Microchemical and Sr Isotopic Investigation of Zoned K-feldspar Megacrysts: Insights into the Petrogenesis of a Granitic System and Disequilibrium Crystal Growth

K-feldspar megacrysts (Kfm) are used to investigate the magmaticevolution of the 7 Ma Monte Capanne (MC) monzogranite (Elba,Italy). Dissolution and regrowth of Kfm during magma mixingor mingling events produce indented resorption surfaces associatedwith high Ba contents. Diffusion calculations demonstrate thatKfm chemical zoning is primary. Core-to-rim variations in Ba,Rb, Sr, Li and P support magma mixing (i.e. high Ba and P andlow Rb/Sr at rims), but more complex variations require othermechanisms. In particular, we show that disequilibrium growth(related to variations in diffusion rates in the melt) may haveoccurred as a result of thermal disturbance following influxof mafic magma in the magma chamber. Initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios(I_Sr) (obtained by microdrilling) decrease from core to rim.Inner core analyses define a mixing trend extending towardsa high I_Sr–Rb/Sr melt component, whereas the outer coresand rims display a more restricted range of I_Sr, but a largerrange of Rb/Sr. Lower I_Sr at the rim of one megacryst suggestsmixing with high-K calc-alkaline mantle-derived volcanics ofsimilar age on Capraia. Trace element and isotopic profilessuggest (1) early megacryst growth in magmas contaminated bycrust and refreshed by high I_Sr silicic melts (as seen in theinner cores) and (2) later recharge with mafic magmas (as seenin the outer cores) followed by (3) crystal fractionation, withpossible interaction with hydrothermal fluids (as seen in therim). The model is compatible with the field occurrence of maficenclaves and xenoliths. KEY WORDS: Elba; monzogranite; K-feldspar megacrysts; zoning; magma mixing; trace element; Sr isotopes; petrogenesis     

微区-微量样品Rb-Sr同位素分析技术及其应用前景

利用微钻取样技术和微量样品Rb-Sr同位素分析方法,本文对出露在东秦岭造山带的中生代合峪花岗岩的自形钾长石巨晶进行微区-微量样品Rb-Sr同位素组成分析。分析结果表明,钾长石斑晶具有显著的Rb/Sr比值和Sr同位素组成变化,斑晶和基质钾长石均构成年龄为132~133Ma的Rb-Sr等时线,代表岩浆的后期冷却时代。钾长石晶体的初始⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr比值由边缘相到中心相没有明显的变化,代表花岗质岩浆结晶阶段的Sr同位素组成,暗示合峪花岗岩的钾长石巨晶为原生成因。以高空间分辨率为特征,微区取样技术已经广泛地应用在变质岩和深成岩浆岩的同位素年代学和成因研究。结合微量样品同位素分析技术,微区-微量样品Rb-Sr同位素方法有望在火山岩的成因和年代学方面得到应用。     

Geochemical and isotopic zoning patterns of plagioclase megacrysts in gabbroic dykes from the Gardar Province, South Greenland: implications for crystallisation processes in anorthositic magmas

Chemical and Sr isotopic zoning patterns in plagioclase megacrysts from gabbroic dykes in the Gardar Province can be used to elucidate magma-chamber and emplacement processes. The megacrysts occur either as single crystals or assembled as anorthosite xenoliths. The size of the megacrysts varies from <1 cm to 1 m. They consist of a large core with variable zonation (An_58-39) and a relatively small (<600 µm), normally zoned rim (An_62-27). The contact between core and rim is sharp and marked by a sharp increase in anorthite content which can reach 11 mol% An. This gap is interpreted as having formed during dyke emplacement due to a sudden pressure release. Some of the megacryst cores show a fairly constant composition whereas others exhibit an unusual wavy-oscillatory zoning which has not been reported elsewhere to our knowledge. The oscillatory zoning has wavelengths of up to 2,500 µm and a maximum amplitude of 7 mol% An. It is interpreted as reflecting movements of the crystals in the magma reservoir. The Sr isotopic composition of one crystal shows a radiogenic inner core ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i=0.7044) and a less radiogenic outer core ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i=0.7039-0.7036). The lack of a significant change between outer core and rim ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i=0.7037) is consistent with formation of the more An-rich rim due to pressure release. Variations in the core may be related to movements of the crystal and/or magma mixing. A trace-element profile across a megacryst shows a small increase in Sr and small decreases in Ba and La contents of the recalculated melt composition across the core-rim boundary, whereas P, Ce, Nd and Eu remain constant. Melt compositional changes upon emplacement are therefore considered to be of minor importance. Constant ratios of incompatible trace elements in the megacryst cores indicate a dominant influence of a lower crustal source on trace-element budgets.     

