Hello Guest User, You are visiting this website from a computer with an IP address of 172.70.43.72 with the name of '?' since Thu Mar 28, 2024 at 7:04:39 PM PT for approx. 0 minutes now.
SDLRC - Scientific Articles all years by Author - Gi-Gq
The Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation
The Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation is compiled by Patricia Sheahan who publishes on a monthly basis a list of new scientific articles related to diamonds as well as media coverage and corporate announcementscalled the Sheahan Diamond Literature Service that is distributed as a free pdf to a list of followers. Pat has kindly agreed to allow her work to be made available as an online digital resource at Kaiser Research Online so that a broader community interested in diamonds and related geology can benefit. The references are for personal use information purposes only; when available a link is provided to an online location where the full article can be accessed or purchased directly. Reproduction of this compilation in part or in whole without permission from the Sheahan Diamond Literature Service is strictly prohibited. Return to Diamond Resource Center
Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation - Scientific Articles by Author for all years
The SDLRC provides 3 types of references identified in the reference code. DS for scientific article, DM for a media article, and DC for a corporate announcement. Consider DS0512-0001. The DS stands for "diamond scientific". 05 stands for 2005, the year the reference was posted. 12 represents the month the reference was posted. For all years prior to 2015 the default month is 12. -0001 is the reference's identifier and it does not mean anything. The number below the refence code, ie 2015, is the year the article was published. Note that the posted year may sometimes be later than the published year.
Sort Order
References are sorted by the "author" name and when the reference was posted to the compilation.
Most Recent
If the reference code is highlighted yellow, the reference was made available through the most recent monthly compilation of new literature. Use this to check out new references. When new references are posted, we make it our priority to track down an online link and obtain an abstract. With regard to older references, tracking down an abstract and an online link is a work in progress.
Link to external location of article:
If the title has a link, it means we have found a location online where you can either retrieve the full article free, or purchase access to it. The Sheahan Diamond Literature Service is not a technical article procurement service; if you want a restricted article, you must deal directly with the vendor who controls the copyright to the article.
Searching this page for a specific term or author
In your Firefox browser click Edit in the menu bar and then Find. In the Find box that shows up at the bottom of the web page enter your search term. Firefox will highlight all occurrences. This is particularly helpful when the author you are seeking was not the lead author by whom the compilation is sorted.
Sending or sharing a reference
The left column (Posted/Published) has an embedded hyperlink for each reference. In Firefox, if you right click on it, you can obtain the link url for that reference's location within the page, which you can copy and paste into an email or any other document. You can also use the "share this link" option to tweet, facebook etc the link.
Dr. D. Twitchen ( CVD Element Six) discussion using magnetic resonance and optical techniques to study how defects in diamond affect colour and electrical conductivity. Keynote speaker
Lithos, doi 10.1016/j.lithos.2019.105215, 75p. Pdf
Europe, Spain
deposit - Ronda
Abstract: We present a detailed study of the water geochemistry, mineralogy and textures in serpentinization-related hyperalkaline springs in the Ronda peridotites. Ronda waters can be classified into hyperalkaline fluids and river waters that are broadly similar to Ca2+-OH- and Mg2+-HCO3- water types described in serpentinite-hosted alkaline springs elsewhere. At the discharge sites of the fluids (fractures or human made outlets) and ponds along the fluid flow paths, the fluids are hyperalkaline (10.9 < pH < 12) and characterized by low Mg and high Na, K, Ca, and Cl concentrations. River waters, occurring near the spring sites, are mildly alkaline (8.5 < pH < 8.9) and enriched in Mg and DIC compared to Na, K, Ca and Cl. The chemistry of Ronda Mg-HCO3 river waters is likely due to the hydrolysis of ferromagnesian peridotite minerals in equilibrium with the atmosphere by infiltrated meteoric water and shallow groundwater in the serpentinized peridotite. The Ronda Ca-OH hyperalkaline fluids are generated by the combination of low temperature serpentinization reactions from infiltrated surface Mg-HCO3 river waters —or Ca-HCO3 waters from near karst aquifers— and deep carbonate precipitation isolated from atmospheric CO2. Mass balance calculations indicate that the weathering of Ca-bearing peridotite silicates such as diopside is a feasible source of Ca in Ronda Ca-OH hyperalkaline fluids; however, it requires steady-state dissolution rates substantially greater than those determined experimentally. Travertine, crystalline crusts and sediment deposits are the main types of solid precipitates observed in Ronda hyperalkaline spring sites. Calcite and aragonite, minor dolomite and Mg-Al-rich clays are the main minerals in the spring sites. As illustrated in the Baños del Puerto spring site, (i) calcite-dominated precipitation is due to hyperalkaline fluid uptake of atmospheric CO2 during discharge, and (ii) aragonite-dominated precipitation is due to mixing of Ca-OH hyperalkaline fluids with Mg- HCO3 river waters. Aragonite and dolomite contents increase away from the springs and toward the river waters that uniquely reflects the effect of Mg ions on the precipitation of aragonite versus calcite. Other potential factors controlling the precipitation of these CaCO3 polymorphs are the Mg/Ca ratio, the CO2 content, and the temperature of the fluids. Dolomite forms during lithification of travertine due to periodic flooding of river water combined with subsequent evaporation.
Abstract: Super-deep diamonds (SDDs) are those that form at depths between ?300 and ?1000 km in Earth’s mantle. They compose only 1% of the entire diamond population but play a pivotal role in geology, as they represent the deepest direct samples from the interior of our planet. Ferropericlase, (Mg,Fe)O, is the most abundant mineral found as inclusions in SDDs and, when associated with low-Ni enstatite, which is interpreted as retrogressed bridgmanite, is considered proof of a lower-mantle origin. As this mineral association in diamond is very rare, the depth of formation of most ferropericlase inclusions remains uncertain. Here we report geobarometric estimates based on both elasticity and elastoplasticity theories for two ferropericlase inclusions, not associated with enstatite, from a single Brazilian diamond. We obtained a minimum depth of entrapment of 15.7 (±2.5) GPa at 1830 (±45) K (?450 [±70] km depth), placing the origin of the diamond-inclusion pairs at least near the upper mantle-transition zone boundary and confirming their super-deep origin. Our analytical approach can be applied to any type of mineral inclusion in diamond and is expected to allow better insights into the depth distribution and origin of SDDs.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 451, pp. 114-124.
Mantle
Subduction
Abstract: The elastic properties of two single crystals of majoritic garnet (Mg3.24Al1.53Si3.23O12 and Mg3.01Fe0.17Al1.68Si3.15O12), have been measured using simultaneously single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Brillouin spectroscopy in an externally heated diamond anvil cell with Ne as pressure transmitting medium at conditions up to ?30 GPa and ?600 K. This combination of techniques makes it possible to use the bulk modulus and unit-cell volume at each condition to calculate the absolute pressure, independently of secondary pressure calibrants. Substitution of the majorite component into pyrope garnet lowers both the bulk (KsKs) and shear modulus (G ). The substitution of Fe was found to cause a small but resolvable increase in KsKs that was accompanied by a decrease in ?Ks/?P?Ks/?P, the first pressure derivative of the bulk modulus. Fe substitution had no influence on either the shear modulus or its pressure derivative. The obtained elasticity data were used to derive a thermo-elastic model to describe VsVs and VpVp of complex garnet solid solutions. Using further elasticity data from the literature and thermodynamic models for mantle phase relations, velocities for mafic, harzburgitic and lherzolitic bulk compositions at the base of Earth's transition zone were calculated. The results show that VsVs predicted by seismic reference models are faster than those calculated for all three types of lithologies along a typical mantle adiabat within the bottom 150 km of the transition zone. The anomalously fast seismic shear velocities might be explained if laterally extensive sections of subducted harzburgite-rich slabs pile up at the base of the transition zone and lower average mantle temperatures within this depth range.
Abstract: We report on pipe-like bodies and dikes of carbonate rocks related to sodic alkaline intrusions and amphibole mantle peridotites in the Ivrea zone (European Southern Alps). The carbonate rocks have bulk trace-element concentrations typical of low-rare earth element carbonatites interpreted as cumulates of carbonatite melts. Faintly zoned zircons from these carbonate rocks contain calcite inclusions and have trace-element compositions akin to those of carbonatite zircons. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry U-Pb zircon dating yields concordant ages of 187 ± 2.4 and 192 ± 2.5 Ma, coeval with sodic alkaline magmatism in the Ivrea zone. Cross-cutting relations, ages, as well as bulk and zircon geochemistry indicate that the carbonate rocks are carbonatites, the first ones reported from the Alps. Carbonatites and alkaline intrusions are comagmatic and were emplaced in the nascent passive margin of Adria during the Early Jurassic breakup of Pangea. Extension caused partial melting of amphibole-rich mantle domains, yielding sodic alkaline magmas whose fractionation led to carbonatite-silicate melt immiscibility. Similar occurrences in other rifts suggest that small-scale, sodic and CO2-rich alkaline magmatism is a typical result of extension and decompression-driven reactivation of amphibole-bearing lithospheric mantle during passive continental breakup and the evolution of magma-poor rifts.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 539, 116240 9p. Pdf
Mantle
geophysics - seismics
Abstract: Earth's thermo-chemical structure exerts a fundamental control on mantle convection, plate tectonics, and surface volcanism. There are indications that mantle convection occurs as an intermittent-stage process between layered and whole mantle convection in interaction with a compositional stratification at 660 km depth. However, the presence and possible role of any compositional layering in the mantle remains to be ascertained and understood. By interfacing inversion of a novel global seismic data set with petrologic phase equilibrium calculations, we show that a compositional boundary is not required to explain short- and long-period seismic data sensitive to the upper mantle and transition zone beneath stable continental regions; yet, radial enrichment in basaltic material reproduces part of the complexity present in the data recorded near subduction zones and volcanically active regions. Our findings further indicate that: 1) cratonic regions are characterized by low mantle potential temperatures and significant lateral variability in mantle composition; and 2) chemical equilibration seems more difficult to achieve beneath stable cratonic regions. These findings suggest that the lithologic integrity of the subducted basalt and harzburgite may be better preserved for geologically significant times underneath cratonic regions.
The aeromagnetic survey program of the Geological Society of Canada (GSC)- implications for kimberliteexploration.
Mid-continent diamonds Geological Association of Canada (GAC)-Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC) Symposium ABSTRACT volume, held Edmonton May, pp. 27-30.
Abstract: A "happy accident" has yielded a new, stable form of pure carbon made from cheap feedstocks, researchers say. Like diamond and graphene, two other guises of carbon, the material seems to have extraordinary physical properties. It is harder than stainless steel, about as conductive, and as reflective as a polished aluminum mirror. Perhaps most surprising, the substance appears to be ferromagnetic, behaving like a permanent magnet at temperatures up to 125°C. The discovery, announced in a talk here at the International Symposium on Clusters and Nanomaterials, could lead to lightweight coatings, medical products, and novel electronic devices. The news has elicited both excitement and caution among the dozens of researchers attending the meeting. Experts note that carbon is much lighter than other ferromagnetic elements such as manganese, nickel, and iron. Moreover, carbon is nontoxic in the body—which could mean the substance could be used for making biosensors or drug-delivery carriers.
Contents of trace elements in olivines from diamonds and peridotite xenoliths of the V.Grib kimberlite pipe ( Arkhangel'sk Diamondiferous province, Russia).
Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 466, 2, Feb. pp. 173-176.
Russia, Yakutia
Deposit - International
Abstract: The results of study of rutile inclusions in pyrope from the Internatsionalnaya kimberlite pipe are presented. Rutile is characterized by unusually high contents of impurities (up to 25 wt %). The presence of Cr2O3 (up to 9.75 wt %) and Nb2O5 (up to 15.57 wt %) are most typical. Rutile inclusions often occur in assemblage with Ti-rich oxides: picroilmenite and crichtonite group minerals. The Cr-pyropes with inclusions of rutile, picroilmenite, and crichtonite group minerals were formed in the lithospheric mantle beneath the Mirnyi field during their joint crystallization from melts enriched in Fe, Ti, and other incompatible elements as a result of metasomatic enrichment of the depleted lithospheric mantle.
Abstract: Mineralogical studies and U-Pb dating have been carried out on rutile included in peridotitic and eclogitic garnets from the Internatsionalnaya pipe, Mirny field, Siberian craton. We also describe a unique peridotitic paragenesis (rutile + forsterite + enstatite + Cr-diopside + Cr-pyrope) preserved in diamond from the Mir pipe, Mirny field. Compositions of rutile from the heavy mineral concentrates of the Internatsionalnaya pipe and rutile inclusions in crustal almandine-rich garnets from the Mayskaya pipe (Nakyn field), as well as from a range of different lithologies, are presented for comparison. Rutile from cratonic mantle peridotites shows characteristic enrichment in Cr, in contrast to lower-Cr rutile from crustal rocks and off-craton mantle. Rutile with Cr2O3 > 1.7 wt% is commonly derived from cratonic mantle, while rutiles with lower Cr2O3 may be both of cratonic and off-cratonic origin. New analytical developments and availability of standards have made rutile accessible to in situ U-Pb dating by laser ablation ICP-MS. A U-Pb age of 369 ± 10 Ma for 9 rutile grains in 6 garnets from the Internatsionalnaya pipe is consistent with the accepted eruption age of the pipe (360 Ma). The equilibrium temperatures of pyropes with rutile inclusions calculated using Ni-in-Gar thermometer range between ~ 725 and 1030 °C, corresponding to a depth range of ca ~ 100-165 km. At the time of entrainment in the kimberlite, garnets with Cr-rich rutile inclusions resided at temperatures well above the closure temperature for Pb in rutile, and thus U-Pb ages on mantle-derived rutile most likely record the emplacement age of the kimberlites. The synthesis of distinctive rutile compositions and U-Pb dating opens new perspectives for using rutile in diamond exploration in cratonic areas.
Abstract: According to present views, the crustal terranes of the Anabar province of the Siberian craton were initially independent blocks, separated from the convecting mantle at 3.1 (Daldyn terrane), 2.9 (Magan terrane) and 2.5?Ga (Markha terrane) (Rosen, 2003, 2004; Rosen et al., 1994, 2005, 2009). Previous studies of zircons in a suite of crustal xenoliths from kimberlite pipes of the Markha terrane concluded that the evolution of the crust of the Markha terrane is very similar to that of the Daldyn terrane. To test this conclusion we present results of U-Pb and Hf-isotope studies on zircons in crustal xenoliths from the Zapolyarnaya kimberlite pipe (Upper Muna kimberlite field), located within the Daldyn terrane, and the Botuobinskaya pipe (Nakyn kimberlite field) in the center of the Markha terrane. The data on xenoliths from the Botuobinskaya kimberlite pipe record tectonothermal events at 2.94, 2.8, 2.7 and 2?Ga. The event at 2?Ga caused Pb loss in zircons from a mafic granulite. U-Pb dating of zircons from the Zapolyarnaya pipe gives an age of 2.7?Ga. All zircons from the studied crustal xenoliths have Archean Hf model ages ranging from 3.65 to 3.11?Ga. This relatively narrow range suggests that reworking of the ancient crust beneath the Nakyn and Upper Muna kimberlite fields was minor, compared with the Daldyn and Alakit-Markha fields (Shatsky et al., 2016). This study, when combined with dating of detrital zircons, implies that tectonic-thermal events at 2.9-2.85, 2.75-2.7 and 2.0-1.95?Ga occurred everywhere on the Anabar tectonic province, and could reflect the upwelling of superplumes at 2.9, 2.7 and 2?Ga. The presence of the same tectonic-thermal events in the Daldyn and Markha terranes (Rosen et al., 2006a,b) supports the conclusion that the identification of the Markha terrane as a separate unit is not valid.
