Phase relations in high-pressure metapelites in the system KFMASH (K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O) with application to natural rocks

Using a previously published, internally consistent thermodynamic dataset and updated models of activity–composition relations for solid solutions, petrogenetic grids in the model system KFMASH (K₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O) and the subsystems KMASH and KFASH have been calculated with the software THERMOCALC 3.1 in the P–T range 5–36 kbar and 400–810 °C, involving garnet, chloritoid, biotite, carpholite, talc, chlorite, staurolite and kyanite/sillimanite with phengite, quartz/coesite and H₂O in excess. These grids, together with calculated AFM compatibility diagrams and pseudosections, are shown to be powerful tools for delineating the phase equilibria and P–T conditions of pelitic high-P assemblages for a variety of bulk compositions. The calculated equilibria and mineral compositions are in good agreement with petrological observation. The calculation indicates that the typical whiteschist assemblage kyanite–talc is restricted to the rocks with extremely high X_Mg values, decreasing X_Mg in a bulk composition favoring the stability of chloritoid and garnet. Also, the chloritoid–talc paragenesis is stable over 19–20 kbar in a temperature range of ca. 520–620 °C, being more petrologically important than the previously highlighted assemblage talc–phengite. Moreover, contours of the calculated Si isopleths in phengite in P–T and P–X pseudosections for different bulk compositions extend the experimentally derived phengite geobarometers to various KFMASH assemblages.     

Mg-metasomatism and formation conditions of Mg-chlorite-muscovite-quartzphyllites (leucophyllites) of the Eastern Alps (W. Hungary) and their relations to Alpine whiteschists

The lower Austroalpine orthogneiss-micachist complex of the Sopron-Fertörákos area of W. Hungary contains Mg-chlorite-muscovite-quartzphyllites (leuco- phyllite) and Mg-chlorite-bearing kyanite quartzites whose chemical compositions differ greatly from their surrounding rocks. Formation of leucophyllites took place in shear zones and was associated with depletion in alkalies and iron and enrichment of magnesium and H₂O. Mg-zonation of relict igneous muscovites of leucophyllites and changes in the whole rock chemical compositions suggest Mg-metasomatism. Material gains and losses have been assessed using the composition-volume relationship approach. Proceeding from metagranite through transition rocks to leucophyllites, MgO, H₂O, FeO, and alkalies show continuously increasing dispersion in isocon plots with Mg-enrichment even in sheared gneiss not in contact with leucophyllite. The metasomatic processes that formed the Mg-rich rocks may be similar to those responsible for the formation of high pressure whiteschists in the Central and Western Alps. The geochemical characteristics of the Dora Maira whiteschists (Italy) and their country gneisses are very similar to those of the Sopron leucophyllites, supporting the theory that Mg-metasomatism produced the whiteschist chemistry. On the basis of oxygen isotope compositions of relict igneous muscovites, the precursor granitic rock had a δ¹⁸O value around 13‰ proving its crustal anatectic origin. The leucophyllites have whole rock oxygen isotope compositions around 8.5‰ which is in conflict with the theory of an Mg-rich sedimentary protolith. Rather, the low δ¹⁸O values reflect fluid/rock interaction with a low δ¹⁸O fluid. Quartz-mineral oxygen isotope fractionations yield a metamorphic temperature of 560 ± 30 °C which agrees with earlier estimates from mineral stabilities. Silicon contents of phengites correspond to a metamorphic pressure of ～13 GPa at this temperature indicating eclogite facies metamorphism. The fluids in equilibrium with leucophyllites had oxygen isotope compositions around 7.9‰, similar to those calculated for the ultrahigh pressure Dora Maira whiteschists (7.6‰), further supporting the genetic link between the leucophyllites and whiteschists. Hydrogen isotope compositions of mixed white mica + chlorite samples from leucophyllites range from ?40 to ?35‰, correlating with chlorite contents. The calculated endmember chlorite and white mica have δD values of ?30 and ?40‰, respectively. The similar δD values of the white micas in leucophyllites, gneisses and metagranites suggest an overall equilibration with respect to H isotopes. The calculated δD value of the fluid is approximately 0‰, suggesting a seawater origin. This conclusion was also reached for the Dora Maira whiteschists. A possible fluid source that satisfies both metasomatic and isotopic data is dehydration of hydrothermally altered oceanic crust. The mafic–ultramafic complex of the Alpine Penninic unit underlying the Austroalpine nappes is a likely candidate. The subduction and subsequent dehydration of the ophiolite series would supply the Mg-rich fluids whose migration brought about the metasomatic alteration of the overlying gneiss-micaschist complexes.     

