Petrogenesis of the Bao'anzhai granite and associated Mo mineralization,western Dabie orogen,east-central China: Constraints from zircon U–Pb and molybdenite Re–Os dating,whole-rock geochemistry,and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes

Recently, many Mo deposits genetically related to emplacement of Early Cretaceous granites have been found in the Dabie–Qinling belt. A typical intrusion that combines magmatism and metallogenesis, the Bao'anzhai granite, yields a zircon ²³⁸U–²⁰⁶Pb age of 123.2 ± 1.1 Ma and a molybdenite Re–Os isochron age of 122.5 ± 2.7 Ma. This granite is characterized by high silica and alkali, but low Mg, Fe, and Ca. It is enriched with light rare earth elements (REEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, Rb, K, Th, U) but depleted of heavy REEs, high field strength elements (HFSEs, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Y), and Sr. This high-K granite has medium initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.706518–0.707116) and low initial Pb isotopic ratios [(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i, 16.423–16.699; (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i, 15.285–15.345; (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i, 37.335–37.633], and is characterized by low ?_Nd(t) and ?_Hf(t) values (?14.92 to??14.22 and??21.67 to??19.19, respectively). These data indicate that this pluton is a high-K calc-alkaline fractionated I-type granitite. It was generated by partial melting of the Yangtze lower crust, which is probably similar to Neoproterozoic TTG-like magmatic rocks at the north Yangtze Block under a non-thickened lower crust environment (<35 km). The ores also have low radiogenic Pb isotopes (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 16.592–17.674; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 15.300–15.476; ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, 37.419–37.911) and low Re content in molybdenite (5.693–10.970 ppm), suggesting a crustal magmatic source for the metallogenic minerals in the Mo deposit.     

Petrogenesis of the Late Jurassic Laomengshan rhyodacite (Southeast China): constraints from zircon U–Pb dating,geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes

Extensive magmatism occurred in southeast China during Late Jurassic time, forming large-scale granitic and volcanic rocks associated with non-ferrous, rare earth and rare, radioactive metal deposits. The Shuikoushan Pb–Zn–Au orefield is a typical example located in Hunan Province. This study reports LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock chemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions, and in situ Hf isotopic geochemistry of zircons from the Laomengshan rhyodacite in the Shuikoushan Pb–Zn–Au orefield. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a weighted average age of 156.7 ± 1.6 Ma for the intrusion of the rhyodacite. The rhyodacite samples are mainly shoshonitic series, having metaluminous to weakly peraluminous A/CNK values ranging from 0.96 to 1.09, with moderately high magnesium content (Mg# = 42.4–47.5). Samples display high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values (0.71165–0.71176), low ε_Nd(T) values (?10.7 to ?10.3), old Nd model ages (T_DM = 1.73–1.86 Ga), and relatively homogeneous Pb isotopic compositions [(²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 18.365–18.412, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 15.663–15.680, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i = 38.625–38.666]. The zircons exhibit enriched ε_Hf(T) values (?16.22 to ?9.86) and old two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2 = 1.82–2.22 Ga). All the above data indicate that the Laomengshan rhyodacite originated from melting Palaeoproterozoic basement, perhaps contaminated by subordinate mantle melts. Intense extension and thinning of the continental lithosphere during Late Jurassic time resulted in melting of upwelling asthenosphere, and mafic mantle melts interacted with and melted Palaeoproterozoic lower crust, thus forming the Laomengshan rhyodacite.     

Emplacement ages and sources of kimberlites and related rocks in southern Africa: U–Pb ages and Sr–Nd isotopes of groundmass perovskite

Groundmass perovskite has been dated by LA-ICPMS in 135 kimberlites and related rocks from 110 localities across southern Africa. Sr and/or Nd isotopes have been analysed by LA-MC-ICPMS in a subset of these and integrated with published data. The age distribution shows peaks at 1,600–1,800, 1,000–1,200, 500–800 and 50–130 Ma. The major “bloom” of Group I kimberlites at ca 90 ± 10 Ma was preceded by a slow build-up in magmatic activity from ca 180 Ma. The main pulse of Group II kimberlites at 120–130 Ma was a distinct episode within this build-up. Comparison of the isotopic data with seismic tomography images suggests that metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) with very low ε _Nd and high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, (the isotopic signature of Group II kimberlites) was focused in low-Vs zones along translithospheric structures. Such metasomatized zones existed as early as 1,800 Ma, but were only sporadically tapped until the magmatic build-up began at ca 180 Ma, and contributed little to the kimberlitic magmas after ca 110 Ma. We suggest that these metasomatized volumes resided in the deep SCLM and that their low-melting point components were “burned off” by rising temperatures, presumably during an asthenospheric upwelling that led to SCLM thinning and a rise in the ambient geotherm between 120 and 90 Ma. The younger Group I kimberlites therefore rarely interacted with such SCLM, but had improved access to shallower volumes of differently metasomatized, ancient SCLM with low ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and intermediate ε _Nd (0–5). The kimberlite compositions therefore reflect the evolution of the SCLM of southern Africa, with metasomatic-enrichment events from as early as 1.8 Ga, through a major thermal and compositional change at ca 110 Ma, and the major kimberlite “bloom” around 90 Ma.     