Fingerprinting feldspar phenocrysts using crystal isotopic composition stratigraphy: implications for crystal transfer and magma mingling in S-type granites

 Microsampling of cm-scale feldspar crystals within an S-type granite from the Lachlan Fold Belt of southeastern Australia has revealed complex internal Sr and Nd isotopic variations. The observed isotopic zonations are in part interpreted as recording feldspar crystallisation in a dynamically mixing magma system, the isotopic composition of which was varying in response to the influx of more mafic and isotopically more mantle-like magmas, the latter stages of which are now represented in modified form by microgranular enclaves. Similar core to rim isotopic variations in feldspar megacrysts from a microgranular enclave and the adjacent host granite strongly suggest megacrysts in the enclave were transferred from the granitic magma during crystallisation. Feldspar rims have higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i and lower ɛ_Nd(i) than adjacent whole rock analyses, but match those of mineral separates from the surrounding enclave matrix. This suggests that the final stages of megacryst growth occurred in the presence of a component that had previously interacted with a high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, low ɛ_Nd(i) component such as metasedimentary wall rocks. Isotopic heterogeneities are also presererved within different mineral phases in the enclave matrix, suggesting that differing phases grew at differing stages of equilibration between the enclave magma and its host granitic magma. Our results reveal major isotopic heterogeneities on a single crystal and also inter-mineral scale in a pluton which shows well constrained evidence for magma mingling. These results indicate the suitability of feldspars as recorders of isotopic change in magmatic systems, even those which have cooled slowly in the plutonic environment and suggest that much heterogeneity in plutonic systems may be overlooked on a whole rock scale. Received: 28 September 1998 / Accepted: 29 December 1999     

Pb-Sr-Nd isotopic compositions and trace element geochemistry of megacrysts and melilitites from the Tertiary Urach volcanic field: source composition of small volume melts under SW Germany

 The Urach volcanic field is unique within the Tertiary–Quaternary European volcanic province (EVP) due to more than 350 tuffaceous diatremes and only sixteen localities with extremely undersaturated olivine melilitite. We report representative Pb-Sr-Nd isotopic compositions and incompatible trace element data for twenty-two pristine augite, Cr-diopside, hornblende, and phlogopite megacryst samples from the diatremes, and seven melilitite whole rocks. The Pb isotopic compositions for melilitites and comagmatic megacrysts have very radiogenic ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of 19.4 to 19.9 and plot on the northern hemisphere mantle reference line (NHRL). The data indicate absence of an old crustal component as reflected in the high ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of many basalts from the EVP. This inference is supported by ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of ∼17.6 to 18.3 and ɛ_Nd of ∼−7.8 to +1.6 for five phlogopite xenocryst samples reflecting a distinct and variably rejuvenated lower Hercynian basement. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.7033 to 0.7035 in the comagmatic megacrysts are low relative to their moderately radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions (ɛ_Nd +2.2 to +5.1) and consistent with a long-term source evolution with a low Rb/Sr ratio and depletion in light rare-earth elements (LREE). The melilitite whole-rock data show a similar range in Nd isotopic ratios as determined for the megacrysts but their Sr isotopic compositions are often much more radiogenic due to surface alteration. The REE patterns and incompatible trace element ratios of the melilitites (e.g. Nb/Th, Nb/U, Sr/Nd, P/Nd, Ba/Th, Zr/Hf) are similar to those in ocean island basalts (OIB); negative anomalies for normalized K and Rb concentrations support a concept of melt evolution in the lithospheric mantle. Highly variable Ce/Pb ratios of 29 to 66 are positively correlated with La/Lu, La/K₂O, and Ba/Nd and interpreted to reflect melting in the presence of residual amphibole and phlogopite. The data suggest an origin of the melilitites from a chemical boundary layer very recently enriched by melts from old OIB sources. We suggest that the OIB-like mantle domains represent low-temperature melting heterogeneities in an upwelling asthenosphere under western Europe. Received: 9 March 1995/Accepted: 24 July 1995     

