Large ion lithophile elements in rocks from high-pressure granulite facies terrains

A comparison of K, Rb, Th and U concentrations in granulite facies rocks with those of unmetamorphosed common rock types shows that depletion of these elements in granulites is variable. K/Rb ratios for granulites are generally higher than unmetamorphosed rocks, but K/Rb ratios only reach extreme values when K < 1%. The covariation of K/Rb ratio with K concentration suggests that protolith composition, hence mineralogy, is very important in controlling the degree of Rb depletion in granulites. Felsic granulites exhibiting extreme K/Rb ratios are mainly Archean, reflecting the high abundance of low K felsic rocks in Archean terrains. The Scourian granulites of Scotland all have very high K/Rb ratios and cannot be considered to be representative of granulite facies terrains. It is impossible from this data set to state conclusively whether K is depleted in granulites; K/La ratios of granulites show complete overlap with igneous rocks. Th/U ratios in many granulites are greater than 4, indicating U loss relative to Th. Felsic granulites with low Th/U ratios also have high La/Th ratios, indicating that these granulites have been depleted in Th. The low Th/U ratios of these rocks may reflect retention of Th and U in resistant accessory phases.