The P–T–t paths of high-grade gneisses,Kaoko Belt,Namibia: Constraints from mineral data,U–Pb allanite and monazite and Sm–Nd/Lu–Hf garnet ages and garnet ion probe data

The Damara Orogeny is a late Neoproterozoic to Cambrian (ca. 570–480 Ma) intracratonic event that affected the Kaoko Belt, the inland branch of the Damara orogen and the Gariep Belt in Namibia and South Africa. This study focuses on the Pan-African evolution of part of the Kaoko Belt between the Puros shear zone and the Village mylonite zone which consists of Mesoproterozoic migmatitic para- and orthogneisses with minor granulite and amphibolite. Pseudosection modeling combined with thermobarometric calculations indicate that the para- and orthogneisses equilibrated at about 670–800 °C and ca. 0.6–0.8 GPa. Some garnets display a pronounced bell-shaped Ca, HREE, Y and Sr zoning, flat zoning profiles of Mn and Fe and concave upward concentration profiles of Sm and Nd. Pressure–temperature estimates obtained on these garnets reveal similar temperatures of 700–750 °C but slightly higher pressures of ca. 0.9 GPa. The preservation of distinct major and trace element zoning in garnet and the existence of broadly similar (near prograde) Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf garnet–whole rock ages of ca. 525 Ma obtained on the same sample indicate an extremely fast cooling path. Retrograde conditions persisted until ca. 490 Ma indicating a slow, late stage near isobaric cooling path. The resulting clockwise P–T–t path is consistent with crustal thickening through continent–continent collision followed by post-collisional extension and suggests that the upper amphibolite to granulite facies terrain of the central Kaoko Belt formed initially in a metamorphic field gradient of ca. 25–35 °C km^− 1 at moderately high pressures.     

Petrogenesis of adamellites from eastern Shandong Province: geochronological,geochemical, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic evidence

Geochronology, geochemistry, and whole-rock Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes were studied on a suite of Mesozoic adamellites from eastern China to characterize their ages and petrogenesis. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe U–Pb zircon analyses were done, yielding consistent ages of 123.2 ± 1.8 to 122.1 ± 2.1 Ma for the samples. These rocks belong to the alkaline magma series in terms of K₂O + Na₂O contents (8.45–9.58 wt.%) and to the shoshonitic series based on their high K₂O contents (5.23–5.79 wt.%). The adamellites are further characterized by high light rare earth element contents [(La/Yb)_N = 14.96–45.99]; negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.46–0.75); positive anomalies in Rb, Th, Pb, and U; and negative anomalies in Sr, Ba, and high field-strength elements (i.e. Nb, Ta, P, and Ti). In addition, all of the adamellites in this study display relatively low radiogenic Sr [(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i = 0.7081–0.7089] and negative ?_Nd(t) values from –16.70 to –17.80. These results suggest that the adamellites were derived from low-degree partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle below the North China Craton (NCC). The parent magmas likely experienced fractional crystallization of potassium feldspar, plagioclase and Fe–Ti oxides (e.g. rutile, ilmenite, and titanite), apatite, and zircon during the ascent of alkaline rocks without crustal contamination.     

Petrogenesis of gold-mineralized magmatic rocks of the Taerbieke area,northwestern Tianshan (western China): Constraints from geochronology,geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions

Many Late Paleozoic Cu–Au–Mo deposits occur in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). However, their tectonic settings and associated geodynamic processes have been disputed. This study provides age, petrologic and geochemical data for andesites and granitic porphyries of the Taerbieke gold deposit from the Tulasu Basin, in the northwestern Tianshan Orogenic Belt (western China). LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the granitic porphyries have an Early Carboniferous crystallization age (349 ± 2 Ma) that is broadly contemporaneous with the eruption age (347 ± 2 Ma) of the andesites. The andesites have a restricted range of SiO₂ (58.94–63.85 wt.%) contents, but relatively high Al₂O₃ (15.39–16.65 wt.%) and MgO (2.51–6.59 wt.%) contents, coupled with high Mg^# (57–69) values. Geochemically, they are comparable to Cenozoic sanukites in the Setouchi Volcanic Belt, SW Japan. Compared with the andesites, the granitic porphyries have relatively high SiO₂ (72.68–75.32 wt.%) contents, but lower Al₂O₃ (12.94–13.84 wt.%) and MgO (0.10–0.33 wt.%) contents, coupled with lower Mg^# (9–21) values. The andesites and granitic porphyries are enriched in both large ion lithophile and light rare earth elements, but depleted in high field strength elements, similar to those of typical arc magmatic rocks. They also have similar Nd–Hf–Pb isotope compositions: ε_Nd(t) (+0.48 to +4.06 and −0.27 to +2.97) and zircons ε_Hf(t) (+3.4 to +8.0 and −1.7 to +8.2) values and high (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i (18.066–18.158 and 17.998–18.055). We suggest that the Taerbieke high-Mg andesitic magmas were generated by the interaction between mantle wedge peridotites and subducted oceanic sediment-derived melts with minor basaltic oceanic crust-derived melts, and that the magmas then fractionated to produce the more felsic members (i.e., the Taerbieke granitic porphyries) during late-stage evolution. Taking into account the Carboniferous magmatic record from the western Tianshan Orogenic Belt, we suggest that the formation of the Early Carboniferous andesites and granitic porphyries in the Taerbieke area were related to the Paleo-Junggar Oceanic plate southward subduction under the Yili–Central Tianshan plate. The close association of the Early Carboniferous magmatic rocks and Au mineralization in the Taerbieke area suggests that the arc magmatic rocks in the Tulasu basin may have a high potential for Au mineralization.     

