Zoning and recrystallization of phengitic micas: implications for metamorphic equilibration

White micas (phengites) in the metasediments of the Scottish Dalradian display a large range of compositions within single samples. The variations in the composition of these phengites are strongly controlled by their structural age, with early fabrics containing a paragonite-poor, celadonite-rich phengite whereas in later fabrics the micas are generally paragonite-rich and celadonite-poor. Retrograde phengite growth, identified using back scattered electron imaging, occurs as celadonite-rich rims on micas within all existing fabrics and appears to be preferentially developed along existing white mica-plagioclase grain boundaries. The presence of these chemically distinct phengite populations within single samples implies that chemical exchange between the individual micas was inefficient. It is proposed that diffusion-controlled exchange reactions in phengites have relatively high closure temperatures below which major element exchange is effectively impossible. This closed system behaviour of micas questions the ease with which phengites may equilibrate with other phases during prograde greenschist and lower amphibolite facies metamorphism. Many of the chemical variations preserved in phengites from such metamorphic rocks may reflect deformation/recrystallization controlled equilibria.