Petrogenesis of garnet-bearing ultramafic rocks and associated eclogites in the Su-Lu ultrahigh-P metamorphic terrane, eastern China

Ultramafic blocks that themselves contain eclogite lenses in the Triassic Su-Lu ultrahigh-P terrane of eastern China range in size from hundreds of metres to kilometres. The ultramafic blocks are enclosed in quartzofeldspathic gneiss of early Proterozoic age. Ultramafic rocks include garnetiferous lherzolite, wehrlite, pyroxenite, and hornblende peridotite. Garnet lherzolites are relatively depleted in Al₂O₃ (<3.8wt%), CaO (<3.2%) and TiO₂ (<0.11 wt%), and are low in total REE contents (several p.p.m.), suggesting that the rocks are residual mantle material that was subjected to low degrees of partial melting. The eclogite lenses or layers within the ultramafic rocks are characterized by higher MgO and CaO, lower Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ contents, and a higher CaO/Al₂O₃ ratio compared to eclogites enclosed in the quartzofeldspathic gneiss. Scatter in the plots of major and trace elements vs. MgO, REE patterns and La, Sm and Lu contents suggest that some eclogites were derived from melts formed by various degrees (0.05–0.20) of partial melting of peridotite, and that other eclogites formed by accumulation of garnet and clinopyroxene ± trapped melt in the upper mantle. Both ultramafic and eclogitic rocks have experienced a complex metamorphic history. At least six stages of recrystallization occurred in the ultramafic rocks based on an analysis of reaction textures and mineral compositions. Stage I is a high temperature protolith assemblage of Ol + Opx + Cpx + Spl. Stage II consists of the ultrahigh-pressure assemblage Ol + Cpx + Opx + Grt. Stage III is manifested by the appearance of fine-grained garnet after coarse-grained garnet. Stage IV is characterized by formation of kelyphitic rims of fibrous Opx and Cpx around garnet, and replacement of garnet by spinel and pargasitic-hornblende. Stage V is represented by the assemblage Ol + Opx + Prg-Hbl + Spl. The mineral assemblages of stages VI_A and VI_B are Ol + Tr-Amp + Chl and Serp + Chl ± talc, respectively. Garnet and orthopyroxene all show a decrease in MgO with retrogressive recrystallization and Na₂O in clinopyroxene also decreases throughout this history. Eclogites enclosed within ultramafic blocks consist of Grt + Omp + Rt ± Qtz ± Phn. A few quartz-bearing eclogites contain rounded and oval inclusion of polycrystalline quartz aggregates after coesite in garnet and omphacite. Minor retrograde features include thin symplectic rims or secondary amphiboles after Cpx, and ilmenite after rutile. P-T estimates indicate that the ultrahigh-metamorphism (stage II) of ultramafic rocks occurred at 820-900d? C and 36-41 kbar and that peak metamorphism of eclogites occurred at 730-900d? C and >28 kbar. Consonant with earlier plate tectonic models, we suggest that these rocks were underplated at the base of the continental crust. The rocks then underwent ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism and were tectonically emplaced into thickened continental crust during the Triassic collision between the Sino-Korean and Yangtze cratons.     

The origin of major talc deposits in the Eastern Desert of Egypt: relict fragments of a metamorphosed carbonate horizon?

Detailed geochemical and mineralogical investigation of four talc deposits in the Eastern Desert of Egypt (Atshan, Abu Gurdi, Darhib and Kashira) suggests that the deposits form a distinct lithological unit within the Shadli metavolcanic rocks. The talc crystallized from the replacement of siliceous carbonate beds locally intercalated with clastic sediments. Th/Yb vs. Ta/Yb ratios of the rocks suggest that the sediments and the host volcanic rocks formed in an active continental margin (ACM) environment. Thus, the talc deposits may represent relict fragments of an ancient, regionally extensive carbonate horizon within the arc-related metavolcanics. The talc-rich rocks, which contain relict carbonate, serpentinized olivine and tremolite, have low (<3 wt%) Al₂O₃, Cr, Ni (<20 ppm), Co and Sc (<15 ppm) concentrations, precluding mafic or felsic igneous protoliths. The deposits were locally affected by contact metamorphism, giving rise to pyroxene-hornfels and granulite facies assemblages, and by regional metamorphism which produced greenschist-amphibolite grade assemblages. Disseminated sulfides commonly occur in the talc-tremolite-rich rocks (having low Al₂O₃ concentrations), suggesting that the metals were probably present in the original carbonate beds, but were remobilized and reconcentrated during the various metamorphic events.     

