The Stability of Hercynite and Hercynite-Gahnite Spinels in Corundum- or Quartz-Bearing Assemblages

The equilibrium 3FeAl₂O₄ + 3Al₂SiO₃ = 5 Al₂O₃ (1) has been calibrated in the piston-cylinder apparatus. Experimentswere carried out using well-calibrated NaCl furnace assembliesand Ag₈₀Pd₂₀ capsules with oxygen fugacity buffered at or neariron–w?stite. The equilibrium is located at less than7?2 kb at 85O?C and between 8?0 and 8?2, 10?0 and 10?5, and12?0 and 12?2 kb at 900, 1000, and 1100?C, respectively. Experimentshave also been conducted to determine the effect of gahnite(ZnAl₂O₄) component in spinel on equilibrium (1). Graphite capsuleswere used with oxygen fugacity buffered at or near graphite-CO-CO₂.The addition of zinc displaces the reaction to higher pressures.For hercyniteg₈₆-gahnite₁₄, the equilibrium is located between9?4 and 9?6 and 12?7 and 13?0kb at 900 and 1050?C, respectively.For hercynite₇₀-gahnite₃₀, the equilibrium is located between10?8 and 11?0 and 15?4 and 15?6 kb at 900 and 1050?C, respectively.The results indicate that hercynite-gahnite solutions are somewhatnon-ideal (W_G = +6?54 kJ/mol at 900?Q assuming a symmetric regularsolution model. A thermobarometer based on equilibrium (1) is applicable inhigh-grade metapelitic rocks. Pressure/temperature estimatesusing this equilibrium agree with other well-calibrated thermometersand barometers. Failure of equilibrium (1) to intersect the equilibrium 3 FeAl₂O₄ + 5 SiO₂ = Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ + 2 Al₂SiO₅ (2) indicates that the equilibrium corundum + quartz = sillimaniteis metastable at all pressures and temperatures. This impliesthat co-occurrences of corundum and quartz in granulites aremetastable.     

Extremely radiogenic hafnium in the zircons from Precambrian calciphyres

Doklady Earth Sciences -     

Carbon and sulfur isotopes in Precambrian sediments from the Canadian Shield

Carbon and sulfur isotope ratios have been determined for more than 200 samples of Precambrian graphitic and sulfidic metasediments from the Superior and Churchill Provinces of Canada. The sediments were deposited in small sedimentary basins related to various Canadian greenstone belts. The age of the Archean samples is approximately 2.7 Ga., the Proterozoic samples about 1.8 Ga.,

The Archean organic material shows C isotope values between −47 and −15%. vs. PDB. The Proterozoic metasediments show a smaller range, with δ¹³C between −30 and −17%.,

A few carbonate samples yielded C isotopic compositions between −5.9 and −4.7%.,

Associated iron sulfides have δ³⁴S-values ranging from −6 to +8%., which are consistent with isotopic fractionation effects either by inorganic or bacterial reactions in the sedimentary sulfur cycle.

The great variability of organic C isotopic composition, especially in the late Archean, although affected by extensive postdepositional alteration, might indicate differences in the environmental conditions and/or the organic content of these sedimentary basins. Some extremely ¹³C-depleted organic carbon values support a global occurrence of environments likely dominated by methanotrophic organisms at the end of the Archean.     

A Precambrian core sample from the Altiplano/Bolivia

Drilling in the Bolivian Altiplano discovered the Precambrian basement at 2.744 m of depth, Paleozoic strata lacking. The core is composed of hornblende meta-granite (hornblende granoblastite), in the upper part of biotite meta-granite (biotite granoblastite). Radiometric dating provides evidence for a Grenvillian magmatic or anatectic rock formation (1.050±100 my) and a later metamorphic event of 530±30 my in age.

