Calculated Phase Relations in High-Pressure Metapelites in the System NKFMASH (Na2O-K2O-FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O)

Using an internally consistent thermodynamic dataset and updatedmodels of activity–composition relation for solid solutions,petrogenetic grids in the system NKFMASH (Na₂O–K₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O)and the subsystems NKMASH and NKFASH have been calculated withthe software THERMOCALC 3.1 in the P–T range 5–36kbar and 400–810°C, involving garnet, chloritoid,biotite, carpholite, talc, chlorite, kyanite/sillimanite, staurolite,phengite, paragonite, albite, glaucophane, jadeite, with quartz/coesiteand H₂O in excess. These grids, together with calculated AFMcompatibility diagrams and P–T pseudosections, are shownto be powerful tools for delineating the phase equilibria andP–T conditions of Na-bearing pelitic assemblages for avariety of bulk compositions from high-P terranes around theworld. These calculated equilibria are in good agreement withpetrological studies. Moreover, contours of the calculated phengiteSi isopleths in P–T pseudosections for different bulkcompositions confirm that phengite barometry is highly dependenton mineral assemblage. KEY WORDS: phase relations; HP metapelite; NKFMASH; THERMOCALC; phengite geobarometry     

An Experimentally Constrained Petrogenetic Grid in the Silica-Saturated Portion of the System KFMASH at High Temperatures and Pressures

Experiments in the quartz-saturated part of the system KFMASHunder fO₂ conditions of the haematite–magnetite bufferand using bulk compositions with X_Mg of 0·81, 0·72,0·53 define the stability limits of several mineral assemblageswithin the P–T field 9–12 kbar, 850–1100°C.The stability limits of the mineral assemblages orthopyroxene+ spinel + cordierite ± sapphirine, orthopyroxene + garnet+ sapphirine, sapphirine + cordierite + orthopyroxene and garnet+ orthopyroxene + spinel have been delineated on the basis ofP–T and T–X pseudosections. Sapphirine did not appearin the bulk composition of X_Mg = 0·53. A partial petrogeneticgrid applicable to high Mg–Al granulites metamorphosedat high fO₂, developed in our earlier work, was extended tohigher pressures. The experimental results were successfullyapplied to several high-grade terranes to estimate P–Tconditions and retrograde P–T trajectories. KEY WORDS: KFMASH equilibria; experimental petrogenetic grid at high fO₂     

Calculated Phase Relations in the System NCKFMASH (Na2O-CaO-K2O-FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O) for High-Pressure Metapelites

Petrogenetic grids in the system NCKFMASH (Na₂O–CaO–K₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O)and the subsystems NCKMASH and NCKFASH calculated with the softwareTHERMOCALC 3.1 are presented for the P–T range 7–30kbar and 450–680°C, for assemblages involving garnet,chloritoid, biotite, carpholite, talc, chlorite, kyanite, staurolite,paragonite, glaucophane, jadeite, omphacite, diopsidic pyroxene,plagioclase, zoisite and lawsonite, with phengite, quartz/coesiteand H₂O in excess. These grids, together with calculated compatibilitydiagrams and P–T and T–X_Ca and P–X_Ca pseudosectionsfor different bulk-rock compositions, show that incorporationof Ca into the NKFMASH system leads to many of the NKFMASH invariantequilibria moving to lower pressure and/or lower temperature,which results, in most cases, in the stability of jadeite andgarnet being enlarged, but in the reduction of stability ofglaucophane, plagioclase and AFM phases. The effect of Ca onthe stability of paragonite is dependent on mineral assemblageat different P–T conditions. The calculated NCKFMASH diagramsare powerful in delineating the phase equilibria and P–Tconditions of natural pelitic assemblages. Moreover, contoursof the calculated phengite Si isopleths in P–T and P–X_Capseudosections confirm that phengite barometry in NCKFMASH isstrongly dependent on mineral assemblage. KEY WORDS: phase relations; metapelites; NCKFMASH; THERMOCALC; phengite geobarometry     

Synthesis of Staurolite in Melting Experiments of a Natural Metapelite: Consequences for the Phase Relations in Low-Temperature Pelitic Migmatites

We document experiments on a natural metapelite in the range650–775°C, 6–14 kbar, 10 wt % of added water,and 700–850°C, 4–10 kbar, no added water. Staurolitesystematically formed in the fluid-present melting experimentsabove 675°C, but formed only sporadically in the fluid-absentmelting experiments. The analysis of textures, phase assemblages,and variation of phase composition and Fe–Mg partitioningwith P and T suggests that supersolidus staurolite formed at(near-) equilibrium during fluid-present melting reactions.The experimental results are used to work out the phase relationsin the system K₂O–Na₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂Oappropriate for initial melting of metapelites at the upperamphibolite facies. The P–T grid developed predicts theexistence of a stable P–T field for supersolidus staurolitethat should be encountered by aluminous Fe-rich metapelitesduring fluid-present melting at relatively low temperature andintermediate pressures (675–700°C, 6–10 kbarfor X_H2O = 1, in the KNFMASH system), but not during fluid-absentmelting. The implications of these findings for the scarcityof staurolite in migmatites are discussed. KEY WORDS: metapelites; migmatites; partial melting; P–T grid; staurolite     