Continental rift and oceanic protoliths of mafic–ultramafic rocks from the Kechros Complex,NE Rhodope (Greece): implications from petrography,major and trace-element systematics,and MELTS modeling

The whole-rock chemistry of eclogites, partially amphibolitized eclogites, and dyke amphibolites from the metamorphic Kechros complex in the eastern Rhodope Mountains preserves evidence of the geodynamic framework for the origin of their protoliths. Major and trace-element concentrations define two distinct protolith groups for the eclogites. The low-Fe–Ti (LFT) eclogites have low-TiO₂ content (<0.67 wt%), negative high field strength element anomalies, and variable enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (LILE). The rare earth element (REE) patterns are characterized by strong light-REE (LREE) enrichment and heavy-REE (HREE) depletion. The high-Fe–Ti (HFT) eclogites have small to moderate LILE enrichment and lack Nb anomalies. The REE patterns of the HFT eclogites are characterized by LREE depletion and relatively flat MREE–HREE patterns. The rock compositions and petrographic features of the LFT eclogites resemble gabbros formed in a continental rift environment with minor to moderate contamination of a mantle-derived mafic magma by continental crust, whereas the HFT eclogites resemble mafic rocks formed in extensional oceanic environments. We interpret the HFT suite to represent a later stage in an evolution from continental rift to open ocean, following the origin of the LFT suite. Dyke amphibolite compositions, except for probable SiO₂ loss associated with metamorphic dehydration reactions, appear to represent liquid compositions quenched in conduits through the lower crust. MELTS modeling shows that dyke amphibolite compositions can be related to each other by fractional crystallization under strongly oxidizing conditions at ~0.5 GPa pressure, and all can be derived from a low-degree melt of modified fertile peridotite from around 1.7 GPa. Cumulates crystallized from the parental liquids of the amphibolites under oxidizing conditions may have yielded the protoliths of the HFT suite.     

The Lac Des Iles Palladium Deposit,Ontario, Canada part I. The effect of variable alteration on the Offset Zone

The recently discovered Offset Zone of the Mine Block Intrusion of the Lac des Iles Complex hosts palladium mineralization with unusually high Pd/Pt and Pd/Ir ratios in rocks that range from relatively unaltered norite to amphibolites and chlorite–actinolite–talc schist. Quantitative assessment of the effect of progressive alteration using mineral modes was done using total silicate H₂O as a monitor of reaction progress (ξ = moles H₂O added to form alteration minerals per 100 g of rock). Major mineral modal variations define three reaction regions: (1) ξ?=?0.00–0.03, characterized by epidote/clinozoisite formation and some amphibole; (2) ξ?=?0.03–0.23, characterized by formation of chlorite, amphibole, quartz muscovite/sericite, and calcite after plagioclase?+?pyroxene; and (3) ξ?=?0.23–0.28, characterized by the formation of talc after earlier formed amphibole. Epidote occurs as an incongruent product from the destruction of plagioclase that is itself lost as the reaction proceeds. Pyroxene is altered at about twice the rate of plagioclase, resulting in pyroxene-rich protoliths to be more altered than those relatively enriched in plagioclase. Major elements variations largely reflect variations in the plagioclase/pyroxene ratio of the protolith, but compositional trends suggest a loss of Na with reaction progress. The base metal sulfides chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, and pentlandite show decreasing abundance with reaction progress, forming pyrite (± magnetite) as an intermediate reaction product that also is lost as the reaction proceeds. Millerite is overall low but increases slightly. A more limited data set on the platinum-group minerals suggests that platinum-group element (PGE)-arsenides increase whereas PGE-sulfides and PGE-Bi-tellurides decrease with reaction progress. Assuming ore element concentrations in the protolith were constant and similar to relatively fresh norites, Pd increases modestly, by 5 %, whereas Pt decreases by about 65 % in the most altered rocks. Similarly, Cu, Au, and S decrease by 60, 82, and 94 %, respectively, in the most altered rocks. The antithetical behavior of Pd and the fact that Pd enrichment is not seen in altered dikes suggest that the Pd originally was enriched in the more melanocratic protoliths that are most extensively altered and that Pd also was lost in part. These results are consistent with the mineralization having been a high-temperature event that predated the amphibolite/greenschist alteration.     

