On the early archaean isua iron-formation,West Greenland

In the pre-3.7 Ga old Isua supracrustal belt, West Greenland, a banded iron-formation occurs. The iron-formation can be subdivided into different facies according to composition and mineralogy, and these facies resemble the facies subdivision of younger Archaean and Precambrian iron-formations. The geochemistry of the Isua iron-formation indicates that the secular variation in the contents of phosphorus, calcium and aluminium as well as the Na/K ratios of Precambrian iron-formations can be extended into the Early Archaean. A remarkable feature of the Isua iron-formation is the high chalcopyrite/iron-sulphide ratio. Field relationships and geochemical evidence indicate that the iron-formation is mainly of submarine-exhalative origin from brines of basaltic pedigree.     

Excess europium content in precambrian sedimentary rocks and continental evolution

We propose that the europium excess in Precambrian sedimentary rocks, relative to those of younger age is derived from volcanic rocks of ancient island arcs, which were the source materials for the sediments. Precambrian sedimentary rocks and present-day volcanic rocks of island arcs have similar REE patterns, total REE abundances and excess Eu, relative to the North American shale composite. The present upper crustal REE pattern, as exemplified by that of sediments, is depleted in Eu, relative to chondrites. This depletion is considered to be a consequence of development of a grandioritic upper crust by partial melting in the lower crust, which selectively retains europium.     

Rare earth evidence in iron-formations for changing Precambrian oxidation states

Rare earth element distributions in Precambrian iron-formations show evidence of evolving oxidation states for the elements europium and cerium. Chemical sediments older than about 1900m.y. are enriched in Eu compared to their contemporaneous clastic sediments. This indicates that at some time during the weathering, transportation and/or deposition of the rare earth elements, a considerable proportion of the Eu was present as Eu²⁺ rather than totally as Eu³⁺. Sea water prior to 1900m.y. was probably enriched in Eu because of this. At some time or interval between 1900 and about 800 m.y. Eu was totally converted under surficial conditions to the +3 state and its behavior ceased to be anomalous. The Eu-enriched nature of Precambrian sediments may be partly explained by Eu enrichment of sea water prior to 1900 m.y.Cerium exhibits anonalous abundances in Proterozoic chemical sediments as old as 2300 m.y., but is not anomalous in Archean rocks. Oxidation of Ce to the +4 state is thus indicated during the early Proterozoic and implies the presence of Mn nodules in early Proterozoic seas. Mn distributions, however, would appear to contradict the presence of Mn nodules as there is no evidence for Mn oxidation states higher than +2 at this time.Rare earth element contents in Precambrian iron-formations are very low and may indicate that ferric iron precipitation was not accompanied by trace element scavenging as it is today.     

Abundances and sources of rare-earth elements in the modern volcanogenic hydrothermal systems of Kamchatka

Sources of modern hydrothermal systems are considered on the basis of high-precision REE data on representative samples of characteristic hydrochemical types of hydrothermal systems of the Eastern Volcanic Belt of Kamchatka and data available on modern magmatogenic fluid systems of the Kamchatka, Kuriles, and oceanic rift zones. It was found that modern high-temperature chloride-sodium hydrothermal vents have elevated REE contents and that all considered hydrochemical types of the Kamchatka hydrothermal systems are characterized by similar REE patterns. High REE contents in the hydrothermal vents with pH up to 5.0 show bimodal distribution. Correlations established between La/Yb ratios in the hydrothermal vents of various types and in the igneous rocks of the Eastern Volcanic Belt of Kamchatka are interpreted in genetic terms. A positive correlation was found between rare-earth elements, chlorine and boron contents. It was noted that all considered hydrochemical types show distinct negative europium anomaly, whereas submarine hydrothermal vents of oceanic rift zones are characterized by positive europium anomaly. It was proposed that REE was transported in the hydrothermal vents from apical zones of deep-seated magma chambers containing acid derivatives.     