Complex Growth Textures in a Polymetamorphic Metabasite from the Kraubath Massif (Eastern Alps)

Zoned garnet and amphibole occur in metabasites of the KraubathMassif, Eastern Alps, that contain relic magmatic clinopyroxene.The amphibole composition gradually changes from core (X_Mg =0·83) to rim (X_Mg = 0·6–0·7). A numberof compositional varieties of garnet occur in the metabasite.An older porphyroblastic garnet (Py_23–27, Alm_41–43,Grs_29–33) has two different compositional domains, onerelatively rich in Mg (Py_27–30) and the other rich inCa (Grs_35–38) with a low Mg (Py_20–25) content. Theyoungest variety, which forms rims on, or microveins in, theporphyroblastic garnet, has high Ca and low Mg (Grs_40–57,Py_2–7, Alm_46–51). The amphibole cores and garnetporphyroblasts are interpreted to represent minerals formedduring Variscan regional metamorphism under amphibolite-faciesconditions. Alpine metamorphism is represented by the most recentCa-rich and Mg-poor variety of garnet that coexists with theamphibole rims, epidote and chlorite. Fracturing in the porphyroblasticgarnet probably originated during retrogression of the Variscanamphibolite-facies assemblages. Textural relations suggest thatthe garnet in the microveins formed by dehydration of hydrousphases during an Alpine metamorphic overprint that reached P–Tconditions of 550–583°C at 1·0 GPa. KEY WORDS: microveins; garnet; metabasites; Kraubath Massif; Eastern Alps     

Multi-stage Garnet in the Internal Brianconnais Basement (Ambin Massif, Savoy): New Petrological Constraints on the Blueschist-facies Metamorphism in the Western Alps and Tectonic Implications

Three types of garnet have been distinguished in pelitic schistsfrom an epidote–blueschist-facies unit of the Ambin andSouth Vanoise Briançonnais massifs on the basis of texture,chemical zoning and mineral inclusion characterization. Type-1garnet cores with high Mn/Ca ratios are interpreted as pre-Alpinerelicts, whereas Type-1 garnet rims, Type-2 inclusion-rich porphyroblastsand smaller Type-3 garnets are Alpine. The latter are all characterizedby low Mn/Ca ratios and a coexisting mineral assemblage of blueamphibole, high-Si phengite, epidote and quartz. Prograde growthconditions during Alpine D₁ high-pressure (HP) metamorphismare recorded by a decrease in Mn and increase in Fe (±Ca)in the Type-2 garnets, culminating in peak P–T conditionsof 14–16 kbar and 500°C in the deepest parts of theAmbin dome. The multistage growth history of Type-1 garnetsindicates a polymetamorphic history for the Ambin and SouthVanoise massifs; unfortunately, no age constraints are available.The new metamorphic constraints on the Alpine event in the massifsdefine a metamorphic T ‘gap’ between them and theirsurrounding cover (Briançonnais and upper Schistes Lustrésunits), which experienced metamorphism only in the stabilityfield of carpholite–lawsonite (T < 400°C). Thesedata and supporting structural studies confirm that the Ambinand South Vanoise massifs are slices of ‘eclogitized’continental crust tectonically extruded within the SchistesLustrés units and Briançonnais covers. The correspondingtectonic contacts with top-to-east movement are responsiblefor the juxtaposition of lower-grade metamorphic units on theAmbin and South Vanoise massifs. KEY WORDS: Alpine HP metamorphism; Ambin and South Vanoise Briançonnais basements; metamorphic gaps; multistage garnets; Western Alps     

Forward calculation of zoned garnet growth with limited diffusion transport in the matrix

Summary A forward model is proposed to reproduce the formation of garnet under conditions of sluggish diffusion transport in the matrix. Starting from a matrix consisting of chlorite and quartz, the amount of garnet growth and the chemical composition was calculated at each P–T increment in the system MnO–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O. Sluggish diffusion transport was introduced considering the local equilibrium between garnet surface and the matrix within a given diffusion distance (equilibration volume). Varying the diffusion distance, calculations were performed along the prograde P–T path of the Sambagawa metamorphic belt, Japan. The final size of the garnet grains was largely proportional to the diffusion distance. In contrast to the model without diffusion limitations, a shorter diffusion distance resulted in a rise of the Mg/(Mg + Fe) ratio in garnet before Mn approached zero. These results indicate that the chemical composition trend in zoned garnet from the Sambagawa belt is consistent with growth under sluggish material transport. The calculated amount of garnet growth increases dramatically with temperature. The amount of newly grown natural garnet in the Sambagawa metamorphic rocks was plotted against temperatures, where chemical compositions of garnet were calibrated against temperatures with the Gibbs’ method. This trend was also consistent with the modelled garnet behaviour.     