Abstract: According to present views, the crustal terranes of the Anabar province of the Siberian craton were initially independent blocks, separated from the convecting mantle at 3.1 (Daldyn terrane), 2.9 (Magan terrane) and 2.5?Ga (Markha terrane) (Rosen, 2003, 2004; Rosen et al., 1994, 2005, 2009). Previous studies of zircons in a suite of crustal xenoliths from kimberlite pipes of the Markha terrane concluded that the evolution of the crust of the Markha terrane is very similar to that of the Daldyn terrane. To test this conclusion we present results of U-Pb and Hf-isotope studies on zircons in crustal xenoliths from the Zapolyarnaya kimberlite pipe (Upper Muna kimberlite field), located within the Daldyn terrane, and the Botuobinskaya pipe (Nakyn kimberlite field) in the center of the Markha terrane. The data on xenoliths from the Botuobinskaya kimberlite pipe record tectonothermal events at 2.94, 2.8, 2.7 and 2?Ga. The event at 2?Ga caused Pb loss in zircons from a mafic granulite. U-Pb dating of zircons from the Zapolyarnaya pipe gives an age of 2.7?Ga. All zircons from the studied crustal xenoliths have Archean Hf model ages ranging from 3.65 to 3.11?Ga. This relatively narrow range suggests that reworking of the ancient crust beneath the Nakyn and Upper Muna kimberlite fields was minor, compared with the Daldyn and Alakit-Markha fields (Shatsky et al., 2016). This study, when combined with dating of detrital zircons, implies that tectonic-thermal events at 2.9 -2.85, 2.75 -2.7 and 2.0 -1.95?Ga occurred everywhere on the Anabar tectonic province, and could reflect the upwelling of superplumes at 2.9, 2.7 and 2?Ga. The presence of the same tectonic-thermal events in the Daldyn and Markha terranes (Rosen et al., 2006a,b) supports the conclusion that the identification of the Markha terrane as a separate unit is not valid.
Abstract: Archean cratons are underlain by highly depleted subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). However, there are extensive evidences that Archean SCLM has been extensively refertilized by metasomatic processes, with the addition of Fe, Ca, and Al to depleted protoliths. The distribution of sub-calcic Cr-rich garnets in the SCLM beneath the Siberian craton suggests (1) sub-calcic garnets and diamonds are metasomatic phases in the cratonic SCLM; (2) the distribution of both phases is laterally heterogeneous on relatively small scales and related to ancient structural controls [1]. Re-Os isotopic compositions of twenty six sulfide inclusions in lherzolitic Cr-pyropes from Upper Muna kimberlites have been determined by laser ablation MCICPMS. Most analysed sulfides (~92%) have very low Re/Os ratios (<0.07), and their Re-depletion ages (TRD) form three major peaks: 3.4-2.8, 2.2-1.8 and 1.4-1.2 Ga (±0.03 Ga, mean 2s analytical uncertainty). One sulfide give the oldest TRD age at 4 Ga. Our data suggest that refertilization of the highly depleted SCLM and the introduction of Cr-pyrope garnet occurred in several episodes. The oldest age of ca 4 Ga indicate on the beginning of the formation of the depleted SCLM of the Siberian Craton in Hadean time [2].
Abstract: To gain better insight into the thermal state and composition of the lithospheric mantle beneath the Upper Muna kimberlite field (Siberian craton), a suite of 323 clinopyroxene xenocrysts and 10 mantle xenoliths from the Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya (KM) pipe have been studied. We selected 188 clinopyroxene grains suitable for precise pressure (P)-temperature (T) estimation using single-clinopyroxene thermobarometry. The majority of P-T points lie along a narrow, elongated field in P-T space with a cluster of high-T and high-P points above 1300 °C, which deviates from the main P-T trend. The latter points may record a thermal event associated with kimberlite magmatism (a “stepped” or “kinked” geotherm). In order to eliminate these factors, the steady-state mantle paleogeotherm for the KM pipe at the time of initiation of kimberlite magmatism (Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous) was constrained by numerical fitting of P-T points below T = 1200 °C. The obtained mantle paleogeotherm is similar to the one from the nearby Novinka pipe, corresponding to a ~34-35 mW/m2 surface heat flux, 225-230 km lithospheric thickness, and 110-120 thick "diamond window" for the Upper Muna field. Coarse peridotite xenoliths are consistent in their P-T estimates with the steady-state mantle paleogeotherm derived from clinopyroxene xenocrysts, whereas porphyroclastic ones plot within the cluster of high-T and high-P clinopyroxene xenocrysts. Discrimination using Cr2O3 demonstrates that peridotitic clinopyroxene xenocrysts are prevalent (89%) among all studied 323 xenocrysts, suggesting that the Upper Muna mantle is predominantly composed of peridotites. Clinopyroxene-poor or -free peridotitic rocks such as harzburgites and dunites may be evident at depths of 140-180 km in the Upper Muna mantle. Judging solely from the thermal considerations and the thickness of the lithosphere, the KM and Novinka pipes should have excellent diamond potential. However, all pipes in the Upper Muna field have low diamond grades (<0.9, in carats/ton), although the lithosphere thickness is almost similar to the values obtained for the high-grade Udachnaya and Mir pipes from the Daldyn and Mirny fields, respectively. Therefore, other factors have affected the diamond grade of the Upper Muna kimberlite field.
Abstract: New mineralogical and isotope-geochemical data for zircon megacrysts (n = 48) from alluvium of Kholomolokh Creek (a tributary of the Ebelakh River) are reported. Using the geochemical classification schemes, the presence of zircons of kimberlitic and carbonatitic genesis was shown. The U-Pb dating of zircons revealed two major age populations: the Triassic (258-221 Ma, n = 18) and Jurassic (192-154 Ma, n = 30). Weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages allowed us to distinguish the following age stages: 155 ± 3, 161 ± 2, 177 ± 1.5, 183 ± 1.5, 190 ± 2, 233 ± 2.5, and 252 ± 4 Ma. It is suggested that the Ebelyakh diamonds could have been transported from the mantle depths by kimberlite, as well as by other related rocks, such as carbonatite, lamprophyre, lamproite, olivine melilitite, etc. Diamonds from the Ebelyakh placers most likely have polygenic native sources and may be associated with polychronous and multistage Middle Paleozoic and Mesozoic kimberlite and alkaline-ultrabasic magmatism in the eastern slope of the Anabar Shield (the Ebelyakh, Mayat, and Billyakh river basins).
Abstract: The permafrost zone is expected to be a substantial carbon source to the atmosphere, yet large-scale models currently only simulate gradual changes in seasonally thawed soil. Abrupt thaw will probably occur in <20% of the permafrost zone but could affect half of permafrost carbon through collapsing ground, rapid erosion and landslides. Here, we synthesize the best available information and develop inventory models to simulate abrupt thaw impacts on permafrost carbon balance. Emissions across 2.5?million?km2 of abrupt thaw could provide a similar climate feedback as gradual thaw emissions from the entire 18?million?km2 permafrost region under the warming projection of Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5. While models forecast that gradual thaw may lead to net ecosystem carbon uptake under projections of Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5, abrupt thaw emissions are likely to offset this potential carbon sink. Active hillslope erosional features will occupy 3% of abrupt thaw terrain by 2300 but emit one-third of abrupt thaw carbon losses. Thaw lakes and wetlands are methane hot spots but their carbon release is partially offset by slowly regrowing vegetation. After considering abrupt thaw stabilization, lake drainage and soil carbon uptake by vegetation regrowth, we conclude that models considering only gradual permafrost thaw are substantially underestimating carbon emissions from thawing permafrost.
An overview of Triassic stratigraphy and depositional environments in the Rocky Mountain foothills and western interior plains, Peace River Arch region
Geology of the Peace River Arch, ed. Sc.C. O'Connell, J.S. Bell, Bulletin. Can., Vol. 38A, Special Volume, December pp. 146-158
Abstract: The Nonacho Group comprises six formations of continental clastic rocks that were deposited between 1.91 and 1.83?Ga. The Nonacho Group is part of a broader assemblage of conglomerate and sandstone that was deposited atop the Rae craton in response to the amalgamation of Laurentia and supercontinent Nuna, but the details of its tectonic setting are contentious. This paper documents an outlier of Nonacho Group rocks ?50?km east of the main Nonacho basin. Field observations and LA-ICPMS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology are integrated with previous studies of the main basin to better understand the group’s depositional history, provenance and tectonic setting. The lithology and detrital zircon age spectra of the outlier allow for its correlation to the upper two formations of the Nonacho Group. CA-ID-TIMS (chemical abrasion isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry) analyses of two fragments of the youngest detrital zircon provide a maximum depositional age of 1901.0?±?0.9?Ma. A felsic volcanic cobble dated at ca. 2.38?Ga provides evidence of volcanism during the Arrowsmith orogeny. Detrital zircon dates recovered from the outlier (ca. 3.4-3.0, 2.7, 2.5-2.3 and 2.0-1.9?Ga) are consistent with derivation from topography of the Taltson and/or Thelon orogens on the western margin of the Rae craton. Taltson-Thelon (2.0 to 1.9?Ga) aged detritus is only abundant in the upper two formations of the Nonacho Group, marking a change in provenance from the lower formations. This change in provenance may have coincided with a period of renewed uplift and the unroofing of Taltson-Thelon plutons. The detrital zircon provenance and depositional age of the Nonacho Group is consistent with models that link its deposition to the Taltson and/or Thelon orogens. However, tectonism associated with the 1.9 to 1.8?Ga Snowbird and Trans-Hudson orogens to the east could also have affected basin formation or the change in provenance from the lower to upper Nonacho Group. This study highlights the importance of CA-ID-TIMS in establishing accurate and precise maximum depositional ages for sedimentary successions.
Abstract: Evidence for chemical and lithological heterogeneity in the Earth’s convecting mantle is widely acknowledged, yet the major element signature imparted on mantle melts by this heterogeneity is still poorly resolved. In this study, a recent thermodynamic melting model is tested on a range of compositions that correspond to potential mantle lithologies (harzburgitic to pyroxenitic), to demonstrate its applicability over this compositional range, in particular for pyroxenite melting. Our results show that, despite the model’s calibration in peridotitic systems, it effectively reproduces experimental partial melt compositions for both Si-deficient and Si-excess pyroxenites. Importantly, the model accurately predicts the presence of a free silica phase at high pressures in Si-excess pyroxenites, indicating the activation of the pyroxene-garnet thermal divide. This thermal divide has a dominant control on solidus temperature, melt productivity and partial melt composition. The model is used to make new inferences on the link between mantle composition and melting behaviour. In silica-deficient and low-pressure (olivine-bearing) lithologies, melt composition is not very sensitive to source composition. Linearly varying the source composition between peridotite and basaltic pyroxenite, we find that the concentration of oxides in the melt tends to be buffered by the increased stability of more fusible phases, causing partial melts of even highly fertile lithologies to be similar to those of peridotite. An exception to this behaviour is FeO, which is elevated in partial melts of silica-deficient pyroxenite even if the bulk composition does not have a high FeO content relative to peridotite. Melt Al2O3 and MgO vary predominantly as a function of melting depth rather than bulk composition. We have applied the thermodynamic model to test the hypothesis that Fe-rich mantle melts such as ferropicrites are derived by partial melting of Si-deficient pyroxenite at elevated mantle potential temperatures. We show that the conspicuously high FeO in ferropicrites at a given MgO content does not require a high-Fe mantle source and is indeed best matched by model results involving around 0-20% melting of silica-deficient pyroxenite. A pyroxenite source lithology also accounts for the low CaO content of ferropicrites, whereas their characteristic low Al2O3 is a function of their high pressure of formation. Phanerozoic ferropicrites are exclusively located in continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces and this model of formation confirms that lithological heterogeneity (perhaps recycled oceanic crust) is present in CFB mantle sources.
Abstract: Metasomatised regions of Earth’s sub-continental lithospheric mantle potentially represent a large volatile reservoir. Nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in the storage and upward transport of volatiles such as C and S, from the convecting mantle and/or subducting slabs, are poorly understood. We have carried out a systematic microanalytical study of a suite of sulfide-rich mantle peridotites from the Bultfontein diamond mine, Kimberley. EDS mapping of large (>2mm), interstitial base metal sulfides in the Bultfontein xenoliths has identified distinct Ni-rich regions (pentlandite). The Ni-rich sulfides are adjacent to olivine with Ni poor rims (<0.2 wt% NiO). Diffusion profiles between the protolith olivines and adjacent sulfides are used to estimate the timing of the S-rich metasomatic event. The presence of large unequilibrated olivine indicates that Nisulfides were introduced immediately prior to kimberlite emplacement. The calculated composition of melt in equilibrium with metasomatic clinopyroxenes in the Bultfontein sulphide-bearing peridotites shows a strong correlation to high-density carbonatitic fluids trapped in diamonds. This association is extended by the wealth of metasomatic sulfides in the Bultfontein xenoliths. Moreover, Ni-rich sulfides (~25 wt%) are the most common mineral inclusion in peridotitic diamonds, implying that diamonds crystallise from a S-saturated fluid. Many studies attribute the metasomatism at Bultfontein to silicate melts associated with the kimberlite, but we explore the possibility of metasomatism by reactive percolation of a volatile-rich agent with carbonatitic affinity. The S-rich nature of the metasomatism and the correlation with diamond high-density fluids has great implications for the transport of volatiles from the deep mantle to shallow regions of the craton.
Overt and cryptic strongly potassic mafic liquids in the Neogene magmatism of the n.part of the Rio Grande Rift, USA: a lithospheric drip feed into asthenospheric so
Proceedings of Fifth International Kimberlite Conference held Araxa June 1991, Servico Geologico do Brasil (CPRM) Special, pp. 420-422
Timescales and mechanisms of plume-lithosphere interactions: Ar/Ar geochronology and geochemistry of alkaline igneous rocks from the Parana Etendeka igneous
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 251, 1-2, Nov. 15, pp. 1-17.
Multiple reaction oxygen barometry for mantle peridotite: an internally consistent thermodynamic model for reactions and garnet solid-solutions, with applications to the oxidation state of lithospheric mantle.
Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group meeting, Poster Held Jan. 6-8. See minsoc website
Deposit - Bayan Obo, Mountain Pass, Motzfeldt, Ilimaussaq
Abstract: Rare earth elements (REEs) generate characteristic absorption features in visible to shortwave infrared (VNIR-SWIR) reflectance spectra. Neodymium (Nd) has among the most prominent absorption features of the REEs and thus represents a key pathfinder element for the REEs as a whole. Given that the world’s largest REE deposits are associated with carbonatites, we present spectral, petrographic, and geochemical data from a predominantly carbonatitic suite of rocks that we use to assess the feasibility of imaging REE deposits using remote sensing. Samples were selected to cover a wide range of extents and styles of REE mineralization, and encompass calcio-, ferro- and magnesio-carbonatites. REE ores from the Bayan Obo (China) and Mountain Pass (United States) mines, as well as REE-rich alkaline rocks from the Motzfeldt and Ilímaussaq intrusions in Greenland, were also included in the sample suite. The depth and area of Nd absorption features in spectra collected under laboratory conditions correlate positively with the Nd content of whole-rock samples. The wavelength of Nd absorption features is predominantly independent of sample lithology and mineralogy. Correlations are most reliable for the two absorption features centered at ~744 and ~802 nm that can be observed in samples containing as little as ~1,000 ppm Nd. By convolving laboratory spectra to the spectral response functions of a variety of remote sensing instruments we demonstrate that hyperspectral instruments with capabilities equivalent to the operational Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) and planned Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) systems have the spectral resolutions necessary to detect Nd absorption features, especially in high-grade samples with economically relevant REE accumulations (Nd > 30,000 ppm). Adding synthetic noise to convolved spectra indicates that correlations between Nd absorption area and whole-rock Nd content only remain robust when spectra have signal-to-noise ratios in excess of ~250:1. Although atmospheric interferences are modest across the wavelength intervals relevant for Nd detection, most REE-rich outcrops are too small to be detectable using satellite-based platforms with >30-m spatial resolutions. However, our results indicate that Nd absorption features should be identifiable in high-quality, airborne, hyperspectral datasets collected at meter-scale spatial resolutions. Future deployment of hyperspectral instruments on unmanned aerial vehicles could enable REE grade to be mapped at the centimeter scale across whole deposits.
Abstract: New thermodynamic data for skiagite garnet (Fe3Fe23+Si3O12) are derived from experimental phase-equilibrium data that extend to 10 GPa and are applied to oxybarometry of mantle peridotites using a revised six-component garnet mixing model. Skiagite is more stable by 12 kJ mol-1 than in a previous calibration of the equilibrium 2 skiagite = 4 fayalite + ferrosilite + O2, and this leads to calculated oxygen fugacities that are higher (more oxidized) by around 1-1•5 logfO2 units. A new calculation method and computer program incorporates four independent oxybarometers (including 2 pyrope + 2 andradite + 2 ferrosilite = 2 grossular + 4 fayalite + 3 enstatite + O2) for use on natural peridotite samples to yield optimum logfO2 estimates by the method of least squares. These estimates should be more robust than those based on any single barometer and allow assessment of possible disequilibrium in assemblages. A new set of independent oxybarometers for spinel-bearing peridotites is also presented here, including a new reaction 2 magnetite + 3 enstatite = 3 fayalite + 3 forsterite + O2. These recalibrations combined with internally consistent PT determinations for published analyses of mantle peridotites with analysed Fe2O3 data for garnets, from both cratonic (Kaapvaal, Siberia and Slave) and circumcratonic (Baikal Rift) regions, provide revised estimates of oxidation state in the lithospheric mantle. Estimates of logfO2 for spinel assemblages are more reduced than those based on earlier calibrations, whereas garnet-bearing assemblages are more oxidized. Importantly, this lessens considerably the difference between garnet and spinel oxybarometry that was observed with previous published calibrations.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available
Africa, Namibia
Picrite, ferroPicrite
Abstract: We present major and trace element compositions of 154 re-homogenised olivine-hosted melt inclusions found in primitive rocks (picrites and ferropicrites) from the Mesozoic Paraná-Etendeka and Karoo Continental Flood Basalt (CFB) provinces. The major element compositions of the melt inclusions, especially their Fe/Mg ratios, are variable and erratic, and attributed to the re-homogenisation process during sample preparation. In contrast, the trace element compositions of both the picrite and ferropicrite olivine-hosted melt inclusions are remarkably uniform and closely reflect those of the host whole-rocks, except in a small subset affected by hydrothermal alteration. The Paraná-Etendeka picrites and ferropicrites are petrogenetically related to the more evolved and voluminous flood basalts, and so we propose that compositional homogeneity at the melt inclusion scale implies that the CFB parental mantle melts were well mixed prior to extensive crystallisation. The incompatible trace element homogeneity of olivine-hosted melt inclusions in Paraná-Etendeka and Karoo near primitive magmatic rocks has also been identified in other CFB provinces and contrasts with findings from studies of basalts from mid-ocean ridges (e.g. Iceland and FAMOUS on the Mid Atlantic Ridge), where heterogeneity of incompatible trace elements in olivine-hosted melt inclusions is much more pronounced. We suggest that the low variability in incompatible trace element contents of olivine-hosted melt inclusions in near-primitive CFB rocks, and also ocean island basalts associated with moderately thick lithosphere (e.g. Hawaii, Galápagos, Samoa) may reflect mixing along their longer transport pathways during ascent and/or a temperature contrast between the liquidus and the liquid when it arrives in the crust. These thermal paths promote mixing of mantle melts prior to their entrapment by growing olivine crystals in crustal magma chambers. Olivine-hosted melt inclusions of ferropicrites from the Paraná-Etendeka and Karoo CFB have the least variable compositions of all global melt inclusion suites, which may be a function of their unusually deep origin and low viscosity.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 196, pp. 36-57.
Africa, Namibia, Angola
Paran-Etendeka, Karoo
Abstract: We present major and trace element compositions of 154 re-homogenised olivine-hosted melt inclusions found in primitive rocks (picrites and ferropicrites) from the Mesozoic Parana ´-Etendeka and Karoo Continental Flood Basalt (CFB) provinces. The major element compositions of the melt inclusions, especially their Fe/Mg ratios, are variable and erratic, and attributed to the re-homogenisation process during sample preparation. In contrast, the trace element compositions of both the picrite and ferropicrite olivine-hosted melt inclusions are remarkably uniform and closely re?ect those of the host whole-rocks, except in a small subset a?ected by hydrothermal alteration. The Parana ´-Etendeka picrites and ferropicrites are petrogenet- ically related to the more evolved and voluminous ?ood basalts, and so we propose that compositional homogeneity at the melt inclusion scale implies that the CFB parental mantle melts were well mixed prior to extensive crystallisation. The incompatible trace element homogeneity of olivine-hosted melt inclusions in Parana ´-Etendeka and Karoo primitive magmatic rocks has also been identi?ed in other CFB provinces and contrasts with ?ndings from studies of basalts from mid- ocean ridges (e.g. Iceland and FAMOUS on the Mid Atlantic Ridge), where heterogeneity of incompatible trace elements in olivine-hosted melt inclusions is more pronounced. We suggest that the low variability in incompatible trace element contents of olivine-hosted melt inclusions in near-primitive CFB rocks, and also ocean island basalts associated with moderately thick lithosphere (e.g. Hawaii, Gala ´pagos, Samoa), may re?ect mixing along their longer transport pathways during ascent and/or a temperature contrast between the liquidus and the liquid when it arrives in the crust. These thermal paths promote mixing of mantle melts prior to their entrapment by growing olivine crystals in crustal magma chambers. Olivine-hosted melt inclusions of ferropicrites from the Parana ´-Etendeka and Karoo CFB have the least variable compositions of all global melt inclusion suites, which may be a function of their unusually deep origin and low viscosity.
Abstract: The widespread occurrence of pyrope garnet in Archean lithospheric mantle remains one of the ‘holy grails’ of mantle petrology. Most garnets found in peridotitic mantle equilibrated with incompatible-trace-element-enriched melts or fluids and are the products of metasomatism. Less common are macroscopic intergrowths of pyrope garnet formed by exsolution from orthopyroxene. Spectacular examples of these are preserved in both mantle xenoliths and large, isolated crystals (megacrysts) from the Kaapvaal craton of southern Africa, and provide direct evidence that some garnet in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle initially formed by isochemical rather than metasomatic processes. The orthopyroxene hosts are enstatites and fully equilibrated with their exsolved phases (low-Cr pyrope garnet ±± Cr-diopside). Significantly, P-TP-T estimates of the post-exsolution orthopyroxenes plot along an unperturbed conductive Kaapvaal craton geotherm and reveal that they were entrained from a large continuous depth interval (85 to 175 km). They therefore represent snapshots of processes operating throughout almost the entire thickness of the sub-cratonic lithospheric mantle. New rare-earth element (REE) analyses show that the exsolved garnets occupy the full spectrum recorded by garnets in mantle peridotites and also diamond inclusions. A key finding is that a few low-temperature exsolved garnets, derived from depths of ~90 km, are more depleted in light REEs than previously observed in any other mantle sample. Importantly, the REE patterns of these strongly LREE-depleted garnets resemble the hypothetical composition proposed for pre-metasomatic garnets that are thought to pre-date major enrichment events in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle, including those associated with diamond formation. The recalculated compositions of pre-exsolution orthopyroxenes have higher Al22O33 and CaO contents than their post-exsolution counterparts and most likely formed as shallow residues of large amounts of adiabatic decompression melting in the spinel-stability field. It is inferred that exsolution of garnet from Kaapvaal orthopyroxenes may have been widespread, and perhaps accompanied cratonization at ~ 2.9 to 2.75 Ga. Such a process would considerably increase the density and stability of the continental lithosphere.
Abstract: The widespread occurrence of pyrope garnet in Archean lithospheric mantle remains one of the ‘holy grails’ of mantle petrology. Most garnets found in peridotitic mantle equilibrated with incompatible-trace-element-enriched melts or fluids and are the products of metasomatism. Less common are macroscopic intergrowths of pyrope garnet formed by exsolution from orthopyroxene. Spectacular examples of these are preserved in both mantle xenoliths and large, isolated crystals (megacrysts) from the Kaapvaal craton of southern Africa, and provide direct evidence that some garnet in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle formed initially by isochemical rather than metasomatic processes. The orthopyroxene hosts are enstatites and fully equilibrated with their exsolved phases (low-Cr pyrope garnet?±?Cr-diopside). Significantly, P-T estimates of the post-exsolution orthopyroxenes plot along an unperturbed conductive Kaapvaal craton geotherm and reveal that they were entrained from a large continuous depth interval (85 to 175?km). They therefore represent snapshots of processes operating throughout almost the entire thickness of the sub-cratonic lithospheric mantle. New rare-earth element (REE) analyses show that the exsolved garnets occupy the full spectrum recorded by garnets in mantle peridotites and also diamond inclusions. A key finding is that a few low-temperature exsolved garnets, derived from depths of ?90?km, are more depleted in light rare-earth elements (LREEs) than previously observed in any other mantle sample. Importantly, the REE patterns of these strongly LREE-depleted garnets resemble the hypothetical composition proposed for pre-metasomatic garnets that are thought to pre-date major enrichment events in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle, including those associated with diamond formation. The recalculated compositions of pre-exsolution orthopyroxenes have higher Al2O3 and CaO contents than their post-exsolution counterparts and most probably formed as shallow residues of large amounts of adiabatic decompression melting in the spinel-stability field. It is inferred that exsolution of garnet from Kaapvaal orthopyroxenes may have been widespread, and perhaps accompanied cratonization at ?2.9 to 2.75 Ga. Such a process would considerably increase the density and stability of the continental lithosphere.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 499, pp. 205-218.
Ocean
plumes, hotspots
Abstract: The global mid-ocean ridge (MOR) system represents a major site for outgassing of volatiles from Earth's mantle. The amount of H2O released via eruption of mid-ocean ridge basalts varies along the global ridge system and greatest at sites of interaction with mantle plumes. These deep-sourced thermal anomalies affect approximately one-third of all MORs - as reflected in enrichment of incompatible trace elements, isotope signatures and elevated ridge topography (excess melting) - but the physical mechanisms involved are controversial. The “standard model” involves solid-state flow interaction, wherein an actively upwelling plume influences the divergent upwelling generated by a mid-ocean ridge so that melting occurs at higher pressures and in greater amounts than at a normal spreading ridge. This model does not explain, however, certain enigmatic features including linear volcanic ridges radiating from the active plume to the nearby MOR. Examples of these are the Wolf-Darwin lineament (Galápagos), Rodrigues Ridge (La Réunion), Discovery Ridge (Discovery), and numerous smaller ridge-like structures associated with the Azores and Easter-Salas y Gómez hot spots. An important observation from our study is that fractionation-corrected MORB with exceptionally-high H2O contents (up to 1.3 wt.%) are found in close proximity to intersections of long-lived plume-related volcanic lineaments with spreading centres. New algorithms in the rare-earth element inversion melting (INVMEL) program allow us to simulate plume-ridge interactions by mixing the compositions of volatile-bearing melts generated during both active upwelling and passively-driven corner-flow. Our findings from these empirical models suggest that at sites of plume-ridge interaction, moderately-enriched MORBs (with 0.2-0.4 wt.% H2O) result from mixing of melts formed by: (i) active upwelling of plume material to minimum depths of ?35 km; and (ii) those generated by passive melting at shallower depths beneath the ridge. The most volatile-rich MORB (0.4-1.3 wt.% H2O) may form by the further addition of up to 25% of “deep” small-fraction plume stem melts that contain >3 wt.% H2O. We propose that these volatile-rich melts are transported directly to nearby MOR segments via pressure-induced, highly-channelised flow embedded within a broader “puddle” of mostly solid-state plume material, spreading beneath the plate as a gravity flow. This accounts for the short wavelength variability (over 10s of km) in geochemistry and bathymetry that is superimposed on the much larger (many 100s of km) “waist width” of plume-influenced ridge. Melt channels may constitute a primary delivery mechanism for volatiles from plume stems to nearby MORs and, in some instances, be expressed at the surface as volcanic lineaments and ridges. The delivery of small-fraction hydrous melts from plume stems to ridges via a two-phase (melt-matrix) regime implies that a parallel, bimodal transport system is involved at sites of plume-ridge interaction. We estimate that the rate of emplacement of deep-sourced volatile-rich melts in channels beneath the volcanic lineaments is high and involves 10s of thousands of km3/Ma. Since mantle plumes account for more than half of the melt production at MORs our findings have important implications for our understanding of deep Earth volatile cycling.
Abstract: The flux of elements into Earth's sub-continental lithospheric mantle is facilitated by the passage of small-fraction melts that either crystallise new phases or react with pre-existing minerals.Metasomatised peridotite records the end product of this exchange but rarely captures the process in the act due to subsolidus re-equilibration. We present the results of a systematic investigation of a metasomatic melt channel preserved in a mantle peridotite from the Late Cretaceous Bultfontein kimberlite (Kaapvaal craton) that shows rare direct evidence of the melt-rock reaction processes. We show that the metasomatic proto-kimberlite melt underwent variable crystallisation of clinopyroxene, sulfides, phlogopite, spinel and zircon together with interaction and diffusive exchange with the surrounding olivine-rich mantle. Element profiles across large olivine porphyroclasts (Fo88) show significant core-to-rim variations in Ni (NiO?=?0.18-0.32?wt%) and Cr (Cr?=?35-60?ppm), while concentrations of all other elements (e.g. Mg, Fe, Mn, Co, V)are remarkably homogeneous. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis shows that the disequilibrium of Ni and Cr is greatest where the crystal contains large components of the [100] and [010] axes. The disequilibrium is preserved in certain orientations because diffusion of Ni and Cr in olivine is more anisotropic than Fe-Mg and Mn, and slower in the [100] and [010] directions. We present the first observations of Ni and Cr decoupling from other elements in mantle olivine and suggest that this is a consequence of: (i)changing mineral-melt concentration gradients associated with the reactive percolation of a precursory kimberlite melt; and (ii) late-stage sulfide and spinel precipitation. We use the diffusion limited re-equilibration of Ni in olivine to quantify the timing of metasomatism prior to xenolith entrainment by the host kimberlite. Our modelling indicates that reactive percolation occurred on the order of 103-105?years prior to entrainment; this provides an additional line of support for the hypothesis that a period of metasomatism by proto-kimberlite melts precedes the final kimberlite ascent to the surface. The broader implication of our finding of variable rates of minor element diffusion in natural olivine is that it highlights the importance of anisotropy and the impact of changing local concentration gradients during subsolidus re-equilibration.