The latest Jurassic protoliths of the Sangsang mafic schists in southern Tibet: Implications for the spatial extent of Greater India

Field observations, petrology, zircon geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and Sr-Nd isotopes were used to reveal the lithology, age, and tectonic setting of the protoliths of the Sangsang mafic schists in the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone (YZSZ), central southern Tibet. The mafic schists occur as exotic blocks within the accretionary complex of the YZSZ. Relic amygdaloidal features indicate the schist protoliths were volcanic rocks. The mineral assemblage mainly comprises riebeckite + magnesioriebeckite + chlorite + sericite + albite + relic clinopyroxene. The youngest group of zircon ages constrains the formation time of the protoliths to 149.2 ± 2.2 Ma (i.e., latest Jurassic). Abundant Paleozoic and older zircons suggest the protolith volcanic rocks were erupted onto a continental terrane. Whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic data indicate the protoliths were of ocean island basalt affinity. The mafic schists mostly have high-Ti, alkaline, basaltic compositions with 43.57–46.93 wt% SiO₂, 3.27–7.24 wt% Na₂O + K₂O, and 4.04–4.69 wt% TiO₂. The schists are enriched in light rare earth elements relative to heavy rare earth elements, and have (La/Yb)_N = 5.85–8.53 and small positive Ta and negative Zr-Hf anomalies. (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i values vary from 0.7044 to 0.7055, while (¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd)_i ranges from 0.512670 to 0.512727, with εNd(t) values of +4.4 to +5.5. The protoliths of the mafic schists were probably formed in a within-plate extension setting associated with mantle plume upwelling and melting of continental lithosphere. This setting was related to the Late Jurassic continental breakup of Argoland off the northern margin of east Gondwana, and thus marked the paleoposition of the northern edge of Greater India before the breakup of India from east Gondwana during Early Cretaceous. The N-S extent of Greater India at that time was ~2400 km. This further indicates how the India–Eurasia continental convergence has been accommodated.     

Whiteschist,a new type of metamorphic rock formed at high pressures

The association of talc with kyanite is defined to be the characteristic mineral assemblage of a new type of crystalline schist, named whiteschist, which has recently been found in several localities, partly even on a regional scale. Based on experimental evidence this assemblage appears at water pressures in excess of about 10 kilobars. Its compositional limitation to rocks rich in Mg and Al, but poor in Fe²⁺, Ca, and alkalies does not allow the introduction of a new facies of metamorphism. However these unusual rock compositions provide a sensitive geobarometer in the pressure range near 10 kb for which other more “normal” rock compositions do not seem to be critical.     

青岛连三岛地区“荆山岩群”高压变质岩的变质时代和变质演化特征

青岛连三岛地区原划为古元古界荆山岩群中出露各类片岩、片麻岩。本文在前人研究的基础上,对连三岛地区出露的含榴黑云母斜长片麻岩、含榴云母片岩和含榴黑云母钾长片麻岩,进行详细的岩相学和矿物化学研究,确定其变质温压条件及其P-T演化轨迹,并采用LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年,获得了3个样品的原岩时代和变质时代,为全面深入认识其变质属性提供了进一步的重要依据。根据岩相学和矿物化学成分可以识别出两期矿物组合：第一期（峰期变质阶段）为Grt1+Kfs+Aln+Ph+Qtz;第二期（退变质阶段）为Grt2+Pl+Ep+Bt+Qtz;依据多硅白云母Si压力计、锆石Ti温度计以及GB-GBPQ矿物温压计,确定其峰期变质和退变质的温压条件分别为T=600~817℃、P=2.4~2.6GPa和T=431~456℃、P=0.48~0.82GPa。结合白云母部分熔融现象,上述两个变质阶段构成了一个折返早期升温降压,后穿过多硅白云母熔融反应线,最后降温降压的顺时针型演化的P-T轨迹。CL图像显示3个样品的锆石均具有典型的岩浆核-变质边结构;结合LA-ICP-MS锆石原位微区U-Pb定年和微量元素分析,3个样品分别获得了769~756Ma、~223Ma和213~216Ma三组年龄,分别与苏鲁造山带其他高压-超高压变质岩的新元古代原岩时代（700~800Ma）、峰期变质时代（240~225Ma）和角闪岩相退变质时代（215~205Ma）一致。对样品含榴黑云母斜长片麻岩（17LSD-1）和含榴云母片岩（18LSD-2）进行锆石Hf同位素分析,获得样品17LSD-1的εHf（t）=-23.2~2.8、tDM2C（Hf）=1712~2845Ma,表明其原岩主要来源于古元古代陆壳重熔;样品18LSD-2的εHf（t）=-13.9~8.6、tDM2C（Hf）=1113~2358Ma,表明样品形成时壳源物质成分占主导地位,同时部分幔源或新生地壳物质的加入,导致少部分εHf（t）偏正值。Hf同位素结果表明连三岛变质岩原岩的形成与扬子板块新太古代-早古元古代的陆壳重熔有关。对比前人的相关数据,无论是原岩时代、变质年龄还是变质演化特征,本文研究的连三岛地区片岩/片麻岩与苏鲁造山带的部分变质岩均具有相似的原岩属性和变质属性,因此推断其应归属为苏鲁超高压变质带的一部分,是三叠纪扬子板块向华北板块俯冲碰撞引发的高压-超高压变质事件的产物,不应再作为岩石地层单元划归为"荆山岩群"。     

