Zircon trace element characteristics and ages in granulite xenoliths: a key to understanding the age and origin of the lower crust,Arkhangelsk kimberlite province,Russia

Garnet granulite and pyroxenite xenoliths from the Grib kimberlite pipe (Arkhangelsk, NW Russia) represent the lower crust beneath Russian platform in close vicinity to the cratonic region of the north-eastern Baltic (Fennoscandian) Shield. Many of the xenoliths have experienced strong interaction with the kimberlite host, but in others some primary granulite-facies minerals are preserved. Calculated bulk compositions for the granulites suggest that their protoliths were basic to intermediate igneous rocks; pyroxenites were ultrabasic to basic cumulates. A few samples are probably metasedimentary in origin. Zircons are abundant in the xenoliths; they exhibit complex zoning in cathodoluminescence with relic cores and various metamorphic rims. Cores include oscillatory zircon crystallized in magmatic protoliths, and metamorphic and magmatic sector-zoned zircons. Recrystallization of older zircons led to the formation of bright homogeneous rims. In some samples, homogeneous shells are surrounded by darker convoluted overgrowths that were formed by subsolidus growth when a change in mineral association occurred. The source of Zr was a phase consumed during a reaction, which produced garnet. Late-generation zircons in all xenoliths show concordant U–Pb ages of 1.81–1.84 Ga (1,826 ± 11 Ma), interpreted as the age of last granulite-facies metamorphism. This event completely resets most zircon cores. An earlier metamorphic event at 1.96–1.94 Ga is recorded by some rare cores, and a few magmatic oscillatory zircons have retained a Neoarchaean age of 2,719 ± 14 Ma. The assemblage of metaigneous and metasedimentary rocks was probably formed before the event at 1.96 Ga. Inherited magmatic zircons indicate the existence of continental crust by the time of intrusion of magmatic protoliths in the Late Archaean. The U–Pb zircon ages correspond to major events recorded in upper crustal rocks of the region: collisional metamorphism and magmatism 2.7 Ga ago and reworking of Archaean rocks at around 1.95–1.75 Ga. However, formation of the granulitic paragenesis in lower crustal rocks occurred significantly later than the last granulite-facies event seen in the upper crust and correlates instead with retrograde metamorphism and small-volume magmatism in the upper crust.     

河北省东坪金矿钾质蚀变岩中的两期锆石年代学研究及意义

河北省崇礼县东坪金矿位于水泉沟碱性杂岩体内, 金矿石包括低硫化物石英脉型和钾质蚀变岩型两种类型。本次工作我们对采自东坪金矿70号脉深部的钾质蚀变岩中的锆石进行了成因矿物学和成矿年代学研究, 结果表明, 矿脉中的锆石可以分成岩浆锆石和热液锆石两种成因类型。岩浆锆石具有自形到半自形结构,在背散射电子图像(BSE)上呈暗灰色, 在阴极发光图像(CL)上具有明显的岩浆振荡环带, 锆石U-Pb加权平均年龄为382.8±3.3 Ma。热液锆石多呈不规则状充填在岩浆锆石中, 在BSE图像上呈亮灰白色, 在CL图像上为深黑色(无阴极发光), 锆石的Th、U含量和Th/U比值较岩浆锆石明显增高, 锆石U-Pb加权平均年龄为140.3±1.4 Ma, 说明东坪金矿形成于早白垩世。140 Ma成矿年龄的发现, 为认识河北省东坪金矿的成矿时代提供了新证据, 具有重要的地质意义。     

Precambrian to Paleozoic zircon record in the Siviez-Mischabel basement (western Swiss Alps)

U–Pb zircon analyses from three meta-igneous and two metasedimentary rocks from the Siviez-Mischabel nappe in the western Swiss Alps are presented, and are used to derive an evolutionary history spanning from Paleoarchean crustal growth to Permian magmatism. The oldest components are preserved in zircons from metasedimentary albitic schists. The oldest zircon core in these schists is 3.4 Ga old. Detrital zircons reveal episodes of crustal growth in the Neoarchean (2.7–2.5 Ga), Paleoproterozoic (2.2–1.9 Ma) and Neoproterozoic (800–550 Ma, Pan-African event). The maximum age of deposition for the metasedimentary rocks is given by the youngest detrital zircons within both metasedimentary samples dated at ~490 Ma (Cambrian-Ordovician boundary). This is in the age range of two granitoid samples dated at 505 ± 4 and 482 ± 7 Ma, and indicates sedimentation and magmatism in an extensional setting preceding an Ordovician orogeny. The third felsic meta-igneous rock gives a Permian age of intrusion, and is part of a long-lasting Variscan to post-Variscan magmatic activity. The zircons record only minor disturbance of the U–Pb system during the Alpine orogeny.     