Nd,Sr, Pb,Ar, and 0 isotopic systematics of Sturgeon Lake kimberlite,Saskatchewan, Canada: constraints on emplacement age,alteration, and source composition

Rb-Sr isotopic dating of phlogopite megacryst samples separated from Sturgeon Lake kimberlite, Saskatchewan, yields a crystallization age of 98±1 Ma (2 , MSWD=1.2; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr(t)=0.7059). The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar analyses of a phlogopite megacryst sample indicate the presence of large amounts of excess ⁴⁰Ar and yield an excessively old age of 410 Ma. Assessment of the Ar data using isotope correlation plots indicates clustering of the data points about a mixing line between the radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar component at 98 Ma and a trapped component with uniform ³⁶Ar/⁴⁰Ar and Cl/⁴⁰Ar. Values of {ie212-1} as high as +20%. (VSMOW) for calcite from the groundmass and a whole-rock sample indicate pervasive lowtemperature alteration. The {ie212-2} of matrix carbonate is-11.3%. (PDB), slightly lighter than typical values from the literature. The {ie212-3} values of about +5%. (VSMOW) for brown phlogopite megacrysts may be primary, green phlogopites are interpreted to be an alteration product of the brown variety and are 2%. heavier. Initial Nd-Sr-Pb isotopic ratios for a whole-rock sample {ie212-4}; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7063, ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.67, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.54, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.97) suggest an affinity with group I kimberlites. Initial {ie212-5} values of +1.7 and +0.5 (⁸⁷Sr/ ⁸⁶Sr(t)=0.7053 and 0.7050) for eclogitic and lherzolitic garnet megacryst samples, and values of 0.0 for two phlogopite megacryst samples reflect an origin from an isotopically evolving melt due to assimilation of heterogeneous mantle. Lilac high-Cr lherzolitic garnet megacrysts give an unusually high {ie212-6} of +28.6 (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7046) indicating a xenocrystic origin probably from the lithospheric mantle. The very radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios of the kimberlite are consistent with melting of EM II (enriched) mantle components.     

The origin of K-feldspar megacrysts hosted in alkaline potassic rocks from central Italy: a track for low-pressure processes in mafic magmas

In situ Sr-isotope and microchemical studies were used to determine the provenance of K-feldspar megacrysts hosted in mafic alkaline potassic, ultrapotassic rocks and in differentiated rocks from two nearby volcanic apparatus in central Italy.

At Monte Cimino volcanic complex, mafic leucite-free ultrapotassic megacryst-bearing rocks of olivine latitic composition are associated with evolved latite and trachyte. Here, latites and trachytes straddle the sub-alkaline field. Age-corrected ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (Sr_i) of the analysed Cimino olivine latites vary from 0.71330 and 0.71578 and strongly increase at constant Mg value. Latite and trachyte have lower Sr_i than olivine latites ranging between 0.71331 and 0.71361. Sr_i of K-feldspar megacrysts from olivine latites are between 0.71352 and 0.71397, but core and rim ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios within individual megacryst are indistinguishable. In all the mafic rocks, the megacrysts are not in isotopic equilibrium with the hosts. K-feldspar megacrysts from both the latite and trachyte have similar Sr-isotope compositions (Sr_i=0.71357–0.71401) to those in the olivine latites. However, Sr_i of megacryst in the trachyte vary significantly from core to rim (Sr_i from 0.71401 to 0.71383). As with the olivine latites, the K-feldspar megacrysts are not in isotopic equilibrium with bulk rock compositions of the latite or trachyte.

