Chromian omphacite from low-grade metamorphic rocks, Nishisonogi, Kyushu, Japan

Abstract Chromian omphacite which contains up to 4 wt % Cr₂O₃ has been identified from low-grade metamorphic rocks in Nishisonogi, Kyushu, Japan. It occurs as aggregates, forming a thin horizon (20 mm thick) in alayered metagabbro within a serpentinite melange zone, together with Cr-free omphacite, actino-lite, epidote and sphene. It may have been formed by the metasomatic introduction of Cr into the metagabbro from the serpentinite rather than by reaction with chromite. The structural formula, based on EPMA analyses, and the optical absorption spectrum of the chromian omphacite show that the Cr is positioned in the octahedral site.