U–Pb zircon ages,geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic constraints on the dating and origin of intrusive complexes in the Sulu orogen,eastern China

TPost-orogenic intrusive complexes from the Sulu belt of eastern China consist of pyroxene monzonites and dioritic porphyrites. We report new U–Pb zircon ages, geochemical data, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for these rocks. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon analyses yielded a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 127.4 ± 1.2 Ma for dioritic porphyrites, consistent with crystallization ages (126 Ma) of the associated pyroxene monzonites. The intrusive complexes are characterized by enrichment in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements (i.e. Rb, Ba, Pb, and Th) and depletion in heavy rare earth elements and high field strength elements (i.e. Nb, Ta, P, and Ti), high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i ranging from 0.7083 to 0.7093, low ?_Nd(t) values from ?14.6 to ? 19.2, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 16.65–17.18, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.33–15.54, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 36.83–38.29. Results suggest that these intermediate plutons were derived from different sources. The primary magma-derived pyroxene monzonites resulted from partial melting of enriched mantle hybridized by melts of foundered lower crustal eclogitic materials before magma generation. In contrast, the parental magma of the dioritic porphyrites was derived from partial melting of mafic lower crust beneath the Wulian region induced by the underplating of basaltic magmas. The intrusive complexes may have been generated by subsequent fractionation of clinopyroxene, potassium feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, hornblende, ilmenite, and rutile. Neither was affected by crustal contamination. Combined with previous studies, these findings provide evidence that a Neoproterozoic batholith lies beneath the Wulian region.     

Evolution of the Solonker suture zone: Constraints from zircon U–Pb ages,Hf isotopic ratios and whole-rock Nd–Sr isotope compositions of subduction- and collision-related magmas and forearc sediments

The Solonker zone in northern Inner Mongolia (China) is considered as the suture between the North China Craton and the South Mongolian microcontinent. Two magmatic belts are recognized along the suture zone: a subduction-related magmatic belt (represented by the Baolidao arc rocks), and a younger, collision-related granite belt (represented by the Halatu granites). We use zircon U–Pb ages, zircon in-situ Hf isotopic analyses and whole-rock Nd–Sr isotopic data of the two magmatic belts and related forearc sediments (the Xilinhot metamorphic complex) to constrain timing of the suturing and to discuss the petrogenesis of the magmatic rocks. A gabbroic diorite (BLD-1) of the Baolidao arc was dated at 310 ± 5 Ma (by SHRIMP). This sample shows an ε_Nd(t) value of +2.5 and I_Sr of 0.7052. Hf isotopic analyses on 25 zircons from the same sample show ε_Hf(t) = +5.4 to +11.5. Another diorite sample (XH-2) of the same arc from south of Xilinhot displays even more “depleted” isotopic compositions, with ε_Nd(t) = +5.6 and I_Sr = 0.7037. The main population of zircons from this sample have highly variable and depleted Hf isotopic compositions (ε_Hf(t) = 0–18.3). The large variation in Hf isotopic composition of zircons (with largely the same crystallization age) from a single pluton is explained by a mixing process between depleted mantle-derived magma and continental crust in an active continental arc setting. The Halatu granite (HLT-2) was dated at 234 ± 7 Ma (by SHRIMP). Zircons from the granite also show a large variation of ε_Hf(t) values (+9.1 to ?26), despite most samples having whole-rock ε_Hf(t) > +2. The large variation in ε_Hf(t) values suggests that the granite formed probably by partial melting of two source regions – a dominant juvenile crust and a subordinate old continental crust. Most zircons from the Xilinhot metamorphic complex show ages comparable with those of the Baolidao arc rocks, suggesting that the protolith of the metamorphic complex was probably deposited during or after arc magmatism. Some zircons, however, show Precambrian ages that fall into two groups: one with ages of 780–900 Ma, resembling those from the South Mongolian microcontinent, and the other with ages of 1524–2900 Ma, similar to those of the North China Craton. Thus, the protolith of the metamorphic complex probably formed in a forearc basin during convergence of the two continents, and metamorphosed subsequently during collision in the late Paleozoic. Our zircon age data thus constrain timing of collision between the South Mongolian microcontinent and the North China Craton to have been between 296 and 234 Ma.     

