Garnet amphibolites from the Ganzi–Litang fault zone,eastern Tibetan Plateau: mineralogy,geochemistry, and implications for evolution of the eastern Palaeo-Tethys Realm

The Ganzi–Litang fault zone, an outstanding tectonic element in the eastern Tibetan Plateau has been intensively debated as an in-situ suture zone marking relict of a subducted Palaeo-Tethyan oceanic crust or a failed intracontinental rift. This paper reports the garnet amphibolites discovered along the Ganzi–Litang fault zone, eastern Tibetan Plateau. These garnet amphibolites are characterized by the garnet–hornblende–rutile–sphene–plagioclase–quartz assemblage. Conventional geothermobarometry figures out the metamorphic temperature and pressure conditions at 582–626°C and 1.61–1.82 GPa, respectively. Geochemical analysis (no Nb–Ta deletions and left-inclined to flat patterns of rare-earth elements) indicates that the garnet amphibolites could represent metamorphic product of the mid-ocean-ridge (MORB)-type mafic rocks that were contaminated by a mantle plume. The protolith of the garnet amphibolites was dated at 236 Ma using in-situ U–Pb zircon method, and the retrograde metamorphism was dated at 218 Ma using in-situ U–Pb sphene method. A comprehensive analysis combined with the development of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean and the Yidun arc through geologic time indicates a Triassic to Early Jurassic age (236–195 Ma) for the metamorphism of the garnet amphibolites. The low geothermal gradient of 9.8ºC/km and the N-MORB nature of the garnet amphibolites suggest a subduction-zone environment for the high-pressure metamorphism. Therefore, the Ganzi–Litang fault zone is a Palaeo-Tethyan suture separating the Yidun arc and the Songpan–Ganzi terrane, representing the relics of a branch of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean that was contaminated by a mantle plume.     

Hillslope coupled stream morphology,flow conditions,and their effects on detrital sedimentology in Garnet Canyon,Teton Range,Wyoming

Characterizing stream erosion in any steep mountain landscape is arduous, but the challenge level increases when the stream flows through a glaciated catchment frequently modified by hillslope debris.Glacial landforms and stochastic mass wasting in alpine systems may interfere with sediment delivery to downstream sites where detrital sediments are often collected to represent upstream bedrock sources.To use detrital sediments as indicators of erosion, we need to understand potential sediment accumulation in flat glaciated reaches or behind rockfall barriers. This study investigates the stream channel in Garnet Canyon, a glaciated catchment located in the central Teton Range, to describe hillslope coupled channel morphology and the subsequent effects on sediment transport throughout the catchment.Stream cross-section surveys and sediment size measurements of the surface bedload were collected in the field within a glacially flattened segment of Garnet Canyon. Calculations of shear stress conditions allowed evaluation of the importance of mineral densities on potential grain entrainment. The length of the Garnet Canyon stream observed in this study was coupled with hillslope deposits. Critical shear stresses were sufficient to move gravel-sized sediments through all sections when calculated with quartz mineral density and through most sections when applying apatite mineral density. These results verify the application of detrital sediments to evaluate erosion rates or spatial bedrock sources because snowmelt stream flow efficiently moves entrained sediment past glacially reduced slopes and potential talus barriers.     

Combining ECCI and FIB milling techniques to prepare site-specific TEM samples for crystal defect analysis of deformed minerals at high pressure

Dislocation microstructures in experimentally deformed single-crystal pyrope-rich garnet, (Mg,Fe)₃(Al,Cr)₃Si₃O₁₂, and polycrystalline forsterite, Mg₂SiO₄, were investigated by using electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with a focused ion beam (FIB)-microsampling. In the orientation-optimized ECCI method, we successfully observed individual dislocations across subgrain boundaries in a low-atomic-number mineral, pyrope-rich garnet (averaged Z-numbers, AZs ～ 10). Dislocations in a deformed forsterite (iron-free olivine) were also visible in the ECCI. In the ECCI on the single-crystal garnet, deformation bands consisting of dislocations, unusual contrasts in stripes and inhomogeneous distributions of sub-micrometer-sized pores were found. Further site-specific TEM observation on the deformation band revealed a high density of partial dislocations and stacking fault ribbons. The site-specific characterizations from ECCI to TEM, with assistance of FIB, can provide a new approach to investigate dislocation microstructures of deformed materials at high pressure and high temperature.     

Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy: A fast and reliable tool for diamond prospecting

Computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy is introduced as a faster, reliably and cost-reducing alternative to conventional electron microprobe analyses on kimberlite indicator minerals. The method is based on conventional scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, but due to extended counting times, optimised settings and computer-controlled particle recognition valid data can be obtained on a low amount of operator and machine time. A comparison of the results between both methods yields that computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy is able to investigate major and minor element concentrations in indicator minerals with almost the same precision as the electron microprobe.     