Petrology and geochemistry of the banded iron-formations from Ntem complex greenstones belt,Elom area,Southern Cameroon: Implications for the origin and depositional environment

Banded iron-formations (BIFs) form an important part of the Archaean to Proterozoic greenstone belts in the Southern Cameroon. In this study, major, trace and REE chemistry of the banded iron-formation are utilized to explore the source of metals and to constraint the origin and depositional environment of these BIFs. The studied BIF belongs to the oxide facies iron formations composed mainly of iron oxide (mainly magnetite) mesobands alternating with quartz mesobands. The mineralogy of the BIF sample consists of magnetite and quartz with lesser amount of secondary martite, goethite and trace of gibbsite and smectite. The major element chemistry of these iron-formations is remarkably simple with the main constituents being SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ which constitute 95.6–99.5% of the bulk rock. Low Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and HFSE concentrations show that they are relatively detritus-free chemical sediments. The Pearson’s correlation matrix of major element reveals that there is a strong positive correlation (r = 0.99) of Al with Ti and no to weak negative correlation of Ti with Mn, Ca and weak positive correlation of Si with Ca, suggesting the null to very minor contribution of detrital material to chemical sediment. The trace elements with minor enrichments are transition metals such as Zn, Cr, Sr, V and Pb. This is an indicator of direct volcanogenic hydrothermal input in chemical precipitates. The studied BIF have a low ΣREE content, ranging between 0.41 and 3.22 ppm with an average of 0.87 ppm, similar to that of pure chemical sediments. The shale-normalized patterns show depletion in light REE, slightly enrichment in heavy REE and exhibit weak positive europium anomalies. These geochemical characteristics indicate that the source of Fe and Si was the result of deep ocean hydrothermal activity admixed with sea water. The absence of a large positive Eu anomaly in the studied BIF indicates an important role of low-temperature hydrothermal solutions. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns are characterized by LREE-enriched (Mean La_CN/Yb_CN = 8.01) and HREE depletion (Mean Tb_CN/Yb_CN = 1.61) patterns and show positive Ce anomalies. With the exception of one sample (LBR133), all of the BIF samples analyzed during this study have positive Ce anomalies on both chondrite- and PASS-normalized plots. This may indicate that the BIFs within the Elom area were formed within a redox stratified ocean. The positive Ce anomalies in the studied samples likely suggest that the basin in which Fe formations were deposited was reducing with respect to Ce, probably in the suboxic or anoxic seawaters.     

Petrogenesis of Archaean ultrabasic and basic volcanics: Evidence from rare earth elements

Rare earth element (REE) and major element data are presented on 44 Archaean samples which include spinifex textured ultramagnesian lavas (STPK) spinifex textured basalts (STB) and low MgO tholeiites. The samples come from the Yilgarn and Pilbara Blocks (W. Australia), Barberton (South Africa), Belingwe and Que Que (Rhodesia), Abitibi (Canada) and the 3.7 b.y. Isua Belt of Western Greenland. In addition REE data are given on three near primitive mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) and a glassy MORB-type basalt from Taiwan. We suggest that REE patterns, particularly the light REE and Eu, can be affected by metamorphism, but argue that the consistency of pattern from samples both within and between areas enables recognition of primary patterns. La/Sm ratios of 2.7 b.y. STPK are characterised by being lower than those of associated basalts. The 3.5 b.y. STPK Barberton material does not show this feature but instead displays significant heavy REE depletion. The separation of garnet from these liquids is suggested as a possible mechanism for the high CaO/Al₂O₃ ratios, (Al loss) and the heavy REE and Sc depletion. The REE data on Barberton material is equivocal on the derivation of the so-called basaltic komatiites from the peridotitic komatiites. However, REE analyses on STPK and high magnesian lavas from elsewhere suggests that crystal fractionation is not a viable mechanism to produce one from the other. We suggest instead, that varying amounts of partial melting of different sources is responsible for the spectrum of compositions. The STB appear to be an easily recognised rock type within the Archaean. They are characterised by quench (clinopyroxene) textures and a light REE enriched pattern. It is suggested that these are near primary melts and that their REE patterns mirror their mantle source. We propose a two stage model for the 2.7 b.y. mafic complexes, in which, prior to the generation of ultrabasic magmas, the source underwent a small amount of partial melting which resulted in the removal of a melt enriched in incompatible elements. The depletion process could be achieved either during mantle diapirism or by upward migration of interstitial melts into an Archaean low velocity zone. The spread of La/Sm ratios in STPK and STB is used as an argument that the Archaean mantle was chemically heterogeneous and that the degree of heterogeneity was similar to that observed in modern ocean volcanics. As a result, partial melting of the mantle under different P-T conditions produced a spectrum of magma types. The information presently available on Archaean mafic and silicic magmatism and the incompleteness of geochemical data on present day tectonic environments are two major obstacles in formulating Archaean tectonic models. In addition a comparison of present day and Archaean ultramafic and silicic rocks suggests that plate tectonic models as presently understood may not be suitable analogues for all Archaean tectonic environments.     