Abstract: The flux of elements into Earth’s sub-continental lithospheric mantle is facilitated by the passage of small-fraction melts that either crystallise new phases or react with pre-existing minerals. Metasomatised peridotite records the end product of this exchange but rarely captures the process in the act due to subsolidus re-equilibration. We present the results of a systematic investigation of a metasomatic melt channel preserved in a mantle peridotite from the Late Cretaceous Bultfontein kimberlite (Kaapvaal craton) that shows rare direct evidence of the melt-rock reaction processes. We show that the metasomatic proto-kimberlite melt underwent variable crystallisation of clinopyroxene, sulfides, phlogopite, spinel and zircon together with interaction and diffusive exchange with the surrounding olivine-rich mantle. Element profiles across large olivine porphyroclasts (Fo88) show significant core-to-rim variations in Ni (NiO = 0.18-0.32 wt.%) and Cr (Cr = 35-60 ppm), while concentrations of all other elements (e.g. Mg, Fe, Mn, Co, V) are remarkably homogeneous. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis shows that the disequilibrium of Ni and Cr is greatest where the crystal contains large components of the [100] and [010] axes. The disequilibrium is preserved in certain orientations because diffusion of Ni and Cr in olivine is more anisotropic than Fe-Mg and Mn, and slower in the [100] and [010] directions. We present the first observations of Ni and Cr decoupling from other elements in mantle olivine and suggest that this is a consequence of: (i) changing mineral-melt concentration gradients associated with the reactive percolation of a precursory kimberlite melt; and (ii) late-stage sulfide and spinel precipitation. We use the diffusion limited re-equilibration of Ni in olivine to quantify the timing of metasomatism prior to xenolith entrainment by the host kimberlite. Our modelling indicates that reactive percolation occurred on the order of 103-105 years prior to entrainment; this provides an additional line of support for the hypothesis that a period of metasomatism by proto-kimberlite melts precedes the final kimberlite ascent to the surface. The broader implication of our finding of variable rates of minor element diffusion in natural olivine is that it highlights the importance of anisotropy and the impact of changing local concentration gradients during subsolidus re-equilibration.
Abstract: Accurately dating the formation and modification of Earth’s sub-cratonic mantle still faces many challenges, primarily due to the long and complex history of depletion and subsequent metasomatism of this reservoir. In an attempt to improve this, we carried out the first study on peridotites from the Kaapvaal craton (Finsch Mine) that integrates results from Re-Os, Lu-Hf, Sm-Nd and Sr-isotope systems together with analyses of major-, trace- and platinum-group elements. The Finsch peridotites are well-suited for such a study because certain compositional features reflect they were highly depleted residues of shallow melting (1.5?GPa) at ambient Archean mantle temperatures. Yet, many of them have overabundant orthopyroxene, garnet and clinopyroxene compared to expected modal amounts for residues from partial melting. Finsch peridotites exhibit a wide range of rhenium depletion ages (TRD) from present day to 2.7?Ga, with a prominent mode at 2.5?Ga. This age overlaps well with a Lu-Hf isochron of 2.64?Ga (?Hf (t)?=?+26) which records silico-carbonatitic metasomatism of the refractory residues. This late Archean metasomatism is manifested by positive correlations of Pt/Ir and Pd/Ir with 187Os/188Os ratios and good correlations of modal amounts of silicates, especially garnet, with Os isotope ratios. These correlations suggest that the Highly Siderophile Elements (HSE) and incompatible element reenrichment and modal metasomatism result from one single major metasomatic event at late Archean. Our detailed study of Finsch peridotites highlights the importance of using multiple isotopic systems, to constrain the ages of events defining the evolution of lithospheric mantle. The Re-Os isotope system is very effective in documenting the presence of Archean lithosphere, but only the oldest TRD ages may accurately date or closely approach the age of the last major partial melting event. For a meaningful interpretation of the Re-Os isotope systematics the data must be combined with HSE patterns, trace-element compositions and ideally other isotopic systems, e.g. Lu-Hf. This is highlighted by the widespread evidence in Finsch peridotites of Pt, Pd and Re enrichment through significant Base Metal Sulfide (BMS) addition (mainly in the range of 0.002-0.08?wt%) that systematically shifts the mode of TRD model ages to younger ages.
Abstract: Carbon is central to the formation and environmental impact of large igneous provinces (LIPs). These vast magmatic events occur over geologically short timescales and include voluminous flood basalts, along with silicic and low-volume alkaline magmas. Surface outgassing of CO2 from flood basalts may average up to 3,000 Mt per year during LIP emplacement and is subsidized by fractionating magmas deep in the crust. The large quantities of carbon mobilized in LIPs may be sourced from the convecting mantle, lithospheric mantle and crust. The relative significance of each potential carbon source is poorly known and probably varies between LIPs. Because LIPs draw on mantle reservoirs typically untapped during plate boundary magmatism, they are integral to Earth’s long-term carbon cycle.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 275, pp. 140-162.
Mantle
craton
Abstract: The extent to which Earth’s sub-continental lithospheric mantle modulates the flux of volatile elements from our planet’s deep interior to its atmosphere (via volcanism) is poorly constrained. Here, we focus on "off-craton" sub-continental lithospheric mantle because this long-lived reservoir potentially acts as both a volatile “sink” and “source” during major heating and rifting events. The sub-continental lithospheric mantle is primarily formed of peridotites with subordinate amounts of pyroxenites. While both lithologies are dominated by nominally-volatile-free mantle minerals, some of these phases have been shown to contain non-negligible amounts of H2O (e.g. 100’s of ppmw in clinopyroxene). Data for volatile elements other than Li are, however, limited. We present new, high-precision, in-situ Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry analyses of H, F, Cl, Li and B in olivine and pyroxenes from well-characterised garnet- and spinel-bearing peridotites and pyroxenites (from southern Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula). Our study confirms that clinopyroxene is the main host of H2O and F. The maximum F contents we report (up to 154 ppmw) are higher than those in previous studies and occur in Ti-Cr diopsides in highly-metasomatised peridotites and Ti-Al augites from clinopyroxenite veins. Water contents of clinopyroxenes (up to 615 ppmw) are within the range previously published for continental mantle. Lithium concentrations are low (<5 ppmw) in all analysed phases and both Cl and B are below detection levels (14 ppmw and 0.03 ppmw, respectively). Unique to our study is the large variation in major- and trace-element concentrations of the clinopyroxenes, which allows us to place quantitative constraints on how volatiles are stored in the mantle. We demonstrate that: (i) F contents of clinopyroxenes closely correlate with Ti and (ii) and is systematic and inversely correlated with temperature. Despite the redistribution of volatiles during sub-solidus re-equilibration, we show that the first order control on the concentration of volatiles in clinopyroxene is the style of metasomatism, i.e. channellised flow versus reactive percolation. The mean bulk volatile contents of peridotites from Pali Aike and the Antarctic Peninsula (H2O?=?89?±?31 ppmw, F?=?16?±?11.2 ppmw and Li?=?2?±?0.7 ppmw) are within the range previously published for continental "off-craton" mantle. The pyroxenites have significantly higher mean bulk concentrations of H2O (260?±?59 ppmw), F (86?±?43 ppmw) and Li (1.0?±?0.35 ppmw). While the greater capacity of mantle pyroxenites to host H2O relative to the associated peridotites has previously been observed in global "off-craton" mantle xenolith suites (e.g. Oahu, Hawaii; eastern China and the Rio Grande Rift, SW USA), here we show for the first time that pyroxenites are also major hosts of F (but not Cl, Li or B). Because of their relatively low solidus temperatures, pyroxenites in "off-craton" settings will be readily re-mobilised during lithospheric extension (and heating). We suggest these pyroxene-rich mantle lithologies may be responsible for the elevated concentrations of H2O and F observed in basalts and volcanic gasses from major continental rift zones and flood basalt provinces, and hence an important consideration in models of global volatile cycles.
Abstract: The 2060 Ma old Palabora Carbonatite Complex (PCC), South Africa, comprises diverse REE mineral assemblages formed during different stages and reflects an outstanding instance to understand the evolution of a carbonatite-related REE mineralization from orthomagmatic to late-magmatic stages and their secondary post-magmatic overprint. The 10 rare earth element minerals monazite, REE-F-carbonates (bastnäsite, parisite, synchysite), ancylite, britholite, cordylite, fergusonite, REE-Ti-betafite, and anzaite are texturally described and related to the evolutionary stages of the PCC. The identification of the latter five REE minerals during this study represents their first described occurrences in the PCC as well as in a carbonatite complex in South Africa. The variable REE mineral assemblages reflect a multi-stage origin: (1) fergusonite and REE-Ti-betafite occur as inclusions in primary magnetite. Bastnäsite is enclosed in primary calcite and dolomite. These three REE minerals are interpreted as orthomagmatic crystallization products. (2) The most common REE minerals are monazite replacing primary apatite, and britholite texturally related to the serpentinization of forsterite or the replacement of forsterite by chondrodite. Textural relationships suggest that these two REE-minerals precipitated from internally derived late-magmatic to hydrothermal fluids. Their presence seems to be locally controlled by favorable chemical conditions (e.g., presence of precursor minerals that contributed the necessary anions and/or cations for their formation). (3) Late-stage (post-magmatic) REE minerals include ancylite and cordylite replacing primary magmatic REE-Sr-carbonates, anzaite associated with the dissolution of ilmenite, and secondary REE-F-carbonates. The formation of these post-magmatic REE minerals depends on the local availability of a fluid, whose composition is at least partly controlled by the dissolution of primary minerals (e.g., REE-fluorocarbonates). This multi-stage REE mineralization reflects the interplay of magmatic differentiation, destabilization of early magmatic minerals during subsequent evolutionary stages of the carbonatitic system, and late-stage fluid-induced remobilization and re-/precipitation of precursor REE minerals. Based on our findings, the Palabora Carbonatite Complex experienced at least two successive stages of intense fluid–rock interaction.
Abstract: The Palabora Carbonatite Complex (PCC) in South Africa intruded at 2060 Ma into Archean basement. The tripartite pipe-like intrusion is represented by a northern and southern pyroxenite and the central Loolekop pipe. Carbonatites and phoscorites of the Loolekop pipe experienced at least 4 stages of mineralization, recrystallization and redistibution reflected by an (1) orthomagmatic, (2) late-magmatic, (3) sulphide and (4) post-magmatic phase (Giebel et al., 2017). These four stages exhibit considerable variability of REE mineralization and especially stages 2 and 4 show intense fluid-rock interaction textures. We present microtextural and compositional data on apatite and phlogopite along a 2 km depth profile through the Loolekop pipe and investigate how these data reflect fluidmineral interaction with depth during stage (2). A special focus lies on understanding the behaviour, sources and sinks of REE elements. While fluid-apatite interaction causes a dissolution of apatite coupled with a precipitation of monazite at apatite rims, the fluid-phlogopite interaction induces a chloritization of phlogopite and an occasional formation of britholite along strongly dissolved phlogopite rims. We suspect that REE are transported into the system by this late-magmatic fluid rather than being released by the dissolution of orthomagmatic REE-bearing minerals. Combining these observations with fluid inclusion textures and microthermometry, we will investigate the nature and composition of the involved fluids and will try to model REE mineralisation processes during late-magmatic fluidmineral ineraction
Abstract: A detailed electron microprobe study has been carried out on the compositional variations of mica and apatite from carbonatites, phoscorites and associated pyroxenites (and fenites) of the Loolekop deposit, Palabora Carbonatite Complex (South Africa). Mica in pyroxenites and fenites is Mg-rich biotite, whilst micas in carbonatites and phoscorites are compositionally diverse including phlogopite, Ba-rich phlogopite (up to 30% kinoshitalite component), IVAl-rich phlogopite (up to 30% eastonite component) and tetraferriphlogopite. The various types of phlogopites are interpreted as orthomagmatic phases, whereas tetraferriphlogopite precipitation was a late-magmatic to hydrothermal process that additionally introduced REE into the system. Orthomagmatic apatite is generally REE- and Sr-poor fluorapatite and does not show large compositional differences between rock types. Apatite associated with the late-stage tetraferriphlogopite mineralization reaches higher levels of REE (up to 4.9?wt%), Si (up to 1.5?wt% SiO2), Sr (up to 2.6?wt% SrO) and Na (up to 1.0?wt% Na2O). The compositional variation of micas and apatites, which is affiliated with distinct rock types, reflects the multi-stage evolution of the Loolekop deposit and provides detailed insight into the relationships of the carbonatite-phoscorite assemblage. The obtained data support the separation of phoscorite and carbonatite by immiscibility from a common parental magma, which may happen due to a decrease of temperature and/or pressure during the ascent of the magma. This results in a density contrast between the carbonatitic and phoscoritic components that will lead to descending phoscorite accumulations at the outer zones of the magma channel and a jet-like ascent (further promoted by its extremely low viscosity) of the carbonatite magma. The genetic model deduced here explains the peculiar association of carbonatites, phoscorites and silicate rocks in many alkaline complexes worldwide.
Abstract: A detailed electron microprobe study has been carried out on the compositional variations of mica and apatite from carbonatites, phoscorites and associated pyroxenites (and fenites) of the Loolekop deposit, Palabora Carbonatite Complex (South Africa). Mica in pyroxenites and fenites is Mg-rich biotite, whilst micas in carbonatites and phoscorites are compositionally diverse including phlogopite, Ba-rich phlogopite (up to 30% kinoshitalite component), IVAl-rich phlogopite (up to 30% eastonite component) and tetraferriphlogopite. The various types of phlogopites are interpreted as orthomagmatic phases, whereas tetraferriphlogopite precipitation was a late-magmatic to hydrothermal process that additionally introduced REE into the system. Orthomagmatic apatite is generally REE- and Sr-poor fluorapatite and does not show large compositional differences between rock types. Apatite associated with the late-stage tetraferriphlogopite mineralization reaches higher levels of REE (up to 4.9?wt%), Si (up to 1.5?wt% SiO2), Sr (up to 2.6?wt% SrO) and Na (up to 1.0?wt% Na2O). The compositional variation of micas and apatites, which is affiliated with distinct rock types, reflects the multi-stage evolution of the Loolekop deposit and provides detailed insight into the relationships of the carbonatite-phoscorite assemblage. The obtained data support the separation of phoscorite and carbonatite by immiscibility from a common parental magma, which may happen due to a decrease of temperature and/or pressure during the ascent of the magma. This results in a density contrast between the carbonatitic and phoscoritic components that will lead to descending phoscorite accumulations at the outer zones of the magma channel and a jet-like ascent (further promoted by its extremely low viscosity) of the carbonatite magma. The genetic model deduced here explains the peculiar association of carbonatites, phoscorites and silicate rocks in many alkaline complexes worldwide.
