitic rocks of the region led the authors to conclude that the entire mineralization was originally sedimentary-diagenetic. Any loss of primitive features and development of incongruency are due to subsequent deformation and metamorphism to which the ores and their hosts were together subjected.     

Tungsten skarn mineralizations in a regional metamorphic terrain in northern Norway: a possible metamorphic ore deposit

Scheelite- and molybdenite-bearing scapolite skarn and plagioclase skarn occur as stratabound mineralizations in a terrain which has suffered regional metamorphism. Scapolite skarn formed as replacement skarns in plagioclase-bearing hornblendic gneiss whereas plagioclase skarn precipitated in fractures as vein skarn mineralizations. The genesis of these skarn deposits are closely connected to an episode of boudinage on the limbs of a large-scale dome-shaped fold. Fluid inclusion studies revealed that the ore-forming fluids were composed of CO₂ with 2 to 17 mole% CH₄, which formed due to decarbonation reactions during peak metamorphism at the end of the Caledonian orogenesis. Thermodynamic considerations indicate that scapolite and plagioclase formed above 550 °C and 2 Kbar pressure and were followed by precipitation of scheelite between 400 and 570 °C.     

Geowissenschaftliche Probleme bei der Endlagerung radioaktiver Substanzen in Salzdiapiren Norddeutschlands

In the Federal Republic of Germany disposal of low-level radioactive waste is practiced in rock salt of the salt dome Asse since years. Projects also exist for the disposal of high-level waste from nuclear reactors in salt domes. The feasibility of the “evaporite concept? has to be founded on some basic principles of the origin and metamorphism of marine salt deposits. The German Zechstein salt deposits (Permian) were formed about 230 million years ago. Since that time the salt formations have had a chequered history: 1. Solution metamorphism and thermal metamorphism have altered the primary chemical and mineralogical composition of salt rocks in the presence of unsaturated solutions and/or temperatures up to 100? C and more. 2. Mechanical deformation and dynamic metamorphism processes have preserved the chemical and mineralogical composition of the evaporites. Solution metamorphism: The minerals halite, sylvite, and carnallite are very sensitive to subsequent penetrating unsaturated solutions. Very important in this context is the origin of specific equilibrium solutions and mineral associations. Primary salt rocks (e. g. carnallite rock) have been altered to secondary mineral associations (e. g. Hartsalze and sylvite rocks of the potash seams Thüringen, Hessen, Stassfurt). Most of the solutions which infiltrated the salt deposits from outside are later squeezed out into the adjacent rocks. Geochemical and physicochemical processes of the solution metamorphism are not limited to the geologic past. They are also efficient at the present time as a result of deformation processes in partially extracted salt deposits, for example. Solution metamorphism processes are also possible in the future during the period of about one million years which is necessary for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste in salt domes. A concept which is based upon observed properties of salt formations and with secure scientific foundation must guarantee no radioactive contamination of salt solutions in the case of long time contacts between radionuclides and brines. An excellent method for the immobilisation of radioactive waste seems to be production of a synthetic igneous rock system SYNROC (Ringwood, 1978). In such a rock the radionuclides are fixed in the lattices of minerals. Additional safety barriers which prevent the entry of radionuclides from the geologic barrier into the biosphere are the metallic alloy Ni₃Fe, for waste containers and layers of basalt and corundum. Borosilicate glasses are not suitable for the safe immobilisation of radionuclides because the glasses readly devitrify in contact with solutions and steam at elevated pressures and temperatures. Thermal metamorphism: The heat-generation of high-level waste produces zones of different temperatures in the evaporites of the salt domes. The salt hydrates kainite and carnallite react at relative low temperatures (> 072? C and > 80? C) and form solid phases with less hydrated compounds and equilibrium solutions. For example, effects of thermal metamorphism are to be expected in the case of influencing higher temperatures upon carnallite rocks which were squeezed into parts of rock salt during the geologic past. Increasing temperatures generated by radionuclides must be limited in carnallite rocks to 30 %–50 % of the recent rock temperatures in salt domes. A difference of 10? C should be guaranteed between the temperature zones around the high-level waste and the beginning of carnallite dehydratation at 80? C–85? C under normal pressure. Dynamic metamorphism: Dynamic metamorphism is concerned mainly with isochemical and isophase recrystallizations. The original thickness and composition of evaporites can be altered by the property of plasticity and by creep deformations of salt minerals and rocks. Solutions (e. g. pore solution) and increasing temperatures lead to the effects of dynamic metamorphism. A concept which is based upon observed properties of salt formations and with secure scientific foundation must guarantee temperatures ≦ 100? C in the vicinity around the high-level waste containers. Only for temperatures up to 100? C are relevant geologic data about the plastic deformation of rock salt available in the German salt deposits. The effects of salt rock deformation with increasing temperatures > 100? C could be examined only by laboratory experiments. It seems to be a considerable uncertainty and a risk to develop experimental deformation models for salt rocks valid for a time of 10²–10³ years. The present program in the Federal Republic of Germany for a geologic disposal of radionuclides in evaporites is sometimes characterized as the best concept of the world (e. g. v.Weizsäcker, 1978). For such a general statement no geoscientific foundation is available today. Alternative geologic disposal programs seem to be more acceptable in view of their geoscientific and technical base (e. g.Ringwood, 1978).     