At Vico volcano, megacryst-bearing rocks are mafic leucite-free potassic rocks, mafic leucite-bearing ultrapotassic rocks and old trachytic rocks. The mafic leucite-bearing and leucite-free rocks are a tephri-phonolite and an olivine latite, respectively. A megacryst in Vico trachyte is isotopically homogeneous (Sr_i CORE=0.71129, RIM=0.71128) and in equilibrium with the host rock (Sr_i bulk ROCK=0.71125). Sr_i of megacryst from tephri-phonolite is clearly not in isotopic equilibrium with its host (Sr_i bulk ROCK=0.71158), and it increases from core (Sr_i=0.71063) to rim (Sr_i=0.71077). A megacryst in Vico olivine latite is isotopically homogeneous (Sr_i CORE=0.71066, RIM=0.71065), but not in equilibrium with the host rock (Sr_i bulk ROCK=0.71013).

The Sr isotope microdrilling technique reveals that Cimino megacrysts were crystallised in a Cimino trachytic magma and were subsequently incorporated by mixing/mingling processes in the latitic and olivine latitic melts. A model invoking the presence of a mafic sub-alkaline magma, which was mixed with the olivine latite, is proposed to justify the lack of simple geochemical mixing relation between Cimino trachytes and olivine latites. This magmatological model is able to explain the geochemical characteristics of Cimino olivine latites, otherwise ascribed to mantle heterogeneity.

The similarity of core Sr_i of megacrysts hosted in Vico tephri-phonolite and olivine latite suggests that the K-feldspar megacrysts are co-genetic. Isotopic equilibrium between megacryst and Vico host trachyte indicates that the trachyte is the parent of this megacryst. On the contrary, the megacrysts hosted in tephri-phonolite and olivine latite do not derive from the old trachytic magma because no diffusion process may explain the core to rim Sr isotope increase of the xenocryst hosted in the tephri-phonolite. The megacrysts hosted in the Vico mafic rocks might derive from a trachytic melt similar in composition to the old Vico trachytes.     

Genesis of the South Zhuguang Uranium Ore Field,South China: Pb Isotopic Compositions and Mineralization Ages

U–Pb isotopic analyses indicate that ores from the South Zhuguang uranium ore field, south China, have high common (non‐radiogenic) Pb contents, with variable and relatively radiogenic initial Pb contents. The U–Pb isochron method was used to date these ores, with plots of ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb versus ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb being used to identify sample suites with similar initial Pb isotopic ratios and to normalize variable initial Pb isotopic ratios. The resulting U–Pb isochrons indicate two substages of uranium mineralization at ~57 and 52 Ma, with a later hydrothermal reformation at ~49 Ma, which homogenized Pb isotopic compositions. Initial Pb isotopic systematics indicate that the ore‐forming fluid was characterized by high ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios and low ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios, suggesting that the ore‐forming fluid was sourced from Cretaceous–Paleogene red‐bed basins, rather than from magma or the mantle, with consideration of mineralization ages.     

Metal sources of the large Nezhdaninsky orogenic gold deposit, Yakutia, Russia: Results of high-precision MC-ICP-MS analysis of lead isotopic composition supplemented by data on strontium isotopes