Abstract: A detailed electron microprobe study has been carried out on the compositional variations of mica and apatite from carbonatites, phoscorites and associated pyroxenites (and fenites) of the Loolekop deposit, Palabora Carbonatite Complex (South Africa). Mica in pyroxenites and fenites is Mg-rich biotite, whilst micas in carbonatites and phoscorites are compositionally diverse including phlogopite, Ba-rich phlogopite (up to 30% kinoshitalite component), IVAl-rich phlogopite (up to 30% eastonite component) and tetraferriphlogopite. The various types of phlogopites are interpreted as orthomagmatic phases, whereas tetraferriphlogopite precipitation was a late-magmatic to hydrothermal process that additionally introduced REE into the system. Orthomagmatic apatite is generally REE- and Sr-poor fluorapatite and does not show large compositional differences between rock types. Apatite associated with the late-stage tetraferriphlogopite mineralization reaches higher levels of REE (up to 4.9?wt%), Si (up to 1.5?wt% SiO2), Sr (up to 2.6?wt% SrO) and Na (up to 1.0?wt% Na2O). The compositional variation of micas and apatites, which is affiliated with distinct rock types, reflects the multi-stage evolution of the Loolekop deposit and provides detailed insight into the relationships of the carbonatite-phoscorite assemblage. The obtained data support the separation of phoscorite and carbonatite by immiscibility from a common parental magma, which may happen due to a decrease of temperature and/or pressure during the ascent of the magma. This results in a density contrast between the carbonatitic and phoscoritic components that will lead to descending phoscorite accumulations at the outer zones of the magma channel and a jet-like ascent (further promoted by its extremely low viscosity) of the carbonatite magma. The genetic model deduced here explains the peculiar association of carbonatites, phoscorites and silicate rocks in many alkaline complexes worldwide.
Abstract: The mineralogy and mineral chemistry of the four major sövite bodies (Badberg, Degenmatt, Haselschacher Buck and Orberg), calcite foidolite/nosean syenite xenoliths (enclosed in the Badberg sövite only) and rare extrusive carbonatites of the Kaiserstuhl Volcanic Complex in Southern Germany provide evidence for contamination processes in the carbonatitic magma system of the Kaiserstuhl. Based on textures and composition, garnet and clinopyroxene in extrusive carbonatites represent xenocrysts entrained from the associated silicate rocks. In contrast, forsterite, monticellite and mica in sövites from Degenmatt, Haselschacher Buck and Orberg probably crystallized from the carbonatitic magma. Clinopyroxene and abundant mica crystallization in the Badberg sövite, however, was induced by the interaction between calcite foidolite xenoliths and the carbonatite melt. Apatite and micas in the various sövite bodies reveal clear compositional differences: apatite from Badberg is higher in REE, Si and Sr than apatite from the other sövite bodies. Mica from Badberg is biotite- and comparatively Fe2+-rich (Mg# = 72-88). Mica from the other sövites, however, is phlogopite (Mg# up to 97), as is typical of carbonatites in general. The typical enrichment of Ba due to the kinoshitalite substitution is observed in all sövites, although it is subordinate in the Badberg samples. Instead, Badberg biotites are strongly enriched in IVAl (eastonite substitution) which is less important in the other sövites. The compositional variations of apatite and mica within and between the different sövite bodies reflect the combined effects of fractional crystallization and carbonatite-wall rock interaction during emplacement. The latter process is especially important for the Badberg sövites, where metasomatic interaction released significant amounts of K, Fe, Ti, Al and Si from earlier crystallized nosean syenites. This resulted in a number of mineral reactions that transformed these rocks into calcite foidolites. Moreover, this triggered the crystallization of compositionally distinct mica and clinopyroxene crystals around the xenoliths and within the Badberg sövite itself. Thus, the presence and composition of clinopyroxene and mica in carbonatites may be useful indicators for contamination processes during their emplacement. Moreover, the local increase of silica activity during contamination enabled strong REE enrichment in apatite via a coupled substitution involving Si, which demonstrates the influence of contamination on REE mineralization in carbonatites.
Abstract: Contamination of carbonatites with crustal or cogenetic intrusive rocks is generally not considered to play an important role during carbonatite magmatism, because carbonatitic melts have low densities and viscosities, enabling them to rapidly ascend. Potential contamination by silicate rocks in carbonatites cannot easily be detected by means of radiogenic isotope data (such as Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data) as carbonatites often show high concentrations of these elements and their isotope systems are thereby “buffered” against contamination with silicate rocks. Textural, mineralogical and geochemical observations in carbonatites from the Kaiserstuhl (Germany) provide evidence for the interaction of carbonatitic magma with previously emplaced nosean syenites. This caused replacement of alkali feldspar by haüyne and recrystallization of garnet and clinopyroxene in the xenoliths, which released larger amounts of K, Al, Si and Fe. As a result, blackwall-like mica seams around the xenoliths formed and and compositionally distinct mica and clinopyroxene crystallized in the surrounding carbonatite. Moreover, the local increase of silica activity during contamination enabled strong REE enrichment in apatite via a coupled substitution involving Si, which demonstrates the potential influence of Si contamination on REE mineralization in carbonatites. We further suggest that the presence and composition of clinopyroxene and mica in carbonatites may be useful indicators for contamination processes during their emplacement. Mass-balance calculations based on experimental constraints for the solubility of Al and Si in carbonatitic magmas suggest that only minor amounts of mica can form from carbonatitic melt. Therefore, larger amounts of mica and mica-dominated lithologies (glimmerites) as observed in many carbonatite complexes suggest that some Si and Al in carbonatites may be sourced from surrounding host rocks. We hypothesize that assimilation and contamination processes in carbonatites may be the rule rather than an exception.
Abstract: Studies on fluid inclusions in carbonatitic rocks are essential to understand the physicochemical processes involved in carbonatite-related hydrothermal ore mineralization. Although little is known about the composition of carbonatite-derived fluids. We investigated fluid inclusions in the Kaiserstuhl carbonatites, SW Germany [1,2] and identified four different types typically known from carbonatitic systems worldwide [3]: (I): Vapor-poor H2O-NaCl fluids with <50 wt.% salinity. (II): Vapor-rich H2O-NaCl-CO2 fluids with <5 wt.% salinity. (III): Multi-component fluids with high salinity and CO2. (IV): Multi-component fluids with high salinity, no CO2. Homogenization temperatures (156 to 530°C) of all fluid types generally show a wide range [this study, 2]. Primary type I fluid inclusions occur in early magmatic olivine/monticellite, as well as paragenetically later apatites and calcites [2]. This indicates a ubiquitous existence of a saline brine, which does not reach saturation with respect to halite, during early to late crystallization stages. Liquidus surface modelling based quantifications for fluid type III suggest that carbonatite melts predomonantly exsolve Na-K-sulfate-carbonate/bicarbonate-chloride brines (type III or IV, respectively). Such fluid inclusions, with type III (CO2-free) on one side and type IV (and II, both CO2-rich) on the other side, may represent immiscible fluids that were trapped after segregation by boiling from a parental highly saline brine (type I). Fluid boiling, in turn, is probably triggered by a rapid pressure release during “pneumatic hammer-like,” discontinuous melt ascent.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 277, pp. 224-242. pdf
Europe, Germany
carbonatite
Abstract: Studies of fluid inclusions in carbonatitic rocks are essential for understanding physicochemical processes involved in carbonatite-related hydrothermal ore mineralization and fenitization. However, the composition of many carbonatite-derived fluids is challenging to quantify, which hampers their detailed interpretation. Here, we present a systematic study of microthermometry of fluid inclusions found in carbonatites from the Kaiserstuhl (SW Germany), and a simple numerical model to estimate the compositions of such fluids, which are typical of numerous carbonatites worldwide. Four types of fluid inclusions have been identified in the Kaiserstuhl carbonatites: (I) vapor-poor H2O-NaCl fluids with <50?wt.% salinity; (II) vapor-rich H2O-NaCl-CO2 fluids with <5?wt.% salinity; (III) multi-component fluids with high salinity and high CO2 contents; and (IV) multi-component fluids with high salinity but little to no CO2. At present, it is only possible to quantify fluid compositions for types I and II. For the complex types III and IV, we conducted predictive modeling of the liquidus surface based on the Margules equations. The results suggest that carbonatite melts predominantly exsolve Na-K-sulfate-carbonate/bicarbonate-chloride brines (types III or IV). Such fluid inclusions may represent immiscible fluids that were trapped after segregation by boiling from a parental highly saline brine (type I). Fluid boiling, in turn, was probably triggered by a rapid pressure release during melt ascent. The present model enables quantification of fluid compositions associated with carbonatitic magmatism.
Earth Science Reviews , Vol. 215, 103509, 27p. Pdf
Mantle
magmatism
Abstract: Carbonatites are formed from volatile-rich melts, commonly associated with a characteristic hydrothermal footprint. However, studies of their fluid inclusions are relatively scarce and heterogeneous in terms of detail and completeness of the data presented. Here, we review and discuss comprehensively the results of previous studies and derive a general model for the formation and properties of fluids associated with carbonatitic magmatism. Worldwide, four types of fluid inclusion occur in carbonatites: (type I/HS) vapour-poor H2O-NaCl fluids with up to 50 wt% salinity; (type II/HC) vapour-rich H2O-NaCl-CO2 fluids with <5 wt% salinity; (type III/DS) multi-component fluids with high salinity and without CO2; and (type IV/CDS) multi-component fluids with high salinity and high CO2. This global dataset suggests continuous fluid release from deep to shallow-level intrusions. Modelling of the liquidus surface indicates that carbonatite magmas generally exsolve a saline brine (type I/HS). This brine separates/evolves into a Na-K-sulfate-carbonate/bicarbonate-chloride brine with or without CO2 (types III/DS and IV/CDS), trapped together with low salinity CO2-rich fluids produced by immiscibility. Fluid immiscibility is related to rapid pressure release during fast, forceful and discontinuous magma ascent, which we envisage as a "pneumatic jackhammer" model for carbonatite ascent and emplacement. In this model, cyclic and progressive fluid flux via pressure build-up and subsequent catastrophic pressure release results in a self-sustaining crustal ascent of the buoyant, low-viscosity magma. This process allows for rapid and efficient magma ascent, in particular above the brittle-ductile transition zone, where pressures that prevailed during apatite crystallization have been estimated in numerous complexes. Moreover, this model provides an explanation for the apparent absence of shallow carbonatite magma chambers (in a classical sense) and identifies fenitization as a phenomenon induced by both fluids released during magma ascent and residual fluids.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 277, pp. 224-242. pdf
Europe, Germany
deposit - Kaiserstuhl
Abstract: Studies of fluid inclusions in carbonatitic rocks are essential for understanding physicochemical processes involved in carbonatite-related hydrothermal ore mineralization and fenitization. However, the composition of many carbonatite-derived fluids is challenging to quantify, which hampers their detailed interpretation. Here, we present a systematic study of microthermometry of fluid inclusions found in carbonatites from the Kaiserstuhl (SW Germany), and a simple numerical model to estimate the compositions of such fluids, which are typical of numerous carbonatites worldwide. Four types of fluid inclusions have been identified in the Kaiserstuhl carbonatites: (I) vapor-poor H2O-NaCl fluids with <50?wt.% salinity; (II) vapor-rich H2O-NaCl-CO2 fluids with <5?wt.% salinity; (III) multi-component fluids with high salinity and high CO2 contents; and (IV) multi-component fluids with high salinity but little to no CO2. At present, it is only possible to quantify fluid compositions for types I and II. For the complex types III and IV, we conducted predictive modeling of the liquidus surface based on the Margules equations. The results suggest that carbonatite melts predominantly exsolve Na-K-sulfate-carbonate/bicarbonate-chloride brines (types III or IV). Such fluid inclusions may represent immiscible fluids that were trapped after segregation by boiling from a parental highly saline brine (type I). Fluid boiling, in turn, was probably triggered by a rapid pressure release during melt ascent. The present model enables quantification of fluid compositions associated with carbonatitic magmatism.
Magmatic evolution and ascent history of the Aries micaceous kimberlite, central Kimberley Basin, Western Australia: evidence from zoned phlogopite phenocrysts and UV laser
Journal of Petrology, Vol. 47, 9, Sept. pp. 1751-1783.
Abstract: Two prominent features separate the Archean Wyoming and Hearne cratons: the Paleoproterozoic Great Falls tectonic zone (GFTZ) and the Medicine Hat block (MHB), neither of which is well defined spatially because of Phanerozoic sedimentary cover. Based on limited data, the MHB is thought to be a structurally complex mix of Archean (2.6-3.1?Ga) and Proterozoic (1.75?Ga) crust, but is recognized primarily by its geophysical signature, and its influence on the geochemistry of younger igneous rocks. Similarly, the GFTZ was recognized on the basis of broad differences in geophysical patterns, isopachs of Paleozoic sedimentary sections, and lineaments; however, juvenile arc rocks in the Little Belt Mountains (LBM) and strongly overprinted Archean rocks in southwestern Montana show it to be a dominantly Paleoproterozoic feature. The Little Rocky Mountains (LRM) of Montana provide access to exposures of the northeastern-most Precambrian crust in the MHB-GFTZ region. U/Pb ages of zircons from Precambrian rocks of the LRM range from 2.4 to 3.3?Ga, with most ages between 2.6 and 2.8?Ga. Whole-rock analyses yield Sm-Nd TDM from 3.1 to 4.0?Ga and initial ?Nd(T) values calculated at U-Pb zircon crystallization ages range from ?0.9 to ?10.5, indicating significant contributions from older Archean crust. The high proportion of 2.6-2.8?Ga U/Pb ages differentiates LRM crust from arc-related Paleoproterozoic magmatic rocks exposed in the LBM to the southwest. The age and isotopic composition of the LRM gneisses are similar to crust in the northern Wyoming Province (2.8-2.9?Ga), but Paleoproterozoic K-Ar cooling ages suggest crust in the LRM experienced the Paleoproterozoic metamorphism and deformation that characterizes the GFTZ. Consequently, its history differs markedly from the adjacent Beartooth-Bighorn magmatic zone of the northern Wyoming Province, which does not record Paleoproterozoic tectonism, but has a strong correlation with the Montana metasedimentary terrane that was strongly overprinted during the Paleoproterozoic Great Falls orogeny that defines the GFTZ. The LRM, therefore, likely provides a unique, and perhaps the only, opportunity to characterize Archean crust of the MHB.