Recognition of early Carboniferous alkaline granite in the southern Altai orogen: post-orogenic processes constrained by U–Pb zircon ages, Nd isotopes, and geochemical data

The Altai orogen forms the southern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), the world’s largest accretionary orogen. However, its tectonic evolution, particularly during the late Paleozoic, is still not well understood. U–Pb zircon analyses for the Bulgen alkaline granite yield crystallization ages of 358?±?4?Ma (SHRIMP) and 354?±?4?Ma (LA-ICP-MS). These ages are significantly younger than published emplacement ages for subduction/collision-related syn-orogenic granitoids (460–375?Ma) in this region. The Bulgen granite has high SiO₂, total alkalis, rare earth elements, HFSE (Th, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ce), and low Ba, Sr with pronounced negative anomalies in Eu, Ba, Sr, P, and Ti, showing a clear A-type geochemical signature. The granite records high εNd(t) values of +6.3 to +6.4 and young model ages (T _DM) of ca. 600?Ma. The Bulgen alkaline granite is largely undeformed as opposed to the early-middle Paleozoic counterparts, which form elongated deformed bodies parallel to the prevailing tectonic fabric (NW direction). Available data suggest that magmatism in the southern Altai region evolved from early-middle Paleozoic I-type tholeiitic and calc-alkaline granitoids to late Paleozoic A-type alkaline granitoids. The high εNd(t) values of the Bulgen alkaline granite indicate a homogeneous juvenile mantle source, whereas the early-middle Paleozoic granitoids are characterized by lower and more variable εNd(t) values (?2.6 to +4.2). These differences provide an important insight into the late Paleozoic orogenic processes of the Chinese Altai and indicate a significant change of the tectonic regime from a syn-orogenic regional compression setting to a post-orogenic extensional one. Major tectonic movements in this region ceased after the early Carboniferous.     

Lower Carboniferous post-orogenic granites in central-eastern Sierra de Velasco,Sierras Pampeanas,Argentina: U–Pb monazite geochronology,geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes

The central-eastern part of the Sierra de Velasco (Sierras Pampeanas, NW Argentina) is formed by the large Huaco (40 × 30 km) and Sanagasta (25 × 15 km) granite massifs and the small La Chinchilla stock (2 × 2 km). The larger granites intrude into Ordovician metagranitoids and crosscut Devonian (?) mylonitic shear zones, whereas the small stock sharply intrudes into the Huaco granite. The two voluminous granites are biotitic-muscovitic and biotitic porphyritic syeno- to monzogranites. They contain small and rounded tonalitic and quartz-dioritic mafic microgranular enclaves. The small stock is an equigranular, zinnwaldite- and fluorite-bearing monzogranite. The studied granites are silica-rich (SiO₂ >70%), potassium-rich (K₂O >4%), ferroan, alkali-calcic to slightly calk-alkalic, and moderately to weakly peraluminous (A/CNK: 1.06–1.18 Huaco granite, 1.01–1.09 Sanagasta granite, 1.05–1.06 La Chinchilla stock). They have moderate to strong enrichments in several LIL (Li, Rb, Cs) and HFS (Nb, Ta, Y, Th, U) elements, and low Sr, Ba and Eu contents. U–Pb monazite age determinations indicate Lower Carboniferous crystallization ages: 350–358 Ma for the Huaco granite, 352.7 ± 1.4 Ma for the Sanagasta granite and 344.5 ± 1.4 Ma for the La Chinchilla stock. The larger granites have similar ?Nd values between ?2.1 and ?4.3, whereas the younger stock has higher ?Nd of ?0.6 to ?1.4, roughly comparable to the values obtained for the Carboniferous San Blas granite (?1.4 to ?1.7), located in the north of the sierra. The Huaco and Sanagasta granites have a mainly crustal source, but with some participation of a more primitive, possibly mantle-derived, component. The main crustal component can be attributed to Ordovician peraluminous metagranitoids. The La Chinchilla stock derives from a more primitive source, suggesting an increase with time in the participation of the primitive component during magma genesis. The studied granites were generated during a post-orogenic period in a within-plate setting, possibly as a response to the collapse of the previous Famatinian orogen, extension of the crust and mantle upwelling. They are part of the group of Middle Devonian–Lower Carboniferous granites of the Sierras Pampeanas. The distribution and U–Pb ages of these granites suggests a northward arc-parallel migration of this mainly post-orogenic magmatism with time.     