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Zusammenfassung In einem Bohraufschluß vom Altiplano in Bolivien wurde in 2.744 m Teufe unter tertiärer und kretazischer Bedeckung das präkambrische Basement angetroffen. Der präkambrische Bohrkern besteht teils aus Hornblende-Meta-Granit (Hornblende-Kalifeldspat-Quarz-Plagioklas-Gneis), teils aus Biotit-Meta-Granit (Biotit-Kalifeldspat-Quarz-Plagioklas-Gneis). Nach Rb-Sr Datierung dürfte das Bildungsalter etwa 1.050±100 my betragen, eine Aufheizungsperiode um 530±30 my ist nach K-Ar Analyse zu vermuten.

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Résumé Lors d'un forage dans l'Altiplano bolivien le substratum précambrien a été rencontré à une profondeur de 2.744 m. La couverture sédimentaire comprend des couches tertiaires et crétaciques. La carotte précambrienne se compose d'un micro-granite gneissique de l'assemblage hornblende — feldspath potassique — quartz — plagioclase et d'un microgranite gneissique de biotite — feldspath potassique — quartz — plagioclase. L'âge de constitution de la roche est d'après l'analyse Rb-Sr de 1.050 ± 100 my. L'analyse K-Ar laisse supposer une transformation métamorphique de 530 ± 30 my.

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- , 2744 . — ( - -- —, - (- -- -). - 1050 ± 100 , , - , 530 ± 30 .

     

Highly ordered monoclinic K-feldspars from Haut Boréon anatexites,Argentera Massif,Maritime Alps

Summary In microperthitic alkali feldspars from the Haut Boréon anatexites in the Argentera Massif, Maritime Alps, the dominant K-rich phases are devoid of grid twinning but usually show weak uneven extinction. They consist of monoclinic forms characterized by (a) highly ordered Si,Al distributions in theT-sites, (b) weak but systematic residual strain due to coherency with the exsolved Na-rich phase, and (c) not very pure compositions ranging from 0.85 to 0.88 mole fraction KAlSi₃O₈. Weak triclinic peaks in X-ray powder patterns and the evidence of incipient formation of M-twinning and the diagonal association in single-crystal X-ray photographs indicate that the dominant monoclinic K-rich phases have undergone a partial transformation into triclinic material. The microperthites investigated appear to be the expression of a relatively rapid thermal history which started and terminated at temperatures higher than those experienced by the microperthites from the Mt. Pélago anatexites, which are exposed to the West of the Haut Boréon anatexites.

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Monokline K-Feldspäte mit hohem Ordnungsgrad aus Anatexiten des Haut Boréon, Argentera Massiv Seealpen

Zusammenfassung In den mikroperthitischen Alkalifeldspäten der Anatexite des Haut Boréon im Argentera Massiv (Seealpen) zeigen die vorherrschenden monoklinen Phasen keine Zwillingsgitterung, aber gewöhnlich schwach unregelmäßige Auslöschung. Sie bestehen aus monoklinem Kali-feldspat, der 1, durch eine weitgehend geordnete Si,Al-Verteilung auf denT-Positionen, 2. durch schwache aber systematische Spannungen, welche durch die Kohärenz mit der entmischten Na-reichen Phase verursacht sind, und 3, durch eine nicht sehr scharfe Zusammensetzung, die von 0,85 bis 0,88 Molenbruch KAlSi₃O₈ schwankt, charakterisiert ist. Schwache trikline Maxima in den Röntgen-Pulverdiagrammen sowie der Hinweis auf beginnende M-Verzwilligung und diagonale Assoziation in Röntgen-Einkristallaufnahmen weisen darauf hin, daß die vorherrschenden monoklinen Phasen partiell in triklines Material umgewandelt wurden. Die untersuchten Mikroperthite scheinen eine relativ rasche thermische Geschichte zu widerspiegeln, die bei höheren Temperaturen begann und endete als jene, welche die westlich des Haut Boréon aufgeschlossenen Anatexite des Mt. Pélago erlitten.