Abstract: Strata in the Huron (2.5-2.0 Ga) and Animikie (2.2-1.85 Ga) basins were deposited on the southern margin of the Archean Superior province. These rocks were deformed during the Penokean orogeny (?1850 Ma) followed by subsequent accretionary orogens to the south at 1750 Ma (Yavapai) and 1630 Ma (Mazatzal). Strain patterns are unique to each orogenic belt with no far-field effect: Archean Wawa terrane rocks in the Penokean foreland preserve deformation associated with Archean accretion with no younger Penokean, Yavapai or Mazatzal strain overprint. The Penokean orogeny deformed Huron-Animikie basin sediments into a north-vergent fold-and-thrust belt with no Yavapai or Mazatzal strain overprint. Yavapai orogen strains (SW-NE margin-parallel shortening) are unique when compared to the younger Mazatzal shortening (N20°W) shortening, with no strain overprint. Penokean deformation is characterized by shortening from the south including uplifted Archean gneisses and a northerly thin-skinned fold-and-thrust belt, with north-vergent nappes and a gently-dipping foreland. Our study of finite and calcite twinning strains (n=60) along (?1500 km) and across (?200 km) the Penokean belt indicate that this orogeny was collisional as layer-parallel shortening axes are parallel across the belt, or parallel to the tectonic transport direction (?N-S). Penokean nappe burial near the margin resulted in vertical shortening strain overprints, some of which are layer-normal. The Sudbury impact layer (1850 Ma) is found across the Animikie basin and provides a widespread deformation marker with many local, unique strain observations. We also report new geochronology (U-Pb zircon and apatite) for the gneiss-mafic dike rocks at Wissota (Chippewa Falls, WI) and Arbutus (Black River Falls, WI) dams, respectively, which bears on Penokean-Yavapai deformation in the Archean Marshfield terrane which was accreted during the Penokean orogen. Pseudotachylite formation was common in the Superior province Archean basement rocks, especially along terrane boundaries reactivated by contemporaneous Penokean, Trans-Hudson, Cape Smith and New Quebec deformation. In the hinterland (south), the younger Yavapai orogen (1750 Ma; n=8) deformation is preserved as margin-parallel horizontal shortening (?SW-NE) in Yavapai crust and up to 200 km to the north in the Penokean thrust belt as a strain and Barrovian metamorphic overprint. Mazatzal deformation (1630 Ma; n=16) is preserved in quartzites on Yavapai and Penokean crust with layer-parallel and layer-normal shortening strains oriented N20°W.
Abstract: The subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) constitutes a significant portion of the upper mantle sourcing magmatic volatiles to the continents above, yet its geochemical signature and evolution remain poorly constrained. Here we present new interpretation of noble gas datasets from two magmatic CO2 fields in the SW US, namely Bravo Dome and Sheep Mountain, which provide a unique insight into the volatile character of the SCLM sourcing the Cenozoic volcanism in the region. We identify that reduction of 3He/4Hemantle ratio within the Sheep Mountain CO2 field can be attributed to radiogenic production within the SCLM. Using a Reduced Chi-Squared minimisation on the variation of derived 4He/21Necrust ratios within samples from the Sheep Mountain field, combined with a radiogenically raised 21Ne/22Nemantle end member, we resolve 3He/4Hemantle ratios of 2.59 ± 0.15 to 3.00 ± 0.18 Ra. These values correspond with a 21Ne/22Nemantle value of 0.136. Using these 3He/4Hemantle end member values with 21Nemantle resolved from Ne three component analysis, we derive the elemental 3He/22Nemantle of 2.80 ± 0.16 and radiogenic 4He/21Ne*mantle range of 1.11 ± 0.11 to 1.30 ± 0.14. A second Reduced Chi-Squared minimisation performed on the variation of 21Ne/40Arcrust ratios has allowed us to also determine both the 4He/40Armantle range of 0.78 to 1.21 and 21Ne/40Armantle of 7.66 ± 1.62 to 7.70 ± 1.54 within the field. Combining these ratios with the known mantle production ranges for 4He/21Ne and 4He/40Ar allows resolution of the radiogenic He/Ne and He/Ar ratios corresponding to the radiogenically lowered 3He/4Hemantle ratios. Comparing these values with those resolved from the Bravo Dome field allows identification of a clear and coherent depletion of He to Ne and He to Ar in both datasets. This depletion can only be explained by partial degassing of small melt fractions of asthenospheric melts that have been emplaced into the SCLM. This is the first time that it has been possible to resolve and account for both the mantle He/Ne and He/Ar ratios within a SCLM source. The data additionally rule out the involvement of a plume component in the mantle source of the two gas fields and hence any plume influence on the Colorado Plateau Uplift event.
Abstract: The study of sediment cores allows for the reconstruction of past climate and environment through physical-chemical analysis. Nevertheless, this interpretation suffers from many drawbacks that can be overcome with the newest technologies. Hyperspectral imaging is one of these and allows a fast, high resolution, and non-destructive analysis of sediment cores. In this study, we use visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging to predict particle size fractions and distribution (PSD) at a resolution of 200??m on a previously well-studied sediment core taken from Lake Bourget (Western Alps, France). These predictions agree with previous studies on this core. Then, the PSD was used to estimate sedimentary deposit sources using the PSD unmixing algorithm AnalySize. It permitted estimation of the contribution of five sources (micrite, small and large bio-induced calcite crystals, diatom frustules, detrital particles), which had previously been characterized. The spatial dimension allowed for laminae to be discretized and counted, in agreement with the age-depth model previously established. We then evaluated the particle size and spectral signatures of each of these annual laminae, hence characterizing their physico-chemical composition. These high-resolution data also allowed for estimation of the accumulation rate (cm/year) of each of the main sources in the laminated unit and inferring the trophic status and the presence of instantaneous events of the lake.
Abstract: This manuscript presents results of the newest petrographic, mineralogical and bulk chemical, as well as H, C and O stable isotope study of carbonatites and associated silicate rocks from the Tajno Massif (NE Poland). The Tajno Intrusion is a Tournaisian-Visean ultramafic-alkaline-carbonatite body emplaced within the Paleoproterozoic rocks of the East European Craton (EEC). Carbonatites of the Tajno Massif can be subdivided into the calciocarbonatite (calcite), ferrocarbonatite (ankerite), and breccias with an ankerite-fluorite matrix. Due to location at the cratonic margin and abundance in the REE, Tajno classifies (Hou et al., 2015) as the carbonatite-associated REE deposit (CARD), and more precisely as the Dalucao-Style orebody (the breccia-hosted orebody). High Fe2O3 (13.8 wt%), MnO (2.1 wt%), total REE (6582 ppm), Sr (43895 ppm), Ba (6426 ppm), F (greater than10000 ppm) and CO2 contents points for the involvement of the slab - including pelagic metalliferous sediments - in the carbonatites formation. Spatial relations and Sr isotope composition ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7043-0.7048; Wiszniewska et al., 2020) of alkali clinopyroxenite and syenite suggest that these are products of differentiation of the magma, generated by the initial melting of the SCLM due to influx of F-rich fluids from subducted marine sediments. Carbonatites Sr isotope composition ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7037-0.7038), and Ba/Th (16-20620) and Nb/Y (0.01-6.25) ratios, link their origin with a more advanced melting of the SCLM, triggered by CO2-rich fluids from the subducted AOC and melts from sediments. The Tajno Massif - and coeval mafic-alkaline intrusions - age, high potassic composition, and location along the craton margin nearly parallel the Variscan deformation front, are suggesting Variscan subduction beneath the EEC. The oxygen isotope compositions of clinopyroxene (?18O value = 5.2‰) and alkali feldspar (?18O value = 5.7‰), from alkali clinopyroxenite and foid syenite, respectively, are consistent with mantle-derived magmas. Isotopic compositions of carbonatites and breccias (carbonate ?18O = 8.7‰ to 10.7‰; ?13C = -4.8‰ to ?0.4‰) span from values of primary carbonatites to carbonatites affected by a fractionation or sedimentary contamination. The highest values (?18O = 10.7‰; ?13C = -0.4‰) were reported for breccia cut by numerous veins confirming post-magmatic hydrothermal alteration. The lowest carbonate ?18O (9.3‰ to 10.7‰) and ?13C (?5.0‰ to ?3.8‰) values are reported for veins in alkali clinopyroxenites, whereas the highest ?18O (11.2‰) and ?13C (?1.2‰ to ?1.1‰) values are for veins in syenites and trachytes. Isotopic composition of veins suggests hydrothermal origin, and interaction with host mantle-derived rocks, as well as country rocks. In silicate rocks of the Tajno Massif, fluid influx leads to the development of Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag, Au sulfide mineralization-bearing stockwork vein system, with carbonate, silicate and fluorite infilling the veins. Bulk-rock contents of molybdenum (925 ppm), rhenium (905 ppb) and palladium (29 ppb) are notable. The Re-rich molybdenite association with galena, pyrite and Th-rich bastnäsite in carbonate veins is similar as in Mo deposits associated with carbonatites, implying the mantle source of Mo and Re.
Abstract: Across much of North America, the contact between Precambrian basement and Paleozoic strata is the Great Unconformity, a surface that represents a >0.4 b.y.-long hiatus. A digital elevation model (DEM) of this surface visually highlights regional-scale variability in the character of basement topography across the United States cratonic platform. Specifically, it delineates Phanerozoic tectonic domains, each characterized by a distinct structural wavelength (horizontal distance between adjacent highs) and/or structural amplitude (vertical distance between adjacent lows and highs). The largest domain, the Midcontinent domain, includes long-wavelength epeirogenic basins and domes, as well as fault-controlled steps. The pronounced change in land-surface elevation at the Rocky Mountain Front coincides with the western edge of the Midcontinent domain on the basement DEM. In the Rocky Mountain and Colorado Plateau domains, west of the Rocky Mountain Front, structural wavelength is significantly shorter and structural amplitude significantly higher than in the Midcontinent domain. The Bordering Basins domain outlines the southern and eastern edges of the Midcontinent domain. As emphasized by the basement DEM, several kilometers of structural relief occur across the boundary between these two domains, even though this boundary does not stand out on ground-surface topography. A plot of epicenters on the basement DEM supports models associating intraplate seismicity with the Midcontinent domain edge. Notably, certain changes in crustal thickness also coincide with distinct changes in basement depth.
Journal of the Geological Society of London, in press available 25p.
Africa, Madagascar
thermochronology
Abstract: Madagascar occupied an important place in the amalgamation of Gondwana, and preserves a record of several Neoproterozoic events that can be linked to orogenesis of the East African Orogen. We integrate remote sensing and field data to unravel complex deformation in the Ikalamavony and Itremo domains of central Madagascar. The deformation sequence comprises a gneissic foliation (S1), followed by south to south-west directed, tight to isoclinal, recumbent folding (D2). These are overprinted by north-trending upright folds that formed during a ~E-W shortening event. Together these produced type 1 and type 2 fold interference patterns throughout the Itremo and Ikalamavony domains. Apatite U-Pb and muscovite and biotite Rb-Sr thermochronometers indicate that much of central Madagascar was thermally reset to at least ~500oC at c. 500 Ma. Deformation in west-central Madagascar occurred between c. 750 Ma and c. 550 Ma, and we suggest this deformation formed in response to the c. 650 Ma collision of Azania with Africa along the Vohibory Suture in southwestern Madagascar. In eastern Madagascar, deformation is syn- to post-550 Ma, which formed in response to the final closure of the Mozambique Ocean along the Betsimisaraka Suture that amalgamated Madagascar with the Dharwar Craton of India.
Journal of the Geological Society, Vol. 177, pp. 784-798.
Africa, Madagascar
geothermometry
Abstract: Madagascar occupied an important place in the amalgamation of Gondwana and preserves a record of several Neoproterozoic events that are linked to orogenesis of the East African Orogen. In this study, we integrate remote sensing, field data and thermochronology to unravel complex deformation in the Ikalamavony and Itremo domains of central Madagascar. The deformation sequence comprises a gneissic foliation (S1), followed by south- to SW-directed, tight to isoclinal, recumbent folding (D2). These are overprinted by north-trending upright folds that formed during an approximately east-west shortening event (D3). Together these produced type 1 and type 2 fold interference patterns throughout the Itremo and Ikalamavony domains. We show that the Itremo and Ikalamavony domains were deformed together in the same orogenic system, which we interpret as the c. 630 Ma collision of Azania with Africa along the Vohibory Suture in southwestern Madagascar. In eastern Madagascar, deformation is syn- to post-550 Ma, and probably formed in response to final closure of the Mozambique Ocean along the Betsimisaraka Suture that amalgamated Madagascar with the Dharwar Craton of India. Apatite U-Pb and novel laser ablation triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-QQQ-ICP-MS) muscovite and biotite Rb-Sr thermochronology indicates that much of central Madagascar cooled through c. 500°C at c. 500 Ma.
Abstract: Calcium silicate perovskite, CaSiO3, is arguably the most geochemically important phase in the lower mantle, because it concentrates elements that are incompatible in the upper mantle, including the heat-generating elements thorium and uranium, which have half-lives longer than the geologic history of Earth. We report CaSiO3-perovskite as an approved mineral (IMA2020-012a) with the name davemaoite. The natural specimen of davemaoite proves the existence of compositional heterogeneity within the lower mantle. Our observations indicate that davemaoite also hosts potassium in addition to uranium and thorium in its structure. Hence, the regional and global abundances of davemaoite influence the heat budget of the deep mantle, where the mineral is thermodynamically stable.
Contribution to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 176, 99 16p. Pdf
Mantle
olivine
Abstract: We report experimental measurements of volume and grain boundary diffusion of 26Mg in Mg2SiO4 bi-crystals at asthenosphere temperatures as a ground reference for olivine. By analysis of literature and combination with previous data, we provide Arrhenius laws D = D0 exp(- E/RT) at ambient pressure for volume diffusion of Mg in Mg2SiO4 in the intrinsic regime along the three crystallographic axes as well as grain boundary diffusion.
Geological Society of London Special Publication Supercontinent Cycles through Earth History., Vol. 424, pp. 47-81.
Australia
Supercontinents
Abstract: The Australian continent records c. 1860-1800 Ma orogenesis associated with rapid accretion of several ribbon micro-continents along the southern and eastern margins of the proto-North Australian Craton during Nuna assembly. The boundaries of these accreted micro-continents are imaged in crustal-scale seismic reflection data, and regional gravity and aeromagnetic datasets. Continental growth (c. 1860-1850 Ma) along the southern margin of the proto-North Australian Craton is recorded by the accretion of a micro-continent that included the Aileron Terrane (northern Arunta Inlier) and the Gawler Craton. Eastward growth of the North Australian Craton occurred during the accretion of the Numil Terrane and the Abingdon Seismic Province, which forms part of a broader zone of collision between the northwestern margins of Laurentia and the proto-North Australian Craton. The Tickalara Arc initially accreted with the Kimberley Craton at c. 1850 Ma and together these collided with the proto-North Australian Craton at c. 1820 Ma. Collision between the West Australian Craton and the proto-North Australian Craton at c. 1790-1760 Ma terminated the rapid growth of the Australian continent.
Abstract: Southern Africa is characterised by unusually elevated topography and abnormal heat flow. This can be explained by thermal perturbation of the mantle, but the origin of this is unclear. Geophysics has not detected a thermal anomaly in the upper mantle and there is no geochemical evidence of an asthenosphere mantle contribution to the Cenozoic volcanic record of the region. Here we show that natural CO2 seeps along the Ntlakwe-Bongwan fault within KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, have C-He isotope systematics that support an origin from degassing mantle melts. Neon isotopes indicate that the melts originate from a deep mantle source that is similar to the mantle plume beneath Réunion, rather than the convecting upper mantle or sub-continental lithosphere. This confirms the existence of the Quathlamba mantle plume and importantly provides the first evidence in support of upwelling deep mantle beneath Southern Africa, helping to explain the regions elevation and abnormal heat flow.
