Origin and metamorphic history of an Early Cretaceous polybaric granulite terrain,Fiordland, southwest New Zealand

Regionally extensive two-pyroxene granulites in Fiordland, southwest New Zealand, are products of metamorphism of a suite of anhydrous magmas which crystallized two pyroxenes. The granulite protolith (igneous charnockitic rock) synkinematically intruded metasediment and other orthogneiss in an Early Cretaceous subduction-related magmatic arc, and during cooling experienced deformation-induced recrystallization to form granoblastic gneiss. The granulites occur side by side with coeval rocks of amphibolite facies. Mineral zoning and textural relationships in both granulites and amphibolite facies rocks provide evidence of two distinct periods of crystallization: 1) an early high temperature, comparatively low pressure event accompanying magmatic intrusion (andalusite-sillimanite facies series recorded locally in the country rock), followed by 2) high pressure metamorphism under conditions of 650°–700° C at 12–13 kbar. Garnet granulite locally overprinted earlier formed two-pyroxene granulite during the latter event. The pressure increase (6 kbar) between the two events is attributed to crustal thickening by overthrusting, and is equivalent to unloading of a 20 km thick slab over rocks already buried at mid-crustal depths. Both events occurred over a < 20 m.y. interval, between the time of magmatic emplacement of the granulite protolith and uplift-controlled final cooling of the terrain. The Phanerozoic granulites in Fiordland share some petrologic similarities with Precambrian granulite terrains, suggesting that at least some aspects of the former may serve as a useful model for development of the latter.     

Lu–Hf and geochemical systematics of recycled ancient oceanic crust: evidence from Roberts Victor eclogites

Eclogites from the Roberts Victor mine, Kaapvaal craton are classic examples of subducted Achaean oceanic crust brought up as xenoliths by kimberlite. New in situ trace element and oxygen isotope data (¹⁸O=3.09–6.99 SMOW) presented here reemphasise their origin from seawater-altered plagioclase-rich precursors. Their Hf–Nd isotopic compositions are not in agreement with compositions predicted by geochemical modelling of the isotopic composition of aged subducted oceanic crust. Instead, Hf isotopic compositions are very heterogeneous, varying between 0.281625 and 0.355077 (–37.8 and +2561 _Hf) at the time of kimberlite emplacement (128 Ma) in keeping with equally variable Nd isotopic compositions (0.511124–0.545092; –26.3 to +636 _Nd). However, most samples plot on the terrestrial array. The isotopic compositions of some samples are too extreme to play a major role in mixed peridotite-eclogite melting in basalt source regions, whereas the isotopic composition of other samples is reconcilable with a contribution of up to ca. 15% of eclogite partial melt to the MORB source. Most importantly, our results show that ancient subducted oceanic crust is not isotopically homogeneous and should not be treated as a component or reservoir during geochemical modelling. The heterogeneity reflects radiogenic in-growth starting from small compositional heterogeneities in gabbroic protoliths, followed by modification during sea-floor alteration, subduction and emplacement into the subcratonic lithosphere.     

Sulfur isotope ratios of Icelandic rocks

Sulfur isotope ratios have been determined in 27 selected volcanic rocks from Iceland together with their whole rock chemistry. The ³⁴S of analyzed basalts ranges from –2.0 to +0.4 with an average value of –0.8 Tholeiitic and alkaline rocks exhibit little difference in ³⁴S values but the intermediate and acid rocks analyzed have higher ³⁴S values up to +4.2 It is suggested that the overall variation in sulfur isotope composition of the basalts is caused by degassing. The small range of the ³⁴S values and its similarity to other oceanic and continental basalts, suggest that the depleted mantle is homogeneous in its sulfur isotope composition. The ³⁴S of the depleted mantle is estimated to be within the range for undegassed oceanic basalts, –0.5 to +1.0     

A preliminary study of D/H ratios of chlorites

Chemistry dependence of D of chlorites is inferred from data for natural chlorites. D of water equilibrated with those chlorites is estimated to be –2–8.     