U–Pb geochronology and Raman spectroscopy of zircons from the granites in the Xihuashan and Tieshanlong Deposit: Implications for W‐Sn mineralization in Southern Jiangxi Province,South China

The Xihuashan and Tieshanlong tungsten deposit is an important large quartz vein‐type W‐polymetallic deposit in the southern Jiangxi Province, eastern Nanling Range. Zircon U–Pb analyses of representative ore‐forming granites from the Xihuashan and Tieshanlong tungsten deposit yield ages of 146.3 ± 2.9 Ma and 146.0 ± 3.8 Ma, respectively. According to the zircon Raman spectroscopy, these granitic rocks are disturbed by different degrees of hydrothermal alteration, whereas most zircons exhibit primary oscillatory zoning and Th/U ratios in the range of magmatic zircon, which means the analysis results represent the crystallization age of metallogenetic granitic assemblages. In combination with regional geological data, it is suggested that the Late Jurassic is probably another important episode of granitic magmatism and W‐Sn mineralization in southern Jiangxi Provinces, even South China.     

U–Pb zircon and Re–Os molybdenite geochronology from La Caridad porphyry copper deposit: insights for the duration of magmatism and mineralization in the Nacozari District, Sonora, Mexico

Uranium–lead zircon (laser ablation multi-collector ICP-MS spot analysis) ages from La Caridad porphyry copper deposit in the Nacozari District, Northeastern Sonora, Mexico, suggest a short period of magmatism, between 55.5 and 52.6 Ma. Two U–Pb ages from the mineralized quartz monzonite unit, showing different textural characteristics, yielded indistinguishable crystallization ages (~54 Ma), and indicate that the intrusion responsible for the mineralization occurred as a single large complex unit, instead of multiple pulses of magmatism. Some zircons analyzed also show inherited ages in cores recording dates of 112–124 Ma, 141–166 Ma and 1.4 Ga. The Re–Os molybdenite ages from the potassic and phyllic hydrothermal alteration veins yielded identical ages within error, 53.6±0.3 Ma and 53.8±0.3 Ma, respectively (weighted average of 53.7±0.21 Ma), supporting a restricted period for the mineralization. The geochronological data thus indicate a short-lived magmatic and hydrothermal system. The inherited zircons of Precambrian and Late Jurassic-Mid Cretaceous age found in the intrusive rocks of La Caridad deposit, can be explained considering two possible scenarios within the tectonic/magmatic evolution of the area. The first scenario considers the presence of a Precambrian anorogenic granitic basement that is intruded by Mesozoic (Jurassic–Cretaceous) units present beneath the La Caridad deposit. The second scenario suggests that the Mesozoic Glance Conglomerate Formation of Arizona underlies the Paleocene volcanic-igneous pile in the La Caridad area.     

Impact of hydrothermal alteration on the U-Pb isotopic system of zircons from the Fangcheng syenites in the Qinling orogen,Henan Province,China