Mineralogy,geochemistry, and geotectonic significance of the Neoproterozoic ophiolite of Wadi Arais area,south Eastern Desert,Egypt

ABSTRACT

The dismembered ophiolites in Wadi Arais area of the south Eastern Desert of Egypt are one of a series of Neoproterozoic ophiolites found within the Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS). We present new major, trace, and rare earth element analyses and mineral composition data from samples of the Wadi Arais ophiolitic rocks with the goal of constraining their geotectonic setting. The suite includes serpentinized ultramafics (mantle section) and greenschist facies metagabbros (crustal section). The major and trace element characteristics of the metagabbro unit show a tholeiitic to calc-alkaline affinity. The serpentinized ultramafics display a bastite, or less commonly mesh, texture of serpentine minerals reflecting harzburgite and dunite protoliths, and unaltered relics of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and chrome spinel can be found. Bulk-rock chemistry confirms harzburgite as the main protolith. The high Mg# (91.93–93.15) and low Al₂O₃/SiO₂ ratios (0.01–0.02) of the serpentinized peridotite, together with the high Cr# (>0.6) of their Cr-spinels and the high NiO contents (0.39–0.49 wt.%) of their olivines, are consistent with residual mantle rocks that experienced high degrees of partial melt extraction. The high Cr# and low TiO₂ contents (0.02–0.34 wt.%) of the Cr-spinels are most consistent with modern highly refractory fore-arc peridtotites and suggest that these rocks probably developed in a supra-subduction zone environment.     

P–T evolution of the Precambrian Metamorphic Complex,NW Iran: a study of metapelitic rocks

The Mahneshan Metamorphic Complex (MMC) is one of the Precambrian terrains exposed in the northwest of Iran. The MMC underwent two main phases of deformation (D₁ and D₂) and at least two metamorphic events (M₁ and M₂). Critical metamorphic mineral assemblages in the metapelitic rocks testify to regional metamorphism under amphibolite‐facies conditions. The dominant metamorphic mineral assemblage in metapelitic rocks (M₁) is muscovite, biotite I, Garnet I, staurolite, Andalusite I and sillimanite. Peak metamorphism took place at 600–620°C and ∼7 kbar, corresponding to a depth of ca. 24 km. This was followed by decompression during exhumation of the crustal rocks up to the surface. The decrease of temperature and pressure during exhumation produced retrograde metamorphic assemblages (M₂). Secondary phases such as garnet II biotite II, Andalusite II constrain the temperature and pressure of M₂ retrograde metamorphism to 520–560°C and 2.5–3.5 kbar, respectively. The geothermal gradient obtained for the peak of metamorphism is 33°C km⁻¹, which indicates that peak metamorphism was of Barrovian type and occurred under medium‐pressure conditions. The MMC followed a ‘clockwise’ P–T path during metamorphism, consistent with thermal relaxation following tectonic thickening. The bulk chemistry of the MMC metapelites shows that their protoliths were deposited at an active continental margin. Together with the presence of palaeo‐suture zones and ophiolitic rocks around the high‐grade metamorphic rocks of the MMC, these features suggest that the Iranian Precambrian basement formed by an island‐arc type cratonization. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High-grade calcareous metasediments from the Sawtooth Metamorphic Complex,Idaho, USA: evidence for passive margin strata and polymetamorphism within the Idaho batholith

ABSTRACT

The Sawtooth Metamorphic Complex (SMC) of central Idaho contains exposures of metasupracrustal rocks, in a crucial location between the Archaean Wyoming craton to the east and the adjacent Mesozoic terranes to the west, that provide constraints on Precambrian crustal evolution in the northwestern United States. Mineral textures, whole-rock geochemistry, and thermobarometry of calc-silicate gneisses record multiple stages of crustal evolution, including protolith deposition, burial and multiple metamorphic and deformational overprints. Whole-rock signatures are consistent with derivation from post-Archaean, continental sources that have undergone sedimentary maturation and recycling typical of clastic sedimentation in passive-margin environments and with a metamorphosed sequence of calcareous sandstones and marls, containing varying proportions of clay and quartzo-feldspathic detritus. The sandstone-to-marl continuum may reflect a shallow-to-deep water transition in the depositional environment of the calc-silicate protoliths. Two metamorphic events and three deformational events are preserved. The assemblage clinopyroxene + quartz + plagioclase + K-feldspar + rutile represents peak metamorphic conditions (M1), estimated at 750–775°C with relatively oxidized metamorphic fluids, during development of D1a foliation. Deformation twinning in clinopyroxene records a widespread, high strain D1b event at high temperature. A second static thermal event (M2), associated with randomly oriented amphiboles overprinting M1 and D1b features, records conditions of ~550–725°C and H₂O-rich fluids. Late-stage, brittle–ductile D2 deformation is characterized by mylonitic lenses of quartz, fractures within M1 clinopyroxenes that crosscut D1b deformation twins, and localized fracturing of M2 amphiboles. Geochemical and mineral chemical signatures of SMC calc-silicates preserve fingerprints of the original protolith through burial to mid-crustal conditions and high-grade metamorphism and suggest crustal thickening to about 20 km. The SMC may reflect rocks at depth beneath the Idaho batholith. These data, indicative of newly recognized post-Archaean terrain with passive-margin, continental sediments suggest that a continuous Cordilleran passive margin sequence may have extended along the western edge of Laurentia.     

