Kyanite eclogite xenolith from the orthogneiss terrane of the Tisza Megaunit, Jánoshalma area, crystalline basement of southern Hungary

New evidence for high-pressure, eclogite facies metamorphism in the crystalline basement of the Tisza Megaunit (southern Hungary) is reported. The retrogressed mafic eclogite forms a small lens in the orthogneiss and it was found in the borehole near Jánoshalma. The carbonated eclogite contains the peak metamorphic assemblage omphacite + garnet + phengite + kyanite + clinozoizite + rutile + K-feldspar + quartz. Omphacite (Xjd_0.40–0.41Xdio_0.52–0.53Xhd_0.05Xaug_1.55–2.85) occurs in the matrix and as inclusions in garnet (Xpy_0.37–0.38Xgrs_0.21–0.22Xalm_0.39–0.40Xsps_0–0.01Xadr_0–0.01) and kyanite. Thermobarometry based on net-transfer reactions between garnet, omphacite, kyanite and phengite yields P–T conditions of 710 ± 10 °C and 2.6 ± 0.75 GPa. Retrogression during decompression is manifested by formation of symplectites; the most typical are diopside + plagioclase after omphacite, corundum + spinel + plagioclase after kyanite and biotite + plagioclase after phengite. Carbonatization along the veins of the retrogressed eclogite was probably coeval with formation of these symplectites. At places where carbonate is absent the rock was completely hydrated and retrogressed down to the greenschist facies with the development of actinolite. Similar eclogites together with abundant orthogneisses occur mainly in the eastern parts of the Tisza Megaunit, suggesting the existence of an ancient (possibly Variscan) subduction/accretionary complex.     

Metamorphic evolution, mineral chemistry and thermobarometry of schists and orthogneisses hosting ultra-high pressure eclogites in the Dabieshan of central China

As is typical of ultra-high pressure (UHP) terrains, the regional extent of the UHP terrain in the Dabieshan of central China is highly speculative, since the volume of eclogites and paragneisses preserving unequivocal evidence of coesite and/or diamond stability is very small. By contrast, the common garnet (X_Mn=0.18–0.45)–phengite (Si=3.2–3.35)–zoned epidote (Ps_38–97)–biotite–titanite–two feldspars–quartz assemblages in the more extensive orthogneisses have been previously thought to have formed under low P–T conditions of ca. 400±50°C at 4 kbar. However, certain orthogneiss samples preserve garnets with X_Ca up to 0.50, rutile inclusions within titanite or epidote and relict phengite inclusions within epidote with Si contents p.f.u. of up to 3.49 — overlapping with the highest values (3.49–3.62) recorded for phengites in samples of undoubted UHP schists. These and other mineral composition features (such as A-site deficiencies in the highest Si phengites, Na in garnets linked to Y+Yb substitution and Al F Ti₋₁ O₋₁ substitution in titanites) are taken to be pointers towards the orthogneisses having experienced a similar metamorphic evolution to the associated UHP schists and eclogites. Re-evaluated garnet–phengite and garnet–biotite Fe/Mg exchange thermometry and calculated 5 rutile+3 grossular+2SiO₂+H₂O=5 titanite+2 zoisite equilibria indicate that the orthogneisses may indeed have followed a common subduction-related clockwise P–T path with the UHP paragneisses and eclogites through conditions of P_max at ca. 690°C–715°C and 36 kbar to T_max at ca. 710°C–755°C and 18 kbar, prior to extensive re-crystallisation and re-equilibration of these ductile orthogneisses at ca. 400°C–450°C and 6 kbar. The consequential conclusion, that it is no longer necessary to resort to models of tectonic juxtapositioning to explain the spatial association of these Dabieshan orthogneisses with undoubted UHP lithologies, has far-reaching implications for the interpretation of controversial gneiss–eclogite relationships in other UHP metamorphic terrains.     

A zircon study from the Rhodope metamorphic complex, N-Greece: Time record of a multistage evolution

Zircons from an eclogite and a diamond-bearing metapelite near the Kimi village (north-eastern Rhodope Metamorphic Complex, Greece) have been investigated by Micro Raman Spectroscopy, SEM, SHRIMP and LA-ICPMS to define their inclusion mineralogy, ages and trace element contents. In addition, the host rocks metamorphic evolution was reconstructed and linked to the zircon growth domains.

