Layered intrusions and volcanic sequences in Central Brazil: Geological and geochronological constraints for Mesoproterozoic (1.25 Ga) and Neoproterozoic (0.79 Ga) igneous associations

A 350-km long belt of layered complexes and associated volcano-sedimentary sequences forms a continental-scale feature exposed along the internal portion of the Neoproterozoic Brasília Belt in central Brazil. This study provides new geochronological results and a critical review of the available data of these igneous associations of central Brazil. Precise age dating combined with geological and petrological studies indicate that this belt consists of two distinct igneous rock associations. The 1.25 and 0.79 Ga igneous episodes are constrained by reliable U–Pb zircon ages (SHRIMP and ID-TIMS) obtained in different regions and lithotypes of this belt. Both igneous associations were affected by high-grade metamorphism and tectonism at ca. 0.76 Ga, which partially disrupted the original igneous stratigraphy of the layered complexes and volcano-sedimentary sequences. The present configuration of this belt results from later events, probably caused by final ocean closure and continental collision between the São Francisco and Amazonian continents at ca. 0.63 Ga.     

Redox and nonredox reactions of magnetite and hematite in rocks

Redox and nonredox reactions causing pseudomorphic replacement of hematite by magnetite and magnetite by hematite are compared.Pseudomorphic replacements resulting from redox reactions are known as martitization [replacement of magnetite by hematite due to oxidation; reaction (1)] and mushketovitization [replacement of hematite by magnetite due to reduction; reaction (2)]. These two replacements cause characteristic ore textures and volume changes (reaction (1): increase of 1.66%; reaction (2): decrease of 1.64%). These small volume changes are the reason that martitization and mushketovitization are widespread in many rocks under condition, however, that oxidizing or reducing fluids (solutions) are present.The same initial and end products may also be involved in nonredox reactions. Reaction (3) is the replacement of hematite by magnetite due to simple addition of Fe²⁺ atoms under basic conditions. This reaction causes an increase of the volume of 47.6%. Reaction (4), causing a volume decrease of 32.2%, is the replacement of magnetite by hematite due to leaching of Fe²⁺ atoms under acidic conditions. From these volume changes it is concluded that reaction (4) may occur in many rock types, whereas reaction (3) is restricted to unlithified sediments only. However, ore textures caused by nonredox reactions are unknown and therefore their occurrence in rocks is hypothetical.