A collection of galena from the Nezhdaninsky gold deposit (62 samples), as well as galena from the Menkeche silver-base-metal deposit and the Sentyabr occurrence and K-feldspar from intrusive rocks of the Tyry-Dyby ore cluster have been studied using the high-precision (±0.02%) MC-ICP-MS method. Particular ore zones are characterized by relatively narrow variations of isotope ratios (no wider than σ_6/4 = 0.26%). Vertical zoning of Pb isotopic composition is not detected. Variation in Pb isotope ratios mainly depends on the type of mineral assemblage. Galena of the gold-sulfide assemblage dominating at the Nezhdaninsky deposit is characterized by the following average isotope ratios: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.472, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.586, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 38.605. Galena from the regenerated silver-base-metal assemblage is distinguished by less radiogenic lead isotope ratios: 18.420, 15.575, and 38.518, respectively. In lead from the Nezhdaninsky deposit, the component, whose source is identified as Permian host terrigenous rocks, is predominant. The data points of isotopic composition of lode lead make up a linear trend within the range of μ₂ = 9.5-9.6. K-feldspar of granitic rocks has less radiogenic and widely varying lead isotopic composition compared to that of galena. The isotopic data on Pb and Sr constrain the contribution of Late Cretaceous granitic rocks as a source of gold mineralization at the Nezhdaninsky deposit. The matter from the Early Cretaceous fluid-generating magma chamber participated in the ore-forming system of the Nezhdaninsky deposit. The existence of such a chamber is confirmed by the occurrence of Early Cretaceous granitoid intrusions on the flanks of the Nezhdaninsky ore field. The greatest contribution of magmatic lead (～30%) is noted in galena from the silver-base-metal mineral assemblage. This component has isotopic marks characteristic of lower crustal lead: the elevated ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratio relative to the mean crustal value and the lower ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratio. Taken together, they determine a high Th/U ～ 4.0 in the source and μ₂ = 9.37–9.50. This conclusion is consistent with the contemporary tectonic model describing evolution of the South Verkhoyansk sector of the Verkhoyansk Foldbelt and the Okhotsk Terrane.     

Albany K-Feldspar: A New Pb Isotope Reference Material

Lead isotopes are a powerful and versatile tool to elucidate fundamental geological problems related to the formation and evolution of continental crust. K-feldspar is a popular target for Pb isotope measurement as it is prevalent in many rock types and tends to capture the initial Pb isotope composition of its parental magma. We present data for a new Pb isotope reference material: Albany K-feldspar; as well as updated data for Shap K-feldspar. Results of Pb double-spike TIMS for Albany K-feldspar are ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 16.7872 ± 0.0062, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.5640 ± 0.0056, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 36.6600 ± 0.0168 (2s). TIMS measurement results for Shap K-feldspar indicate two isotopically distinct Pb populations. LA-MC-ICP-MS, with a spatial resolution as high as 15 μm, indicates a homogeneous Pb isotopic composition in Albany K-feldspar. In accord with previous studies, our results show that scatter in the measured Pb isotope ratios, related to the low natural isotopic abundance of ²⁰⁴Pb, along with the effect of isobaric ²⁰⁴Hg-²⁰⁴Pb interference, increases at lower count rates. However, the mean Pb isotope ratios measured via LA-MC-ICP-MS using a range of spot sizes are in excellent agreement with TIMS results thus highlighting the feasibility of Pb isotope determination via LA-MC-ICP-MS to access geological information preserved in small crystals, including mineral inclusions.     

Isotopic variations in S-type granites: an inheritance from a heterogeneous source?