Collision-related genesis of the Sharang porphyry molybdenum deposit,Tibet: Evidence from zircon U–Pb ages,Re–Os ages and Lu–Hf isotopes

Sharang is a low-fluorine, calc-alkaline porphyry Mo deposit hosted mainly in a granite porphyry of a multi-stage plutonic complex in the northern Gangdese metallogenic belt, largely with stockwork and ribbon-textured mineralization. The observed age estimates suggest that the formation of the magmatic host complex (52.9–51.6 Ma) and the ore deposit itself (52.3 Ma) occurred during the main stage of the India–Asia collision. The host rocks are characterized by lower zircon ε_Hf(t) values than those of the pre-ore and post-ore rocks. This suggests that the Lhasa terrane basement might play an important role in the formation of Sharang ore-forming intrusions. In view of the framework of magmatic–metallogenic events we suggest that slab roll-back may have induced melting of juvenile crust and ancient continental complexes during the India–Asia collision. This proposal focuses exploration for additional molybdenum deposits on the collision zone.     

Magmatic evolution of the Tuwu–Yandong porphyry Cu belt,NW China: Constraints from geochronology,geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes

The Tuwu–Yandong porphyry Cu belt is located in the Eastern Tianshan mountains in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Petrochemical and geochronological data for intrusive and volcanic rocks from the Tuwu and Yandong deposits are combined with previous studies to provide constraints on their petrogenesis and tectonic affinity. New LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb ages of 348.3 ± 6.0 Ma, 339.3 ± 2.2 Ma, 323.6 ± 2.5 Ma and 324.1 ± 2.3 Ma have been attained from intrusive units associated with the deposits, including diorite, plagiogranite porphyry, quartz albite porphyry and quartz porphyry, respectively. The basalt and andesite, which host part of the Cu mineralization, are tholeiitic with high Al₂O₃, Cr, Ni and low TiO₂ contents, enriched LREEs and negative HFSE (Nb, Ta, Zr, Ti) anomalies consistent with arc magmas. Diorites are characterized by low SiO₂ content but high MgO, Cr and Ni contents, similar to those of high-Mg andesites. The parental magma of the basalt, andesite and diorite is interpreted to have been derived from partial melting of mantle-wedge peridotite that was previously metasomatized by slab melts. The ore-bearing plagiogranite porphyry is characterized by high Na₂O, Sr, Cr and Ni contents, low Y and Yb contents, low Na₂O/K₂O ratios and high Sr/Y ratios and high Mg#, suggesting an adakitic affinity. The high ε_Nd(t) (5.02–9.16), low I_Sr (0.703219–0.704281) and high ε_Hf(t) (8.55–12.99) of the plagiogranite porphyry suggest they were derived by a partial melting of the subducted oceanic crust followed by adakitic melt-mantle peridotite interaction. The quartz albite porphyry and quartz porphyry are characterized by similar Sr–Nd–Hf isotope but lower Mg# and whole-rock (La/Yb)_N ratios to the plagiogranite porphyry, suggesting they were derived from juvenile lower crust, and negative Eu anomalies suggest fractionation of plagioclase. We propose that a flat subduction that started ca. 340 Ma and resulted in formation of the adakitic plagiogranite porphyry after a period of “steady” subduction, and experienced slab rollback at around 323 Ma.     

Petrogenesis of the Langdu High–K Calc–Alkaline Intrusions in Yunnan Province: Constraints from Geochemistry and Sr–Nd Isotopes

The Langdu high-K calc-alkaline intrusions are located in the Zhongdian area, which is the southern part of the Yidun island arc. These intrusive rocks consist mainly of monzonite porphyry, granodiorite, and diorite porphyry. The K2O content of majority of these rocks is greater than 3%, and, in the K2O-SiO2 diagram, all the samples fall into the high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic fields. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs; LaN/YbN = 14.3-21.2), and show slightly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.77-1.00). These rocks have high K, Rb, Sr, and Ba contents; moderate to high enrichment of compatible elements (Cr = 36.7-79.9 ppm, Co = 9.6-16.4 ppm, and MgO = 2.2%-3.4%); low Nb, Ta, and Ti contents, and characteristic of low high field strength elements(HFSEs) versus incompatible elements ratios (Nb/Th = 0.75, Nb/La = 0.34) and incompatible elements ratios (Nb/U = 3.0 and Ce/Pb = 5.1, Ba/Rb = 12.0). These rocks exhibit restricted Sr and Nd isotopic compositions, with (87Sr/86Sr) i values ranging from 0.7044 to 0.7069 and εNd(t) values from -2.8 to -2.2. The Sr-Nd isotope systematic and specific trace element ratios suggest that Langdu high-K calc-alkaline intrusive rocks derived from a metasomatized mantle source. The unique geochemical feature of intrusive rocks can be modeled successfully using different members of a slightly enriched mantle, a slab-derived fluid, and terrigenous sediments. It can be inferred that the degree of partial melting and the presence of specific components are temporally related to the tectonic evolution of the Zhongdian island arc. Formation of these rocks can be explained by the various degrees of melting within an ascending region of the slightly enriched mantle, triggered by the subduction of the Garzê-Litang ocean, and an interaction between the slab-derived fluid and the terrigenous sediments.     