Nd and Sr isotopic systematics of central Australian granulites: chronology of crustal development and constraints on the evolution of lower continental crust

Nd and Sr isotopic data are reported for a granulite terrain in the Proterozoic Arunta Block of Central Australia. Sm-Nd data from a wide range of rock types define a crust formation age of 2,070±125 Ma and provide further evidence for voluminous crustal growth in the Proterozoic. An _Nd value of +1.5±0.8 indicates a depleted mantle source for this crustal segment and there is no evidence for a large component of significantly older sialic crust. Field relationships, geochemistry and Rb-Sr data for mafic and felsic granulites indicate that intracrustal differentiation and polyphase deformation were followed by granulite facies metamorphism (Rb depletion) at 1,800 Ma. Rb-Sr data for strongly retrogressed granulites define an age of 1,700 Ma which is interpreted as the time of retrograde biotite growth. Partial melting at the presently exposed crustal level and anatexis at deeper crustal levels were broadly coeval with the retrograde metamorphism. Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic systematics of minerals indicate that the terrain cooled slowly, did not experience significant uplift until 1,000 Ma and remained at temperatures above 320° C until the late Palaeozoic. The mineral data are consistent with geological relationships and petrological evidence for a prolonged period of isobaric cooling followed by uplift late in the metamorphic evolution of the terrain. The granulite protoliths appear to have formed in a rift which closed within 280 Ma of initial separation. Deformation and granulite facies metamorphism at 1,800 Ma are interpreted to be a consequence of collision between the continental blocks which defined the rift. Regional retrogression and granitoid magmatism at 1,700 Ma are attributed to underthrusting of the granulites by lower grade rocks in the final stages of collision. Subsequent events in the cooling and uplift history appear to have been controlled by the presence of long-lived major faults in the crust and a prolonged history of episodic compression in the continental lithosphere. The results of this study suggest that granulite terrains, in general, cannot be equated with lower continental crust but instead represent assemblages of (mainly) supracrustal rocks which in some instances have been involved in major collision events.Abbreviations Opx orthopyroxene - Cpx clinopyroxene - Plag plagioclase - Hb hornblende - Ox opaque oxide - Bi biotite - Ap apatite - Zir zircon - Gt garnet - 2°CA secondary clinoamphibole - Qtz quartz - Ol olivine - Sp spinel - Se serpentine - Ep epidote - Kf alkali feldspar - Mz monazite - Sph sphene - Sill sillimanite - Rut rutile - Cd cordierite - Sphal sphalerite - Ms muscovite - Act actinolite - Cc calcite - Scap scapolite - Cor corundum - Xen xenotime - Sapph sapphirine - Ged gedrite - All allanite - Clh clinohumite - Dol dolomite - Mt magnetite - Ghn gahnite - Gal galena     

Metamorphoseentwicklung in der südlichen Bunten Serie am Beispiel einiger Gneise,Moldanubikum, Niederösterreich

Zusammefassung Gneise aus dem südhchen Teil der Bunten Serie wurden im Hinblick auf ihre Metamorphoseentwicklung untersucht. Sie gehören allgemein dem FaziestypBi+Sil+Kfs+Gr an. Die Granate weisen alle für diesen Faziestyp charakteristischen Merkmale auf: weitgehende Homogenisierung durch Diffusion und Abkühlungserscheinungen am äußeren Rand. Ca- und Mn-reiche, reliktische Kerne mancher Granate weisen auf ein älteres Ereignis hin. Paragenetische Beziehungen und T- und P-Berechnungen ergeben folgende Bedingungen für die Hauptmetamorphose: 720–770°C bei 7–9 kbar und P_tot.Dieses metamorphe Ereignis dürfte sich mit der granulitfaziellen Metamorphose in der Gföhler Einheit korrelieren lassen. Somit wird der Wert der lithologischen Kriterien, die zur Ausscheidung der Bunten Serie und der Gföhler Einheit verwendet wurden, in Frage gestellt. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse und Literaturdaten weisen auf eine jüngere, retrograde Wiederaufwärmung der Gesteine hin.

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Gneisses from the Moldanubikum, Lower Austria, and the Metamorphic Evolution of the Southern Bunte Serie

Summary A number of gneisses from the southern part of the Bunte Serie have been studied in order to determine the metamorphic evolution of this series. They all belong to the paragenetic facies typeBi+Sil+Kfs+Gr. Especially the garnets of these rocks exhibit all typical features of garnets from high temperature facies types: diffusional homogenization throughout the garnet and cooling patterns at the outer rim. Ca and Mn richer, relic cores in some garnets indicate an early metamorphism. Paragenetic and textural relations as well as temperature and pressure calculations suggest, the following conditions of the main metamorphism: 720–770°C at 7–9 kbar and P_tot.This metamorphism probably correlates with the granulite facies metamorphism in the Gföhler unit. Therefore lithologic criteria may not suffice to distinguish between the Bunte Serie and the Gföhler. The data presented suggest a retrogressive, younger metamorphism of the rocks.