Reactions and textures in grossular–wollastonite–scapolite calc–silicate granulites from Maligawila, Sri Lanka: evidence for high-temperature isobaric cooling in the meta-sediments of the Highland Complex

Grossular–wollastonite–scapolite calc–silicate granulites from Maligawila in the Buttala klippe, which form part of the overthrusted rocks of the Highland Complex of Sri Lanka, preserve a number of spectacular coronas and replacement textures that could be effectively used to infer their P–T–fluid history. These textures include coronas of garnet, garnet–quartz, and garnet–quartz–calcite at the grain boundaries of wollastonite, scapolite, and calcite as well as calcite–plagioclase and calcite–quartz symplectites or finer grains after scapolite and wollastonite respectively. Other textures include a double rind of coronal scapolite and coronal garnet between matrix garnet and calcite. The reactions that produced these coronas and replacement textures, except those involving clinopyroxene, are modelled in the CaO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–CO₂ system using the reduced activities. Calculated examples of T–X_CO2 and P–X_CO2 projections indicate that the peak metamorphic temperature of about 900–875 °C at a pressure of 9 kbar and the peak metamorphic fluid composition is constrained to be low in X_CO2 (0.1<X_CO2<0.30). Interpretation of the textural features on the basis of the partial grids revealed that the calc–silicate granulites underwent high-temperature isobaric cooling, from about 900–875 °C to a temperature below 675 °C, following the peak metamorphism. The late-stage cooling was accompanied by an influx of hydrous fluids. The calc–silicate granulites provide evidence for high-temperature isobaric cooling in the meta-sediments of the Highland Complex, earlier considered by some workers to be confined exclusively to the meta-igneous rocks. The coronal scapolite may have formed under open-system metasomatism.     

基性麻粒岩中方柱石的出溶现象及成因机制: 以西藏南部日玛那穹隆麻粒岩为例

方柱石是一种含挥发分的架状铝硅酸盐矿物,其成因一直有争议。对喜马拉雅造山带定结地区基性麻粒岩中方柱石及其出溶物的矿物化学和纳米结构分析表明：（1）方柱石为富S类型;（2）内部出溶矿物为陨硫铁,晶胞参数为a=b=0.5968nm,c=1.174nm,α=β=90°,γ=120°;（3）陨硫铁的（001）面平行于方柱石的（100）面。出溶前的方柱石在榴辉岩相条件下形成,其稳定压力上限与Fe含量呈正相关关系。在麻粒岩相作用时,无水条件下方柱石内的SO₄^2-发生自氧化还原反应而产生出溶矿物和O₂,反应方程式为：Fe²⁺+SO₄^2-=FeS+2O₂。类似反应可能导致下地壳氧逸度高于中上地壳。方柱石的形成与分解记录了喜马拉雅造山带的形成过程,在大陆俯冲与折返过程中扮演重要角色,对地壳深部挥发分的调节起到了重要作用,并对地球深部氧逸度调节机制的研究开拓了新的思路。