The eclogite contains relicts of a high pressure stage (ca. 700 °C and > 17.5 kbar) characterised by matrix omphacite with Jd_40–35. This assemblage was overprinted by a lower pressure, higher temperature metamorphic event (ca. 820 °C and 15.5–17.5 kbar), as indicated by the presence of clinopyroxene (Jd_35–20) and plagioclase. Biotite and pargasitic amphibole represent a later stage, probably related to an influx of fluids. Zircons separated from the eclogite contain magmatic relicts indicating Permian crystallization of a quartz-bearing gabbroic protolith. Inclusions diagnostic of the high temperature, post-eclogitic overprint are found in metamorphic zircon domain Z2 which ages spread over a long period (160 – 95 Ma). Based on zircon textures, zoning and chemistry, we suggest that the high-temperature peak occurred at or before ca. 160 Ma and the zircons were disturbed by a later event possibly at around 115 Ma. Small metamorphic zircon overgrowths with a different composition yield an age of 79 ± 3 Ma, which is related to a distinct amphibolite-facies metamorphic event.

The metapelitic host rock consists of a mesosome with garnet, mica and kyanite, and a quartz- and plagioclase-bearing leucosome, which formed at granulite-facies conditions. Based on previously reported micro-diamond inclusions in garnet, the mesosome is assumed to have experienced UHP conditions. Nevertheless, (U)HP mineral inclusions were not found in the zircons separated from the diamond-bearing metapelite. Inclusions of melt, kyanite and high-Ti biotite in a first metamorphic zircon domain suggest that zircon formation occurred during pervasive granulite-facies metamorphism. An age of 171 ± 1 Ma measured on this zircon domain constrains the high-temperature metamorphic event. A second, inclusion-free metamorphic domain yielded an age of 160 ± 1 Ma that is related to decompression and melt crystallization.

The similar age data obtained from the samples indicate that both rock types recorded a high-T metamorphic overprint at granulite-facies conditions at ca. 170 – 160 Ma. This age implies that any high pressure or even ultra-high pressure metamorphism in the Kimi Complex occurred before that time. Our findings define new constraints for the geodynamic evolution for the Alpine orogenic cycle within the northernmost Greek part of the Rhodope Metamorphic Complex. It is proposed that the rocks of the Kimi Complex belong to a suture zone squeezed between two continental blocks and result from a Paleo-ocean basin, which should be located further north of the Jurassic Vardar Ocean.     

Eclogites preserved as pebbles in Jurassic conglomerate, Dabie Mountains, China

Two types of eclogite pebbles were discovered in Middle to Upper Jurassic conglomerates from the Hefei Basin north of the Dabie ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrain, China. Type A eclogite pebbles are characterized by idioblastic garnet with well preserved chemical zonation. Si content in phengite is lower than 3.5 per formula unit (pfu). The maximum metamorphic pressure is lower than 2.5 GPa, and the temperature is below 600 °C. Type B eclogite pebbles contain coesite pseudomorphs in xenoblastic garnet. Si content in phengite is higher than 3.5 pfu. The maximum metamorphic pressure is 2.8–4.0 GPa at 700 °C indicating UHP metamorphism.

Types A and B eclogite pebbles are comparable with eclogites occurring in the southern portion of the Dabie UHP terrain. Based on the petrologic similarities and northeastwards directed paleocurrents, we infer that the eclogite pebbles were eroded from the Dabie UHP terrain. Sandstones containing detrital phengite with Si content higher than 3.5 pfu are also derived from UHP rocks. These petrologic and stratigraphic data place time constraints on exhumation and erosion history of the Dabie UHP terrain.     

Conditions and timing of high-pressure Variscan metamorphism in the South Carpathians, Romania

High-pressure (HP) metamorphic rocks, including garnet peridotite, eclogite, HP granulite, and HP amphibolite, are important constituents of several tectonostratigraphic units in the pre-Alpine nappe stack of the Getic–Supragetic (GS) basement in the South Carpathians. A Variscan age for HP metamorphism is firmly established by Sm–Nd mineral–whole-rock isochrons for garnet amphibolite, 358±10 Ma, two samples of eclogite, 341±8 and 344±7 Ma, and garnet peridotite, 316±4 Ma.