The formation of eclogite facies metatroctolites and a general petrogenetic grid in Na2O–CaO–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O (NCFMASH)

Eclogite facies metatroctolites from a variety of Western Alps localities (Voltri, Monviso, Lanzo, Allalin, Zermat–Saas, etc.) that preserve textural evidence of their original form as bimineralic olivine‐plagioclase rocks are considered in terms of calculated mineral equilibria in the system Na₂O‐CaO‐FeO‐MgO‐Al₂O₃‐SiO₂‐H₂O (NCFMASH). Pseudosections, based on a new petrogenetic grid for NCFMASH presented here, are used to unravel the metamorphic history of the metatroctolites, considering the rocks to consist of different composition microdomains corresponding to the original olivine and plagioclase grains. On the basis that the preservation of the mineral assemblage in each microdomain will tend to be from where on a rock's P–T path the metamorphic fluid phase is used up via rehydration reactions, P–T pseudosections contoured for water content, and P–T path‐M_H2O (amount of water) pseudosections, are used to examine fluid behaviour in each microdomain. We show that the different microdomains are likely to preserve their mineral assemblages from different places on the P–T path. For the olivine microdomain, the diagnostic mineral assemblage is chloritoid + talc (+ garnet + omphacite). The preservation of this assemblage, in the light of the closed system P–T path‐M_H2O relationships, implies that the microdomain loses its metamorphic fluid as it starts to decompress, and, in the absence of subsequent hydration, the high pressure mineral assemblage is then preserved. In the plagioclase microdomain, the diagnostic assemblage is epidote (or zoisite) + kyanite + quartz suggesting a lower pressure (of about 2 GPa) than for the olivine microdomain. In the light of P–T path‐M_H2O relationships, development of this assemblage implies breakdown of lawsonite across the lawsonite breakdown reaction, regardless of the maximum pressure reached. It is likely that the plagioclase microdomain was mainly fluid‐absent prior to lawsonite breakdown, only becoming fluid‐present across the reaction, then immediately becoming fluid‐absent again.     

青藏高原北部可可西里狮头山含硬玉岩类的基本特征及地质意义

描述了可可西里山南狮头山含硬玉岩类的岩石学、矿物学特征。含硬玉岩类的原岩为辉长岩，围岩为石炭—二叠系。由于变质作用不彻底，保留有原岩的矿物组合。典型的高压变质矿物组合为：钠长石 硬玉 霓石 蓝闪石 绿帘石 绿泥石。硬玉SiO2、FeO偏低，Al2O3、Na2O明显偏高，变质矿物组合中以富钠矿物为主，缺少石英，与国内外含硬玉岩类的原岩成分、变质矿物组合均不相同，是一种新的高压低温硬玉岩类。狮头山高压变质带向西延至若拉岗日、大横山一带，与北侧的西金乌兰—金沙江板块缝合带(西段)平行产出，以此推测缝合带南侧的羌北—昌都板块向北消减于巴颜喀拉板块之下。     

Metasomatism of continental crust during subduction: the UHP whiteschists from the Southern Dora-Maira Massif (Italian Western Alps)