Polymetamorphism in the NE Shackleton Range, Antarctica: Constraints from Petrology and U-Pb, Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr TIMS and in situ U-Pb LA-PIMMS Dating

Metapelitic rock samples from the NE Shackleton Range, Antarctica,include garnet with contrasting zonation patterns and two agespectra. Garnet porphyroblasts in K-rich kyanite–sillimanite–staurolite–garnet–muscovite–biotite schistsfrom Lord Nunatak show prograde growth zonation, and give Sm–Ndgarnet, U–Pb monazite and Rb–Sr muscovite ages of518 ± 5, 514 ± 1 and 499 ± 12 Ma, respectively.Geothermobarometry and P–T pseudo-section calculationsin the model system CaO–Na₂O–K₂O– TiO₂–MnO–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂Oare consistent with garnet growth during prograde heating from540°C/7 kbar to 650°C/7·5 kbar, and partial resorptionduring a subsequent P–T decrease to <650°C at <6kbar. All data indicate that rocks from Lord Nunatak were affectedby a single orogenic cycle. In contrast, garnet porphyroblastsin K-poor kyanite–sillimanite– staurolite–garnet–cordierite–biotite-schistsfrom Meade Nunatak show two growth stages and diffusion-controlledzonation. Two distinct age groups were obtained. Laser ablationplasma ionization multicollector mass spectrometry in situ analysesof monazite, completely enclosed by a first garnet generation,yield ages of c. 1700 Ma, whereas monazite grains in open garnetfractures and in most matrix domains give c. 500 Ma. Both agegroups are also obtained by U–Pb thermal ionization massspectrometry analyses of matrix monazite and zircon, which fallon a discordia with lower and upper intercepts at 502 ±1 and 1686 ± 2 Ma, respectively. Sm–Nd garnet datingyields an age of 1571 ± 40 Ma and Rb–Sr biotiteanalyses give an age of 504 ± 1 Ma. Integrated geochronologicaland petrological data provide evidence that rocks from MeadeNunatak underwent a polymetamorphic Barrovian-type metamorphism:(1) garnet 1 growth and subsequent diffusive garnet annealingbetween 1700 and 1570 Ma; (2) garnet 2 growth during the RossOrogeny at c. 500 Ma. During the final orogenic event the rocksexperienced peak P–T conditions of about 650°C/7·0kbar and a retrograde stage at c. 575°C/4·0 kbar. KEY WORDS: garnet microtexture; P–T pseudosection; geochronology; polymetamorphism; Shackleton Range; Antarctica     

Synthesis and Stability Relations of Mg--Al Pumpellyite, Ca4Al5MgSi6O21(OH)7

Hydrothermal synthesis and investigations of stability relationsof Mg—Al pumpellyite were conducted using high-pressurecold-seal apparatus over the temperature range 250–600°C and 2–8 kb P_fluid. Mg—Al pumpellyite Ca₄Al₅MgSi₆O₂₁(OH)₇was synthesized from partially crystalline gel mixtures of stoichiometriccomposition at 275–410 °C, 6–9 kb P_fluid, andruns of 7–90 days. Pure monomineralic synthetic Mg—Alpumpellyite has refractive index n_ß = 1.624 (2) andcell dimensions = 8.825 (8) Á, b = 5.875 (5) Á,c = 19.10 (1) Á, and ß = 97.39 (7)°. The high temperature assemblage of the equivalent bulk compositionconsists of clinozoisite, hydrogrossular/grossular, aluminousseptechlorite/chlorite, quartz, and H₂O. Hydrogrossular wassynthesized in the presence of quartz at 8 kb from 400–500°C, and hydrogrossular + quartz are unstable with respectto grossular + H₂O at 400 °C and 8 kb P_fluid. At 8 kb P_fluid,aluminous septechlorite forms at temperatures below 500 °Cwhereas aluminous 14 Á chlorite crystallizes at 500–600°C. The equilibrium relations of Mg—Al pumpellyite were determinedusing subequal mixtures of synthetic Mg—Al pumpellyiteand its high temperature assemblage. The reaction 9 Mg—Alpumpellyite = 9 clinozoisite + 6 grossular + 2 chlorite + 4quartz + 19 H₂O occurs at temperatures of 390 °C at 8 kb,368 °C at 5 kb, and near 325 °C at 2 kb P_fluid. Thereversal data yield an approximate value of –3141 joules/mole°K for the standard entropy of formation for the syntheticMg—Al pumpellyite. The Schreinemakers' relations for pumpellyite, prehnite, clinozoisite,tremolite, grossular, and amesite in the presence of excessquartz and fluid were constructed in the pseudo-ternary systemCaO–Al₂O₃–MgO(SiO₂–H₂O). The results, togetherwith reconnaissance experiments on the reaction 4 Mg—Alpumpellyite + 2 quartz = 8 prehnite + aluminous septechlorite+ 2 H₂O, locate the invariant point [TR] at approximately 5.7kb P_fluid and 375 °C. The results of the present study arenot compatible with previous experimental data on the invariantpoint [GR]. The P–T oriented phase relations are used to interpretsome natural parageneses developed in low-grade metabasalticrocks recrystallized under conditions of low _co2. The high-temperaturestability relations of Mg—Al pumpellyite are useful todenote the onset of greenschist facies metamorphism in rocksof basaltic composition.     