A prograde history for many HP metamorphic rocks is documented by the presence of lower pressure mineral inclusions and compositional zoning in garnet. Application of commonly accepted thermobarometers to eclogite (grt+cpx±ky±phn±pg±zo) yields a range in “peak” pressures and temperatures of 10.8–22.3 kbar and 545–745 °C, depending on tectonostratigraphic unit and locality. Zoisite equilibria indicate that activity of H₂O in some samples was substantially reduced, ca. 0.1–0.4. HP granulite (grt+cpx+hb+pl) and HP amphibolite (grt+hbl+pl) may have formed by retrogression of eclogites during high-temperature decompression. Two types of garnet peridotite have been recognized, one forming from spinel peridotite at ca. 1150–1300 °C, 25.8–29.0 kbar, and another from plagioclase peridotite at 560 °C, 16.1 kbar.

The Variscan evolution of the pre-Mesozoic basement in the South Carpathians is similar to that in other segments of the European Variscides, including widespread HP metamorphism, in which P–T–t characteristics are specific to individual tectonostratigraphic units, the presence of diverse types of garnet peridotite, diachronous subduction and accretion, nappe assembly in pre-Westphalian time due to collision of Laurussia, Gondwana, and amalgamated terranes, and finally, rapid exhumation, cooling, and deposition of eroded debris in Westphalian to Permian sedimentary basins.     

Experimental synthesis and phase relations of phengitic muscovite from 6.5 to 11 GPa in a calcareous metapelite from the Dabie Mountains, China

The stability and phase relations of phengitic muscovite in a metapelitic bulk composition containing a mixed H₂O+CO₂ fluid were investigated at 6.5–11 GPa, 750–1050°C in synthesis experiments performed in a multianvil apparatus. Starting material consisted of a natural calcareous metapelite from the coesite zone of the Dabie Mountains, China, ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic complex that had experienced peak metamorphic pressures greater than 3 GPa. The sample contains a total of 2.1 wt.% H₂O and 6.3 wt.% CO₂ bound in hydrous and carbonate minerals. No additional fluid was added to the starting material. Phengite is stable in this bulk composition from 6.5 to 9 GPa at 900°C and coexists with an eclogitic phase assemblage consisting of garnet, omphacite, coesite, rutile, and fluid. Phengite dehydrates to produce K-hollandite between 8 and 11 GPa, 750–900°C. Phengite melting/dissolution occurs between 900°C and 975°C at 6.5–8 GPa and is associated with the appearance of kyanite in the phase assemblage. The formation of K-hollandite is accompanied by the appearance of magnesite and topaz-OH in the phase assemblage as well as by significant increases in the grossular content of garnet (average X_grs=0.52, X_py=0.19) and the jadeite content of omphacite (X_jd=0.92). Mass balance indicates that the volatile content of the fluid phase changes markedly at the phengite/K-hollandite phase boundary. At P≤8 GPa, fluid coexisting with phengite appears to be relatively CO₂-rich (XCO₂/XH₂O=2.2), whereas fluid coexisting with K-hollandite and magnesite at 11 GPa is rich in H₂O (XCO₂/XH₂O=0.2). Analysis of quench material and mass balance calculations indicate that fluids at all pressures and temperatures examined contain an abundance of dissolved solutes (approximately 40 mol% at 8 GPa, 60 mol% at 11 GPa) that act to dilute the volatile content of the fluid phase. The average phengite content of muscovite is positively correlated with pressure and ranges from 3.62 Si per formula unit (pfu) at 6.5 GPa to 3.80 Si pfu at 9 GPa. The extent of the phengite substitution in muscovite in this bulk composition appears to be limited to a maximum of 3.80–3.85 Si pfu at P=9 GPa. These experiments show that phengite should be stable in metasediments in mature subduction zones to depths of up to 300 km even under conditions in which aH₂O1. Other high-pressure hydrous phases such as lawsonite, MgMgAl-pumpellyite, and topaz-OH that may form in subducted sediments do not occur within the phengite stability field in this system, and may require more H₂O-rich fluid compositions in order to form. The wide range of conditions under which phengite occurs and its participation in mixed volatile reactions that may buffer the composition of the fluid phase suggest that phengite may significantly influence the nature of metasomatic fluids released from deeply subducted sediments at depths of up to 300 km at convergent plate boundaries.     