Inherited zircons from S-type granites provide exceptionally good insight into the isotopic heterogeneity of their sources. Zircons from four samples (one granite, two granodiorites, one granodioritic enclave) of Pan-African S-type granite of the Cape Granite Suite (c. 540 Ma) have been the subject of a laser LA-ICP-MS zircon U/Pb study to determine emplacement ages and inheritance. Zircons from three of these samples (2 granodiorites and 1 granodioritic enclave) were also analysed for Hf isotopes by LA-MC-ICP-MS. Ages of inherited cores range from 1,200 to 570 Ma and show Hafnium isotope values (ε_Hf,t ) for the crystallisation age (t) of the different cores that range from −14.1 to +9.1. Magmatic zircons and magmatic overgrowth with concordant spot ages between ca. 525 and ca. 555 Ma show a similar range of ε_Hf,t , between −8.6 and +1.5, whilst ε_Hf values calculated at 540 Ma (ε_Hf,540) for inherited cores range from −15.2 to +1.7. Thus, our results show that the time evolved ε_Hf arrays of the inherited cores overlap closely with the ε_Hf range displayed by the magmatic rims at the time of crystallisation of the pluton. These similarities imply a genetic relationship between magmatic and inherited zircons. Within the inherited cores, four main peak ages can be identified. This, coupled with their large Hf isotopic range, emphasises that the source of the granite is highly heterogeneous. The combination of the U/Pb zircon ages ranges and Hf isotope data implies that: (1) The source of S-type granite consists of crustal material recording several regional events between 1,200 and 600 Ma. This material records the recycling of a much older crust derived from depleted mantle between 1.14 and 2.02 Ga. (2) The homogenisation of Hf isotopic variation in the magma acquired through dissolution of the entrained zircon, via mechanical mixing and/or diffusion between within the granite was particularly inefficient. (3) This evidence argues for the assembly of the pluton through many relatively small magma batches that undergo rapid cooling from their intrusion temperature (ca. 850°C) to background magma chamber temperature that is low enough to ensure that much of the magmatic zircon crystallised rapidly (>80% by 700°C). (4) There is no evidence for the addition of mantle-derived material in the genesis of S-type Cape Granite Suite, where the most mafic granodiorites are strongly peraluminous, relatively low in CaO and K₂O rich. Interpreted more widely, these findings imply that S-type granites inherit their isotopic characteristic from the source. Source heterogeneity transfers to the granite magma via the genesis of discrete magma batches. The information documented from the S-type CGS zircons has been recorded because the individual batches of magma crystallised the bulk of their magmatic zircon prior to mechanical or diffusional magma homogenisation. This is favoured by zirconium saturation in the magma shortly after emplacement, by partial dissolution of the entrained zircon fraction, as well as by the intrusion of volumetrically subordinate magma batches into a relatively cool pluton. Consequently, evidence recorded within inherited cores will most likely be best preserved in S-type granite plutons intruded at shallow depths. Other studies that have documented similar ε_Hf arrays in magmatic zircons have interpreted these to reflect mixing between crustal- and mantle-derived magmas. This study indicates that such arrays may be wholly source inherited, reflecting mixing of a range of crustal materials of different ages and original isotopic signatures.     

Geochronology and magma oxygen fugacity of Ehu S-type granitic pluton in Zhe-Gan-Wan region,SE China

In this paper, we determined the U-Pb isotopic and trace element compositions of zircons from the Ehu S-type granite in the Zhe-Gan-Wan region, SE China, using in-situ laser ablation (LA) ICP-MS. The weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 132.0 ± 0.6 Ma for the Ehu granite indicates that the pluton was formed in the Early Cretaceous and during the Late Mesozoic Cu-Mo mineralization quiescence in Zhe-Gan-Wan region. The calculated logarithmic magma oxygen fugacities for Ehu granite range from −19.19 to −11.43 with an average magma oxidation state of FMQ-0.29, which is much lower than those of Cu-Mo bearing granites in the Zhe-Gan-Wan region. Since Ehu granite was derived from partial melting of metasedimentary basement without fractional crystallization and mantle-derived magma contamination, the low oxidation state of this granite suggests that the assimilation of metasedimentary basement component may not significantly increase the oxidation state of reduced melts from asthenospheric mantle and could not generate oxidized magmas that are favorable for Cu-Mo mineralization.     

Lead and strontium isotopic evidence for crustal interaction and compositional zonation in the source regions of Pleistocene basaltic and rhyolitic magmas of the Coso volcanic field,California

The isotopic compositions of Pb and Sr in Pleistocene basalt, high-silica rhyolite, and andesitic inclusions in rhyolite of the Coso volcanic field indicate that these rocks were derived from different levels of compositionally zoned magmatic systems. The 2 earliest rhyolites probably were tapped from short-lived silicic reservoirs, in contrast to the other 36 rhyolite domes and lava flows which the isotopic data suggest may have been leaked from the top of a single, long-lived magmatic system. Most Coso basalts show isotopic, geochemical, and mineralogic evidence of interaction with crustal rocks, but one analyzed flow has isotopic ratios that may represent mantle values (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7036,²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=19.05,²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.62,²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 38.63). The (initial) isotopic composition of typical rhyolite (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7053,²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=19.29,²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 15.68,²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=39.00) is representative of the middle or upper crust. Andesitic inclusions in the rhyolites are evidently samples of hybrid magmas from the silicic/mafic interface in vertically zoned magma reservoirs. Silicic end-member compositions inferred for these mixed magmas, however, are not those of erupted rhyolite but reflect the zonation within the silicic part of the magma reservoir. The compositional contrast at the interface between mafic and silicic parts of these systems apparently was greater for the earlier, smaller reservoirs.     

