The nature and origin of the chrome-spinel of the Rhum layered intrusion

The textural features and mineralogy of chrome-spinel bearing rocks from the layered ultrabasic intrusion of Rhum indicate that in situ reaction of chromite with olivine, plagioclase and interstitial liquid has taken place. The compositions of the chrome-spinels vary throughout parts of the intrusion and also in a systematic way across a thin picotite rich seam at a feldspar cumulate — olivine cumulate junction. The origin of the chrome-spinel is discussed in relation to other occurrences of chromite in layered ultrabasic rocks.