滇西澜沧江构造带中-南段澜沧群变质变形期次及Ar-Ar年代学约束

澜沧群变质变形过程的厘定有助于揭示澜沧江构造带的演化历史.通过对双江-惠民地区出露的中-低绿片岩相变质岩系与高压变质岩系的"构造-变质"双重解析,发现澜沧群变质岩系:（1）以挤压体制下的褶劈理S₂为区域性面理,浅变质岩系中石英脉条带代表的面理S₁与层理S₀产状一致,并在第2期强烈压扁后与S₂近平行;（2）构造样式与变质变形期次在研究区域内基本一致,表现为二叠纪-三叠纪两期次中深构造层次透入性变形为侏罗纪-新生代浅-表层次变形所叠加;（3）高压变质岩记录了两个期次的深层次构造变形,电气石与石榴石变斑晶具有明显的两阶段生长模式,核部（M_1aD_1a）可能代表了峰期榴辉岩相变质作用,边部代表折返过程中的蓝片岩相（M_1bD_1b）阶段.高压变质岩与浅变质岩第2期（M₂D₂）构造层次及变形样式一致,代表折返后的挤压拼贴过程,两者的剪切型褶劈理S₂均指示上盘S向的剪切滑动.结合新生代三江地区发生的近90°块体旋转,恢复第2期为上盘指向E的逆冲剪切作用.通过对幸福变质石英砂岩白云母、小黑江多硅白云母和蓝闪石的40Ar-39Ar定年,以及对前人小黑江蓝闪石40Ar-39Ar年龄的重新解释,共厘定出澜沧群4个构造阶段:（1）高压变质岩第1期晚期（D_1b）蓝片岩相变质作用（~250 Ma）;（2）第2期（M₂D₂）中层次挤压（215~214 Ma）;（3）浅变质岩系第3期早期（D_3a）N-S向纵弯褶皱（111.9~103.7 Ma）与晚期（D_3b）逆冲（~82.28 Ma）;（4）第4期近E-W向纵弯褶皱（新生代,很可能晚于59.18 Ma）.      

太平寨古老变质岩的变质结构

区域变质作用过程中,矿物受到热力与动力作用,相应地发生结晶、重结晶与变形两个方面的变化,产生出多种型式的变质结构。依据变质结构的特点,矿物本身的变化和共生矿物之间的相互关系,可以分析多期变质作用的期次、顺序,也可以鉴别结晶作用与变形作用的先后关系,因此能够通过这种研究来复原变质地体的变质变形历史。本文研究河北省迁西县太平寨地区及附近各地的古老变质地体的变质结构特点,并研讨其地质意义。     

超高压变质岩的放射性同位素体系及年代学方法

深刻理解同位素在超高压变质及退变质过程中的地球化学行为对获得超高压变质岩准确并有明确意义的年龄值是非常重要的。对 Sm-Nd,Rb-Sr 同位素体系,只有变质矿物同位素体系达到平衡才能给出精确有意义的等时线年龄。研究表明,与副变质岩互层的细粒榴辉岩的高压变质矿物之间,或者强退变质岩石的退变质矿物之间,其 Nd,Sr 同位素可以达到平衡;然而高压变质矿物与退变质矿物之间 Nd,Sr 同位素不平衡。由于全岩样品总是含有数量不等的退变质矿物,因此石榴石 全岩 Sm-Nd 法或多硅白云母 全岩 Rh-Sr 法将有可能给出无地质意义的年龄。通常低温榴辉岩的高压变质矿物之间存在Nd 同位素不平衡。超高压变质岩多硅白云母所含过剩 Ar 主要源于榴辉岩原岩中角闪石在变质分解时释放出来的放射成因 Ar。因此,不含榴辉岩的花岗片麻岩多硅白云母基本不含过剩 Ar。对变质锆石成因的准确判断是正确理解锆石 U-Ph 年龄意义的关键。本文对不同成因锆石的判别标志及年龄意义做了总结,并指出将阴极发光图形,锆石痕量元素组成及矿物包裹体鉴定相结合是进行锆石成因鉴定的有效方法。高压变质或退变质增生锆石组成单一,是理想变质定年对象。然而变质重结晶锆石域常是重结晶锆石和继承晶质锆石的混合区,因而给出混合年龄。只有完全变质重结晶锆石才能给出准确变质时代。     

Multiple Foliations Defined by Different Sillimanite Crystal Habits, Partial Melting and the Late Metamorphic Development of the Cannington Ag-Pb-Zn Deposit, Northeast Australia