     

Fe–Cu deposits in the Kangdian region,SW China: a Proterozoic IOCG (iron-oxide–copper–gold) metallogenic province

Numerous Fe–Cu deposits are hosted in the late Paleoproterozoic Dongchuan and Dahongshan Groups in the Kangdian region, SW China. The Dongchuan Group is composed of siltstone, slate, and dolostone with minor volcanic rocks, whereas the Dahongshan Group has undergone lower amphibolite facies metamorphism and consists of quartz mica-schist, albitite, quartzite, marble and amphibolite with local migmatite. Deposits in the Dongchuan Group are commonly localized in the cores of anticlines, in fault bends and intersections, and at lithological contacts. Orebodies are closely associated with breccias, which are locally derived from the host rocks. Fe-oxides (magnetite and/or hematite) and Cu-sulfides (chalcopyrite, bornite) form disseminated, vein-like and massive ores, and typically fill open spaces in the host rocks. The deposits have extensive albite alteration and local K-feldspar alteration overprinted by quartz, carbonate, sericite and chlorite. Deposits in the Dahongshan Group have orebodies sub-parellel to stratification and show crude stratal partitioning of metals. Fe-oxide ores occur as massive and/or banded replacements within the breccia pipes, whereas Cu-sulfide ores occur predominantly as disseminations and veinlets within mica schists and massive magnetite ores. Ore textures suggest that Cu-sulfides formed somewhat later than Fe-oxides, but are possibly within the same mineralization event. Both ore minerals predated regional Neoproterozoic metamorphism. Both orebodies and host rocks have undergone extensive alteration of albite, scapolite, amphibole, biotite, sericite and chlorite. Silica and carbonate alterations are also widespread. Ore-hosting strata have a LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb age of 1681 ± 13 Ma, and a dolerite dyke cutting the Fe-oxide orebodies has an age of 1659 ± 16 Ma. Thus, the mineralization age of the Dahongshan deposit is constrained at between the two. All ores from the two groups have high Fe and low Ti, with variable Cu contents. Locally they are rich in Mo, Co, V, and REE, but all are poor in Pb and Zn. Sulfides from the Fe–Cu deposits have δ³⁴S values mostly in the range of +2 to +6 per mil, suggesting a mix of several sources due to large-scale leaching of the strata with the involvement of evaporites. Isotopic dating and field relationships suggest that these deposits formed in the late Paleoproterozoic. Ore textures, mineralogy and alteration characteristics are typical of IOCG-type deposits and thus define a major IOCG metallogenic province with significant implications for future exploration.     

盐类沉积地热变质作用的物理化学分析

盐类沉积在埋深增加、地热温度逐渐增高的过程中,含结晶水的矿物将脱水熔融,矿物相发生转变。盐类沉积随着地热温度的变化而不断平衡的过程,称为地热变质作用。 博歇特(H.Borchert)^[1]对地热变质作用做过较多的论述。但是,无论从物理化学分析的原理上,或是从组合热变质过程的认识上,都有进一步研究的必要。 本文论述了盐类组合地热变质作用的相平衡规律,通过实验证实了这些规律。应用体系稳定平衡的多温图分析了盐类沉积的地热变质过程。 本文内列出的盐类矿物及符号见表1。     

Metasomatism of gabbro – mineral replacement and element mobilization during the Sveconorwegian metamorphic event

