Petrology and structure of the Rathjen granitic gneiss of the Palmer region,South Australia

The Rathjen Gneiss is a homogeneous granitic gneiss occurring within the high grade regional metamorphic belt of the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges.

New mineralogical, chemical and microfabric data are presented and the genesis of the gneiss discussed in the light of these new data. From a comparison of the biotites (two analyses) and potassium feldspars (5 analyses) it is deduced that the gneiss crystallized or recrystallized under the same physical conditions as the envelope rocks. Mesoscopic and microscopic structures are also identical in style and orientation with the envelope rocks.

Five selected specimens of the gneiss have been analysed for major and minor elements. On the basis of a comparison of certain critical element ratios (such as Rb/Ba) in the gneiss with those of probable source rocks, it is suggested that metasomatism has not been a significant factor in its genesis.

To explain its granitic composition and apparent sheet‐like form, it is suggested that the gneiss is a metamorphosed sheet of acid volcanic rocks.