A succession of foliations defined by different sillimanite-bearing structural fabrics suggests that the macroscopic, isoclinal synform that dominates the geometry of the Cannington Ag-Pb-Zn deposit, northwest Queensland, Australia formed during D₂. The five foliations in this succession, S₁ to S₅, are defined by aligned sillimanite with habits ranging from individual crystals in S₁ through S₄ to clusters of fibrolite in S₅ in both the matrix and as inclusion trails within garnet and gahnite (Zn-rich spinel) porphyroblasts. S₁, S₃ and S₅ formed as sub-horizontal foliations, whereas S_1a, S₂ and S₄ formed sub-vertically. Foliation intersection/inflexion axes (FIAs) within garnet and gahnite porphyroblasts preserve a succession of trends that shifts from W-E to N-S. This succession indicates that this region experienced N-S followed by W-E bulk crustal shortening. N-S shortening occurred during D₁and D_1a, and W-E shortening occurred from D₂ to D₅. Prismatic and rhombic sillimanite produced during D₁-D₄ accompanied prograde metamorphism to ca. 634 62°C and 4.8 1.3 kbar. The coexistence of fibrous, prismatic and rhombic sillimanite resulted from post peak metamorphic reactivation of the early foliations during D₅. The synformal D₂ fold was intensified during D₄ by W-E bulk shortening. Local partial melting occurred after D₁ in the appropriate bulk rock compositions, based on calculation of P-T pseudosections in the chemical systems KFMASH, KFMASHTO, NCKFMASH and MnNCKFMASH. Zn mineralization related to gahnite growth occurred during D₃ through D₄, and was redistributed by partial melting into structural and rheological sites during D₄ and D₅shearing.     

Cretaceous isochron ages from K–Ar and Ar / Ar dating of eclogitic rocks in the Tso Morari Complex, western Himalaya, India

The Tso Morari Complex, which is thought to be originally the margin of the Indian continent, is composed of pelitic gneisses and schists including mafic rock lenses (eclogites and basic schists). Eclogites studied here have the mineral assemblage Grt + Omp + Ca-Amp + Zo + Phn + Pg + Qtz + Rt. They also have coesite pseudomorph in garnet and quartz rods in omphacite, suggesting a record of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism. They occur only in the cores of meter-scale mafic rock lenses intercalated with the pelitic schists. Small mafic lenses and the rim parts of large lenses have been strongly deformed to form the foliation parallel to that of the pelitic schists and show the mineral assemblages of upper greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphism. The garnet–omphacite thermometry and the univariant reaction relations for jadeite formation give 13–21 kbar at 600 °C and 16–18 kbar at 750 °C for the eclogite formation using the jadeite content of clinopyroxene (X_Jd = 0.48).

Phengites in pelitic schists show variable Si / Al and Na / K ratios among grains as well as within single grains, and give K–Ar ages of 50–87 Ma. The pelitic schist with paragonite and phengite yielded K–Ar ages of 83.5 Ma (K = 4.9 wt.%) for paragonite–phengite mixture and 85.3 Ma (K = 7.8 wt.%) for phengite and an isochron age of 91 ± 13 Ma from the two dataset. The eclogite gives a plateau age of 132 Ma in Ar/Ar step-heating analyses using single phengite grain and an inverse isochron age of 130 ± 39 Ma with an initial ⁴⁰Ar / ³⁶Ar ratio of 434 ± 90 in Ar/Ar spot analyses of phengites and paragonites. The Cretaceous isochron ages are interpreted to represent the timing of early stage of exhumation of the eclogitic rocks assuming revised high closure temperature (500 °C) for phengite K–Ar system. The phengites in pelitic schists have experienced retrograde reaction which modified their chemistry during intense deformation associated with the exhumation of these rocks with the release of significant radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar from the crystals. The argon release took place in the schists that experienced the retrogression to upper greenschist facies metamorphisms from the eclogite facies conditions.     

Petrology of ultrahigh-pressure eclogites from the ZK703 drillhole in the Donghai, eastern China