Disturbance of the zircon U-Pb isotopic system has been investigated extensively, but mostly in lab, in the last decades. Here, we reported a field-based study on intensive sericitization, K-feldsparthization and the impacts of mylonitization on zircons from the Fangcheng syenites. The Fangcheng syenites occur in the eastern part of the Qinling orogen and consist mainly of aegirine-augite syenite, aegirine nepheline syenite, biotite syenite and hornblende nepheline syenite. Zircons from the slightly sericitized aegirine augite syenite are colorless, transparent crystals and exhibit well-developed oscillatory and sector zoning on the cathodoluminescence (CL) images which are typical of magmatic zircons from alkaline rocks. Zircon U-Pb determinations by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) showed that the syenite was formed in Neoproterozoic time, the weighted average of ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages is 844.3±1.6 Ma (MSWD=0.86). In contrast, the hydrothermally altered zircons (hydrothermal zircon) from the intensively sericitized, K-feldsparthized, and weakly mylonitized aegirine augite syenite are conglomerates, yellowish to brown in color, generally translucent and internally textureless. The CL and backscatter electron (BSE) images of hydrothermal zircons exhibit fractured, textureless or mosaic textures, and occasionally show “sponge texture” with the veinlets and inclusions of K-feldspar; however, relicts of magmatic oscillatory zoning can still be discerned locally in individual grains. LA-ICPMS analyses of the hydrothermal zircons demonstrated that the zircons are chemically inhomogeneous, with enhanced and widely varied Pb, U, and Th contents. The U and Th contents of the hydrothermal zircons are estimated to be 32×10⁻⁶−1550×10⁻⁶ and 188×10⁻⁶−4059×10⁻⁶, respectively, with Th/U ratios within the range of 0.7–44.9. ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U apparent ages of the hydrothermal zircons are negatively correlated with the contents of U, and radiogenic and common Pb. As the U and Th concentrations of the magmatic zircons are rather low, the α-decay doses (3.65×10¹⁴−2.04×10¹⁵ α-decay events/mg) are much lower than those at the first percolation point (3.5× 10¹⁵ a-decay events/mg), thus, Pb mobility resultant from diffusion could be safely neglected. Disturbance of the U-Pb isotopic system of zircons is most likely to be attributed to the intensive sericitization and K-feldsparthization coupled with mylonitization, the hydrothermal fluids reacted with zircons along the rims and fractures of the distorted zircon crystals, giving rise to the chemically inhomogeneous hydrothermal zircons through a series of complicated mechanisms such as dissolution-reprecipitation. The significance of the U-Pb age (the lower intercept age on the discordia U-Pb plot) of hydrothermal zircons is uncertain. We argued that interpretations of the hydrothermal zircon data as the age of hydrothermal events or hydrothermal ore-forming processes are questionable and hence cautions must be taken.     

胶东晚中生代三期成矿岩体和3. 5 Ga锆石的发现及成矿动力学背景

胶东地区在晚中生代发生了大规模岩浆活动和"爆发式"成矿作用。为了深入研究岩浆活动的时代及其对成矿的影响,本文在对胶东晚中生代花岗岩类侵入岩及大规模成矿作用进行综合分析基础上,选择福山邢家山钼钨矿区、栖霞香夼铅锌矿区和福山王家庄铜矿区,对成矿岩体进行锆石U-Pb同位素年龄测试。测试结果表明,幸福山斑状二长花岗岩体(邢家山矿区)和香夼花岗闪长斑岩体的SHRIMP锆石U-Pb同位素年龄分别为159.3±1.6Ma和130.4±1.2Ma,养虎山石英闪长玢岩体(王家庄矿区)的LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄为116.1±5.1Ma和119.8±1.8Ma,由此确定了三期岩浆活动及与之相对应的三期成矿事件。在晚侏罗世幸福山岩体中测得了前寒武纪残余锆石的年龄信息,三组年龄分别为3548±12Ma、2472.9～2400Ma和2192～1725Ma,指示岩浆物质来源于前寒武纪结晶基底的再循环作用。3548±12Ma是胶东地区迄今为止获得的最大年龄值,指示胶东地区存在古太古代早期的古老结晶基底。综合分析认为,胶东晚侏罗世岩浆活动和160Ma±的成矿事件是华北克拉通与扬子克拉通碰撞造山后续过程的产物,形成于挤压构造背景;早白垩世早期的岩浆活动及130Ma±成矿事件与太平洋板块俯冲有关,形成于挤压向伸展转化背景;早白垩世中晚期岩浆活动形成于拉张环境,与华北克拉通破坏和岩石圈伸展减薄有关,由此产生的胶东热隆-伸展构造体系,为115Ma±的金、银及有色金属等热液矿床大规模爆发式成矿提供了有利成矿条件。     

安庆大龙山复式岩体锆石U-Pb年代学与地质意义

安徽安庆大龙山岩体位于扬子地台北东缘,发育大量中生代侵入岩浆岩。野外地质勘查发现,大龙山岩体可能为复式岩体,有多期岩浆作用,在其核部的正长岩附近发育一定量的闪长玢岩。对闪长玢岩和正长岩进行年代学研究,其锆石年龄分别为（137.7±1.9）Ma和（128.8±2.1）Ma。其中,在大龙山闪长玢岩中发育一定量的继承锆石,形成年代分别为古元古代（约2.0 Ga）和新元古代（约0.8 Ga）,在正长岩中未发现捕获继承锆石。根据获取的继承锆石年龄,结合区域地质演化资料,推断大龙山岩体经历了复杂的演化过程：古元古代的褶皱“会聚”到伸展体制转换的“回返”,新元古代的拉张垮塌,中生代的多期次岩浆侵入和多来源、多阶段的结晶分异。     