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Mit 4 Abbildungen     

Late Archean metamorphism in the Buksefjorden region,Southwest Greenland

Standard state thermodynamic data extracted from experimental studies and applied to mineral assemblages in orthogneisses, metasedimentary gneisses and metabasites show that conditions of late Archean (2,850 m.y.) upper amphibolite facies were P _solid7.0 kb, T630° C, and rose to P _solid10.5 kb, T810° C in adjacent granulite facies. The estimates of solid pressure for the granulite facies suggest a late Archean crustal thickness of ca. 35 km, comparable to present day continental crust. Upper amphibolite facies assemblages were in equilibrium with about one half P _solid, while granulite assemblages equilibrated at much lower , varying from about one tenth P _solid in quartzofeldspathic gneisses to one third P _solid in more basic layers.     

Changes in stable isotope ratios of metapelites and marbles during regional metamorphism,Mount Lofty Ranges,South Australia: implications for crustal scale fluid flow

The Mount Lofty Ranges comprises interlayered marbles, metapsammites, and metapelites that underwent regional metamorphism during the Delamarian Orogeny at 470–515 Ma. Peak metamorphic conditions increased from lowermost biotite grade (350–400°C) to migmatite grade (700°C) over 50–55 km parallel to the lithological strike of the rocks. With increasing metamorphic grade, ¹⁸O values of normal metapelites decrease from 14–16 to as low as 9.0, while ¹⁸O values of calcite in normal marbles decrease from 22–24 to as low as 13.2 These isotopic changes are far greater than can be accounted for by devolatilisation, implying widespread fluid-rock interaction. Contact metamorphism appears not to have affected the terrain, suggesting that fluid flow occurred during regional metamorphism. Down-temperature fluid flow from synmetamorphic granite plutons (¹⁸O=8.4–8.6) that occur at the highest metamorphic grades is unlikely to explain the resetting of oxygen isotopes because: (a) there is a paucity of skarns at granite-metasediment contacts; (b) the marbles generally do not contain low-XCO₂ mineral assemblages; (c) there is insufficient granite to provide the required volumes of water; (d) the marbles and metapelites retain a several permil difference in ¹⁸O values, even at high metamorphic grades. The oxygen isotope resetting may be accounted for by along-strike up-temperature fluid flow during regional metamorphism with time-integrated fluid fluxes of up to 5x10⁹ moles/m² (10⁵ m³/m²). If fluid flow occurred over 10⁵–10⁶ years, estimated intrinsic permeabilities are 10^-20 to 10^-16m². Variations in ¹⁸O at individual outcrops suggest that time-integrated fluid fluxes and intrinsic permeabilities may locally have varied by at least an order of magnitude. A general increase in XCO₂ values of marble assemblages with metamorphic grade is also consistent with the up-temperature fluid-flow model. Fluids in the metapelites may have been derived from these rocks by devolatilisation at low metamorphic grades; however, fluids in the marbles were probably derived in part from the surrounding siliceous rocks. The marble-metapelite boundaries preserve steep gradients in both ¹⁸O and XCO₂ values, suggesting that across-strike fluid fluxes were much lower than those parallel to strike. Up-temperature fluid flow may also have formed orthoamphibole rocks and caused melting of the metapelites at high grades.This paper is a contribution to IGCP Project 304 Lower Crustal Processes     

Fluid controlled eclogitization of granulites in deep crustal shear zones,Bergen arcs,Western Norway

During the Caledonian orogeny large parts of the western margin of the Baltic shield were disrupted, sliced and stacked. Caledonian deformation resulted in a massif thickening of the continental crust. Mafic granulites and granulite facies meta-anorthosites build up a large portion of the Bergen Arcs terrane in southwestern Norway. The rocks represent typical Precambrian continental lower crust. These rocks experienced extensive eclogitization in response to stacking and crustal thickening during the Caledonian orogenic cycle. Eclogite formation resulted from shear deformation and associated infiltration of H₂O-rich fluids (X _H2O0.75). During an early stage, eclogite facies mineralogy formed in extension fractures (veins). The veins are probably related to hydraulic fracture systems which transported the inferred fluid phase. During the main stage, eclogitization occurred along shear zones ranging from centimeters to tens of meters in thickness. Eclogite forming reactions are shown to consume H₂O, alkalies and to release SiO₂. Much of the SiO₂ released by the eclogitization process can be found in late quartz vein systems. The eclogitization took place at a temperature of about 700°C and a pressure between 18 and 21 kbar. Fluid infiltration was supported by a decrease in rock volume during reaction (V _solids<0). The negative volume change of reaction occurs despite that the process of eclogitization involves hydration reactions. The formation of eclogite from granulite produces approximately 15 KJ heat per 100 cm³ original granulite. Numerical modeling of the regional temperature effects associated with partial hydration of the lower crust suggests that these processes may not cause large perturbations on the geotherm. Both, transport of heat and matter by advection of the fluid phase is negligible on a regional scale.     