Moteani, G., Kostitsyn, Y.A., Gilg, H.A., Preinfalk, C., Razakamanana, T.
Geochemistry of phlogopite, diopside, calcite, anhydrite and apatite pegmatites and syenites of southern Madagascar: evidence for crustal silicocarbonatitic (CSC) melt formatio in a Panafrican collisional tectonic setting.
International Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 102, 3, pp. 627-645.
Abstract: Chemical and microscopic examination of the first gem-quality synthetic emeralds of facetable size proves that Prof. Richard Nacken grew two main types of emerald by flux methods in the mid-1920s. One of these two types, grown with colorless beryl seeds in molybdenum-bearing and vanadium-free fluxes, has not previously been mentioned in the literature and would appear to be unknown to gemologists. The other main type, which has already been described in gemological publications, was grown from molybdenum- and vanadium-bearing fluxes. In drawing these conclusions, rough and faceted synthetic emeralds produced by Nacken were available for study from two principal sources: the Deutsches Museum in Munich, to which Nacken had donated samples in 1961, and family members who had inherited such crystals. Chemical, morphological, and microscopic properties are given, and circumstances concerning the developmental history of the Nacken production, including the possibility of collaboration with IG Farben (a subject of past speculation), are discussed as well. The latter has recently been elucidated by the discovery of original documents from the IG Farben gemstone plant, preserved in the Archives of the German Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt.
Abstract: Much of the secular record of sulfur mass independet fractionation (S-MIF) is based on pyrites extracted from a limited number of formations from Western Australia and Southern Africa. Here we present multiproxy evidence for an episodic loss of S-MIF in sulfides from a 2.7 Ga sedimentary record in the São Francisco craton, Brazil. Based on combined proxies, we assigned three phases, in a continous drill core, that track evolving water column redox conditions and changes in ecology. In Phase-I, the stratigraphically older rocks, reactive iron ratios suggest ferruginous conditions. The pyrites have modest S-MIF values (D33S from -0.7 to 2.6‰) and the carbon isotope composition of the iron formations is indicative of carbon fixation by anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria that oxidized Fe2+ (d13Corg from -27.7 to -17.5‰). Within Phase-II, an intermediate phase characterized by graphite schist, the iron ratios, expansion of the S-MIF (D33S from 2.15 to 3.4‰) and an excess of Mo relative to Corg suggest deposition in an anoxic environment with periodic development of euxinic conditions. Phase-III culminates in fully oxic conditions with a loss of S-MIF and emergence of sulfur mass dependent fractionation (S-MDF) with homogeneous d34S pyrite values (average = 3.3 ± 0.5‰). The loss of S-MIF in the Archean sulfides of Phase-III was interpreted as a response to increased oxygen levels that lead to an intensification of oxidative weathering. Based on the continous deposition within this drillcore, the development of more oxidizing conditions may have been relatively rapid, reinforcing the model that the transition from S-MIF to S-MDF can happen on rapid geological time scales and was recorded about 400 million years prior to the GOE in the Brazilian craton.
The Frimingen garnet peridotite ( central Swedish Caledonides). A good example of the characteristic PTt path of a cold mantle wedge garnet peridotite.
Yellowknife Forum NWTgeoscience.ca, abstract volume p. 97.
Canada, Northwest Territories
legal
Abstract: Established in 1999, the Diamond Policy Framework (DPF) was designed to facilitate the development of a diamond manufacturing industry in the Northwest Territories (NWT). In addition, agreements with NWT diamond producers were established which required them to offer 10 percent of their production, by value, to Approved NWT Diamond Manufacturers (ANDM) for manufacturing in the NWT. The NWT is the most expensive jurisdiction in which to operate a manufacturing facility and despite some early success, the policy was not successful in creating an operating environment for the secondary industry to flourish. In 2018, ITI commissioned a review of the DPF that sought recommendations on how to make this industry more attractive to investors. The report contained a detailed review of the global diamond market. It also presented a series of cost per carat analyses of NWT production costs versus costs in other diamond manufacturing regions. Policy recommendations included adopting an export provision for NWT rough diamonds (and making that export volume contingent on their investment in the NWT), permitting the development of a facility for high-skill planning and lasering services, and generally ensuring that the policy supported the acceptance of innovative business plans. In 2018, The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) amended the DPF. Accordingly, a new approach to the utilization of rough diamonds was developed to realize maximum economic benefits for the NWT and its residents. The amended DPF now has provisions that allow an ANDM to export a portion of their allocation based on their business proposal and an ANDM is no longer required to complete the entire manufacturing process in the NWT. To be eligible to export rough diamonds, ANDM applicants must provide a comprehensive business plan that outlines investment details. Business plans are reviewed and scored based on a comprehensive matrix that determines the export volume.
Journal of the Geological Society of London, in press available 25p.
Africa, Madagascar
thermochronology
Abstract: Madagascar occupied an important place in the amalgamation of Gondwana, and preserves a record of several Neoproterozoic events that can be linked to orogenesis of the East African Orogen. We integrate remote sensing and field data to unravel complex deformation in the Ikalamavony and Itremo domains of central Madagascar. The deformation sequence comprises a gneissic foliation (S1), followed by south to south-west directed, tight to isoclinal, recumbent folding (D2). These are overprinted by north-trending upright folds that formed during a ~E-W shortening event. Together these produced type 1 and type 2 fold interference patterns throughout the Itremo and Ikalamavony domains. Apatite U-Pb and muscovite and biotite Rb-Sr thermochronometers indicate that much of central Madagascar was thermally reset to at least ~500oC at c. 500 Ma. Deformation in west-central Madagascar occurred between c. 750 Ma and c. 550 Ma, and we suggest this deformation formed in response to the c. 650 Ma collision of Azania with Africa along the Vohibory Suture in southwestern Madagascar. In eastern Madagascar, deformation is syn- to post-550 Ma, which formed in response to the final closure of the Mozambique Ocean along the Betsimisaraka Suture that amalgamated Madagascar with the Dharwar Craton of India.
Journal of the Geological Society, Vol. 177, pp. 784-798.
Africa, Madagascar
geothermometry
Abstract: Madagascar occupied an important place in the amalgamation of Gondwana and preserves a record of several Neoproterozoic events that are linked to orogenesis of the East African Orogen. In this study, we integrate remote sensing, field data and thermochronology to unravel complex deformation in the Ikalamavony and Itremo domains of central Madagascar. The deformation sequence comprises a gneissic foliation (S1), followed by south- to SW-directed, tight to isoclinal, recumbent folding (D2). These are overprinted by north-trending upright folds that formed during an approximately east-west shortening event (D3). Together these produced type 1 and type 2 fold interference patterns throughout the Itremo and Ikalamavony domains. We show that the Itremo and Ikalamavony domains were deformed together in the same orogenic system, which we interpret as the c. 630 Ma collision of Azania with Africa along the Vohibory Suture in southwestern Madagascar. In eastern Madagascar, deformation is syn- to post-550 Ma, and probably formed in response to final closure of the Mozambique Ocean along the Betsimisaraka Suture that amalgamated Madagascar with the Dharwar Craton of India. Apatite U-Pb and novel laser ablation triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-QQQ-ICP-MS) muscovite and biotite Rb-Sr thermochronology indicates that much of central Madagascar cooled through c. 500°C at c. 500 Ma.
Proceedings of National Academy of Science USA, Vol. 113, 40, pp. 11127-11130.
Mantle
Iron
Abstract: We performed laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments combined with state-of-the-art electron microanalysis (focused ion beam and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy) to study the distribution and valence of iron in Earth’s lower mantle as a function of depth and composition. Our data reconcile the apparently discrepant existing dataset, by clarifying the effects of spin (high/low) and valence (ferrous/ferric) states on iron partitioning in the deep mantle. In aluminum-bearing compositions relevant to Earth’s mantle, iron concentration in silicates drops above 70 GPa before increasing up to 110 GPa with a minimum at 85 GPa; it then dramatically drops in the postperovskite stability field above 116 GPa. This compositional variation should strengthen the lowermost mantle between 1,800 km depth and 2,000 km depth, and weaken it between 2,000 km depth and the D” layer. The succession of layers could dynamically decouple the mantle above 2,000 km from the lowermost mantle, and provide a rheological basis for the stabilization and nonentrainment of large low-shear-velocity provinces below that depth.
Proceedings of National Academy of Science USA, Vol. 113, no. 40, pp. 11127-11130.
Mantle
UHP
Abstract: We performed laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments combined with state-of-the-art electron microanalysis (focused ion beam and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy) to study the distribution and valence of iron in Earth's lower mantle as a function of depth and composition. Our data reconcile the apparently discrepant existing dataset, by clarifying the effects of spin (high/low) and valence (ferrous/ferric) states on iron partitioning in the deep mantle. In aluminum-bearing compositions relevant to Earth's mantle, iron concentration in silicates drops above 70 GPa before increasing up to 110 GPa with a minimum at 85 GPa; it then dramatically drops in the postperovskite stability field above 116 GPa. This compositional variation should strengthen the lowermost mantle between 1,800 km depth and 2,000 km depth, and weaken it between 2,000 km depth and the D" layer. The succession of layers could dynamically decouple the mantle above 2,000 km from the lowermost mantle, and provide a rheological basis for the stabilization and nonentrainment of large low-shear-velocity provinces below that depth.
Earth and Planteray Science Letters, Vol. 489, pp. 84-91.
Mantle
carbonate
Abstract: Carbonate minerals are important hosts of carbon in the crust and mantle with a key role in the transport and storage of carbon in Earth's deep interior over the history of the planet. Whether subducted carbonates efficiently melt and break down due to interactions with reduced phases or are preserved to great depths and ultimately reach the core-mantle boundary remains controversial. In this study, experiments in the laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) on layered samples of dolomite (Mg,?Ca)CO3 and iron at pressure and temperature conditions reaching those of the deep lower mantle show that carbon-iron redox interactions destabilize the MgCO3 component, producing a mixture of diamond, Fe7C3, and (Mg,?Fe)O. However, CaCO3 is preserved, supporting its relative stability in carbonate-rich lithologies under reducing lower mantle conditions. These results constrain the thermodynamic stability of redox-driven breakdown of carbonates and demonstrate progress towards multiphase mantle petrology in the LHDAC at conditions of the lowermost mantle.
Nature Communications, doe:10.1038/ s41467-018- 030808-6 6p. Pdf
Technology
ureilite
Abstract: Planetary formation models show that terrestrial planets are formed by the accretion of tens of Moon- to Mars-sized planetary embryos through energetic giant impacts. However, relics of these large proto-planets are yet to be found. Ureilites are one of the main families of achondritic meteorites and their parent body is believed to have been catastrophically disrupted by an impact during the first 10 million years of the solar system. Here we studied a section of the Almahata Sitta ureilite using transmission electron microscopy, where large diamonds were formed at high pressure inside the parent body. We discovered chromite, phosphate, and (Fe,Ni)-sulfide inclusions embedded in diamond. The composition and morphology of the inclusions can only be explained if the formation pressure was higher than 20?GPa. Such pressures suggest that the ureilite parent body was a Mercury- to Mars-sized planetary embryo.
Dorfman, S.M., Potapkin, V., Lv, M., Greenberg, E., Kupenko, I., Chumakov, A.I., Bi, W., Alp, E.E., Liu, J., Magrez, A., Dutton, S.E., Cava, R.J., McCammon, C.A., Gillet, P.
American Mineralogist, Vol. 105, pp. 1030-1039. pdf
Mantle
redox
Abstract:
Electronic states of iron in the lower mantle's dominant mineral, (Mg,Fe,Al)(Fe,Al,Si)O3 bridgmanite, control physical properties of the mantle including density, elasticity, and electrical and thermal conductivity. However, the determination of electronic states of iron has been controversial, in part due to different interpretations of Mössbauer spectroscopy results used to identify spin state, valence state, and site occupancy of iron. We applied energy-domain Mössbauer spectroscopy to a set of four bridgmanite samples spanning a wide range of compositions: 10-50% Fe/total cations, 0-25% Al/total cations, 12-100% Fe3+/total Fe. Measurements performed in the diamond-anvil cell at pressures up to 76 GPa below and above the high to low spin transition in Fe3+ provide a Mössbauer reference library for bridgmanite and demonstrate the effects of pressure and composition on electronic states of iron. Results indicate that although the spin transition in Fe3+ in the bridgmanite B-site occurs as predicted, it does not strongly affect the observed quadrupole splitting of 1.4 mm/s, and only decreases center shift for this site to 0 mm/s at ~70 GPa. Thus center shift can easily distinguish Fe3+ from Fe2+ at high pressure, which exhibits two distinct Mössbauer sites with center shift ~1 mm/s and quadrupole splitting 2.4-3.1 and 3.9 mm/s at ~70 GPa. Correct quantification of Fe3+/total Fe in bridgmanite is required to constrain the effects of composition and redox states in experimental measurements of seismic properties of bridgmanite. In Fe-rich, mixed-valence bridgmanite at deep-mantle-relevant pressures, up to ~20% of the Fe may be a Fe2.5+ charge transfer component, which should enhance electrical and thermal conductivity in Fe-rich heterogeneities at the base of Earth's mantle.
Journal of Geophysical Research,, Vol. 121, 7, pp. 5013-5030.
Canada
Subduction
Abstract: The cratonic cores of the continents are remarkably stable and long-lived features. Their ability to resist destructive tectonic processes is associated with their thick (?250 km), cold, chemically depleted, buoyant lithospheric keels that isolate the cratons from the convecting mantle. The formation mechanism and tectonic stability of cratonic keels remains under debate. To address this issue, we use P wave and S wave relative arrival-time tomography to constrain upper mantle structure beneath southeast Canada and the northeast USA, a region spanning three quarters of Earth's geological history. Our models show three distinct, broad zones: Seismic wave speeds increase systematically from the Phanerozoic coastal domains, through the Proterozoic Grenville Province, and to the Archean Superior craton in central Québec. We also recover the NW-SE trending track of the Great Meteor hot spot that crosscuts the major tectonic domains. The decrease in seismic wave speed from Archean to Proterozoic domains across the Grenville Front is consistent with predictions from models of two-stage keel formation, supporting the idea that keel growth may not have been restricted to Archean times. However, while crustal structure studies suggest that Archean Superior material underlies Grenvillian age rocks up to ?300 km SE of the Grenville Front, our tomographic models show a near-vertical boundary in mantle wave speed directly beneath the Grenville Front. We interpret this as evidence for subduction-driven metasomatic enrichment of the Laurentian cratonic margin, prior to keel stabilization. Variable chemical depletion levels across Archean-Proterozoic boundaries worldwide may thus be better explained by metasomatic enrichment than inherently less depleted Proterozoic composition at formation.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 479, pp. 170-178.
