Isotopic-geochemical features and age of zircons in dunites of the platinum-bearing type Uralian massifs: Petrogenetic implications

This paper presents results of isotopic (Cameca IMS1270 NORDSIM and SHRIMP-II ion microprobes) and geochemical (LA-ICP MS) study of zircons in three dunite samples of the Uralian-Alaskan-type massifs of the Urals: Kosva, Sakharin, and Eastern Khabarny. The zircons in the dunites share common features. Each sample contains the following genetic and age groups of zircons: (1) xenogenic zircons of the Archean and Proterozoic age; (2) zircons of magmatic appearance, which in age and geochemistry are close to the zircons from associated gabbroids; (3) postmagmatic zircons that presumably crystallized from hydrothermal solutions. The xenogenic zircons of the Archean age in each of three samples comprise transparent fragments, which are depleted in U and other trace elements and presumably have mantle origin. Xenogenic zircons of the Proterozoic age (1500–2000 Ma) occur as oval grains with surface abrasion, the traces of their redeposition. The geochemical features of the xenogenic zircons unequivocally demonstrate their affiliation to the continental crust—the basement of the Uralian orogen. The zircons of magmatic habit in all the dunite samples are close in age to the associated gabbroids: 435–432 Ma in the Kosva Massif, 378–374 in the Sakharin Massif, and 407–402 Ma in the Eastern Khabarny Massif, and mark the age of dunite formation. In addition, the magmatic zircons from dunites and associated gabbroids share similar geochemical features. These data could serve as additional argument in support of cumulate origin of dunites in the Uralian-Alaskan-type complexes. The postmagmatic zircons are most enriched in trace elements and were presumably formed from a fluid phase, which was responsible for the recrystallization of dunites and redistribution of Cr-spinel and PGE mineralization.