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With 6 Figures     

Linnaeite from the Precambrian Raipas group of Finnmark,Norway

The previously described minerals of the linnaeite series occuring in the Borras and Raipas deposits near Alta, Finnmark, have been re-examined, mainly with the help of the electron microprobe. — As an introduction, a survey is made of the chemistry of the linnaeite series from published data and a new diagram is presented to show the relative variations of the four possible metallic elements. — The analyses confirm the respective chemical natures of the linnaeites from the two deposits and show a rather even chemistry within each deposit. Individual grains show inhomogeneities in element contents from outsides to centres and the forms of the inhomogeneities appear to vary depending on the relative abundance of the element concerned. The most abundant element in each case is relatively depleted in a very narrow outer zone or rim, whereas the minor elements show a more gradually diminishing (often irregular) content from grain boundary to centre. The intermediate elements show varying forms of distribution. The rim zones in the case of the major elements may be the result of diffusion out into the surrounding minerals, whereas the minor element distribution is possibly a primary one related to the growth of the linnaeite grains. — Results from one large, fractured linnaeite grain in the Raipas ore indicate considerable replacement by bornite along the internal fractures, though not at the original grain boundaries.

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Zusammenfassung Die früher beschriebenen Mineralien der Linneit-Serie, die in den Lagerstätten Borras und Raipas in der Nähe von Alta, Finnmark, vorkommen, wurden erneut untersucht, besonders mit der Elektronen-Mikrosonde. — Zunächst wird eine Übersicht der Daten über die Chemie der Linneit-Serie gegeben und ein neues Diagramm konstruiert, um die Variationsbreiten der vier metallischen Elemente von Linneit zu zeigen. — Die Analysen bestätigen die chemische Zusammensetzung der Linneite von den zwei Vorkommen, und zeigen eine weitgehende Übereinstimmung innerhalb jedes Vorkommens. Die Einzelkörner weisen Inhomogenitäten in der Elementverteilung vom Rand zur Mitte auf und ihre Form scheint mit der relativen Häufigkeit der betreffenden Elemente zu variieren. Das häufigste Element ist in jedem Fall in einer schmalen äußeren Zone relativ verarmt, während die untergeordneten Elemente eine mehr stufenweise Abnahme von Korngrenze bis Zentrum zeigen. Die intermediären Elemente zeigen wechselnde Verteilungsformen. Im Fall der Hauptelemente mag die verarmte äußere Zone ein Ergebnis von Diffusion in die umgebenden Mineralien sein, wogegen die Verteilung der untergeordneten Elemente möglicherweise primär, also an das Wachstum der Linneitkörner geknüpft ist. — Untersuchungen an einem großen aufgespaltenen Linneit-Korn aus dem Raipas-Erz deuten auf beträchtliche Verdrängungen durch Bornit entlang den inneren Spaltrissen, nicht aber entlang den ursprünglichen Korngrenzen.

     