滇西腾冲地块片麻状花岗岩的锆石U-Pb年龄

报道了滇西腾冲地块片麻状花岗岩的锆石U-Pb年龄。区域地质和岩相特征表明,片麻状花岗岩为岩浆成因,并经历了后期深熔作用。24颗锆石测得24个年龄数据中,1颗继承锆石的206Pb/238U年龄为537.5±5.6Ma,2颗岩浆锆石的206Pb/238U平均年龄为456Ma,3颗深熔锆石的206Pb/238U平均年龄为117Ma,18颗深熔锆石的Robust (Median) 206Pb/238U年龄为66.2+7/-4Ma。上述结果表明,花岗岩形成于早古生代,而后在白垩纪发生深熔作用,可能是特提斯演化过程中的岩浆响应。     

广西钦甲花岗岩体单颗粒锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年及其地质意义

本文对钦甲花岗岩体进行了详细的LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb同位素年龄测定.这些锆石的阴极发光图像发育环带结构,Th/U值较高(大于0.1),具有岩浆成因锆石的特征.研究结果表明,钦甲花岗岩体为一复式岩体,其不同单元锆石的206Pb/238U加权平均年龄分别为412.4±1.8 Ma、434.8±1.7 Ma、442....     

藏东类乌齐地区花岗质片麻岩锆石Cameca U-Pb定年及其地质意义

西藏东部类乌齐一带吉塘岩群中新识别出一套花岗质片麻岩。花岗质片麻岩中锆石Th/U比值较高(Th/U0.49),阴极发光图像显示锆石内部韵律环带明显,具典型岩浆锆石成因的特征。Cameca锆石U-Pb同位素加权平均年龄为282.1Ma±0.9Ma,表明花岗岩岩体形成于早二叠世,暗示澜沧江结合带在早二叠世存在岩浆增生事件。     

江西武山和永平铜矿含矿花岗质岩体锆石SIMSU—Pb年代学

江西武山和永平铜矿床是长江中下游金属成矿带中的两个重要矿床。对武山铜矿的花岗闪长斑岩和永平铜矿的花岗斑岩中锆石分别进行了,离子探针（SIMS）U—Pb定年研究,发现两个矿区的锆石年龄可分作两期,武山铜矿含矿岩体锆石^206Pb/^238U年龄分别为145±3．9Ma和121±2．5Ma,永平铜矿含矿岩体锆石^206Ph／^238U年龄分别为160±2．3Ma和135±7．4Ma。这两期不同的年龄可能反映了锆石在岩浆侵位时的结晶年龄和后期热液蚀变作用的年龄。因此确定武山铜矿花岗质岩体的侵位年龄为145Ma,永平铜矿花岗质岩体的侵位年龄为160Ma。该年龄可能也反映了这两个矿床中与燕山期岩浆侵入有关的矽卡岩型矿床和斑岩型矿床的形成时代。     

Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions of migmatite from the North Dabie terrane in China: constraints on partial melting