Petrogenesis of Miocene alkaline volcanic suites from western Bohemia: whole rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic signatures

The Mid to Late Miocene intraplate alkaline volcanic suites of western Bohemia are relict of the intensive voluminous volcanism accompanied by large-scale uplift and doming. The association with the uplift of the NE flank of the Cheb–Domažlice Graben (CDG) is uncertain in view of the mostly transpressional tectonics of the graben. The volcanism is most probably of the Ohře/Eger Rift off-rift settings. Two cogenetic volcanic suites have been recognised: (i) silica-saturated to oversaturated consisting of olivine basalt–trachybasalt-(basaltic) trachyandesite–trachyte–rhyolite (13.5 to 10.2 Ma) and (ii) silica-undersaturated (significantly Ne-normative) (melilite-bearing) olivine nephelinite–basanite–tephrite (18.3 to 6.25 Ma). A common mantle source is suggested by similar primitive mantle-normalised incompatible element patterns and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions for the assumed near-primary mantle-derived compositions of both suites, i.e., olivine basalt and olivine nephelinite. Apparently, they were generated by different degrees of partial melting of a common mantle source, with garnet, olivine and clinopyroxene in the residuum. Negative Rb and K anomalies indicate a residual K-phase (amphibole/phlogopite) and melting of partly metasomatised mantle lithosphere. The evolution of the basanite–olivine basalt–trachybasalt-(basaltic) trachyandesite–trachyte–rhyolite suite suggests the presence of an assimilation–fractional crystallization process (AFC). Substantial fractionation of olivine, clinopyroxene, Fe–Ti oxide, plagioclase/alkali feldspar and apatite accompanied by a significant assimilation of magma en route by crustal material is most evident in evolved member, namely, trachytes and rhyolites. The magmas were probably sourced by both sub-lithospheric and lithospheric partly metasomatised mantle. The evolution of the (melilite-bearing) olivine nephelinite–basanite–tephrite suite is less clear because of its limited extent. Parental magma of both these rock suites is inferred to have originated by low-degree melting of the mantle source initiated at ca. 18 Ma and reflects mixing of asthenosphere-derived melts with isotopically enriched lithospheric melts. The older Oligocene alkaline rocks (29–26 Ma) occur within the Cheb–Domažlice Graben (CDG) locally but are significant in the closely adjacent neighbouring western Ohře Rift. The Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic composition of primitive volcanic rocks of both suites is similar to that of the European Asthenospheric Reservoir (EAR). Initial Pb isotopic data plot partly above the northern hemisphere reference line at radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of ∼19 to 20, and indicate the presence of a Variscan crustal component in the source.     

Laser-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon ages and geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of the Niyasar plutonic complex,Iran: constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic evolution

We conducted geochemical and isotopic studies on the Oligocene–Miocene Niyasar plutonic suite in the central Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt, in order better to understand the magma sources and tectonic implications. The Niyasar plutonic suite comprises early Eocene microdiorite, early Oligocene dioritic sills, and middle Miocene tonalite + quartzdiorite and minor diorite assemblages. All samples show a medium-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous affinity and have similar geochemical features, including strong enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g. Rb, Ba, Sr), enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs), and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs, e.g. Nb, Ta, Ti, P). The chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of microdiorite and dioritic sills are slightly fractionated [(La/Yb)_n = 1.1–4] and display weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–1.1). Isotopic data for these mafic mantle-derived rocks display I_Sr = 0.70604–0.70813, ?_Nd (microdiorite: 50 Ma and dioritic sills: 35 Ma, respectively) = +1.6 and ?0.4, TDM = 1.3 Ga, and lead isotopic ratios are (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.62–18.57, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.61–15.66, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.65–38.69. The middle Miocene granitoids (18 Ma) are also characterized by relatively high REE and minor Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.77–0.98) and have uniform initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.7065–0.7082), a range of initial Nd isotopic ratios [?Nd(T)] varying from ?2.3 to ?3.7, and Pb isotopic composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 18.67–18.94, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 15.63–15.71, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb) = 38.73–39.01. Geochemical and isotopic evidence for these Eocene–Ologocene mafic rocks suggests that the magmas originated from lithospheric mantle with a large involvement of EMII component during subduction of the Neotethyan ocean slab beneath the Central Iranian plate, and were significantly affected by crustal contamination. Geochemical and isotopic data of the middle Miocene granitoids rule out a purely crustal-derived magma genesis, and suggest a mixed mantle–crustal [MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization)] origin in a post-collision extensional setting. Sr–Nd isotope modelling shows that the generation of these magmas involved ～60% to 70% of a lower crustal-derived melt and ～30% to 40% of subcontinental lithospheric mantle. All Niyasar plutons exhibit transitional geochemical features, indicating that involvement of an EMII component in the subcontinental mantle and also continental crust beneath the Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic belt increased from early Eocene to middle Miocene time.     