The 558-m-deep ZK703 drillhole located near Donghai in the southern part of the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt, eastern China, penetrates alternating layers of eclogites, gneisses, jadeite quartzites, garnet peridotites, phengite–quartz schists, and kyanite quartzites. The preservation of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic minerals and their relics, together with the contact relationship and protolith types of the various rocks indicates that these are metamorphic supracrustal rocks and mafic-ultramafic rock assemblages that have experienced in-situ ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism. The eclogites can be divided into five types based on accessory minerals: rutile eclogite, phengite eclogite, kyanite–phengite eclogite, quartz eclogite, and common eclogite with rare minor minerals. Rutile eclogite forms a thick layer in the drillhole that contains sufficient rutile for potential mining. Two retrograde assemblages are observed in the eclogites: the first stage is characterized by the formation of sodic plagioclase+amphibole symplectite or symplectitic coronas after omphacite and garnet, plagioclase+biotite after garnet or phengite, and plagioclase coronas after kyanite; the second stage involved total replacement of omphacite and garnet by amphibole+albite+epidote+quartz. Peak metamorphic P–T conditions of the eclogites were around 32 to 40 kbar and 720°C to 880°C. The retrograde P–T path of the eclogites is characterized by rapidly decreasing pressure with slightly decreasing temperature. Micro-textures and compositional variations in symplectitic minerals suggest that the decompression breakdown of ultrahigh-pressure minerals is a domainal equilibrium reaction or disequilibrium reaction. The composition of the original minerals and the diffusion rate of elements involved in these reactions controlled the symplectitic mineral compositions.     

Regional slaty cleavage formation and fold axis rotation by re-use and reactivation of pre-existing foliations: the Fiery Creek Slate Belt, North Queensland

A deformation history, comprised of six separate deformation events of differing intensity, has affected the rocks of the South Palmer River region of the the Hodgkinson Province, north Queensland. Within this region, a zone of pervasive slaty cleavage, herein termed the Fiery Creek Slate Belt, has developed as a result of the superposition of fabrics formed during several of these events. The most important processes in the formation of this composite cleavage were the re-use and reactivation of the favourably oriented, steep, N-S-trending S₂ foliation by the intense fourth deformation event, D₄. This produced micro-, meso- and macroscopic folds in an originally shallow S₃ foliation, produced during the intervening D₃ deformation, with an axial planar S₂–S₄ foliation. The D₄ stretching lineation, L⁴₄, plunges subvertically to steeply north and indicates that shear during D₄ was oriented steeply north-south. In the Fiery Creek Slate Belt, D₂ fold axes are interpreted to have formed in much shallower orientations than their present moderately N-S-plunging to subvertical orientations. We consider this to be a result of D₄ shear, which caused variable degrees of rotation of D₂ fold axes toward the D₄ stretching lineation due to subparallelism of the bulk shortening directions of the D₂ and D₄ events. Near-total destruction of the pre-D₄ foliations during slaty cleavage formation has produced a misleading impression of a simple deformation history. There is no relationship between metamorphic grade and intensity of slaty cleavage development.     

Micro-XANES determination of ferric iron and its application in thermobarometry

Micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis was employed to determine the content of ferric iron in minerals formed in ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) eclogites. It is observed that omphacite and phengite contain significant amounts of Fe³⁺/Fe_tot (0.2–0.6), whereas only very low contents are present in garnet (Fe³⁺/Fe_tot=0.0–0.03), the latter being consistent with results from stoichiometric charge-balance calculations. Furthermore, considerable variations in the Fe³⁺/Fe_tot ratios of omphacite and phengite are observed depending on the textural sites and local bulk chemistry (eclogite and calc-silicate matrix) within one thin section. The oxidation state of isofacial minerals is thus likely to depend on the local fluid composition, which, in the studied case, is controlled by calcareous and meta-basic mineral compositions. These first in-situ measurements of ferric iron in an eclogite sample from the Dabie Shan, E China, are used to recalculate geothermobarometric data. Calculations demonstrate that the temperature during UHP metamorphism was as high as 780 °C, about 80–100 °C higher than previously estimated. Temperatures based on charge balance calculations often give erroneous results. Pressure estimates are in good agreement with former results and confirm metamorphism in the stability field of diamond (43.7 kbar at 750 °C). These P–T data result in a geothermal gradient of ca. 6 °C/km during UHP metamorphism in the Dabie Shan. However, accounting for ferric iron contents in geothermobarometry creates new difficulties inasmuch as calibrations of geothermometers may not be correctable for Fe³⁺ and the actual effect on Mg–Fe²⁺ partitioning is unknown. The present study further shows that micro-XANES is a promising technique for the in situ determination of ferric iron contents without destroying the textural context of the sample: a clear advantage compared to bulk methods.     