Need for an Iron-Formation Reference Sample*

An international iron-formation reference sample is warranted as a basis for geochemical investigations of Precambrian iron-formations. A better knowledge of the geochemistry of iron formations will hopefully elucidate the long standing discussion on the genesis of iron-formations. The reference sample can furthermore be used in studies of deep-sea metalliferous deposits.     

扬子东南大陆边缘晚前寒武纪古海洋演化的稀土元素记录

本文采用中子活化方法分析了晚震旦～早寒武纪１９件样品的稀土元素组成,发现硅质岩石ＲＥＥ配分形式有着复杂的变化,初步可以划分为五种类型,包括“台地型”、“红海型”、“海水型”及两种特殊的配分形式。剖面上Ｃｅ异常由小到大的演变反映了古海洋底层水由缺氧环境向氧化条件的逐渐转化。正Ｅｕ异常的出现代表了热水沉积事件的存在。     

河北洞子沟银多金属矿稀土元素特征及成矿模式探讨

通过对洞子沟银多金属矿稀土元素测试分析，认为赋存于常州沟组的洞子沟银多金属矿的矿源层应为沉积岩，并推断本区与上部大红峪组富碱火山岩无成因上的因果关系。岩石、矿石稀土球粒陨石标准化分布模式，均呈倾斜度相似的平滑曲线，负铕异常均无或微弱，都较好地反映了物源-矿源层-矿石稀土元素的继承发展的相关特征。同时对该矿床成矿模式作了进一步探讨。     

Two Types of Archaean Grey Gneiss in North China and Their Geological Significance1,2

Abstract Grey gneisses are tonalitic intrusive rocks that have Archaean characteristics and tectonic significance. Archaean grey gneisses in North China may be classified into two types: the Zunhua type and the Hengshan type. Grey gneisses of the Zunhua type alternate with basic granulites, forming a bimodal migmatitic suite. The rock is characterized by complex mineral composition, highly varied REE patterns and positive Eu anomaly and originated from autochthonous or partly autochthonous deep - level migmatization with a high degree (30% ±) of fusion. As the sub - stratum in the root of the early - stage high - grade greenstone belt, they prevented basic rocks from sinking. Grey gneisses of the Hengshan type are characterized by a relatively distinct intrusion form, large - amplitude upward emplacement, rather simple mineral composition, only slight changes of REE patterns and absence of Eu anomaly. The rock is a product of subduction and underthrusting of the high - grade greenstone belt and then fusion and emplacement with a low degree (15% ±) of fusion. In this paper an attempt is made to furnish important information about palaeoplate tectonics and early crustal evolution by means of a study of grey gneisses.     

Rare-earth element geochemistry of Madras granulites

Archaean granulites from the type charnockite locality of Pallavaram, Madras City, Tamil Nadu, southern India consist of a bimodal suite of basic and silicic orthogneisses, associated with metasedimentary gneisses (khondalites). Charnockite is the dominant rock type. Basic granulites display a tholeiitic trend of strong iron enrichment accompanied by an increase in the concentration of the rare earth elements (REE), and the development of appreciable negative europium anomalies. These trends are considered to reflect low pressure fractional crystallisation of pyroxene-plagioclase assemblages under conditions of lowf _{O 2}. Ultramafic granulites may represent the cumulus material of such a process. The silicic granulites (charnockites) are generally K₂O rich and in marked contrast to the low K₂O (tonalitic) silicic gneisses which dominate most granulite facies terrains. Their REE abundances, however, embrace the complete range of patterns observed in both K-rich and K-poor Archaean gneisses. The presence of a large number of pre-granulite facies potassic pegmatites in the area suggests metasomatism of an originally less potassic suite of rocks. Trace element considerations lead to a model whereby metasomatism and partial fusion of silicic gneisses in the terrain preceded the granulite facies metamorphic event. This sequence of events is best related to fluctuations in the composition of metamorphic fluids in the lower crust.     