大别山西段含蓝闪石-蓝晶石榴辉岩的相平衡研究

目前对于大别山西段超高压榴辉岩仍存在一些不清楚的问题和模糊的认识,如蓝闪石和蓝晶石组合的稳定范围,峰期温压条件和矿物组合,以及早期退变质过程的矿物演化和流体作用.本文对取自大别山西段新县高压-超高压榴辉岩单元内不同地点的超高压榴辉岩样品进行了详细的岩石学和矿物学研究,在此基础上使用相平衡定量分析方法的PT视剖面图对它们进行了正演模拟计算,结果表明含蓝闪石和蓝晶石榴辉岩处于相对低温或低压的蓝闪石榴辉岩和相对高温高压的蓝晶石榴辉岩的过渡区,其稳定的温压范围大致为温度590～700 ℃,压力1.7～3.3 GPa,而且压力大于2.5 GPa时温度范围很窄,为600～640 ℃.由石榴石边缘成分和PT视剖面图确定的榴辉岩峰期温压条件为压力2.85～2.95 GPa和温度625～630 ℃,峰期矿物组合为石榴石+绿辉石+蓝闪石+蓝晶石+硬柱石+柯石英±多硅白云母.峰期之后,榴辉岩经历了快速近等温降压(ITD)的早期高压退变质作用,这是一个非平衡过程,所发生的主要变化如下柯石英→石英,硬柱石→黝帘石+蓝晶石,在相对富镁岩石中出现滑石,当水含量较高时可以出现钠云母,蓝闪石在原来基础上有一定量的生长,并且绿辉石和多硅白云母很可能只部分地发生了成分变化,而石榴石几乎未发生改变.这样形成了目前观察到的矿物组成为石榴石+绿辉石+蓝闪石+蓝晶石+黝帘石/绿帘石+石英±多硅白云母±钠云母±滑石,它代表了UHP榴辉岩在早期高压退变质阶段结束时所具有的矿物组成,这一阶段结束时的温压条件大致为2.0～2.2 GPa和600～630 ℃;早期高压退变质阶段是脱水过程,流体是内部缓冲的.     

Microfossils from the Lower Kundelungu (Late Precambrian) of Zambia

Lower Kundelungu black argillites and silty dolomicrites from the Ndola area contain a rich microfossil assemblage, of which several forms can be attributed to the form-genus Fibularix Pflug, 1965. The same assemblage has also been found in fine-grained, mildly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks from Kalengwa and Karibarembi (North-Western Province). These findings support the Kundelungu correlation of the Kalengwa and Karibarembi successions.Three new species of Fibularix are described and illustrated. Seven types of sphaeromorphs are described and illustrated, though treated informally. Some sphaeromorphs are detached parts of Fibularix chains.The Lower Kundelungu microfossils resemble very closely some palynomorphs that occur in the Brioverian (Late Precambrian) of France, in the Libby Formation (Belt) of the northwestern United States, and in other formations of Late Precambrian age.     

A Precambrian fayalite granite from the south coast of Western Australia

A Precambrian fayalite granite outcropping at Lower King, near Albany, Western Australia, is interpreted as a high-Fe²⁺/(Fe²⁺ + Mg) analogue of charnockite. Calculation of the original titanomagnetite composition from analytical data on ilmenomagnetite ‘exsolution’ intergrowths suggests initial crystallisation of opaque oxides at about 940°C and 10^?12 bars f_o2. This result indicates a magmatic origin for the rock. Other determinable points on the T-f_o2 cooling curve of the fayalite granite pluton include crystallisation of biotite at roughly 800–820°C and 10^?14.5 bars f_o2, and final equilibration of opaque oxides below 550°C and 10^?23 bars f_o2. Mineralogical data on nearby granulite facies country rocks suggest a regional total pressure of roughly 5 kb, and hence the depth of pluton emplacement was probably around 18–19 km. Thus the Lower King fayalite granite is believed to have crystallised from water-deficient, high-T melt or partial melt generated, possibly from metasedimentary rocks, deep in the crust under granulite facies conditions.     

Sequence stratigraphy of the Precambrian

The method of sequence stratigraphy requires the application of the same workflow and principles irrespective of the age of strata under analysis. In that respect, its application to Precambrian successions is similar to the approach used for Phanerozoic case studies. Differences, however, are recorded in terms of the preservation potential and the amount of data available for analysis; the rates and intensities of the allogenic controls on sedimentation; the environmental conditions and related physical processes; and the evolution of competing groups of organisms and associated biogenic processes. The combined effect of these contrasting aspects accounts for differences in the architecture of depositional sequences, particularly with respect to the relative contributions of various systems tracts to the makeup of a sequence.