A discussion of isotopic systematics and mineral zoning in the shergottites: Evidence for a 180 m.y. igneous crystallization age

Proposed igneous and metamorphic ages of the shergottites, a suite of achondritic basaltic meteorites, are examined in terms of the shergottites' petrography and mineral chemistry. No metamorphic or hydrothermal event appears capable of resetting the refractory Sr and Nd isotopic systems of the shergottites since the time of their igneous crystallization. The approximately concordant Rb-Sr (180 ± 20 m.y.) and U-Th-Pb (190 ± 30 m.y.) internal “isochrons” are thus interpreted as representing the time of igneous crystallization. The Sm-Nd internal “isochrons” which yield older apparent ages also show large scatter and are regarded as artifacts of the shergottites' complex igneous history. Rubidium-Sr, Sm-Nd and Pb-Pb wholerock “isochrons” are interpreted as mixing lines and are reasonably attributed to igneous processes such as wall-rock assimilation and magma mixing. If the shergottites are indeed less than 200 m.y. old, they represent the youngest known extraterrestrial basalts. This conclusion is supportive of the hypothesis that the SNC meteorites are samples of the planet Mars.     

Geochronology of high-pressure rocks on Sifnos (Cyclades,Greece)

Polymetamorphic rocks of Sifnos (Greece) have been investigated by Rb-Sr, K-Ar, and fission track methods. Critical mineral assemblages from the northern and southernmost parts of Sifnos include jadeite+quartz+3T phengite, and omphacite+garnet +3T phengite, whereas the central part is characterized by the assemblage albite+chlorite+epidote+2M ₁ phengite.K-Ar and Rb-Sr dates on phengites (predominantly 3T) of the best preserved high P/itTmetamorphic rocks from northern Sifnos gave concordant ages around 42 m.y., indicating a Late Lutetian age for the high P/T metamorphism. Phengites (2M ₁+3T) of less preserved high P/T assemblages yielded K-Ar dates between 48 and 41 m.y. but generally lower Rb-Sr dates. The higher K-Ar dates are interpreted as being elevated by excess argon.K-Ar and Rb-Sr ages on 2M ₁ phengites from central Sifnos vary between 24 and 21 m.y. These ages date a second, greenschist-facies metamorphism which overprinted the earlier high-pressure metamorphic rocks.     

Retention of Precambrian Rb/Sr phlogopite ages through Caledonian eclogite facies metamorphism, Bergen Arc Complex, W-Norway

The Lindås Nappe, Caledonides W-Norway was affected by two major tectonometamorphic events. A Precambrian granulite facies event at T=800–900°C, P<10 kbar was followed by localized Caledonian eclogite facies (T=650–700°C and P>15 kbar) and localized amphibolite facies reworking. During the granulite–eclogite facies transition, anorthositic rocks were converted from garnet granulites to kyanite eclogites, while phlogopite-bearing spinel lherzolite reacted to garnet lherzolite. The eclogite and amphibolite facies reequilibration took place along shear zones and fluid pathways. In the unhydrated and undeformed parts, the minerals preserved their granulite facies composition with constant Fe/Mg ratios from core to rim, suggesting diffusional reequilibration. Rb/Sr age dating was carried out on relict granulite facies minerals from three lenses of ultramafites (Alvfjellet, Hundskjeften and Kvamsfjellet). Phlogopite from phlogopite lherzolite at Alvfjellet give 857±9 Ma, while clinopyroxene, amphibole, phlogopite and whole rock from a lherzolite at Hundskjeften yield an age of 842±12 Ma (MSWD=1.9). Clinopyroxene, feldspar, orthopyroxene phlogopite and whole rock from websterite, Kvamsfjellet, yield an age of 835±7 Ma (MSWD<1), while clinopyroxene, phlogopite and whole rock from a lherzolite from the same lens gives a result of 882±9 Ma. These results are interpreted as minimum ages for the granulite facies event and only slightly younger than, or overlap with previous U–Pb zircon ages (929±1 Ma) and Sm–Nd garnet–pyroxene ages (890–923 Ma) interpreted to date the end of the granulite facies event. By contrast, ages obtained for the eclogite and amphibolite facies range from 460 (U–Pb, sphene), 440 (Ar–Ar), 419 (U–Pb, zircon) to 410 Ma (Rb/Sr mineral ages).

These results demonstrate that the reopening temperature for the Rb/Sr system in phlogopite–biotite under dry and static high-pressure conditions is, in the given mineral assemblages, at least 650°C, considerably higher than the 300–400°C assumed as the closure temperature of this system. We ascribe this elevated reopening temperature to fluid absent conditions that prevented element transport and rehomogenization.     