关于热水沉积物稀土配分模式的讨论

海底热水沉积物的稀土配分模式取决于流体的密度和流方式,低密度热流体的沉积物稀配合模式类似于海水模式,高密度热流体的沉积物没有固定的稀土配分模式,在判别热水沉积物时不宜单独使用稀土配分模式。     

河南鲁山太华群两类斜长角闪岩地球化学对比及其构造环境

河南鲁山早前寒武纪太华群中分布着两类斜长角闪岩：一类为正常斜长角闪岩,主要产于晚太古代下太华群荡泽河组;另一类为富钠斜长角闪岩,产于古元古代上太华群雪花沟组。两类岩石外表特征和矿物成分相近似,但化学成分明显不同。正常斜长角闪岩具较低的Na2O（1．96％－2．86％）、K2O（0．24％－0．64％）、Ti、Y、Zr、Hf和REE含量,而富钠的斜长角闪岩以较高的Na2O（3．31％－5．50％）、K2O（0．47％－1．41％）、Ti、Y、Zr、Hf和REE含量为特征。通过对比研究,认为前者为拉斑玄武岩,成分与现代洋壳中发现的低钾拉斑玄武岩相似;后者主要为富钠的基性火山岩,与陆内裂谷或地槽区产出的细碧岩相似,表明本区Pt／Ar转变过程中的构造环境发生了重大变化。这一转变过程初步认为是本区晚太古代地壳上升所引起的长期风化剥蚀作用的结果。     

Gold Deposits in Precambrian Banded Iron-Formations — A Case Study of the Dongfengshan Gold Deposit1

Abstract This paper deals with a preliminary study of 13 localities of Precambrian iron-formations in the Jiamusi median massif and determination of the gold content of 391 samples. It has been ascertained that the gold deposits are strictly controlled by the iron-formations and exhibit obvious stratabound features. On that basis, the paper principally discusses gold migration and enrichment. Abundant Mn and Co are contained in primary sediments of the Dongfengshan-type gold deposits, which strongly supports and supplements the idea that the gold deposits of the same kind in the world are of metamorphosed volcano-exhalative-sedimentary origin.     

Petrology and geochemistry of komatiites and tholeiites from Gorgona Island,Colombia

Komatiitic rocks from Gorgona Island, Colombia, in contrast to their Archaean counterparts, occur as rather structureless flows. In addition, textural and mineralogical features indicate that the Gorgona komatiites may have crystallized from superheated liquids. Komatiitic rocks have MgO contents which range from 24 to 11 wt.% and plot on well-defined olivine (Fo₉₀) control lines. Calculations show that potential evolved liquids (MgO<11 wt%) will be SiO₂-poor. Komatiites, in this case, cannot be regarded as parental to the associated tholeiitic basalt sequence.On the basis of REE concentrations and Sr, Nd isotopic compositions, the associated basalts are found to be of two types. One type (K-tholeiite) is characterized by noticeably fractionated REE patterns and relatively primitive isotopic compositions similar to those of the komatiites. K-tholeiites, together with komatiites, are regarded as comprising a distinctive komatiitic suite. REE patterns within this suite show progressive depletion in the LREE from K-tholeiites to komatiites, and represent increasingly higher degrees of melting of the same mantle source region. The other type (T-tholeiite), representative of the bulk of the exposed basalt sequence, has flat REE patterns and relatively evolved isotopic compositions. This tholeiitic suite is clearly genetically unrelated to the komatiitic suite.     

辽宁齐大山铁矿元素地球化学特征

齐大山铁矿大地构造上属于华北地台辽东台背斜的西部.其铁矿层产于鞍山群樱桃园岩组,含矿建造为砂质泥岩-泥岩建造（阿尔戈马型）,变质相为绿片岩相.通过稀土元素地球化学研究,铁矿石表现为轻稀土富集,LREE/HREE比值平均为3.43.围岩表现为重稀土略富集,LREE/HREE比值平均为0.97.铁矿石和围岩稀土元素原始地幔标准化值显示铁矿石稀土元素整体具有弱的正铕异常（δEu为1.03~1.50）,Ce无明显的正负异常（δCe为0.54~1.15）,这与海底喷气沉积产物的特征一致.围岩中无明显Eu异常,平均为1.16.δCe的范围为0.18~1.01,相对比较稳定.这些特征显示属于早前寒武纪海洋化学沉积的产物,表明矿物大地构造背景为大洋岛弧,物源区类型为未切割的岩浆弧.     

