Geochemistry of coexisting hornblende and biotite from the Ambalavayal granite,Kerala

Major and trace element geochemistry of coexisting hornblendes and biotites from the Ambalavayal granite, northern Kerala, are presented. The hornblendes correspond to edenitic composition, whereas the biotites correspond to annite. The hornblendes typically show high Al₂O₃ contents (9·69–11·89%) comparable with those from anorogenic granites. The biotites are characteristically low Mg-type, similar to those reported from alkaline rocks. The distribution coefficients calculated for all the major and trace elements are presented and an evaluation of the nature of variation indicate near-chemical equilibrium conditions during the crystallization of the two minerals. The hornblende-biotite tie lines in the Fe³⁺?Fe²⁺?Mg compositional triangle, lie parallel to those of buffered biotites, indicating crystallization in an environment closed to oxygen and well above the Ni?NiO buffer. It is inferred that thefH₂O increased towards the residual stage andfO₂ values were high, in the range of 10^?15 bars.