Geochemistry of S,Cu, Ni,Cr and Au-PGE in the garnet amphibolites from the Akom II area in the Archaean Congo Craton,Southern Cameroon

The fresh and weathered garnet amphibolites, from the Akom II area in the Archaean Congo Craton, were investigated to determine the S, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Au-PGE values. The garnet amphibolites are composed of amphibole, plagioclase, garnet, quartz, and accessory apatite, spinel, sericite, pyrite, chalcopyrite and non-identified opaque minerals. The presence of apatite, sericite, and two generations of opaque minerals suggests that they might be affected by hydrothermal alteration. They are characterized by moderate Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, V, Zn, and Co contents with negative Eu- and Ce-anomalies. The sulfur concentrations are variable (380–1710 ppm). According to the sulfur contents, amphibolites can be grouped into two: amphibolites with low contents, ranging between 380 and 520 ppm (av. = 457 ppm); and amphibolites with elevated contents, varying from 1140 to 1710 ppm (av. = 1370 ppm). Amphibolites contain contrast amounts of Cu (∼ 1800 to 5350 ppm) while nickel contents attain 121 ppm. Chromium contents vary from 43 to 194 ppm. Sulfur correlates positively with Cu and Cr, but negatively with Ni and Ni/Cr ratio. The total Au-PGE contents attain 59 ppb.The presence of amphibole and feldspars confirms the low degree of amphibolite weathering. The secondary minerals are constituted of kaolinite, gibbsite, goethite and hematite. Despite the accumulation of some elements, the major and trace element distribution is quite similar to that of fresh amphibolites. Nevertheless, the weathering processes lead to the depletion of several elements such as S (239–902 ppm), Cu (520–2082 ppm), and Ni (20–114 ppm). Chromium and Au-PGE show an opposite trend marked by a slight enrichment in the weathered amphibolites. Amidst the Au-PGE, Pd (60 ppb) and Pt (23 ppb) have elevated contents in the fresh rocks as well as in the weathered materials. The PPGE contents are much higher than IPGE contents in both types of materials. The Pd/Pt, Pd/Rh, Pd/Ru, Pd/Ir, Pd/Os, and Pd/Au values indicate that Pt, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os and Au are more mobile than Pd. Chondrite-normalized base metal patterns confirm the abundance of Pd and the slight enrichment of Au-PGE in weathered rocks. Palladium, Rh and Ir are positively correlated with S. Conversely Pt and Ru are negatively correlated with S and Au is not correlated with S. Despite the high and variable S and Cu contents, the garnet amphibolites possess low Au-PGE and other base metals contents.     

Mineral geochemistry of the Sangan skarn deposit,NE Iran: Implication for the evolution of hydrothermal fluid

The Sangan iron skarn deposit is located in the Sabzevar-Dorouneh Magmatic Belt of northeastern Iran. The skarn contains zoned garnet, clinopyroxene and magnetite. Cores and rims of zoned garnets are generally homogeneous, having a relatively high ΣREE, low ΣLREE/ΣHREE ratios, and positive Eu anomalies. The cores of the zoned clinopyroxenes are exceptionally HREE-rich, with relatively high ΣREE and HREE/LREE ratios, as well as positive Eu anomalies. Clinopyroxene rims are LREE-rich, with relatively low ΣREE contents and HREE/LREE ratios, and do not have Eu anomalies. Magnetite grains are enriched in LREEs in comparison with the HREEs and lack Eu anomalies. Variations of fluid composition and physicochemical conditions rather than YAG-type substitution mechanism are considered to have major control on incorporating trace elements, including REE, into the skarn mineral assemblage. Based on baro-acoustic decrepitation analysis, the calc-silicate and magnetite dominant stages were formed at similar temperatures, around 350–400 °C. In the Sangan skarns, hydrothermal fluids shifted from near-neutral pH, reduced conditions with relatively high ΣREE, low LREE/HREE ratios, and U-rich characteristics towards acidic, oxidized conditions with relatively low ΣREE, high LREE/HREE ratios, and U-poor characteristics.     

滇西勐库退变质榴辉岩的P-T-t轨迹及地质意义

滇西双江县勐库地区的退变质榴辉岩经历了多期退变质作用的改造,早期的平衡共生矿物组合难觅踪迹。应用传统的石榴石-单斜辉石(GC)温度计、石榴石-单斜辉石-多硅白云母(GCP)压力计进行变质作用的PT条件估算存在许多不确定性。本文应用魏春景等(2009)依据MORB成分计算的PT视剖面图上多硅白云母、石榴石、绿辉石的成分随体系中PT条件的变化情况,估算了进变质的P=2.00~2.30GPa,T=420~460℃,相当于硬柱石蓝片岩相—硬柱石-蓝闪石榴辉岩相;峰期变质的P=3.35~4.46GPa,T=530~610℃,相当于硬柱石榴辉岩相;早期退变质的P=2.00~2.50GPa,T=470~540℃,相当于硬柱石-蓝闪石榴辉岩相;中期退变质的P=0.95~1.43GPa,T=700~750℃,相当于角闪石榴辉岩相-高压麻粒岩相。晚期退变质作用以出现大量的闪石类矿物为特征,可划分为3个阶段,并显示了持续的降温、降压过程。结合区域地壳演化进程,本文详细讨论了上述P-T-t轨迹的地质意义。     