The application of sequence stratigraphy to Precambrian basins has considerably enlarged the perspective on the fundamental principles governing the processes of sedimentary basin formation and the mechanisms controlling stratigraphic cyclicity in the rock record. These first-order principles are perhaps the most important contribution of Precambrian research to sequence stratigraphy. At the broader scale of Earth's geological history, the tectonic regimes governing the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins are shown to have been much more erratic in terms of nature and rates than originally inferred solely from the study of the Phanerozoic record. This provides important clues with respect to the criteria that should be involved in the hierarchy system of classification of stratigraphic sequences and bounding surfaces.     

Evolution of a kyanite-bearing belt within a HT-LP orogen: the case of NW Variscan Iberia

Kyanite replaces andalusite in a belt of Ordovician and Silurian pelitic rocks that form a narrow synform pinched between high-grade antiforms in NW Variscan Iberia. Kyanite occurs across the belt in Al-rich, black pelites in assemblages I: kyanite–chloritoid–chlorite–muscovite and II: kyanite–staurolite– chlorite–muscovite. In I, kyanite occurs in the matrix and in kyanite–muscovite aggregates that pseudomorph earlier andalusite porphyroblasts. The aggregates are found across the belt and can still be recognized in assemblage II and even in III: andalusite–staurolite–biotite–muscovite, this latter being a hornfelsic Silurian schist where kyanite is relic and staurolite occurs in the matrix, and is resorbed inside new massive pleochroic andalusite. KFMASH and MnKFMASH pseudosections have been constructed using Thermocalc for Al-rich and Al-poorer compositions from the belt. Chloritoid zoning in Al-rich rocks containing assemblage I, plus chloritoid–chlorite thermometry complemented with garnet–chlorite thermometry in Al-poorer lithologies, mean that the path is one of increasing pressure and temperature. Conditions prior to assemblage I, with earlier andalusite stable, are those of the andalusite–chloritoid– chlorite field as testified by chloritoid enclosed in andalusite porphyroblast rims. The passage from assemblage I to II implies a prograde path within the kyanite field. Assemblage III represents peak conditions, indicating a prograde staurolite-consuming reaction across a KFMASH field, leading eventually to a locally found andalusite–biotite–muscovite hornfels. The lowest pressure stages are recorded by cordierite–biotite in Al-poor pelites. Garnet-bearing MnKFMASH assemblages in Al-poorer pelites record conditions similar to assemblages II and III. The replacement of andalusite by kyanite in assemblage I is attributed to downdragging of andalusite-bearing rocks into a synform as testified by the strained andalusite porphyroblasts affected by a subvertical crenulation cleavage. Prograde metamorphism in the eastern contact of the belt is due to heat transferred to the belt from the ascending high grade antiform across the Vivero fault.     

Sequence stratigraphy of the Precambrian

The method of sequence stratigraphy requires the application of the same workflow and principles irrespective of the age of strata under analysis. In that respect, its application to Precambrian successions is similar to the approach used for Phanerozoic case studies. Differences, however, are recorded in terms of the preservation potential and the amount of data available for analysis; the rates and intensities of the allogenic controls on sedimentation; the environmental conditions and related physical processes; and the evolution of competing groups of organisms and associated biogenic processes. The combined effect of these contrasting aspects accounts for differences in the architecture of depositional sequences, particularly with respect to the relative contributions of various systems tracts to the makeup of a sequence.The application of sequence stratigraphy to Precambrian basins has considerably enlarged the perspective on the fundamental principles governing the processes of sedimentary basin formation and the mechanisms controlling stratigraphic cyclicity in the rock record. These first-order principles are perhaps the most important contribution of Precambrian research to sequence stratigraphy. At the broader scale of Earth's geological history, the tectonic regimes governing the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins are shown to have been much more erratic in terms of nature and rates than originally inferred solely from the study of the Phanerozoic record. This provides important clues with respect to the criteria that should be involved in the hierarchy system of classification of stratigraphic sequences and bounding surfaces.     