Petrology of Whiteschists and Associated Rocks at Mautia Hill (Tanzania): Fluid Infiltration during High-Grade Metamorphism?

Talc–kyanite schists (whiteschists), magnesiohornblende–kyanite–talc–quartzschists and enstatite–sapphirine–chlorite schistsoccur at Mautia Hill in the East African Orogen of Tanzania.They are associated with metapelites and garnet–clinopyroxene–quartzmetabasites. Geobarometry (GASP/GADS equilibria) applied tothe latter two rock types indicates a peak pressure of P = 10–11kbar. These results are confirmed by the high fO₂ assemblagehollandite–kyanite–quartz and late-stage manganianandalusite that contains up to 19·5 mol. % Mn₂SiO₅. Maximumtemperatures of T = 720°C are inferred from late-stage yoderite+ quartz. A clockwise P–T evolution is constrained byprograde kyanite inclusions in metapelitic garnet and late-stagereaction rims of cordierite between green yoderite and talcthat reflect conditions at least 3–4 kbar below the peakpressure. Oxidizing conditions are recorded throughout the metamorphichistory of the whiteschists and chlorite schists, as indicatedby the presence of haematite coexisting with pseudobrookiteand/or rutile. Increasing water activity near peak pressuresis thought to have led to the breakdown of the high-pressureassemblages (Tlc–Ky–Hem and Mg-Hbl–Ky–Hem)and the subsequent formation of certain uncommon minerals, e.g.yellow sapphirine, Mn–andalusite, green and purple yoderite,piemontite and boron-free kornerupine. The proposed increasein water activity is attributed to fluid infiltration resultingfrom the devolatilization of underlying sediments during metamorphism. KEY WORDS: fluid infiltration; high-pressure amphibolite facies; East African Orogen; Pan-African; whiteschist     

Metamorphism of Calcic Pelitic Schists, Strafford Dome, Vermont: Compositional Zoning and Reaction History

Four assemblages from calcic pelitic schists from South Strafford,Vermont, have been studied in detail to determine the relationshipbetween reaction history and compositional zoning of minerals.The lowest-grade assemblage is garnet + biotite + chlorite +plagioclase + epidote + quartz + muscovite + graphite + fluid.Along a path of isobaric heating, the net reaction is Chl +Ms + Ep + Gr = Grt + Bt + Pl + fluid. Garnet grows with decreasingFe/(Fe + Mg) and X_Spa, (from 0•2 to 0•05), X_Gra staysnearly constant between 0•20 and 0•25, and plagioclasegrows with X_An increasing from peristerite to 0•2–0•5. The subsequent evolution depends on whether chlorite or epidotereacts out first. If chlorite is removed from the assemblagefirst, the net reaction along an isobaric heating path becomesGrt + Ms + Ep + Qtz + Gr = Bt + Pl + fluid. X_An of plagioclaseincreases to 0•20–0•70, depending on the bulk-rockcomposition and changes in pressure and temperature. If epidoteis removed first, the assemblage becomes a simple pelite andthe net reaction becomes Chl + Pl + Ms + Qtz = Grt + Bt + H₂O.Plagioclase is consumed to provide Ca for growing garnet, andX_An, Fe/(Fe + Mg) of garnet, X_Gra, and X_Spa all decrease. Afterboth chlorite and epidote are removed, continued heating upto the metamorphic peak of {small tilde}600C produces littleprogress of the reaction Grt + Ms = Bt + Pl; and X_An increases. The four assemblages have been numerically modeled using theGibbs method starting with measured compositions. The modelssuccessfully predict the observed compositional zoning and trendsof mineral growth and consumption along the computed P–Tpaths. The models also predict the compositional mineral zoningthat would have resulted from other P–T paths. ^* Present address: Department of Geology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487     

Origin of Grandite Garnet in Calc-Silicate Granulites: Mineral-Fluid Equilibria and Petrogenetic Grids