The sulfur and carbon isotope composition of scapolite-rich granulites from southern Tanzania

Sulfur and carbon isotope data are presented of 15 granulite samples from the Furua Complex, southern Tanzania, in which scapolite is a primary and major rock-forming constituent (up to 30 vol%). From these data, the isotopic composition is deduced of the sulfate and carbonate group in the scapolite structure. Subsequently, the composition and origin is discussed of the volatile species that are present in the deep crustal environment in which these scapolites formed.The ³⁴S-values show a narrow range from 0.3 to 3.6, consistent with a deep-seated (mantle) origin of the sulfur; the mean value of 1.9 is slightly higher than usually found in rocks of assumed mantle provenance. The results of the carbon isotope analyses are more difficult to interpret; they suggest that the granulites contain two different carbon components with different isotopic compositions. Firstly, one component, liberated by phosphoric acid at room temperature, has ¹³Cvalues between –3.8 and –11.2 and a mean value of –6.7. This carbon component is assumed to occur as finely dispersed, submicroscopic carbonate inclusions. The second carbon fraction is liberated by phosphoric acid treatment at temperatures between 200 and 400° C and has considerably lower ¹³Cvalues with a mean value of –14.1 This seems to represent the carbon isotope composition in the scapolite structure. Such low ¹³C-values do not agree with the generally accepted value of –7 for juvenile carbon, but they are comparable to those found in early, primary carbonic inclusions from various granulite regions. It is argued that these low ¹³C-values are typical for granulite-facies metamorphism and that they may characterize an important fluid phase of the lower crust.     

Criteres d'analyse géochimique des gisements de fluorine basés sur l'étude de la distribution des lanthanides — application au gite de Maine (71—Cordesse,France)

59 fluorite samples have been analysed by neutron activation for La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Yb and Lu. Two properties of the partition coefficient of the R. E. E. between fluorite and poorly complexing solutions (L. Marchand, 1976) have been used for interpretations: (R. E. E.) CaF₂/(R. E. E.)_solution are always very high so that CaF₂ records with an important magnification and without major distortion in the R. E. E. pattern from the mother solution; the partition coefficients are higher for the heavy earths than for the lighter ones. Consequently, in finite reservoirs where CaF₂ precipitates, the trend for solutions will be a gradual enrichment in ceric earths. Interpretations at different scales of the Maine hydrothermal deposit (D. Joseph, 1974) permit to emphasize: — a constant geochemical signal at the scale of a growth band of homogenous colour; — a possible characterization of the ore-forming solutions dynamic (infinite vs finite reservoirs) by comparison of successive growth bands in a same sample; — distinct source rocks for the formation blanche and formation verte.     

The crystal structure of trigonite,Pb3Mn(AsO3)2(AsO2OH)

Summary The mineral trigonite crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupPn–C _s ² witha ₀=7.26,b ₀=6.78,c ₀=11.09Å; =91.5°,Z=2. The structure was determined from 1250 X-ray intensities collected on an automatic two circle Weissenberg-type diffractometer. The final residual isR=6.5% using anisotropic temperature factors for Pb, Mn and As, and isotropic temperature factors for O.The structure consists of MnO₆ octahedra, sharing all six oxygens with arsenite groups to form a framework. The Pb atoms are attached to this framework with Pb–O distances2.23Å. One oxygen, bound only to an As atom, is interpreted as the donor for a hydrogen bond of 2.75Å.

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Die Kristallstruktur des Trigonits, Pb₃Mn(AsO₃)₂(AsO₂OH)

Zusammenfassung Das Mineral Trigonit kristallisiert monoklin, RaumgruppePn–C _s ² ,a ₀=7,26,b ₀=6,78,c ₀=11,09Å; =91,5°;Z=2. Die Strukturermittlung erfolgte anhand von 1250 Röntgenintensitäten, die auf einem automatischen Zweikreis-Weissenbergdiffraktometer gesammelt wurden. Mit anisotropen Temperaturfaktoren für Pb, Mn und As sowie isotropen für die O-Atome ergibt sich einR-Wert von 6,5%.Die MnO₆-Oktaeder werden über die sechs Sauerstoffe mit Arsenitgruppen zu einem dreidimensionalen Gerüst verknüpft. Über Pb-O-Abstände2,23 Å sind die Pb-Atome in dieses Gerüst eingebaut. Ein Sauerstoff, nur an ein As-Atom gebunden, wird als Donator einer H-Brücke von 2,75 Å interpretiert.