Geochemistry of Precambrian ophiolites from Bou Azzer,Morocco

The Upper Proterozoic ophiolite complex of Bou Azzer, Morocco, includes ultramafic rocks, cumulate gabbros, sheeted dykes, pillow lavas and diorite-quartz diorite intrusions and an overlying volcano-sedimentary sequence. The gabbroic cumulates, basaltic flows and dykes have compositions similar to recent ocean-floor rocks (N- and/or T-type). Among other features, they have comparable light REE-depleted patterns and relations of Ti-Zr and La-Nb. Although fractional crystallization played an important role in the evolution of these rocks, the large variations in their chemical compositions require generation from a heterogeneous upper mantle source and/or by a dynamic partial melting process. Diorites, quartz diorites and the volcanic rocks of the overlying sequence are calc-alkaline, genetically unrelated to the tholeiitic suite and indicative of an island arc setting. A possible tectonic model for the ophiolite complex is a marginal basin just behind a still active island arc.     

Coexisting garnets and biotites from Precambrian gneisses of the south coast of Western Australia

Garnet-biotite (-cordierite) phase relations in high-grade gneisses of the south coast of Western Australia reflect at least two metamorphic episodes. Chemical uniformity of the interiors of garnet and cordierite grains suggest thorough equilibration during a major phase of metamorphism. Narrow Mg-depleted rims on garnet grain boundaries in contact with biotite or cordierite, and complementary Mg-enriched rims on contiguous cordierites are the result of subsequent retrograde re-equilibration. The absence of reaction zoning in biotites suggests more complete retrograde modification of this mineral.Comparison between granulite and amphibolite facies garnet-biotite pairs shows that Mn contents of both minerals are higher, and Ti contents of the biotites are lower, in the lower-grade rocks. These differences, although not entirely unrelated to grade, are more directly controlled by variations in host rock chemistry and modal amounts of garnet and biotite.Partitioning of Mg, Fe²⁺ and Mn between garnet and biotite is fairly uniform, with no clear differences between granulite and amphibolite facies pairs. Application of the Mg-Fe²⁺ distributions to the geothermometers devised by Perchuk, Thompson, and Goldman & Albee yields variable T estimates of 600–680°C, 580–780°C, and 475–715°C respectively, for the main metamorphism. These estimates are low compared with the T indicated for the granulite facies rocks by other evidence (i.e. > 750°C at 5 kb P_T). The Mg-Fe²⁺ distributions between contiguous garnet-biotite rims suggest that retrograde re-equilibration occurred at least 20–140°C below the T of the main metamorphism.     

Coexisting hornblendes and biotites from Precambrian gneisses of the south coast of Western Australia

The compositions of coexisting hornblendes and biotites from amphibolite and granulite facies gneisses from the south coast of Western Australia were controlled by host rock composition, paragenesis, metamophic grade, pressure, and oxygen fugacity. The Mg/(Mg + Fe²⁺) and Mn/Fe²⁺ ratios in both minerals and possibly the Al^vi contents of the hornblendes are related to host rock compositions. Metamorphic grade appears to influence, perhaps only indirectly, the Ti, Mn, and Fe³⁺ contents of both minerals and possibly the hornblende Ca content. The higher Ti and lower Mn contents of the granulite facies hornblendes and biotites are attributed to their coexistence with pyroxenes, whereas their lower Fe³⁺/(Fe²⁺ + Fe³⁺) ratios are probably due to lower oxygen fugacity in the granulite facies environment. Grade-related colour variations in both minerals were controlled by their Ti/Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺/(Fe²⁺ + Fe³⁺ ratios. The relatively low Al^vi contents of the hornblendes suggest low- to moderate-pressure metamorphism.Variations in element distribution coefficients are related to variations in mineral compositions rather than metamorphic grade. Thus K_{D(Al^iv ?Si)} is related to the Al^iv andedenite alkali contents of the hornblendes, K_{D(Fe²⁺ ?Mg)} to the distributions of Al^iv ?Si and Al^vi + Ti + Fe³⁺, K_D(Mn) to the Mn contents of both minerals, and K_D(Al^vi) to the Al^vi contents of the biotites.     