Origin of zircon in jadeitite from the Nishisonogi metamorphic rocks,Kyushu, Japan

On the basis of internal structures, laser ablation U–Pb ages and trace element compositions, the origin of zircon in jadeitite in the Nishisonogi metamorphic rocks was examined. The zircon comprises euhedral zoned cores overgrown by euhedral rims. The cores contain inclusions of muscovite, quartz, albite and possibly K‐feldspar, yield ²³⁸U–²⁰⁶Pb ages of 126 ± 6 Ma (±2 SD, n = 45, MSWD = 1.0), and have Th/U ratios of 0.48–1.64. The rims contain inclusions of jadeite, yield ²³⁸U–²⁰⁶Pb ages of 84 ± 6 Ma (±2 SD, n = 14, MSWD = 1.1), and have Th/U ratios of <0.06. The cores are richer in Y, Th, Ti and rare earth elements (REEs), but the rims are richer in Hf and U. Chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the cores indicate higher Sm_N/La_N ratios, lower Yb_N/Gd_N ratios and larger positive Ce anomalies compared with those of the rims. Thus, the cores and rims have different ²³⁸U–²⁰⁶Pb ages and trace element compositions, suggesting two stages of zircon growth. Although the ²³⁸U–²⁰⁶Pb ages of the rims are consistent with the reported ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar spot‐fusion ages of matrix muscovite in the jadeitite, the ²³⁸U–²⁰⁶Pb ages of the cores are older. The mineral inclusions and high Th/U ratios in the cores are best explained by crystallization from felsic magma. Therefore, the cores are considered relicts from igneous precursor rocks. The rims surrounding the inherited cores possibly precipitated from aqueous fluids during jadeitite formation. The elevated U concentrations in the rims suggest that infiltration of external fluids was responsible for the precipitation. This study provides an example of jadeitite formation by metasomatic replacement of a protolith.     

Late crystallization of K-feldspar and the paradox of megacrystic granites

K-feldspar crystals >5 cm in greatest dimension are common in calc-alkaline granites and granodiorites worldwide. Such megacrysts are generally interpreted as having grown to large sizes early in a magma’s crystallization history while they were largely molten, owing to field relations such as megacryst alignment and megacryst-rich clusters and to crystallographic features such as zonally arranged inclusions and sawtooth Ba zoning. These features are consistent with early growth but do not require it. In contrast, experimental petrology, mineral compositions, and natural examples of partial melting of granite demonstrate that K-feldspar is typically the last major phase to crystallize and that most K-feldspar growth occurs after the magma crosses the rheologic lock-up threshold of ~50 % crystals. The near-absence of K-feldspar phenocrysts in dacite lavas and tuffs, even in highly crystalline ones, demonstrates that natural magmas do not precipitate significant K-feldspar while they are mobile. The highly potassic compositions of megacrysts (and indeed, of K-feldspar in non-megacrystic granites as well) require exsolution of albite component down to temperatures of ~400 °C. The low Ca contents of megacrysts cannot result from exsolution of anorthite and must represent recrystallization of the crystals at low temperature. These mineralogical and experimental constraints require that K-feldspar megacrysts indicate widespread and thorough recrystallization of the host granites and granodiorites.     

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

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

Origin of complex zoning in olivine from diverse,diamondiferous kimberlites and tectonic settings: Ekati (Canada), Alto Paranaiba (Brazil) and Kaalvallei (South Africa)