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With 2 Figures     

The petrology and petrogenesis of the Tertiary anorogenic mafic lavas of Southern and Central Queensland,Australia — Possible implications for crustal thickening

The Miocene-Oligocene volcanism of this region is part of the larger Tertiary volcanic province found throughout E. Australia. Within the S.E. Queensland region, the volcanism is strongly bimodal, and has emanated from six major centres, and many additional smaller centres. The mafic lavas (volumetrically dominant) range continuously from ne-normative through to Q-normative and are predominantly andesine-normative; Mg/Mg+Fe (atomic ratios range from 30–60; K₂O ranges from 0.42–2.93%, and TiO₂ from 0.81–3.6%.Phenocryst contents are low (averaging 6.7 vol.%), and comprise olivine (Fa_18–75; Cr-spinel inclusions occur locally in Mg-rich phenocrysts), plagioclase (An_25–68), and less commonly augite, which is relatively aluminous in lavas of the Springsure volcanic centre. Very rare aluminous bronzite occurs in certain Q-normative lavas. Groundmass minerals comprise augite, olivine (Fa_33–77), feldspar (ranging from labradorite through to anorthoclase and sanidine), Fe-Ti oxides, and apatite. Within many of the Q-normative lavas, extensive development of subcalcic and pigeonitic pyroxenes occurs, and also relatively rarely orthopyroxene. Mineralogically, the ne- and ol-normative lavas, and some of the Q-normative lavas are indistinguishable, and in view of the gradations in chemistry, the term hawaiite has been extended to cover these lavas. The term tholeiitic andesite is used to describe the Q-normative lavas containing Ca-poor pyroxenes as groundmass phases.Megacrysts of aluminous augite, aluminous bronzite, olivine, ilmenite, and spinel sporadically occur within the lavas, and their compositions clearly indicate that they are not derived from the Upper Mantle. Rare lherzolite xenoliths are also found.The petrogenesis of these mafic lavas is approached by application of the thermodynamic equilibration technique of Carmichael et al. (1977), utilizing three parental mineral assemblages that could have been in equilibrium with the magmas at P and T. The models are: (a) standard upper mantle mineralogy; (b) an Fe-enriched upper mantle model (Wilkinson and Binns 1977); (c) lower crust mineralogy, based on analysed megacryst compositions. The calculations suggest that these mafic magmas were not in equilibrium with either mantle model prior to eruption, but show much closer approaches to equilibrium with the lower crust model. Calculated equilibration temperatures and pressures (for the lower crust model) range from 995°–l,391° C (average 1,192), and 7.2–16.3 kb (average 12.4). These results are interpreted in terms of a model of intrusion and magma fractionation within the crust-mantle interface region, with consequent crustal underplating and thickening beneath the Tertiary volcanic regions. Some support for the latter is provided by regional isostatic gravity anomalies and physiographic considerations.     

Mesothermal gold vein mineralization of the Samdong mine,Youngdong mining district,Republic of Korea

Mesothermal gold mineralization at the Samdong mine (5.5–13.5 g/ton Au), Youngdong mining district, is situated in massive quartz veins up to 1.2 m wide which fill fault fractures within upper amphibolite to epidote-amphibolite facies, Precambrian-banded biotite gneiss. The veins are mineralogically simple, consisting of iron- and base-metal sulfides and electrum, and are associated with weak hydrothermal alteration zones (<0.5 m wide) characterized by silicification and sericitization. Fluid inclusion data and equilibrium thermodynamic interpretation of mineral assemblages indicate that the quartz veins were formed at temperatures between 425 and 190°C from relatively dilute aqueous fluids (4.5–13.8 wt. % equiv NaCl) containing variable amounts of CO₂ and CH₄. Evidence of fluid unmixing (CO₂ effervescence) during the early vein formation indicates approximate pressures of 1.3–1.9 kbars, corresponding to minimum depths of 5–7 km under a purely lithostatic pressure regime. Gold deposition occurred mainly at temperatures between 345 and 240 °C, likely due to decreases in sulfur activity accompanying fluid unmixing. The ³⁴S values of sulfide minerals (-3.0 to 5.3 ), and the measured and calculated O-H isotope compositions of ore fluids (¹⁸O = 5.7 to 7.6; = –74 to –80) indicate that mesothermal gold mineralization at the Samdong mine may have formed from dominantly magmatic hydrothermal fluids, possibly related to intrusion of the nearby ilmenite-series, Kimcheon Granite of Late Jurassic age.     