The ultrahigh‐pressure pyrope whiteschists from the Brossasco‐Isasca Unit of the Southern Dora‐Maira Massif represent metasomatic rocks originated at the expense of post‐Variscan granitoids by the influx of fluids along shear zones. In this study, geochemical, petrological and fluid‐inclusion data, correlated with different generations of pyrope‐rich garnet (from medium, to very‐coarse‐grained in size) allow constraints to be placed on the relative timing of metasomatism and sources of the metasomatic fluid. Geochemical investigations reveal that whiteschists are strongly enriched in Mg and depleted in Na, K, Ca and LILE (Cs, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ba) with respect to the metagranite. Three generations of pyrope, with different composition and mineral inclusions, have been distinguished: (i) the prograde Prp I, which constitutes the large core of megablasts and the small core of porphyroblasts; (ii) the peak Prp II, which constitutes the inner rim of megablasts and porphyroblasts and the core of small neoblasts; and (iii) the early retrograde Prp III, which locally constitutes an outer rim. Two generations of fluid inclusions have been recognized: (i) primary fluid inclusions in prograde kyanite that represent a NaCl‐MgCl₂‐rich brine (6–28 wt% NaCl_eq with Si and Al as other dissolved cations) trapped during growth of Prp I (type‐I fluid); (ii) primary multiphase‐solid inclusions in Prp II that are remnants of an alumino‐silicate aqueous solution, containing Mg, Fe, alkalies, Ca and subordinate P, Cl, S, CO₃^2‐, LILE (Pb, Cs, Sr, Rb, K, LREE, Ba), U and Th (type‐II fluid), at the peak pressure stage. We propose a model that illustrates the prograde metasomatic and metamorphic evolution of the whiteschists and that could also explain the genesis of other Mg‐rich, alkali‐poor schists of the Alps. During Alpine metamorphism, the post‐Variscan metagranite of the Brossasco‐Isasca Unit experienced a prograde metamorphism at HP conditions (stage A: ～1.6 GPa and ≤ 600 °C), as indicated by the growth of an almandine‐rich garnet in some xenoliths. At stage B (1.7–2.1 GPa and 560–590 °C), the influx of external fluids, originated from antigorite breakdown in subducting oceanic serpentinites, promoted the increase in Mg and the decrease of alkalies and Ca in the orthogneiss toward a whiteschist composition. During stage C (2.1 < P < 2.8 GPa and 590 < T < 650 °C), the metasomatic fluid influx coupled with internal dehydration reactions involving Mg‐chlorite promoted the growth of Prp I in the presence of the type‐I MgCl₂‐brine. At the metamorphic peak (stage D: 4.0–4.3 GPa and 730 °C), Prp II growth occurred in the presence of a type–II alumino‐silicate aqueous solution, mostly generated by internal dehydration reactions involving phlogopite and talc. The contribution of metasomatic external brines at the metamorphic climax appears negligible. This fluid, showing enrichment in LILE and depletion in HFSE, could represent a metasomatic agent for the supra‐subduction mantle wedge.     

Petrology of high-pressure granulites from the eastern Himalayan syntaxis

The eastern Himalayan syntaxis, situated at the eastern terminus of the Himalayas, is the least-known segment of the Himalayas. Recent research in this area has revealed that the syntaxis consists of the Gangdise, the Yarlung Zangbo, and the Himalayan units, each of which is bounded by faults. The Himalayan unit, the northernmost exposed part of the Indian plate, mainly contains amphibolite facies rocks, marked by the assemblages staurolite+kyanite+plagioclase+biotite+muscovite±sillimanite and garnet+amphibole+plagioclase, in the south; to the north, low- to medium-pressure granulite grade pelitic gneisses and marbles are present and are characterized by the assemblages garnet+sillimanite+K-feldspar+plagioclase or antiperthite+biotite+quartz±spinel±cordierite±orthopyroxene in gneisses, and anorthite+diopside±wollastonite and plagioclase+diopside+quartz+phlogopite+calcite in marbles. Within this unit, the Namula thrust system is a series of moderately north-dipping structures that displaced the granulite facies rocks southwards over the amphibolite facies rocks. High-pressure granulites occur as relics within these granulite facies rocks and contain garnet–kyanite granulite and garnet clinopyroxenite. The peak assemblage of the garnet–kyanite granulite includes garnet (core part)+kyanite+ternary feldspar+quartz+rutile. Sillimanite+garnet (rim part)+K-feldspar+ oligoclase+ilmenite+biotite and spinel+albite+biotite or spinel+cordierite±orthopyroxene, which are coronas around sillimanite and garnet, are retrograde products of this peak assemblage. Another peak assemblage includes very-high-Ca garnet (CaO 32–34 wt%, Alm₁₀±Grs_>80) and diopside (CaO 22–24 wt%), scapolite, meionite, quartz, and accessory Al-bearing titanite (Al₂O₃ 4–4.5 wt%). The diopside has kink bands. Partial or complete breakdown of Ca-rich garnet during post-peak metamorphism produced pseudomorphs and coronas consisting of fine-grained symplectic intergrowths of hedenbergite and anorthite. Thermobarometric estimates in combination with reaction textures, mineral compositions, and recent experimental studies indicate that these peak assemblages were formed at P=c. 1.7–1.8 GPa, T =c. 890 °C, and the retrograde assemblages experienced near-isothermal decompression to P=0.5±0.1 GPa, T =850±50 °C. The whole-rock compositions indicate that marble and pelite are plausible candidates for the protoliths. These facts suggest the following (1) sedimentary rocks were transported to upper-mantle depths and equilibrated at those conditions to form these high-pressure granulites, which were then emplaced into the crust quickly. During the rapid exhumation of these rocks, the earlier high-pressure assemblages were overprinted by the later low- to medium-pressure assemblages, that is, the high-pressure granulite belt formed in the syntaxis. (2) The Namula thrust system is an important tectonic boundary in the syntaxis, or even in the Higher Himalaya more generally.     