Olivine in kimberlites can provide unique insights into magma petrogenesis, because it is the most abundant xenocrystic phase and a stable magmatic product over most of the liquid line of descent. In this study we examined the petrography and chemistry of olivine in kimberlites from different tectonic settings, including the Slave craton, Canada (Ekati: Grizzly, Koala), the Brasilia mobile belt (Limpeza-18, Tres Ranchos-04), and the Kaapvaal craton, South Africa (Kaalvallei: Samada, New Robinson). Olivine cores display a wide range of compositions (e.g., Mg# = 78–95). The similarity in olivine composition, resorption of core zones and inclusions of mantle-derived phases, indicates that most olivine cores originated from the disaggregation of mantle peridotites, including kimberlite-metasomatised lithologies (i.e. sheared lherzolites and megacrysts). Olivine rims typically show a restricted range of Mg#, with decreasing Ni and increasing Mn and Ca contents, a characteristic of kimberlitic olivine worldwide. The rims host inclusions of groundmass minerals, which implies crystallisation just before and/or during emplacement. There is a direct correlation between olivine rim composition and groundmass mineralogy, whereby high Mg/Fe rims are associated with carbonate-rich kimberlites, and lower Mg/Fe rims are correlated with increased phlogopite and Fe-bearing oxide mineral abundances. There are no differences in olivine composition between explosive (Grizzly) and hypabyssal (Koala) kimberlites. Olivine in kimberlites also displays transitional zones and less common internal zones, between cores and rims. The diffuse transitional zones exhibit intermediate compositions between cores and rims, attributed to partial re-equilibration of xenocrystic cores with the ascending kimberlite melt. In contrast, internal zones form discrete layers with resorbed margins and restricted Mg# values, but variable Ni, Mn and Ca concentrations, which indicates a discrete crystallization event from precursor kimberlite melts at mantle depths. Overall, olivine exhibits broadly analogous zoning in kimberlites worldwide. Variable compositions for individual zones relate to different parental melt compositions rather than variations in tectonic setting or emplacement mechanism.

     

Tectonic Subdivision of Dabie Orogenic Belt,Central China：Evidence from Pb Isotope Geochemistry of Late Mesozoic Basalts

It has long been debated that the Dabie orogenic belt belongs to the North China or Yangtze craton. In recent years, eastern China has been suggested, based on the Pb isotopic compositions of Phanerozoic ore and Mesozoic granitoid K-feldspar (revealing the crust Pb) in combination with Meso-Cenozoic basalts (revealing the mantle Pb), being divided into the North China and Yangtze Pb isotopic provinces, where the crust and mantle of the Yangtze craton are characterized by more radiogenic Pb. In this sense, previous researchers suggested that the pro-EW-trending Dabie crogenic belt with less radiogenic Pb in the crust was part of the North China craton. In this paper, however, the Late Cretaceous basalts in the central and southern parts of the Dabie orogenic belt are characterized by some more radiogenic Pb (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=17.936−18.349,²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.500−15.688,²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.399−38.775) and a unique U-Th-Pb trace element system similar to those of the Yangtze craton, showing that the Mesozoic mantle is of the Yangtze type. In addition, the decoupled Pb isotopic compositions between crust and mantle were considerably derived from their rheological inhomogeneity, implying a complicated evolution of the Dabie orogenic belt. The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 49794043) and the Open Laboratory of Constitution, Interaction and Dynamics of the Crust-Mantle System, China.     

Signatures of the source for the Emeishan flood basalts in the Ertan area： Pb isotope evidence

The Emeishan flood basalts can be divided into high-Ti (HT) basalt (Ti/Y>500) and low-Ti (LT) basalt (Ti/Y<500). Sr, Nd isotopic characteristics of the lavas indicate that the LT- and the HT-type magmas originated from distinct mantle sources and parental magmas. The LT-type magma was derived from a shallower lithospheric mantle, whereas the HT-type magma was derived from a deeper mantle source that may be possibly a mantle plume. However, few studies on the Emeishan flood basalts involved their Pb isotopes, especially the Ertan basalts. In this paper, the authors investigated basalt samples from the Ertan area in terms of Pb isotopes, in order to constrain the source of the Emeishan flood basalts. The ratios of 206Pb/204Pb (18.31–18.41), 207Pb/204Pb (15.55–15.56) and 208Pb/204Pb (38.81–38.94) are significantly higher than those of the depleted mantle, just lying between EM I and EM II. This indicates that the Emeishan HT basalts (in the Ertan area) are the result of mixing of EMI end-member and EMII end-member.