Talksynthesen im Hinblick auf semisalinare Bedingungen

Zusammenfassung Vor einigen Jahren wurde Talk als Begleitmineral in Salzlagerstän erstmalig gefunden, und zwar in den amerikanischen Salzlagerstätten in Texas und Neu-Mexiko (Balley), in dem englischen Kalisalzvorkommen bei Eskdale in Ost-Vorkshire (Stewart), sowie im Hallstätter Salzberg des alpinen Haselgebirges (Mayrhofer undSChauberger). Auch in Deutschland wurde kürzlich bei der Erdgasbohrung Frenswegen 3 im Emsland in den oberen Lagen des Zechsteinanhydritprofils ein talkantiges Mineral identifiziert (Füchtbauer undGold-Schmidt). Die drei erstgenannten Talkvorkommen zeigen in der Art des Auftretens wesentliche gemeinsame Züge, aus denen man schließen kann, daß sie in der Lagerstätte selber entstanden sind, nicht aber dadurch, daß Talk als Verunreinigung in die Lagerstätte gelangte. Bei näherer Betrachtung bietet sich die Auffassung an, daß der Talk semisalinar (Leonhardt undBerdesinski) gebildet wurde, durch die Einwirkung Mg²⁺-haltiger Reaktionslösungen auf SiO₂-haltige Substanzen, die durch Zuflüsse usw. in die Lagerstätte gelangten. Von diesen Überlegungen ausgehend war zu prüfen, ob sich Talk wirklich bildet bei der Einwirkung von Mg-Laugen auf SiO₂, und zwar bei milden Metamorphosebedingungen, d. h. bei möglichst niedriger Temperatur und niedrigem Druck, entsprechend den wahrscheinlichen Bedingungen in den Salzlagerstätten. Bei den Versuchen wurden MgCl₂-haltige und Carnallit-Lösungen verwandt und stark gealtertes SiO₂-Gel, Quarz feinkristallin, Na₂Si₂O₅ · 2H₂O und Wasserglas als Bodenkörper gewählt. Die Reaktionsprodukte wurden vorwiegend röntgenographisch nach dem Debye-Verfahren untersucht und dann mit, abnehmendem Bildungsgrad in die 3 Gruppen: 1. Talk, 2. Talkprodukt, 3. Hinbildung zum Talk bzw. nur geringe Umbildung eingestuft.Um weitere, differenziertere Aussagen machen zu können, wurden typische Proben mit einer Talkvergleichssubstanz nach der Guiniermethode mit zweigeteilter Kamera untersucht; es wurden auch chemische Analysen und Anfärbtests durchgeführt und von bestimmten Synthesebildungen die mittleren Brechungsindizes bestimmt.Versuche mit SiO₂-Gel als Bodenkörper führten bei einer Reaktionstemperatur von 150° C noch zu guten Talkprodukten. Die 100° C-Versuche sind noch nicht abgeschlossen; ihre Ergebnisse bleiben einer späteren Veröffentlichung vorbehalten. Aber ein Versuch ergab bereits eine Hinbildung zum Talk. Die Synthesen mit Quarz als Bodenkörper erforderten wesentlich längere Reaktionszeiten, führten aber auch bis herab zu 150° C zur Hinbildung zum Talk. Bei Wasserglas (gallertig-dickflüssig) und Na₂Si₂O₅ · 2 H₂O waren diese Hinbildungen bis herab zu einer Reaktionstemperatur von 135° C zu verfolgen. So kann man feststellen, daß sich SiO₂-Substanzen semisalinar, bei milden Umwandlungsbedingungen zum Talk hin umsetzen lassen.     

Stable isotope and fluid inclusion studies of gem-bearing granitic pegmatite-aplite dikes,San Diego Co., California

Late Cretaceous, granitic pegmatite-aplite dikes in southern California have been known for gem-quality minerals and as a commercial source of lithium. Minerals, whole-rock samples, and inclusion fluids from nine of these dikes and from associated wall rocks have been analyzed for their oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon isotope compositions to ascertain the origins and thermal histories of the dikes. Oxygen isotope geothermometry used in combination with thermometric data from primary fluid inclusions enabled the determination of the pressure regime during crystallization.Two groups of dikes are evident from their oxygen isotope compositions (¹⁸O_qtz+10.5 in Group A, and +8.5 in Group B). Prior to the end of crystallization, Group A pegmatites had already extensively exchanged oxygen with their wall rocks, while Group B dikes may represent a closer approximation to the original isotopic composition of the pegmatite melts. Oxygen isotope fractionations between minerals are similar in all dikes and indicate that the pegmatites were emplaced at temperatures of about 730 ° to 700 ° C. Supersolidus crystallization began with the basal aplite zone and ended with formation of quench aplite in the pocket zone, nearly to 565 ° C. Subsolidus formation of gem-bearing pockets took place over a relatively narrow temperature range of about 40 ° C (approximately 565–525 ° C). Nearly closed-system crystallization is indicated.Hornblende in gabbroic and noritic wall rocks (D_w.r. = –90 to –130) in the Mesa Grande district crystallized in the presence of, or exchanged hydrogen with, meteoric water (D –90) prior to the emplacement of the pegmatite dikes. Magmatic water was subsequently added to the wall rocks adjacent to the pegmatites.Groups A and B pegmatites cannot be distinguished on the basis of their hydrogen isotope compositions. A decrease in D of muscovite inward from the walls of the dikes reflects a decrease in temperature. D values of H₂O from fluid inclusions are: –50 to –73 (aplite and pegmatite zones); –62 to –75 (pocket quartz: Tourmaline Queen and Stewart dikes); and –50 ± 4 (pocket quartz from many dikes). The average ¹³C of juvenile CO₂ in fluid inclusions in Group B pegmatites is –7.9. In Group A pegmatities, ¹³C of CO₂ is more negative (–10 to –15.6), due to exchange of C with wall rocks and/or loss of ¹³C-enriched CO₂ to an exsolving vapor phase.Pressures during crystallization of the pockets were on the order of 2,100 bars, and may have increased slightly during pocket growth. A depth of formation of at least 6.8 km (sp. gr. of over burden = 3.0, and P _fiuid=P _load) is indicated, and a rate of uplift of 0.07 cm/yr. follows from available geochronologic data.     