Effects of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> flushing on crystal textures and compositions: experimental evidence from recent K-trachybasalts erupted at Mt. Etna

Changes in magmatic assemblages and crystal stability as a response of CO₂-flushing in basaltic systems have rarely been directly addressed experimentally, making the role of CO₂ in magma dynamics still controversial and object of scientific debate. We conducted a series of experiments to understand the response of magmas from Etna volcano to CO₂ flushing. We performed a first experiment at 300 MPa to synthesize a starting material composed of crystals of some hundreds of µm and melt pools. This material is representative of an initial magmatic assemblage composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene and a water-undersaturated melt with 1.6 wt% H₂O. In a second step, the initial assemblage was equilibrated at 300 and 100 MPa with fluids having different XCO ₂ ^fl (CO₂/(H₂O + CO₂)). At low XCO ₂ ^fl (< 0.2 to 0.4), plagioclase is completely dissolved and clinopyroxene show dissolution textures. For relatively high XCO ₂ ^fl (0.9 at 300 MPa), the flushing of a CO₂-rich fluid phase leads to an increase of the amount of clinopyroxene and a decrease of the abundance of plagioclase at 300 MPa. This decrease of plagioclase proportion is associated with a change in An content. Our experiments demonstrate that flushing basaltic systems with fluids may drastically affect crystal textures and phase equilibria depending on proportions of H₂O and CO₂ in the fluid phase. Since texture and crystal proportions are among the most important parameters governing the rheology of magmas, fluid flushing will also influence magma ascent to the Earth’s surface. The experimental results open new perspectives to decipher the textural and compositional record of minerals observed in volcanic rocks from Mt. Etna, and at the same time offer the basis for interpreting the information preserved in minerals from other basaltic volcanoes erupting magmas enriched in CO₂.     

A model for phase equilibria in the prehnite-pumpellyite facies

Using the method of Schreinemakers, along with other thermodynamic considerations, a phase diagram for the system CaO-MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-CO₂-H₂O was constructed. The phases prehnite, pumpellyite, calcite, chlorite, dolomite, quartz, tremolite, talc, zoisite, grossularite and vapor were considered in this construction. The results indicate that prehnite-pumpellyite facies mineral assemblages will only exist in equilibrium with a vapor phase in which the mole fraction of CO₂ is less than 0.2 at 1 kb, and less than 0.15 at 2 kb. Although talc could theoretically be a stable phase under these conditions, its common absence from rocks of this facies probably results from the existence of an enantiomorphic point which makes tremolite-calcite-CO₂ the stable assemblage at low X _{CO 2}, and the compositionally equivalent talc-calcite-CO₂ assemblage stable at moderate X _{CO 2}.     

Trace element and isotopic fingerprints in HP–LT metamorphic rocks as a result of fluid–rock interactions (Ile de Groix,France)

Whole rock trace element and isotopic compositions of different HP–LT metamorphic rocks of the Ile de Groix were analysed to characterise geochemical fingerprints during subduction and exhumation in a late Palaeozoic HP metamorphic terrain. Massive metabasites of hydrothermally altered enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB) origin are in association with banded metabasic rocks of volcano-sedimentary origin and metapelites. Fluid-rock interactions that likely occurred during seafloor hydrothermal alteration and early subduction metasomatism increased δ¹⁸O values, as well as K₂O, Na₂O, MgO, and LILE contents and decreased CaO contents of metabasites. Most metabasites have retained their early-subduction and pre-HP trace element and isotopic composition, even for rocks metamorphosed to lower eclogite-facies P–T conditions. Micaschists also preserved apparent pelitic protolith trace element values and oxygen isotopic compositions. During retrograde metamorphism related to the exhumation, metabasites were rehydrated by fluids in equilibrium with the host rock compositions, which were likely derived from the basic rocks. This style of fluid–rock interaction formed a greenschist facies mineral assemblage. Metabasites that underwent pervasive alteration by seafloor hydrothermal and metasomatism processes prior to peak metamorphism, show greater effects of retrogression and albitisation, probably because they were richer in H₂O and Na₂O. The variety of metamorphic assemblages on the Ile de Groix is thus directly related to the pre-HP rock composition. The extent of retrogression in the western part of the Ile de Groix primarily reflects stronger metasomatic intensities than in the eastern part.