Origin of the Yinshan epithermal-porphyry Cu–Au–Pb–Zn–Ag deposit,southeastern China: insights from geochemistry,Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes

The Yinshan deposit is a large epithermal-porphyry polymetallic deposit, and the timing and petrogenesis of ore-hosting porphyries have been hotly debated. We present new results from geochemical, whole-rock Sr–Nd and zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopic investigations. Zircon U–Pb data demonstrate that the quartz porphyry, dacitic porphyry, and quartz dioritic porphyry formed at ?172.2 ± 0.4 Ma, ?171.7 ± 0.5 Ma, and ?170.9 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively. Inherited zircon cores show significant age spreads from ?730 to ?1390 Ma. Geochemically, they are high-K calc-alkaline or shoshonitic rocks with arc-like trace element patterns. They have similar whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions, yet an increasing trend in ?_Nd(t) and ?_Hf(t) values typifies the suite. Older (inherited) zircons of the three porphyries display Hf compositions comparable to those of the Jiangnan Orogen basement rocks. In situ zircon oxygen isotopic analyses reveal that they have similar oxygen isotopic compositions, which are close to those of mantle zircons. Moreover, a decreasing trend of δ¹⁸O values is present. We propose that the ore-related porphyries of the Yinshan deposit were emplaced contemporaneously and derived from partial melting of Neoproterozoic arc-derived mafic (or ultra-mafic) rocks. Modelling suggests that the quartz porphyries, dacitic porphyries, and quartz dioritic porphyries experienced ?25%, ?10%, and ?10% crustal contaminations by Shuangqiaoshan rocks. Our study provides important constraints on mantle–crust interaction in the genesis of polymetallic mineralization associated with Mesozoic magmatism in southeastern China.     

Source components of the Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) shield stage magmas: evidence from olivine composition and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes

The Canary Island primitive basaltic magmas are thought to be derived from an HIMU-type upwelling mantle containing isotopically depleted (NMORB)-type component having interacted with an enriched (EM)-type component, the origin of which is still a subject of debate. We studied the relationships between Ni, Mn and Ca concentrations in olivine phenocrysts (85.6–90.0 mol.% Fo, 1,722–3,915 ppm Ni, 1,085–1,552 ppm Mn, 1,222–3,002 ppm Ca) from the most primitive subaerial and ODP Leg 157 high-silica (picritic to olivine basaltic) lavas with their bulk rock Sr–Nd–Pb isotope compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70315–0.70331, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51288–0.51292, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19.55–19.93, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.60–15.63, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.31–39.69). Our data point toward the presence of both a peridotitic and a pyroxenitic component in the magma source. Using the model (Sobolev et al. in: Science 316:412–417, 2007) in which the reaction of Si-rich melts originated during partial melting of eclogite (a high pressure product of subducted oceanic crust) with ambient peridotitic mantle forms olivine-free reaction pyroxenite, we obtain an end member composition for peridotite with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70337, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51291, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 19.36, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.61 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.07 (EM-type end member), and pyroxenite with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70309, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd = 0.51289, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 20.03, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.62 and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 39.84 (HIMU-type end member). Mixing of melts from these end members in proportions ranging from 70% peridotite and 30% pyroxenite to 28% peridotite and 72% pyroxenite derived melt fractions can generate the compositions of the most primitive Gran Canaria shield stage lavas. Combining our results with those from the low-silica rocks from the western Canary Islands (Gurenko et al. EPSL 277:514–524, 2009), at least four distinct components are required. We propose that they are (1) HIMU-type pyroxenitic component (representing recycled ocean crust of intermediate age) from the plume center, (2) HIMU-type peridotitic component (ancient recycled ocean crust stirred into the ambient mantle) from the plume margin, (3) depleted, MORB-type pyroxenitic component (young recycled oceanic crust) in the upper mantle entrained by the plume, and (4) EM-type peridotitic component from the asthenosphere or lithosphere above the plume center.     