The role of clinopyroxene in producing grandite garnet is evaluatedusing data from an ultrahigh-temperature metamorphosed calc-silicategranulite occurrence in the Eastern Ghats Belt, India. ‘Peak’pressure–temperature conditions of metamorphism were previouslyconstrained from associated high Mg–Al granulites as c.0·9 GPa, >950°C, and the rocks were near-isobaricallycooled to c. 750°C. Grandite garnet of variable compositionwas produced by a number of reactions involving phases suchas clinopyroxene, scapolite, plagioclase, wollastonite and calcite,in closely spaced domains. Compositional heterogeneity is preservedeven on a microscale. This precludes pervasive fluid fluxingduring either the peak or the retrograde stage of metamorphism,and is further corroborated by computation of fluid–rockratios. With the help of detailed textural and mineral compositionalstudies leading to formulation of balanced reactions, and usingan internally consistent thermodynamic dataset and relevantactivity–composition relationships, new petrogenetic gridsare developed involving clinopyroxene in the system CaO–Al₂O₃–FeO–SiO₂–CO₂–O₂in T–aCO₂–fO₂ space to demonstrate the importanceof these factors in the formation of grandite garnet. Two singularcompositions in garnet-producing reactions in this system arededuced, which explain apparently anomalous textural relations.The possible role of an esseneite component in clinopyroxenein the production of grandite garnet is evaluated. It is concludedthat temperature and fO₂ are the most crucial variables controllinggarnet composition in calc-silicate granulites. fO₂, however,behaves as a dependent variable of CO₂ in the fluid phase. Externalfluid fluxing of any composition is not necessary to producechemical heterogeneity of garnet solid solution. KEY WORDS: grandite garnet; role of clinopyroxene; internal buffering; oxidation–decarbonation equilibria     

Chloritoid-Bearing Mineral Assemblages in High-Pressure Metapelites from the Bughea Complex, Leaota Massif (South Carpathians)

High-Mg chloritoid (X_Mg = 0·40–0·47) andrelatively high-Mg staurolite (X_Mg = 0·25–0·28)coexisting with kyanite and garnet were identified in a mica–garnet-richrock associated with very high-pressure eclogites in the BugheaComplex of the Leaota Massif (South Carpathians). Major andtrace element geochemical data for both fresh eclogites andassociated rocks which represent a metasomatic or retrogradealteration rind of the eclogites, indicate a pelitic precursor.Magnesian chloritoid was found as inclusions in garnet as partof a chloritoid–kyanite–garnet assemblage whichis indicative of high-pressure conditions. The host garnet showsa typically prograde chemical zoning pattern. The chloritoid-bearingassemblage is confined to the inner part of the garnet porphyroblasts,whereas the matrix assemblage in equilibrium with Mg-rich garnetrims has exceeded the thermal stability limit of chloritoid.Pressure–temperature pseudosections for simplified compositionsapproaching the rock bulk-chemistry show a high-pressure fieldfor the identified chloritoid-bearing assemblage in good agreementwith pressure–temperature estimates in the CFMASH andKCFMASH chemical subsystems using analysed mineral compositions.The derived pressure–temperature path is clockwise, indicatingoverprinting during exhumation from 1·8 GPa and 580°Cto 1·15 GPa and 620°C, at a water activity approachinga_H2O = 1. These conditions were attained in a subduction mélangeindicating transient thermal perturbations of a subduction channel. KEY WORDS: high-pressure metapelite; Mg-rich chloritoid; P–T path; P–T pseudosection; very high-pressure eclogite     

The Role of Advective Fluid Flow and Diffusion during Localized, Solid-State Dehydration: Sondrum Stenhuggeriet, Halmstad, SW Sweden

A localized dehydration zone, Söndrum stone quarry, Halmstad,SW Sweden, consists of a central, 1 m wide granitic pegmatoiddyke, on either side of which extends a 2·5–3 mwide dehydration zone (650–700°C; 800 MPa; orthopyroxene–clinopyroxene–biotite–amphibole–garnet)overprinting a local migmatized granitic gneiss (amphibole–biotite–garnet).Whole-rock chemistry indicates that dehydration of the graniticgneiss was predominantly isochemical. Exceptions include [Y+ heavy rare earth elements (HREE)], Ba, Sr, and F, which aremarkedly depleted throughout the dehydration zone. Systematictrends in the silicate and fluorapatite mineral chemistry acrossthe dehydration zone include depletion in Fe, (Y + HREE), Na,K, F, and Cl, and enrichment in Mg, Mn, Ca, and Ti. Fluid inclusionchemistry is similar in all three zones and indicates the presenceof a fluid containing CO₂, NaCl, and H₂O components. Water activitiesin the dehydration zone average 0·36, or X_H2O = 0·25.All lines of evidence suggest that the formation of the dehydrationzone was due to advective transport of a CO₂-rich fluid witha minor NaCl brine component originating from a tectonic fracture.Fluid infiltration resulted in the localized partial breakdownof biotite and amphiboles to pyroxenes releasing Ti and Ca,which were partitioned into the remaining biotite and amphibole,as well as uniform depletion in (Y + HREE), Ba, Sr, Cl, andF. At some later stage, H₂O-rich fluids (H₂O activity >0·8)gave rise to localized partial melting and the probable injectionof a granitic melt into the tectonic fracture, which resultedin the biotite and amphibole recording a diffusion profile forF across the dehydration zone into the granitic gneiss as wellas a diffusion profile in Fe, Mn, and Mg for all Fe–Mgsilicate minerals within 100 cm of the pegmatoid dyke. KEY WORDS: charnockite; fluids; CO₂; brines; localized dehydration; Söndrum     