Migmatite gneisses are widespread in the Dabie orogen, but their formation ages are poorly constrained. Eight samples of migmatite, including leucosome, melanosome, and banded gneiss, were selected for U–Pb dating and Hf isotope analysis. Most metamorphic zircon occurs as overgrowths around inherited igneous cores or as newly grown grains. Morphological and internal structure features suggest that their growth is associated with partial melting. According to the Hf isotope ratio relationships between metamorphic zircon and inherited cores, three formation mechanisms for metamorphic zircon can be determined, which are dissolution–reprecipitation of pre‐existing zircon, breakdown of Zr‐bearing phase other than zircon in a closed system and crystallization from externally derived Zr‐bearing melt. Four samples contain magmatic zircon cores, yielding upper intercept U–Pb ages of 807 ± 35–768 ± 12 Ma suggesting that the protoliths of the migmatites are Neoproterozoic in age. The migmatite zircon yields weighted mean two‐stage Hf model ages of 2513 ± 97–894 ± 54 Ma, indicating reworking of both juvenile and ancient crustal materials at the time of their protolith formation. The metamorphic zircons give U–Pb ages of 145 ± 2–120 ± 2 Ma. The oldest age indicates that partial melting commenced prior to 145 Ma, which also constrains the onset of extensional tectonism in this region to pre‐145 Ma. The youngest age of 120 Ma was obtained from an undeformed granitic vein, indicating that deformation in this area was complete at this time. Two major episodes of partial melting were dated at 139 ± 1 and 123 ± 1Ma. The first episode of partial melting is obviously older than the timing of post‐collision magmatism, corresponding to regional extension. The second episode of partial melting is coeval with the widespread post‐collision magmatism, indicating the gravitational collapse and delamination of the orogenic lithospheric keel of the Dabie orogen, which were possibly triggered by the uprising of the Cretaceous mid‐Pacific superplume.     

Dating magmatic and hydrothermal processes using andradite-rich garnet U–Pb geochronometry

Andradite-rich garnet is a common U-bearing mineral in a variety of alkalic igneous rocks and skarn deposits, but has been largely neglected as a U–Pb chronometer. In situ laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb dates of andradite-rich garnet from a syenite pluton and two iron skarn deposits in the North China craton demonstrate the suitability and reliability of the mineral in accurately dating magmatic and hydrothermal processes. Two hydrothermal garnets from the iron skarn deposits have homogenous cores and zoned rims (Ad₈₆Gr₁₁ to Ad₉₈Gr₁) with 22–118 ppm U, whereas one magmatic garnet from the syenite is texturally and compositionally homogenous (Ad₇₀Gr₂₂ to Ad₇₇Gr₁₄) and has 0.1–20 ppm U. All three garnets have flat time-resolved signals obtained from depth profile analyses for U, indicating structurally bound U. Uranium is correlated with REE in both magmatic and hydrothermal garnets, indicating that the incorporation of U into the garnet is largely controlled by substitution mechanisms. Two hydrothermal garnets yielded U–Pb dates of 129 ± 2 (2σ; MSWD = 0.7) and 130 ± 1 Ma (2σ; MSWD = 0.5), indistinguishable from zircon U–Pb dates of 131 ± 1 and 129 ± 1 Ma for their respective ore-related intrusions. The magmatic garnet has a U–Pb age of 389 ± 3 Ma (2σ; MSWD = 0.6), consistent with a U–Pb zircon date of 388 ± 2 Ma for the syenite. The consistency between the garnet and zircon U–Pb dates confirms the reliability and accuracy of garnet U–Pb dating. Given the occurrence of andradite-rich garnet in alkaline and ultramafic magmatic rocks and hydrothermal ore deposits, our results highlight the potential utilization of garnet as a powerful U–Pb geochronometer for dating magmatism and skarn-related mineralization.     

Internal morphology, habit and U-Th-Pb microanalysis of amphibolite-to-granulite facies zircons: geochronology of the Ivrea Zone (Southern Alps)

Several types of growth morphologies and alteration mechanisms of zircon crystals in the high-grade metamorphic Ivrea Zone (IZ) are distinguished and attributed to magmatic, metamorphic and fluid-related events. Anatexis of pelitic metasediments in the IZ produced prograde zircon overgrowths on detrital cores in the restites and new crystallization of magmatic zircons in the associated leucosomes. The primary morphology and Th-U chemistry of the zircon overgrowth in the restites show a systematic variation apparently corresponding to the metamorphic grade: prismatic (prism-blocked) low-Th/U types in the upper amphibolite facies, stubby (fir-tree zoned) medium-Th/U types in the transitional facies and isometric (roundly zoned) high-Th/U types in the granulite facies. The primary crystallization ages of prograde zircons in the restites and magmatic zircons in the leucosomes cannot be resolved from each other, indicating that anatexis in large parts of the IZ was a single and short lived event at 299 ± 5 Ma (95% c. l.). Identical U/Pb ages of magmatic zircons from a metagabbro (293 ± 6 Ma) and a metaperidotite (300 ± 6 Ma) from the Mafic Formation confirm the genetic context of magmatic underplating and granulite facies anatexis in the IZ. The U-Pb age of 299 ± 5 Ma from prograde zircon overgrowths in the metasediments also shows that high-grade metamorphic (anatectic) conditions in the IZ did not start earlier than 20 Ma after the Variscan amphibolite facies metamorphism in the adjacent Strona–Ceneri Zone (SCZ). This makes it clear that the SCZ cannot represent the middle to upper crustal continuation of the IZ. Most parts of zircon crystals that have grown during the granulite facies metamorphism became affected by alteration and Pb-loss. Two types of alteration and Pb-loss mechanisms can be distinguished by cathodoluminescence imaging: zoning-controlled alteration (ZCA) and surface-controlled alteration (SCA). The ZCA is attributed to thermal and/or decompression pulses during extensional unroofing in the Permian, at or earlier than 249 ± 7 Ma. The SCA is attributed to the ingression of fluids at 210 ± 12 Ma, related to hydrothermal activity during the breakup of the Pangaea supercontinent in the Upper Triassic/Lower Jurassic. Received: 7 July 1998 / Accepted: 4 November 1998     