Iron-formation and glaciogenic rocks of the Rapitan Group,Northwest Territories,Canada

In northwestern Canada, iron-formation occurs as part of the Rapitan Group, a dominantly sedimentary succession of probable Late Precambrian age. The Rapitan Group contains abundant evidence of glaciogenic deposition. It includes massive mixtites which contain numerous faceted and striated clasts. Finely bedded and laminated sedimentary rocks of the Lower Rapitan contain many large isolated (ice-rafted?) intra- and extra-basinal clasts. The Lower and Middle Rapitan are interpreted as products of a glacial marine regime. The iron-formation is interbedded with thin mixtite beds and contains large exotic clasts which are probably indicative of the existence of floating ice at the time of deposition of at least part of the iron-formation. If the apparently low paleolatitudes are confirmed, then glacial marine interpretation of the Rapitan, and the probably correlative Toby Conglomerate of southern British Columbia, support the postulate of a very extensive Late Precambrian ice sheet in North America.Similar iron-formations of similar age are present in South America (Jacadigo Series), in South-West Africa (Damara Supergroup) and in South Australia (Yudnamutana Sub-Group). All of these iron-formations are associated with glaciogenic rocks. In addition to the iron-formations, dolostones, limestones and evaporites (?) are intimately associated with Late Precambrian mixtites, considered by many to be glaciogenic.Huronian (Early Proterozoic) and correlative sequences of North America, and rocks of similar age in South Africa also contain closely juxtaposed undoubted glaciogenic rocks, iron-formations, dolostones and aluminous quartzites. The dolostones and aluminous sedimentary rocks have been interpreted as having formed under warm climatic conditions, but might also be explained by invoking higher P_CO2 levels in the Early Proterozoic atmosphere. By analogy with the Huronian succession, preservation of “warm climate” indicators in mixtite-bearing Late Precambrian sequences does not preclude a glacial origin for the mixtites.     

Rare-earth elements in the Marda calc-alkaline suite: an Archaean geochemical analogue of Andean-type volcanism

REE, Th, U, Pb and Hf have been determined in nine selected samples from the Marda Archaean calc-alkaline suite. Data are consistent with field relationships and major and other trace element abundances, which suggest a crustal origin for the Marda magmas. REE patterns are analogous to continental margin (Andean) calc-alkaline volcanic suites and are not similar to those from other Archaean areas.     

冀东迁安英云闪长岩-花岗闪长岩质片麻岩的地球化学

七十年代以来,由于理解到早前寒武纪的花岗质岩石在地壳生长和演化过程中的重要作用而对其进行日益深入的研究。其中许多研究工作,都集中在西格陵兰、北美、南部非洲、西澳大利亚及芬兰的太古代克拉通上。迁安英云闪长岩-花岗闪长岩质片麻岩,出露在河北省迁安县的蟒山、龙虎山、塔山、石佛寺和青山院大贤庄一带,构成迁安断块隆起的核心。它的出现,标志着冀东太古代早元古代地壳演化中的大的地质阶段,因而引起研究者的注意(张贻侠等,1979)。     

Sulfur isotope studies in early Archaean sediments from Isua,West Greenland: Implications for the antiquity of bacterial sulfate reduction

The sulfur contents and sulfur isotope ratios (δ³⁴S) have been measured for samples collected from the Isua area of West Greenland in an effort to place narrower limits on the time of the rise of sulfate respirers during the Precambrian.The δ³⁴S values of the Isua sediments (3.7 × 10⁹ yr old) including the various facies of the banded iron-formations have their mean values close to zero %. (CDT) (±0.5%.) with a standard deviation of less than 1%.. This comes extremely close to the respective means yielded by the presumed tuffaceous amphibolites (+ 0.3 ± 0.9%.) and by the somewhat younger, between 3.1 and 3.7 ± 10⁹ yr, basaltic Ameralik dykes of the region (+ 0.6 ± 1.1%.).In view of the regional distribution of the Isua banded iron-formation sediments, the variety of environmental conditions under which the various facies were deposited and the complete absence of isotopic evidence for sulfate reducers, in contrast to the banded iron-formations of the middle Archaean (δ³⁴Svariesfrom ?20 to +20%.), it seems most unlikely that evidence for 'sulfate reducers' existed or will be found in other sediments of Isua age.The very small spread in δ³⁴S values for the Isua sediments is interpreted as due to minor fractionation during the passage of endogenic sulfur phases to their present sites of emplacement within the sedimentary succession.