Geological and mineralogical study of eclogite and glaucophane schists in the Naga Hills Ophiolite,Northeast India

A variety of low‐ to high‐pressure metamorphic assemblages occur in the metabasic rocks and metachert in the Upper Cretaceous–Eocene ophiolite belt of the central part of the Naga Hills, an area in the northern sector of the Indo–Myanmar Ranges in the Indo–Eurasian collision zone. The ophiolite suite includes peridotite tectonite containing garnet lherzolite xenoliths, layered ultramafic–mafic cumulates, metabasic rocks, basaltic lava, volcaniclastics, plagiogranite, and pelagic sediments emplaced as dismembered and imbricated bodies at thrust contacts between moderately metamorphosed accretionary rocks/basement (Nimi Formation/Naga Metamorphics) and marine sediments (Disang Flysch). It is overlain by coarse clastic Paleogene sediments of ophiolite‐derived rocks (Jopi/Phokphur Formation). The metabasic rocks, including high‐grade barroisite/glaucophane‐bearing epidote eclogite and glaucophane schist, and low‐grade greenschist and prehnite–clinochlore schist, are associated with lava flows and ultramafic cumulates at the western thrust contact. Chemically, the metabasites show a low‐K tholeiitic affinity that favors derivation from a depleted mantle source as in the case of mid‐ocean ridge basalt. Thermobarometry indicates peak P–T conditions of about 20 kb and 525°C. Retrogression related to uplift is marked by replacement of barroisite and omphacite by glaucophane followed by secondary actinolite, albite, and chlorite formation. A metabasic lens with an eclogite core surrounded by successive layers of glaucophane schist and greenschist provides field evidence of retrogression and uplift. Presence of S‐C mylonite in garnet lherzolite and ‘mica fish’ in glaucophane schist indicates ductile deformation in the shear zone along which the ophiolite was emplaced.     

XAFS characterization of the structural site of Yb in synthetic pyrope and grossular garnets

The incorporation and site preference of minor amounts (about 1 wt%) of Yb³⁺ in synthetic pyrope (Mg₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂) and grossular (Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂) garnet were studied by X-ray Absorption Fine-Structure (XAFS) Spectroscopy. The measurements, performed in the temperature range 77–343 K at both Yb L_I- and L_III-edges, demonstrate that Yb³⁺ enters the garnet structure and is located in the dodecahedral site in both samples. The coordination environment of Yb³⁺ in the two samples was compared to that of the X-site cation in end-member synthetic pyrope and grossular and in Yb₃Al₅O₁₂ as determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The local geometry around Yb³⁺ is different from that of Mg and Ca in the bulk of the garnet, and also from that of Yb³⁺ in Yb₃Al₅O₁₂. Τhe XAFS results indicate that, (1) structural relaxation occurs around Yb³⁺ in the garnet structure; (2) the host garnet matrix exerts a major structural control on the incorporation of Yb³⁺, and (3) minor amounts of Yb³⁺ in garnet are located in structural sites and not in ill-defined defects. Received: 15 January 1998/ Revised, accepted: 21 July 1998     

海南岛石碌矽卡岩铁矿石中石榴子石的熔融包裹体及其意义

对石碌铁矿一块具有代表性的新鲜矽卡岩铁矿石标本进行了岩石薄片显微镜观察、电子探针和喇曼光谱分析研究.在石榴子石中发现了熔融包裹体.这些包裹体主要特点是大小悬殊和成群或成带分布,最大者达98μm×5μm,最小者为1μm×1μm,多数包裹体长约5～30μm,宽约2～7μm,也有不少呈孤立状散布在石榴子石中.其形态多样,呈纺锤形、哑铃形,串珠状,藕形,近圆形和不规则状.研究的矽卡岩主要由钙铁榴石组分高的石榴子石、磁铁矿、石英、透闪石和透辉石组成,还有呈定向和星点分布的磷灰石,少量锆石与榍石;石榴子石中的熔融包裹体捕获的熔体由含Ca、Fe、Al和挥发分(H2O和CO2)的硅酸盐熔融体组成.在熔融包裹体冷却过程中,由于温度缓慢降低,赤铁矿、钙铁榴石、石英、方解石和透辉石从上述硅酸盐熔体中析出,剩下的残余熔体不混溶,变成含有Ca和Si等杂质的铁质熔体、含si、Fe的碳酸盐熔体和含Ca、Al、Fe的硅酸盐熔体.喇曼光谱测定显示,石榴子石中熔融包裹体含有石榴子石、赤铁矿和方解石,个别含少量水蒸气.磁铁矿含有可疑的Fe、Sj熔融包裹体和Sj、Fe熔融包裹体.在透辉石-透闪石矽卡岩铁矿石的石榴子石里发现大量熔融包裹体的事实无疑.矽卡岩铁矿石石榴子石中熔融包裹体的首次发现,它可能有助于石碌铁矿床挖掘老矿潜力和拓宽找矿的新思路.