Petrology,geochemistry and U–Pb geochronology of magmatic rocks from the high-sulfidation epithermal Au–Cu Chelopech deposit,Srednogorie zone,Bulgaria

The Chelopech deposit is one of the largest European gold deposits and is located 60 km east of Sofia, within the northern part of the Panagyurishte mineral district. It lies within the Banat–Srednegorie metallogenic belt, which extends from Romania through Serbia to Bulgaria. The magmatic rocks define a typical calc-alkaline suite. The magmatic rocks surrounding the Chelopech deposit have been affected by propylitic, quartz–sericite, and advanced argillic alteration, but the igneous textures have been preserved. Alteration processes have resulted in leaching of Na₂O, CaO, P₂O₅, and Sr and enrichment in K₂O and Rb. Trace element variation diagrams are typical of subduction-related volcanism, with negative anomalies in high field strength elements (HFSE) and light element, lithophile elements. HFSE and rare earth elements were relatively immobile during the hydrothermal alteration related to ore formation. Based on immobile element classification diagrams, the magmatic rocks are andesitic to dacitic in compositions. Single zircon grains, from three different magmatic rocks spanning the time of the Chelopech magmatism, were dated by high-precision U–Pb geochronology. Zircons of an altered andesitic body, which has been thrust over the deposit, yield a concordant ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 92.21 ± 0.21 Ma. This age is interpreted as the crystallization age and the maximum age for magmatism at Chelopech. Zircon analyses of a dacitic dome-like body, which crops out to the north of the Chelopech deposit, give a mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 91.95 ± 0.28 Ma. Zircons of the andesitic hypabyssal body hosting the high-sulfidation mineralization and overprinted by hydrothermal alteration give a concordant ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 91.45 ± 0.15 Ma. This age is interpreted as the intrusion age of the andesite and as the maximum age of the Chelopech epithermal high-sulfidation deposit. ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf isotope ratios of zircons from the Chelopech magmatic rocks, together with published data on the Chelopech area and the about 92-Ma-old Elatsite porphyry–Cu deposit, suggest two different magma sources in the Chelopech–Elatsite magmatic area. Magmatic rocks associated with the Elatsite porphyry–Cu deposit and the dacitic dome-like body north of Chelopech are characterized by zircons with ɛHf_T90 values of ∼5, which suggest an important input of mantle-derived magma. Some zircons display lower ɛHf_T90 values, as low as −6, and correlate with increasing ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages up to about 350 Ma, suggesting assimilation of basement rocks during magmatism. In contrast, zircon grains in andesitic rocks from Chelopech are characterized by homogeneous ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf isotope ratios with ɛHf_T90 values of ∼1 and suggest a homogeneous mixed crust–mantle magma source. We conclude that the Elatsite porphyry–Cu and the Chelopech high-sulfidation epithermal deposits were formed within a very short time span and could be partly contemporaneous. However, they are related to two distinct upper crustal magmatic reservoirs, and they cannot be considered as a genetically paired porphyry–Cu and high-sulfidation epithermal related to a single magmatic–hydrothermal system centered on the same intrusion.     