Widespread metasomatism affected the 100 km long and 25 km wide Proterozoic Bamble and Modum‐Kongsberg sectors, South Norway, resulting in the chemical and mineralogical transformation of wide segments of continental crust. Scapolitization was associated with veining, and was followed by albitization, transforming metagabbros pervasively over large areas. Fluids played an active role in these reactions, forming H₂O‐, CO₂‐ and Cl‐bearing phases at the expense of the primary volatile‐free minerals, causing depletion in Fe and infiltration of K, Mg, Na, B and P. The transformation of gabbro to scapolite metagabbro is observed as a fluid front replacing the primary magmatic mineral assemblage in three stages: during an incipient amphibolitization stage, the primary mafic minerals were replaced by anthophyllite or hastingsite, followed by pargasitic and edenitic Ca‐amphibole. Magnetite was dissolved, while rutile formed by the breakdown of ilmenite. Plagioclase was replaced by Cl‐rich scapolite (Me_19‐42) reflecting Cl‐saturation, while K‐ and Mg‐saturation produced phlogopite, enstatite, sapphirine and rare corundum. The high modal contents of chlorapatite and tourmaline in the scapolite metagabbro imply infiltration of B and P. The albitites consist dominantly of albite (Ab_95‐98) with varying, generally small, amounts of chlorite, calcite, rutile, epidote and pumpellyite. They formed from a H₂O–CO₂‐fluid rich in Na. The gabbro yields a zircon U–Pb age of 1149 ± 7 Ma and tonalite 1294 ± 38 Ma, whereas rutile from scapolite metagabbro and albitite has U–Pb ages of 1090–1084 Ma, and phlogopite produced during scapolitization Rb–Sr ages of 1070–1040 Ma. Temperature conditions for the scapolitization are inferred to have been 600–700 °C. The reported ages, combined with mineralogical and petrographic observations and inferred P–T conditions, indicate that the metasomatism was a part of the regional Sveconorwegian amphibolite facies metamorphic phase. Initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr of the scapolite ranges from 0.704 to 0.709. The Sr‐signature, the Cl‐ and B‐rich environment and regional distribution of lithologies suggest that the fluid may have originated from evaporites that were mobilized during the regional metamorphism.     

Structural analysis of sheath folds with horizontal X-axes,northeast Canada

Early Proterozoic supracrustal rocks occur below a thick nappe of Archaean basement gneiss in the Melville Peninsula where sheath folds are exposed in a wide zone of middle Proterozoic dynamothermal metamorphism. Outcrop patterns of truncated isoclinal sheath folds resemble cylindrical folds except in relatively small areas around the paraboloidal caps. Bulk extension axes are parallel to strike in the belt as shown by isoclinal sheath folds with horizontal central axes (X-axes), as well as similarly aligned mullion structure and rotated scapolite prisms. Extension axes converge from northeast to southwest in the apparent flow direction.     

Wollastonite and scapolite in Precambrian calc-silicate granulites from Australia and Antarctica

Abstract Scapolite, wollastonite, calcite, diopside, grossular-andradite garnet and sphene occur in calc-silicate rocks in the granulite terrain of the Arunta Block, central Australia. This assemblage buffers the CO₂ activity at a low value, so that any coexisting fluid phase must be H₂O rich and CO₂ poor ( X _co2 = 0.2-0.3). In contrast, the H₂O activity in the surrounding felsic and mafic granulites was low. Thus fluid activities during granulite facies metamorphism were locally buffered in various rock units and fluid flow appears to have been restricted or fluid may have been absent. Late retrograde rims of garnet and garnet-quartz separate phases formed in the high-grade stage. Formation of these rims would have required either an influx of water-rich fluid or a decrease in pressure. Evidence from the surrounding granulites shows that in one locality, the calc-silicate rocks had undergone late isobaric hydration; in another locality, minor uplift had occurred soon after peak P-T conditions. In both, scapolite had partly broken down to plagioclase-calite. A calc silicate rock from the granulite terrain of Enderby Land, Antarctica, contains scapolite, wollastonite, calcite, diopside, quartz and sphene; this assemblage also indicates low CO₂ activities. In this rock, wollastonite has broken down to calcite-quartz, to indicate isobaric cooling without influx of hydrous fluid.