Fluid inclusions as petrogenetic indicators in granulite xenoliths,Pali-Aike volcanic field,Chile

Granulite xenoliths within alkali olivine basalts of the Pali-Aike volcanic field, southern Chile, contain the mineral assemblage orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + olivine + green spinel. These granulites are thought to be accidental inclusions of the lower crust incorporated in the mantle-derived basalt during its rise to the surface. Symplectic intergrowths of pyroxene and spinel developed between olivine and plagioclase imply that the reaction olivine+plagioclase = Al-orthopyroxene + Al-clinopyroxene + spinel (1) occurred during subsolidus cooling and recrystallization of a gabbroic protolith of the granulites.Examination of fluid inclusions in the granulites indicates the ubiquitous presence of an essentially pure CO₂ fluid phase. Inclusions of three different parageneses have been recognized: Type I inclusions occur along exsolution lamellae in clinopyroxene and are thought to represent precipitation of structurally-bound C or CO₂ during cooling of the gabbro. These are considered the most primary inclusions present. Type II inclusions occur as evenly distributed clusters not associated with any fractures. These inclusions probably represent entrapment of a free fluid phase during recrystallization of the host grains. IIa inclusions are found in granoblastic grains and have densities of 0.68–0.88 g/cm³. Higher density (=0.90–1.02 g/cm³) IIb inclusions occur only in symplectite phases. Secondary Type III CO₂+glass inclusions with =0.47–0.78 g/cm³ occur along healed fractures where basalt has penetrated the xenoliths. Type III inclusions appear related to exsolution of CO₂ from the host basalt during its ascent to the surface. These data suggest that CO₂ is an important constituent of the lower crust under conditions of granulite facies metamorphism, indicated by Type I and II fluid inclusions, and of the mantle, as indicated by Type III inclusions.Correlation of fluid inclusion densities with P-T conditions calculated from both two-pyroxene geothermometry and reation (1) indicate emplacement of a gabbroic pluton at 1,200–1,300° C, 4–6 kb; cooling was accompanied by a slight increase in pressure due to crustal thickening, and symplectite formation occurred at 850±35° C, 5–7 kb. Capture of the xenoliths by the basalt resulted in heating of the granulites, and CO₂ from the basalt was continuously entrapped by the xenoliths over the range 1,000–1,200° C, 4–6 kb. Examination of fluid inclusions of different generations can thus be used in conjunction with other petrologic data to place tight constraints on the specific P-T path followed by the granulite suite, in addition to indicating the nature of the fluid phase present at depth.     

Very high CO2 cordierite from Norwegian Lapland: Mineralogy,petrology, and carbon isotopes

The most CO₂-rich cordierite thus far encountered in nature with about 2.2 wt.% CO₂ and 0.3 wt.% H₂O occurs as large poikiloblasts in a strange non-foliated reaction rock that dissects well-foliated granulites being part of the classical Lapland granulite area described by Eskola. The cordierite is optically positive with the highest optic angle 2V _x (106°) and birefringence (– = 0.017) ever measured on natural cordierites, but it is also optically very heterogeneous due to secondary loss of CO₂ along fractures and zones paralleling the fluid-bearing channels. Based on the optical properties of the degassed Lapland cordierite and on literature data a ternary diagram is given, which shows the variations of this cordierite in 2V _x and birefringence as a function of channel-filling with both CO₂ and H₂O.Following Losert (1971) the cordierite coexists with calcite, a thus far unique mineral assemblage that is probably only stable at very high CO₂ pressures. In the present case, the of the cordierite (0.75) indicates, on the basis of literature data, a coexisting fluid with >0.95.The carbon isotope composition ¹³C of CO₂ in cordierite lies near –7, that of the calcite is slightly lighter than about –9. Thus, at least for the CO₂ in cordierite, a deep-seated origin may be possible.Based on the geologic occurrence it is speculated that the cordierite-bearing reaction rock could perhaps represent an annealed channel of late degassing in the granulitic lower crust.     