Study of melt and a clast of 546 Ma magmatic arc rocks in the 65 Ma Chicxulub bolide breccia,northern Maya block,Mexico: western limit of Ediacaran arc peripheral to northern Gondwana

The basement of the Maya block of eastern Mexico is generally covered by Mesozoic and Cenozoic platformal carbonate rocks. However, the 65.5 Ma Chicxulub meteorite impact in the northern Yucatan Peninsula excavated deep into the crust and brought crystalline basement fragments into the impact breccias. Common Pb isotopic data from impact melt and a granitic clast from drill core (Y6) are highly radiogenic, consistent with the Archaean derivation. A granodiorite clast in this breccia from drill core (Yaxcopoil-1) yielded a continuous range of concordant ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon ages between 546 ± 5 Ma and 465 Ma, with three discordant zircons having ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages between 130 Ma and 345 Ma. The ca. 546 Ma age is interpreted as the age of granodiorite intrusion, with younger ages representing variable Pb loss during melting associated with the meteorite impact. This is consistent with previous U–Pb zircon data that gave an upper intercept age of 550 ± 15 Ma at Chicxulub, which becomes 545 ± 5 Ma when combined with the zircon data from distal ejecta. Such arc rocks are absent in the southern Maya block, and in the neighbouring Oaxaquia terrane (s.s.) they are replaced by a 546 ± 5 Ma plume-related dike swarm. On the other hand, Ediacaran arc rocks continue through the peri-Gondwanan terranes of the Appalachians and Europe (Florida, Carolinia, Avalonia, Iberia, Armorica, Massif Central, Bohemia, and NW Africa). Arc magmatism in these areas ended between 570 Ma (Newfoundland) and 540 Ma (Carolinia/UK) as the subduction zone was replaced by a transform fault along the northern Gondwanan margin. This age range is synchronous with the two-stage birth of Iapetus, suggesting that both are related to major plate reorganization. The source of plume-related dikes may have been located at the rift–rift–transform triple junction between Laurentia, Baltica, and Gondwana.     

Geochronology of zircon megacrysts from nepheline-bearing gneisses as constraints on tectonic setting: implications for resetting of the U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotopic systems

Nepheline-bearing gneisses from the 75 km² Tambani body in the Mozambique Belt of southern Malawi, are miaskitic biotite-nepheline monzodiorites, reflecting an absence of K-feldspar, alkali amphiboles or pyroxenes, and contain euhedral zircon megacrysts up to 5 cm across. The zircons contain U = 1–1,860 ppm, Th = 0–2,170 ppm and Y = 400–1,100 ppm, and very low concentrations of all other measured trace elements except Hf (HfO₂ = 0.53–0.92 wt. %). Cathodoluminescence images reveal oscillatory sector growth zoning and no evidence for xenocrystic cores, indicating that the zircons represent primary magmatic crystallization products that have survived amphibolite grade metamorphism. U-Pb isotopic analyses (by TIMS) yield an upper intercept age of 730 ± 4 Ma (MSWD = 1.7), which we interpret as the time of magmatic crystallization of the zircons. This is coincident with 11 SHRIMP spot analyses, which yield a mean age of 729 ± 7 Ma (MSWD = 0.37). Metamorphism, at 522 ± 17 Ma as suggested by monazite, caused partial Pb-loss during local recrystallization of zircon. Lu-Hf isotopic data for three whole-rock samples of nepheline-bearing gneiss are collinear with those for zircon megacrysts, and correspond to an age of 584 ± 17 Ma (MSWD = 0.37. We interpret the Lu-Hf array to represent a mixing line defined by the Hf isotopic signature of primary zircon and that of the rock-forming minerals reset during metamorphic (re-)crystallization; hence the 584 Ma age is likely geologically meaningless. Given the well-defined association of nepheline syenites (and phonolitic volcanic equivalents) with continental rifting, we suggest that the Tambani body represents a magmatic product formed at 730 Ma during the break-up of the Rodinia supercontinent. The 522 Ma age is akin to other Pan-African metamorphic ages that record collisional suturing events during the final assembly of Gondwana. Zircon-bearing nepheline gneisses thus preserve a record of intra-continental rifting and of continental collision in southern Malawi.     