Strontium isotopic composition of some brines from the Precambrian Shield of Canada

Twenty-four groundwater samples from seven operating mines at Sudbury, Yellow-knife and Thompson (Ontario, North West Territories and Manitoba, resp.), all from depths greater than 1 km and ranging in total dissolved solids (TDS) from 1900 to 250,000 mg l^?1, were measured for their ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Ar}$ values. Each geographic location gives a limited range in values and each location is distinct from the others. This is interpreted as the result of extensive water-rock interaction on a local scale. For most of the time, these brines were isolated and only recently have been exposed to surface water as a result of the mining operations. The extent of the isolation is shown by the contrasting isotopic values of two “pockets” of water (0.711 vs. 0.716) located on opposite sides of the same fault system on the North Range at Sudbury. The exchange at all sites probably has continued until the present, as indicated by the close agreement between water and present-day${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ whole-rock values. If so, it suggests that there is no single age for such brines, but it may be possible to date stages in the water's evolution by determining the age of secondary minerals that equilibrated with the water.     

Geochronology of Precambrian rocks in the Laramie Range and implications for the tectonic framework of Precambrian southern Wyoming

From Casper Mountain; at its northern end, to the northwestern margin of the Laramie anorthosite—syenite complex, in its central parts, the Laramie Range is underlain by granite and granitic gneiss that has a minimum age of 2.54 ± 0.04 Ga (Rb/Sr whole-rock isochron) and by metasedimentary rocks, including marble and quartzite, that appear to overlie the granitic gneiss nonconformably (minimum age: 1.7 Ga based on several horn-blende K/Ar dates). Southward from the anorthosite—syenite complex into Colorado, the Range is underlain chiefly by the Sherman Granite (1.41 Ga; Peterman and Hedge, 1968) and scattered patches of gneiss that are not dated, but are tentatively correlated wit similar gneiss in the southern Medicine Bow Mountains and in the Colorado Front Range, where they are dated as ? 1.7 Ga (Peterman and Hedge, 1968).The Laramie anorthosite—syenite complex (minimum age: ? 1.42 Ga or ? 1.51 Ga if a hornblende K/Ar date is accepted) apparently intruded the suture separating the old (? 2.5 Ga) continental edge from younger (? 1.7 Ga) geosynclinal rocks. The suture, which manifests itself as the Mullen Creek—Nash Fork shear zone in the Medicine Bow Mountains, also is the boundary between ensialic and ensimatic geosynclinal deposition that occurred during the interval 1.7–2.5 Ga ago.K/Ar dates on biotite and muscovite from rocks north of the anorthosite—syenite complex grade from 2.5 Ga on Casper Mountain down to 1.38 Ga near the complex. Near its northern tip, the Laramie Range is crossed by a geochronologic front, separating 2.5 Ga old gneiss whose K/Ar dates were not lowered by subsequent metamorphism from 2.5 Ga old gneiss whose mica dates were reset between 1.4 and 1.6 Ga ago.     

Lithological Features of Precambrian Gold-Bearing Rocks: Evidence from the Ukrainian Shield

Based on traditional petrochemical and nontraditional mineralogical methods (accessory zircon generation analysis), specific features of the primary composition of strongly metamorphosed rocks from some Early Precambrian Au-bearing rocks of the Ukrainian Shield (US) were studied. The confinement of several gold ore occurrences to primarily sedimentary Late Archean rocks of the Ukrainian Shield has been established and the possibility of their chemogenic origin is considered. The joint analysis of plicative tectonics and metamorphism facies in the study area demonstrated that Au-bearing primarily sedimentary (chemogenic) rocks of the Khashchevatoe–Zaval'ev Formation of the Bug Group (AR₂) are confined to amphibolite-facies domains within tectonic (high-order synform) structures with a significant gold potential.