Reaction Textures in a Suite of Spinel Granulites from the Eastern Ghats Belt, India: Evidence for Polymetamorphism, a Partial Petrogenetic Grid in the System KFMASH and the Roles of ZnO and Fe2O3

Spinel granulites, with or without sapphirine, occur as lensesin garnetiferous quartzofeldspathic gneisses (leptynites) nearGokavaram in the Eastern Ghats Belt, India. Spinel granulitesare mineralogically heterogeneous and six mineral associationsoccur in closely spaced domains. These are (I) spinel–quartz–cordierite,(II) spinel–quartz–cordierite–garnet–orthopyroxene–sillimanite,(III) spinel–cordierite–orthopyroxene–sillimanite,(IV) spinel–quartz–sapphirine–sillimanite–garnet,(V) spinel–quartz-sapphirine–garnet and (IV) rhombohedral(Fe–Ti) oxide–cordierite–orthopyroxene–sillimanite.Common to all the associations are a porphyroblastic garnet(containing an internal schistosify defined by biotite, sillimaniteand quartz), perthite and plagioclase. Spinel contains variableamounts of exsolved magnetite and is distinctly Zn rich in thesapphirine-absent associations. X_Mg in the coexisting phasesdecreases in the order cordierite–biotite–sapphirine–orthopyroxene–spinel–garnet–(Fe–Ti)oxides. Textural criteria and compositional characteristicsof the phases document several retrograde mineral reactionswhich occurred subsequent to prograde dehydration melting reactionsinvolving biotite, sillimanite, quartz, plagioclase and spinel.The following retrograde mineral reactions are deduced: (1)spinel + quartz cordierite, (2) spinel + quartz garnet + sillimanite,(3) garnet + quartz cordierite + orthopyroxene, (4) garnet+ quartz + sillimanite cordierite, (5) spinel + cordierite orthopyroxene + sillimanite, (6) spinel + sillimanite + quartz sapphirine, (7) spinel + sapphirine + quartz garnet + sillimanite,and (8) spinel + quartz sapphirine + garnet. A partial petrogeneticgrid for the system FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–K₂O–H₂Oat high fo₂, has been constructed and the effects of ZnO andFe₂O₃ on this grid have been explored Combining available experimentaland natural occurrence data, the high fo₂ invariant points inthe partial grid have been located in P–T space. Geothermobarometricdata and consideration of the deduced mineral reactions in thepetrogenetic grid show that the spinel granulites evolved throughan anticlockwise P–T trajectory reaching peak metamorphicconditions >9 kbar and 950C, followed by near-isobaric cooling(dT/dP = 150C/kbar). This was superimposed by an event of near-isothermaldecompression (dT/dP = 15C/kbar). The studied spinel granulites,therefore, preserve relic prograde mineral associations andreaction textures despite being metamorphosed at very high temperatures,and bear evidence of polymetamorphism. KEY WORDS: spinel granulite; Eastern Ghats; India; polymetamorphism; geothermometry; geobarometry Corresponding author     

Garnetiferous Metabasites from the Sausar Mobile Belt: Petrology, P-T Path and Implications for the Tectonothermal Evolution of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone

A suite of garnetiferous amphibolites and mafic granulites occuras small boudins within layered felsic migmatite gneiss in thenorthern part of the Sausar Mobile Belt (SMB), the latter constitutingthe southern component of the Proterozoic Central Indian TectonicZone (CITZ). Although the two types of metabasites are in variousstages of retrogression, textural, compositional and phase equilibriastudies attest to four distinct metamorphic episodes. The earlyprograde stage (M_o) is represented by an inclusion assemblageof hornblende₁ + ilmenite₁ + plagioclase₁ ± quartz andgrowth zoning preserved in garnet. The peak assemblage (M₁)consists of porphyroblastic garnet + clinopyroxene ±quartz ± rutile ± hornblende in mafic granulitesand garnet + quartz + hornblende in amphibolites and stabilizedat pressure–temperature conditions of 9–10 kbarand 750–800°C and 8 kbar and 675°C, respectively.This was followed by near-isothermal decompression (M₂), andpost-decompression cooling (M₃) events. In mafic granulites,the former resulted in the development of early clinopyroxene_2A–hornblende_2A–plagioclase_2Asymplectites at 8 kbar and 775°C (M_2A stage), synchronouswith D₂ and later anhydrous clinopyroxene_2B–plagioclase_2B–ilmenite_2Bsymplectites and coronal assemblages at 7 kbar, 750°C (M_2Bstage) and post-dating D₂. In amphibolites, ilmenite + plagioclase+ quartz ± hornblende symplectites appeared during M₂at 6·4 kbar and 700°C. During M₃, coronal garnet+ clinopyroxene + quartz ± hornblende-bearing symplectitesin metabasic dykes and hornblende₃–plagioclase₃ symplectitesembaying garnet in mafic granulites were formed. P–T estimatesshow near-isobaric cooling from 7 kbar and 750°C to 6 kbarand 650°C during M₃. It is argued that the decompressionin the mafic granulites is not continuous, being punctuatedby a distinct heating (prograde?) event. The latter is alsocoincident with a period of extension, marked by mafic dykeemplacement. The combined P–T path of evolution has aclockwise sense and provides evidence for a major phase of earlycontinental subduction in parts of the CITZ. This was followedby a later continent–continent collision event duringwhich granulites of the first phase became tectonically interleavedwith younger lithological units. This tectonothermal event,of possibly Grenvillian age, marks the final amalgamation ofthe North and the South Indian Blocks along the CITZ to producethe Indian subcontinent. KEY WORDS: Central Indian Tectonic Zone; clockwise P–T path; continental collision; metabasite     