Mineralization,geochronology, and Pb isotope studies of the shoshonitic lava-hosted Nariniya Pb deposit,central Tibet: linking ore formation to post-collisional potassic magmatism

Abstract

A newly discovered, shoshonitic lava-hosted Pb deposit at Nariniya in central Tibet provides an excellent example to help improve our understanding of the linkage between post-collisional potassic magmatism and ore formation in Tibet. The Pb ores exist as veins or veinlets in NWW-striking fracture zones within the potassic lava (trachyte). The veins contain quartz, galena, pyrite, and sericite (muscovite) as well as minor chalcopyrite, sphalerite, calcite, and dolomite with sericitization, pyritization, and minor silicification. The ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar plateau age of the hydrothermal muscovite is 37.95 ± 0.30 Ma, which represents the Pb mineralization age. This obtained age is indistinguishable, within analytical error, from the zircon U–Pb age of 37.88 ± 0.22 Ma for potassic lava. Therefore, the ore formation can be genetically linked to potassic magmatism. Galena has similar Pb isotopic composition to magmatic feldspar from the host lava, suggesting the derivation of Pb from the magmatic system. Previous studies have suggested that S- and ore-forming fluids are of magmatic origin. Published data show that the Nariniya volcanic rocks are acidic, shoshonitic, akakitic, peraluminous, and enriched in Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes. Thus, they are geochemically different from other potassic volcanic rocks (no adakitic affinity) in the North Qiangtang terrane, but similar to the 46–38 Ma high-K calc-alkaline peraluminous adakitic rocks in this terrane and the late Eocene Cu-generating potassic porphyries from the Sanjiang region of eastern Tibet. As such, the Nariniya potassic magma likely originated from melting of subducted continental crust, with or without interaction with the overlying enriched mantle. Such post-collisional potassic rocks in Tibet are thought to be potential targets for prospecting of both Pb–Zn and porphyry Cu ores. Note that other ore styles (in addition to the Nariniya ore style) may exist in the potassic volcanic districts of Tibet.     

In-situ hafnium and lead isotope analyses of detrital zircons from the Devonian sedimentary basin of NE Greenland: a record of repeated crustal reworking

An intramontane collapse basin developed within the hanging wall above the large-scale extensional Fjord Regional Detachment of NE Greenland in middle to late Devonian times. The continental clastic sediments within the basin are derived locally from Laurentian source rocks, which makes them well suited for a study of the crustal evolution of the source terrain. This is the first integrated in-situ Pb and Hf isotope study to be presented, and zircon data on a selected sandstone from the basin are combined with Sm-Nd whole-rock data on sand/siltstones. Nd whole-rock ages of two samples of sandstones and a siltstone are 2.0-2.1 Ga. Peak frequencies of zircon ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages at 1,764-1,912 Ma, and ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf values at 0.28142-0.28163 (t_DM=2.47 to 2.06) for the sandstone suggest the generation of a considerable volume of juvenile continental crust in the ultimate zircon provenance at 1.9-2.0 Ga. The Hf isotopic compositions of Archaean zircons in the sandstone are distinct from those of the source materials of Proterozoic protocrust at 1.9-2.0 Ga, but zircons with elevated Hf-t_DM ages of up to 2.47 Ga can be related to a component of Archaean crust or reworked Archaean material in the ultimate zircon source area. Zircon ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages are also recorded at 1,480-1,572, 1,318 and 1,014 Ma (Grenvillian). The Hf isotope compositions of these zircons are consistent with reworking of the Proterozoic protocrust at these times, with little or no juvenile input. The Proterozoic zircons form two distinct groups defined by ¹⁷⁶Yb/¹⁷⁷Hf>0.05055 and ¹⁷⁶Yb/¹⁷⁷Hf<0.03301, and the latter group overlaps with Yb-Hf isotope data on the Archaean zircons. The two groups may represent zircons derived from evolved granites and intermediate to mildly felsic rocks, respectively. The repeated reworking of the continental crust also comprised erosion and deposition of sediments in the Proterozoic (the Krummedal sequence and the Eleonore Bay Supergroup, EBS) and intrusion of Caledonian anatectic granites in the EBS, which both represent provenance components to the Devonian sediments. No discrete Caledonian Pb-Pb zircon ages are recorded, but Caledonian magmatism may be represented by strongly discordant zircons which form arrays with a lower intercept age at ca. 400 Ma and an upper intercept at 1,600-2,000 Ma. One undated zircon records a ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratio of 0.282218, higher than that of the Proterozoic protocrust in Caledonian/late-Caledonian times (380-450 Ma) which may represent a Caledonian mantle contribution.