A K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar study on white micas from the Brixen Quartzphyllite,Southern Alps

The Brixen Quartzphyllite, basement of the Southern Alps (Italy), consists of metasediments which had suffered progressive deformation and low grade metamorphism (p _max4 kbar, T _max375±25° C) during the Palaeozoic. It has been excavated by pre-Permian erosion, buried again beneath a pile of Permo-mesozoic to Cainozoic sediments (estimated T _max150° C), and is now exposed anew due to late Alpine uplift and erosion. The behavior of the K-Ar system of white micas is investigated, taking advantage of the narrow constraints on their thermal history imposed by the geological/stratigraphic reference systems.The six structurally and petrographically differing samples come from a single outcrop, whose position is roughly two kilometers beneath the Permian land-surface. White mica concentrates from five grain size fractions (<2 , 2–6 , 6–20 , 20–60 , 60–75 ) of each sample have been analyzed by the conventional K-Ar method, four selected concentrates additionally by the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar stepwise heating technique; furthermore, Ar content and isotopic composition of vein quartz were determined.The conventional ages of the natural grain size fractions (20–60 , 60–75) are in the range 316±8 Ma, which corresponds to the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau age of 319.0±5.5 Ma within the error limits. The finer grain size fractions yield significantly lower ages, down to 233 Ma for fractions <2 . Likewise low apparent ages (down to 83 Ma) are obtained for the low temperature ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar degassing steps.There is no correlation between microstructural generation of white mica prevailing in the sample and apparent age. This favours an interpretation of the 316±8 Ma values as cooling age; progressive deformation and metamorphism must be respectively older and their timing cannot be resolved by these methods. The data preclude any significant influence of a detrital mica component as well as of excess argon.The lower ages found for the fine grain-size fractions (respectively the low-T degassing steps) correspond to a near-surface period (p-T-minimum); the values are geologically meaningless. The effect is interpreted to result from partial Ar loss due to reheating during Mesozoic-Cainozoic reburial. A model based on diffusion parameters derived from the outgassing experiments and Dodson's (1979) equation yields a closure temperature of 284±40 °C for a cooling rate of 18° C/Ma. Furthermore, this model suggests that the observed argon loss of up to 5% may in fact have been induced by reheating to 150 °C for 50 Ma.     

Use of the lattice parameter b 0 of dioctahedral illite/muscovite for the characterization of P/T gradients of incipient metamorphism

The P/T gradient or baric type of low-grade metamorphic terranes can be characterized on the basis of cumulative frequency curves of the lattice parameter b ₀ of dioctahedral micas (Sassi and Scolari 1974), which essentially reflects celadonite content and increases with pressure. The method is here applied to illite/muscovite of sub-greenschist (incipient metamorphism) and low-greenschist facies terranes from the marginal zones of the Swedish Caledonides, Swiss Alps and Venezuelan Andes, where the grade of metamorphism was determined on the basis of illite crystallinity.Complications in the determinations of b ₀ arising from (a) shifts in the spacing of the apparent 060 diffraction peaks of the illites due to the presence of inter-stratified expandable layers, and (b) persistence of more crystalline clastic micas are pointed out.In contrast to the earlier-reported decrease of b ₀ with progressive metamorphism at higher grades, b ₀ tends to increase with grade during incipient metamorphism: it is markedly lower in the diagenetic and low-grade anchimetamorphic grades in the Cambro-Silurian of the Caledonides of Jämtland, western Sweden (zone A), and the Lower Tertiary of the Helvetic zone of the Swiss Alps, than in the higher grade anchizone and epizone of the former terrane.Mean b ₀ values for the intermediate and highest (epizone) grades of the Swedish Caledonides are respectively 9.030 and 9.037 Å compared to the mean value of 9.035 Å for the medium-high pressure, Barrovian-type, terrane of Otago, N.Z. Mean b ₀ of 9.005 Å for the mainly epizonal slates of the Venezuelan Andes lies between those for the low-pressure terranes of Bosost ( 8.992 Å), and the low-medium pressure terrane of northern New Hampshire (9.010 Å). These baric estimates agree well with those for the metamorphic facies series at higher grade produced by the same events.Cumulative b ₀ curves are concluded to be useful for the characterization of P/T gradients of incipient metamorphism, particularly in the higher grade part of the anchizone and the epizone.