Chloritoid and barroisite-bearing pelitic schists from the eclogite unit in the Besshi district, Sanbagawa metamorphic belt

The Sanbagawa metamorphic rocks in the Besshi district, central Shikoku, are grouped into eclogite and noneclogite units. Chloritoid and barroisite-bearing pelitic schists occur as interlayers within basic schist in an eclogite unit of the Seba area in the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, central Shikoku, Japan. Major matrix phases of the schists are garnet, chlorite, barroisite, paragonite, phengite, and quartz. Eclogite facies phases including chloritoid and talc are preserved only as inclusions in garnet. P–T conditions for the eclogite facies stage estimated using equilibria among chloritoid, barroisite, chlorite, interlayered chlorite–talc, paragonite, and garnet are 1.8 GPa/520–550 °C. Zonal structures of garnet and matrix amphibole show discontinuous growth of minerals between their core and mantle parts, implying the following metamorphic stages: prograde eclogite facies stage→hydration reaction stage→prograde epidote–amphibolite stage. This metamorphic history suggests that the Seba eclogite lithologies were (1) juxtaposed with subducting noneclogite lithologies during exhumation and then (2) progressively recrystallized under the epidote–amphibolite facies together with the surrounding noneclogite lithologies.

The pelitic schists in the Seba eclogite unit contain paragonite of two generations: prograde phase of the eclogite facies included in garnet and matrix phase produced by local reequilibration of sodic pyroxene-bearing eclogite facies assemblages during exhumation. Paragonite is absent in the common Sanbagawa basic and pelitic schists, and is, however, reported from restricted schists from several localities near the proposed eclogite unit in the Besshi district. These paragonite-bearing schists could be lower-pressure equivalents of the former eclogite facies rocks and are also members of the eclogite unit. This idea implies that the eclogite unit is more widely distributed in the Besshi district than previously thought.     

Age and thermal history of the Maksyutov metamorphic complex: 40Ar/39Ar evidence

The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar method with stepwise heating was used to date phengite and glaucophane in the contact zone of garnet glaucophanite an omphacite-garnet rock (eclogite) from the lower unit of the Maksyutov metamorphic complex. The correlation of the measured age and the sizes of the phengite flakes indicates that the behavior of radiogenic Ar in them was controlled by the mechanisms of volumetric diffusion. Taking into account the fact that all of the rocks have the same thermal history, the dates most close to the age of metamorphism are those of the largest phengite flakes from garnet glaucophanite: 392 Ma. The age values obtained on phengite from an omphacite-garnet rock sampled at the maximum distance from the contact are equal to 378 Ma and correspond to the time when the rocks cooled to temperatures below 350°C. The results of numerical simulations indicate that the metamorphic age is no younger than 400 Ma, and the linear cooling rate can be estimated at 3.40 ?0.75/+1.24°C/m.y. The maximum values of the phengite ages are consistent with the dates of glaucophane from three rock samples: 389–411 Ma.     

Secondary geologically meaningless Rb---Sr isochrons, low Sr/Sr initial ratios and crustal residence times of high-grade gneisses

Dark green quartzo-feldspathic charnockitic ortho-gneisses from Arendal, southern Norway, have locally been decoloured in the vicinities of intrusive, undeformed granite sheets and pegmatite dikes. The result is a series of pink rocks which are macroscopically indistinguishable from primary augen granite gneisses. The main mineralogical changes associated with the secondary decolcuration occurred under relatively low-grade conditions, and mainly involved chlorite, serpentine ± actinolitic amphibole ± biotite growth. The alterations were initiated along narrow, irregularly spaced cracks. The primary ( 1540 m.y.) total rock Rb---Sr isotopic systems which relate to the charnockite mineralogy were disturbed, and sometimes reset, during the secondary event which occurred at 1060 m.y. Locality by locality, the decoloured samples yield linear arrays corresponding to 1457 ± 200 m.y., 1303 ± 50 m.y. and 1125 ± 185 m.y. The combined data (n = 19) give an apparent age of 1364 ± 43 m.y. with an ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratio of 0.7011 ± 0.0018. This apparent age is unrelated to any geological event and there is no overlap at the 2δ level between the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratio and that defined by the primary event (0.70345 ± 0.00014). Any estimate of crustal residence time based on these decoloured samples would be in error. The weight of evidence is against significant involvement of Rb mobility in the isotopic resetting process which accompanied decolouration. A model involving modification of the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios is preferred.