Mantle Xenoliths from the Southeastern Slave Craton: Evidence for Chemical Zonation in a Thick, Cold Lithosphere

We present the first data on the petrology of the mantle lithosphereof the Southeastern (SE) Slave craton, Canada. These are basedon petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical studies of mantlexenoliths in Pipe 5034 of the Cambrian Gahcho Kué kimberlitecluster. Major types of mantle xenoliths include altered eclogite,coarse garnet or spinel peridotite, and deformed garnet peridotite.The peridotites belong to the low-temperature suite and formedat T=600–1300°C and P= 25–80 kbar in a thick(at least 220–250 km), cool lithosphere. The SE Slavemantle is cooler than the mantle of other Archaean cratons andthat below other terranes of the Slave craton. The thick lithosphereand the relatively cool thermal regime provide favourable conditionsfor formation and preservation of diamonds beneath the SE Slaveterrane. Similar to average Archaean mantle worldwide, the SESlave peridotite is depleted in magmaphile major elements andcontains olivine with forsterite content of 91–93·5.With respect to olivine composition and mode, all terranes ofthe Slave mantle show broadly similar compositions and are relativelyorthopyroxene-poor compared with those of the Kaapvaal and Siberiancratons. The SE Slave spinel peridotite is poorer in Al, Caand Fe, and richer in Mg than deeper garnet peridotite. Thegreater chemical depletion of the shallow upper mantle is typicalof all terranes of the Slave craton and may be common for thesubcontinental lithospheric peridotitic mantle in general. Peridotiticxenoliths of the SE Slave craton were impregnated by kimberliticfluids that caused late-stage recrystallization of primary clinopyroxene,spinel, olivine and spinel-facies orthopyroxene, and formationof interstitial clinopyroxene. This kimberlite-related recrystallizationdepleted primary pyroxenes and spinel in Al. The kimberliticfluid was oxidizing, Ti-, Fe- and K-rich, and Na-poor, and introducedserpentine, chlorite, phlogopite and spinel into peridotitesat P < 35 kbar. KEY WORDS: kimberlite xenolith; lithosphere; mantle terrane; chemical zoning; thermobarometry; Slave craton     

Talc-, Magnesite- and Ti-Clinohumite-Bearing Ultrahigh-Pressure Meta-Mafic and Ultramafic Complex in the Dabie Mountains, China

The Bixiling mafic-ultramafic metamorphic complex is a 1•5km² tectonic block within biotite gneiss in the southern Dabieultrahigh-pressure terrane, central China. The complex consistsof banded eclogites that contain thin layers of garnet-bearingcumulate ultramafic rock. Except for common eclogitic phases(garnet, omphacite, kyanite, phengite, zoisite and rutilc),banded eclogites contain additional talc and abundant coesiteinclusions in omphacite, zoisite, kyanite and garnet. Some metaultramaficrocks contain magnesite and Ti-clinohumite. Both eclogites andmeta-ultramafic rocks have undergone multi-stage metamorphism.Eclogite facies metamorphisrn occurred at 610–700C andP>27 kbar, whereas amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphismis characterized by symplectites of plagioclase and hornblendeafter omphacite and replacement of tremolite after talc at P<6–15kbar and T <600C. The meta-ultramafic assemblages such asolivine + enstatite + diopside + garnet and Ti-clinohumite +diopside + enstatite + garnet + magnesite olivine formed at700–800C and 47–67 kbar. Investigation of the phaserelations for the system CaO-MgO-SiO₂-H₂O-CO₂ and the experimentallydetermined stabilities of talc, magnesite and Ti-clinohumiteindicate that (1) UHP talc assemblages are restricted to Mg-Algabbro composition and cannot be an important water-bearingphase in the ultramafic mantle, and (2) Ti-clinohumite and magnesiteare stable H₂O-bearing and CO₂-bearing phases at depths >100km. The mafic-ultramafic cumulates were initially emplaced atcrustal levels, then subducted to great depths during the Triassiccollision of the Sine-Korean and Yangtze cratons. KEY WORDS: eclogite; magnesite; meta-ultramafics; talc; ultrahigh-P metamorphism ^*Corresponding author     

