Zircon ages,geochemistry, and Nd isotopic systematics of pre-Variscan orthogneisses from the Erzgebirge,Saxony (Germany), and geodynamic interpretation

High grade granitoid orthogneisses occur in several metamorphic units of the Erzgebirge in the Saxothuringian Zone of the Variscan Belt. The determination of protolith ages and the geochemical characterization of these rocks permit a reconstruction of the Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic magmatic and geodynamic history of the Erzgebirge. Single zircon Pb-Pb evaporation and SHRIMP ages combined with major and trace element data and Sm-Nd isotope systematics indicate at least two discrete magmatic events concealed in the so-called red gneisses, one at ~550 Ma in rocks of the medium pressure—medium temperature (MP-MT) unit and the other at ~500–480 Ma in rocks of the high pressure units. The transition zones comprise both Neoproterozoic granitoids and early Palaeozoic metarhyolites. The granitoid gneisses represent Neoproterozoic calc-alkaline granitoids with REE patterns similar to those produced in Andean-type continental margins. The early Palaeozoic muscovite gneisses are geochemically distinct from the older granitoids and may be derived from melts generated in a back-arc setting. Initial _Nd values in all samples overlap and range from –4.1 to –9.2, corresponding to crustal sources with average residence times of 1.5 to 1.9 Ga. Zircon xenocryst ages as old as 2992 Ma provide evidence for Grenvillian, Svecofennian-Birimian-Aazonian and older age components and suggest an association of the Erzgebirge with Avalonia.B. Mingram and A. Kröner have shared senior authorship