Zircon U–Pb ages,geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions of Middle Triassic granodiorites from the Kaimuqi area,East Kunlun,Northwest China: implications for slab breakoff

The Qimantage area of Northwest China lies in the western part of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, and is dominated by late Permian to Late Triassic granitoids. Among these, the Middle Triassic granitoids are mainly distributed south of the North Kunlun Fault, and consist of two main granitic assemblages: the Kaimuqi assemblage in the east and the Mositu assemblage in the west. To better constrain the Indosinian tectonic evolution of this area, we present data on the geochronology, geochemistry, and petrology of ore-bearing granodiorites from the Kaimuqi area in eastern Qimantage. The granodiorite samples have porphyritic or fine-grained textures. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon dating yields emplacement ages of 238–242 Ma, interpreted here as the result of the Middle Triassic magmatism. The granodiorites are mostly of the high-K calc-alkaline series, and are enriched in light rare earth elements, depleted in heavy rare earth elements such as Nb, Ta, P, and Ti, and have weak negative Eu (Eu/Eu*) anomalies. The Kaimuqi granodiorites have lower SiO₂ and Sr contents, and higher Na₂O/K₂O ratios than the Mositu granodiorites. They also show initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.712151–0.715436, εNd(t) values of ?7.4 to ?6.3, and two-stage Nd model ages of 1.53–1.61 Ga. Together with their radiogenic Pb isotopic ratios for ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (18.271–18.622), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (15.637–15.651), and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb_(t) (38.452–37.870), these data indicate both mantle and crustal contributions to the source of the granodiorites. Field investigations show that Middle Triassic granitoids in both the Mositu and Kaimuqi assemblages contain large numbers of mafic microgranular enclaves, which supports an interpretation of mantle and crustal magmatic mixing. Based on a comparison of these results with data from coeval granites in the Mositu assemblage, we propose that the Middle Triassic granitoids in the Qimantage area were produced at ca. 240 Ma, as a result of the end of subduction and the initiation of collision during the Variscan–Indosinian orogeny. Magma mixing may be interpreted as the result of slab breakoff in a subduction zone environment, which led to fluid metasomatism and induced partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle, resulting in the formation of voluminous granitic magma.     

Petrogenesis,tectonic setting,and metallogenic significance of the Middle Permian volcanic rock system of the Miaoling Formation,Yanbian area,NE China: Constraints from geochronology,geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopes

The volcanic rock system of the Miaoling Formation contains the main ore-bearing rocks of two volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS)-type deposits in the Yanbian area of NE China. Investigation of the VRSMF is needed to better understand the formation of these VMS-type deposits and the tectonic evolution of the Yanbian area. To determine the petrogenesis, material sources, and formation age of the VRSMF, and elucidate its late Paleozoic tectonic evolution and metallogenic significance, this paper presents new petrological, geochronological, geochemical, whole-rock Sr–Nd and in situ zircon Hf isotopic data for the VRSMF. The VRSMF is composed of marine carbonate, intermediate–felsic volcanic rocks (andesite–trachyandesite–dacite) and pyroclastic rocks. Laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating gives an eruption age of ca. 265 Ma for the pyroclastic rocks in the VRSMF. These rocks are classified as low- to medium-K calc-alkaline series. They are characterized by enrichments in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., K, Rb, and Ba) and light rare earth elements, and depletions in high field-strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) and heavy rare earth elements, showing affinity to igneous rocks formed in arc-related tectonic settings. These features, together with homogeneous zircon ε_Hf(t) values of 10.9–15.7 and depleted Sr–Nd isotopic compositions [ε_Nd(t) values of 2.4–5.0], suggest that the parental magma was derived from the partial melting of depleted mantle that had been metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. These results, along with findings of regional geological investigations, suggest that the formation of the VRSMF was related to subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic plate during the middle Permian. The VMS-type mineralization in the Hongtaiping and Dongfengnanshan deposits is interpreted to have formed in a bimodal–felsic setting in a back-arc extensional tectonic environment.     

In situ U–Pb,Sr and Nd isotopic analysis of loparite by LA-(MC)-ICP-MS

This work describes the in situ analysis of loparite [(Na,REE)Ti₂O₆], a perovskite group mineral with extremely low Rb/Sr ratios and high rare earth contents, by LA-(MC)-ICP-MS for the determination of U–Pb ages together with Sr and Nd isotopic composition. The reliability of these data were validated by analysis of a loparite standard by TIMS solution methods. Data are given for loparite from the Lovozero and Khibiny peralkaline complexes of the Kola Alkaline Province (Russia). For Lovozero loparite the Tera–Wasserburg intercept age for 15 loparites analysed is 373 ± 11 Ma, and the weighted ²⁰⁷Pb corrected ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age is 373 ± 2 Ma. For Khibiny loparite, the intercept age for 5 loparites analysed is 375 ± 10 Ma, and the weighted ²⁰⁷Pb corrected ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age is 374 ± 3 Ma. The common Pb compositions for Lovozero and Khibiny loparites are identical i.e. ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb = 0.898 ± 0.009 and 0.898 ± 0.007, respectively. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios of Lovozero loparite range from 0.703552 to 0.703682 (av. 0.703611), and εNd (t₃₇₀) from + 3.8 to + 4.4 (av. + 4.0). The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios of Khibiny loparite range from 0.703560 to 0.703871, and εNd (t₇₃₀) from + 4.0 to + 4.8. Our data indicate that in situ LA-(MC)-ICP-MS analysis of loparite provides accurate and precise estimates of the intrusion ages and isotopic composition of peralkaline rocks.