Lawsonite-Omphacite-Bearing Metabasites of the Pam Peninsula, NE New Caledonia: Evidence for Disrupted Blueschist- to Eclogite-Facies Conditions

The Diahot terrane of NE New Caledonia contains an interbeddedsequence of Cretaceous to Eocene metasediments, felsic and maficmetavolcanics that experienced c. 40 Ma high-P/T metamorphism.Metabasaltic assemblages define two prograde events (M₁ andM₂) and a tectonically disrupted crustal profile that extendsfrom lawsonite–blueschist conditions in the SW to paragonite–eclogiteconditions in the NE. Weakly deformed metabasalts from lowest-gradeparts of the Diahot terrane contain M₁ omphacite, chlorite,lawsonite and glaucophane-bearing assemblages that partiallypseudomorph igneous plagioclase and augite, and reflect P =0·7–1·0 GPa and T = 350–400°C.M₁ assemblages are enveloped by a steeply SW-dipping S₂ foliationthat becomes progressively more intense towards the NE overa distance of c. 15 km. S₂ assemblages are divided into fourzones: (1) lawsonite–omphacite; (2) lawsonite–clinozoisite–spessartine;(3) clinozoisite–hornblende–almandine; (4) almandine–omphacite.S₂ assemblages reflect a P–T gradient that spans the exposed15 km of the Diahot terrane from P = 0·8–1·0GPa and T = 350–400°C (Zone 1) to P = 1·6–1·7GPa and T = 550–600°C (Zone 4). The systematic mineralogicalchanges reflect parts of a P–T array between 1·0and 1·7 GPa that was extensively disrupted by tectonicthinning during exhumation. KEY WORDS: blueschist; eclogite; New Caledonia; CNFMASH; pseudosection     

Mesoproterozoic Reworking of Palaeoproterozoic Ultrahigh-temperature Granulites in the Central Indian Tectonic Zone and its Implications

In the southern periphery of the Sausar Mobile Belt (SMB), thesouthern component of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ),a suite of felsic and aluminous granulites, intruded by gabbro,noritic gabbro, norite and orthopyroxenite, records the polymetamorphicevolution of the CITZ. Using sequences of prograde, peak andretrograde reaction textures, mineral chemistry, geothermobarometricresults and petrogenetic grid considerations from the felsicand the aluminous granulites and applying metamorphosed maficdyke markers and geochronological constraints, two temporallyunrelated granulite-facies tectonothermal events of Pre-Grenvillianage have been established. The first event caused ultrahigh-temperature(UHT) metamorphism (M₁) (T 950°C) at relatively deepercrustal levels (P 9 kbar) and a subsequent post-peak near-isobariccooling P–T history (M₂). M₁ caused pervasive biotite-dehydrationmelting, producing garnet–orthopyroxene and garnet–rutileand sapphirine–spinel-bearing incongruent solid assemblagesin felsic and aluminous granulites, respectively. During M₂,garnet–corundum and later spinel–sillimanite–biotiteassemblages were produced by reacting sapphirine–spinel–sillimaniteand rehydration of garnet–corundum assemblages, respectively.Applying electron microprobe (EMP) dating techniques to monazitesincluded in M₁ garnet or occurring in low-strain domains inthe felsic granulites, the UHT metamorphism is dated at 2040–2090Ma. Based on the deep crustal heating–cooling P–Ttrajectory, the authors infer an overall counterclockwise P–Tpath for this UHT event. During the second granulite event,the Palaeoproterozoic granulites experienced crustal attenuationto 6·4 kbar at T 675°C during M₃ and subsequentnear-isothermal loading to 8 kbar during M₄. In the felsic granulites,the former is marked by decomposition of M₁ garnet to orthopyroxene–plagioclasesymplectites. During M₄, there was renewed growth of garnet–quartzsymplectites in the felsic granulites, replacing the M₃ mineralassemblage and also the appearance of coronal garnet–quartz–clinopyroxeneassemblages in metamorphosed mafic dykes. Using monazites frommetamorphic overgrowths and metamorphic recrystallization domainsfrom the felsic granulite, the M₄ metamorphism is dated at 1525–1450Ma. Using geochronological and metamorphic constraints, theauthors interpret the M₃–M₄ stages to be part of the sameMesoproterozoic tectonothermal event. The result provides thefirst documentation of UHT metamorphism and Palaeo- and Mesoproterozoicmetamorphic processes in the CITZ. On a broader scale, the findingsare also consistent with the current prediction that isobaricallycooled granulites require a separate orogeny for their exhumation. KEY WORDS: Central Indian Tectonic Zone; UHT metamorphism; counterclockwise P–T path; monazite chemical dating