Canada, Nunavut, Baffin Island
geophysics - seismics
Abstract: The northern Hudson Bay region in Canada comprises several Archean cratonic nuclei, assembled by a number of Paleoproterozoic orogenies including the Trans-Hudson Orogen (THO) and the Rinkian-Nagssugtoqidian Orogen. Recent debate has focused on the extent to which these orogens have modern analogues such as the Himalayan-Karakoram-Tibet Orogen. Further, the structure of the lithospheric mantle beneath the Hudson Strait and southern Baffin Island is potentially indicative of Paleoproterozoic underthrusting of the Superior plate beneath the Churchill collage. Also in question is whether the Laurentian cratonic root is stratified, with a fast, depleted, Archean core underlain by a slower, younger, thermally-accreted layer. Plate-scale process that create structures such as these are expected to manifest as measurable fossil seismic anisotropic fabrics. We investigate these problems via shear wave splitting, and present the most comprehensive study to date of mantle seismic anisotropy in northern Laurentia. Strong evidence is presented for multiple layers of anisotropy beneath Archean zones, consistent with the episodic development model of stratified cratonic keels. We also show that southern Baffin Island is underlain by dipping anisotropic fabric, where underthrusting of the Superior plate beneath the Churchill has previously been interpreted. This provides direct evidence of subduction-related deformation at 1.8 Ga, implying that the THO developed with modern plate-tectonic style interactions.
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 123, 7, pp. 5690-5709.
Canada, Nunavut
Geophysics - seismic
Abstract: The geology of northern Hudson Bay, Canada, documents more than 2 billion years of history including the assembly of Precambrian and Archean terranes during several Paleoproterozoic orogenies, culminating in the Trans?Hudson Orogen (THO) ?1.8 Ga. The THO has been hypothesized to be similar in scale and nature to the ongoing Himalaya?Karakoram?Tibetan orogen, but the nature of lithospheric terrane boundaries, including potential plate?scale underthrusting, is poorly understood. To address this problem, we present new P and S wave tomographic models of the mantle seismic structure using data from recent seismograph networks stretching from northern Ontario to Nunavut (60-100?W and 50-80?N). The large size of our network requires careful mitigation of the influence of source side structure that contaminates our relative arrival time residuals. Our tomographic models reveal a complicated internal structure in the Archean Churchill plate. However, no seismic wave speed distinction is observed across the Snowbird Tectonic Zone, which bisects the Churchill. The mantle lithosphere in the central region of Hudson Bay is distinct from the THO, indicating potential boundaries of microcontinents and lithospheric blocks between the principal colliders. Slow wave speeds underlie southern Baffin Island, the leading edge of the generally high wave speed Churchill plate. This is interpreted to be Paleoproterozoic material underthrust beneath Baffin Island in a modern?style subduction zone setting.
Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, in press available, 24p. Pdf
Canada
geophysics - seismics
Abstract: The geological record of SE Canada spans more than 2.5Ga, making it a natural laboratory for the study of crustal formation and evolution over time. We estimate the crustal thickness, Poisson's ratio, a proxy for bulk crustal composition, and shear velocity (Vs) structure from receiver functions at a network of seismograph stations recently deployed across the Archean Superior craton, the Proterozoic Grenville and the Phanerozoic Appalachian provinces. The bulk seismic crustal properties and shear velocity structure reveal a correlation with tectonic provinces of different ages: the post-Archean crust becomes thicker, faster, more heterogenous and more compositionally evolved. This secular variation pattern is consistent with a growing consensus that crustal growth efficiency increased at the end of the Archean. A lack of correlation among elevation, Moho topography, and gravity anomalies within the Proterozoic belt is better explained by buoyant mantle support rather than by compositional variations driven by lower crustal metamorphic reactions. A ubiquitous ?20km thick high-Vs lower-crustal layer is imaged beneath the Proterozoic belt. The strong discontinuity at 20km may represent the signature of extensional collapse of an orogenic plateau, accommodated by lateral crustal flow. Wide anorthosite massifs inferred to fractionate from a mafic mantle source are abundant in Proterozoic geology and are underlain by high Vs lower crust and a gradational Moho. Mafic underplating may have provided a source for these intrusions and could have been an important post-Archean process stimulating mafic crustal growth in a vertical sense.
Abstract: Although plate tectonics has pushed the frontiers of geosciences in the past 50 years, it has legitimate limitations and among them we focus on both the absence of dynamics in the theory, and the difficulty of reconstructing tectonics when data is sparse. In this manuscript, we propose an anticipation experiment, proposing a singular outlook on plate tectonics in the digital era. We hypothesize that mantle convection models producing self?consistently plate?like behavior will capture the essence of the self?organisation of plate boundaries. Such models exist today in a preliminary fashion and we use them here to build a database of mid?ocean ridge and trench configurations. To extract knowledge from it we develop a machine learning framework based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) that learns the regularities of the self?organisation in order to fill gaps of observations when working on reconstructing a plate configuration. The user provides the distribution of known ridges and trenches, the location of the region where observations lack, and our digital architecture proposes a horizontal divergence map from which missing plate boundaries are extracted. Our framework is able to prolongate and interpolate plate boundaries within an unresolved region, but fails to retrieve a plate boundary that would be completely contained inside of it. The attempt we make is certainly too early because geodynamic models need improvement and a larger amount of geodynamic model outputs, as independent as possible, is required. However, this work suggests applying such an approach to expand the capabilities of plate tectonics is within reach.
Abstract: A magnetotelluric survey comprising 18 broadband stations disposed along a 450 km-long profile was carried out at the transition between the Chaco-Paraná (CPB) and the Paraná (PB) intracratonic basins in northeastern Argentina. Three-dimensional inversions of the responses show that the CPB and southern PB lithospheres are resistive (~103 ? m) down to 120 km, but with distinct crustal and upper mantle electrical properties. Also, Bouguer gravity and density anomalies are positive at CPB, whereas they are negative at PB. We associate the CPB lithosphere with the Paleoproterozoic Rio Tebicuary craton and the southern PB lithosphere with an ancient and buried piece of craton, the Southern Paraná craton. Geochemical data of mantle xenoliths from the Cenozoic alkaline/carbonatitic province within the Rio Tebicuary craton suggest a subcontinental lithospheric mantle affected by metasomatic processes, which explains its lower resistivity (reaching values as low as 300 ? m) and higher density (#Mg = 0.87). In contrast, the Southern Paraná craton is more resistive (>103 ? m) and less dense, suggesting a de-hydrated, depleted, and thicker craton. These cratons are separated by a crustal conductor (15 to 20 km depth; 1-10 ? m) that we interpret as a southward continuation of a linear anomaly (Paraná Axial Anomaly) defined in former induction studies within the PB in Brazil. Hence, we redefined the trace of this conductive lineament: instead of bending towards the Torres Syncline, it continues inside the CPB. We propose the lineament to be an Early Neoproterozoic suture zone that controlled the location of maximum subsidence in the intracratonic basins during the Paleozoic. In the Early Cretaceous, the Paraná Axial Anomaly was the site of maximum extrusion and deposition of Serra Geral basalts. This anomaly separates compositionally distinct cratonic lithospheres along its path. Melting of this heterogeneous and enriched mantle created the Paraná igneous province.
Abstract: Limited field studies and sparse chronological constraints in the southwestern Great Slave Lake area creates uncertainties about the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) flow history and deglacial chronology. Improved understanding of the western LIS ice-margin morphology and retreat history is required to refine larger ice-sheet interpretations and timing for northwest drainage of glacial Lake McConnell. Using new field observations and geochronology we establish ice-flow history and better constrain regional deglaciation. Paleo-ice flow indicators (n = 66) show an oldest southwestern flow (230°), an intermediate northwesterly flow (305°), and a youngest westerly flow (250°). Till samples bulk sediment and matrix properties (n = 160) allowed identification of two till units. A lower grey till sourced mainly from local Paleozoic sediments produced clast fabrics indicating a southwesterly flow direction, overlain by a brown till that contained an increased Canadian Shield content with lodged elongate boulders a-axes and boulder-top striation orientations indicating a west to northwest ice-flow direction. Ice-flow results show a clockwise shift in direction interpreted as evidence for ice-divide migration followed by topographically controlled deglacial westward flow influenced by the Mackenzie River valley. Minimum deglacial timing estimates were constrained through optical dating of fine-sand deposits in a well-developed strandline (n = 2) and seven aeolian dunes; ages range from 9.9 ± 0.6 to 10.8 ± 0.7 ka BP. These ages are from dunes located below glacial Lake McConnell maximum water level and may thus provide new local lake level age constraints. Ice retreat is informed by a newly-mapped segment of the Snake River moraine, which is an understudied feature in the region. New ice-flow history and ice-margin retreat interpretations will be integrated into the larger body of work on the western LIS providing more confident conclusions on ice-sheet evolution and meltwater drainage pathways, specifically in the southwestern Great Slave Lake area.
Abstract: The thermophysical properties of silicate melts and glasses are of fundamental importance for the characterization of the dynamics and energetics of silicate melts on Earth and terrestrial planets. The heat capacity of silicate melts is of particular importance because of its implications for the temperature dependencies of melt enthalpy and entropy and for the potential relationship to melt structure and transport properties. Currently, there are reliable models for predicting the heat capacity of simple and multicomponent silicate glasses (Cpglass) as a function of composition and temperature. Recent differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements of heat capacity for multicomponent silicate liquid (Cpliquid), however, have shown that published models do not accurately reproduce heat capacity measurements on some silicate melts. Here, we have compiled a database of heat capacity values for hydrous and anhydrous multicomponent natural samples. The measurements are on pairs of glasses and melts over the compositional range (wt%) of: SiO2 (44-79), Al2O3 (5-35), TiO2 (0-3), FeOtot (0 ? 11); Na2O + K2O (0-27); CaO + MgO (0-39), H2O (0-6.3) and minor oxides. The compiled data show strong correlations between silica content (XSiO2) and the configurational heat capacity (Cpconfig) defined as Cpliquid ? Cpglass measured across the glass transition temperature (Tg). This correlation is used to establish an empirical model for predicting Cpliquid as a function of melt composition (i.e. SiO2 content) and values of Cpglass measured at the onset of the glass transition: Cpliquid=52.6-55.88XSiO2+CpglassCpliquid=52.6-55.88XSiO2+Cpglass. The model reproduces values of Cpliquid to within an average relative error of ~ 2.4%. Published models for the heat capacities of silicate melts (e.g., Stebbins, 1984; Richet and Bottinga, 1985; Lange and Navrotsky, 1992) applied to the same dataset have average relative errors in excess of 5.5%.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 501, pp. 202-212.
Mantle
melting
Abstract: The viscosity of silicate melts is the most important physical property governing magma transport and eruption dynamics. This macroscopic property is controlled by composition and temperature but ultimately reflects the structural organization of the melt operating at the microscale. At present, there is no explicit relationship connecting viscosity to silicate melt structure and vice versa. Here, we use a single Raman spectroscopic parameter, indicative of melt structure, to accurately forecast the viscosity of natural, multicomponent silicate melts from spectroscopic measurements on glasses preserved on Earth and other planets. The Raman parameter is taken as the ratio of low and high frequency vibrational bands from the silicate glass by employing a green source laser wavelength of 514.5 nm (R514.5). Our model is based on an empirical linkage between R514.5 and coefficients in the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann function for the temperature dependence of melt viscosity. The calibration of the Raman-based model for melt viscosity is based on 413 high-temperature measurements of viscosity on 23 melt compositions for which published Raman spectra are available. The empirical model obviates the need for chemical measurement of glass compositions, thereby, providing new opportunities for tracking physical and thermochemical properties of melts during igneous processes (e.g., differentiation, mixing, assimilation). Furthermore, our model serves as a milepost for the future use of Raman spectral data for predicting transport (and calorimetric) properties of natural melts at geological conditions (e.g., volatiles and pressure) and production.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 501, pp. 202-212.
Mantle
melting
Abstract: The viscosity of silicate melts is the most important physical property governing magma transport and eruption dynamics. This macroscopic property is controlled by composition and temperature but ultimately reflects the structural organization of the melt operating at the microscale. At present, there is no explicit relationship connecting viscosity to silicate melt structure and vice versa. Here, we use a single Raman spectroscopic parameter, indicative of melt structure, to accurately forecast the viscosity of natural, multicomponent silicate melts from spectroscopic measurements on glasses preserved on Earth and other planets. The Raman parameter is taken as the ratio of low and high frequency vibrational bands from the silicate glass by employing a green source laser wavelength of 514.5 nm (R514.5). Our model is based on an empirical linkage between R514.5 and coefficients in the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann function for the temperature dependence of melt viscosity. The calibration of the Raman-based model for melt viscosity is based on 413 high-temperature measurements of viscosity on 23 melt compositions for which published Raman spectra are available. The empirical model obviates the need for chemical measurement of glass compositions, thereby, providing new opportunities for tracking physical and thermochemical properties of melts during igneous processes (e.g., differentiation, mixing, assimilation). Furthermore, our model serves as a milepost for the future use of Raman spectral data for predicting transport (and calorimetric) properties of natural melts at geological conditions (e.g., volatiles and pressure) and production.
Gondwana Research, Vol. 70, pp. 1-24. doi:10.1016/ j.gr.2018.12.005
South America, Brazil
craton
Abstract: The study of Paleoproterozoic rocks is crucial for understanding Earth's tectonic evolution during the time when most of the modern crust and ore deposits were formed. The rocks of the Brazilian Amazonian Craton record some of the most-complete and best-preserved Paleoproterozoic magmatic and volcanic episodes on Earth. Following previous investigations, we present new lithofaciological and stratigraphic records of the felsic rocks of the Tapajós Mineral Province (TMP) (~2-1.88?Ga) and the São Felix do Xingú region (SFX) (~1.88?Ga) which, combined with new petrological and geochronological data, help providing a more complete understanding of the tectonic, magmatic and volcanological evolution of the Amazonian Craton. This magmatism/volcanism is thought to be formed in a late-/post-orogenic to extentional regime confirmed by the new geochemical data presented here. The transition from late-convergent to extensional tectonic setting could register the beginning of the taphrogenesis that marked the Amazonian Craton throughout the Mesoproterozoic. The volcanological approach of this contribution can serve as a strategy for the modelling of the evolution of Precambrian volcano-sedimentary basins around the world. The large amount of rocks analyzed are divided into primary and secondary volcaniclastic products depending on if they resulted from a direct volcanic activity (pyroclastic) or processes that reworked pyroclastic fragments. Furthermore, the deposits are subdivided into massive and stratified, depending on their primary mechanisms of transport and emplacement. By confirming the results from previous studies, our study permits to depict a more precise paleo-environmental picture of the processes that occurred in the Amazonian Craton during the Late-Paleoproterozoic. In particular, the presence of large regional-scale fissural systems and caldera collapses produced large silicic explosive volcanic eruptions, also accompanied by the emission of large volume effusive products. Although studies on the Amazonian Craton are still scarce and controversial, the present study provides new evidence that this volcanism may have formed one of the largest Silicic Large Igneous Provinces (SLIP) on earth. Our data also confirm that at least two major Paleoproterozoic periods of formation of volcanic rocks exist in the Amazonian craton. This point is of great relevance for any future interpretation of the geological evolution of this craton.
Abstract: The study of Paleoproterozoic rocks is crucial for understanding Earth's tectonic evolution during the time when most of the modern crust and ore deposits were formed. The rocks of the Brazilian Amazonian Craton record some of the most-complete and best-preserved Paleoproterozoic magmatic and volcanic episodes on Earth. Following previous investigations, we present new lithofaciological and stratigraphic records of the felsic rocks of the Tapajós Mineral Province (TMP) (~2-1.88?Ga) and the São Felix do Xingú region (SFX) (~1.88?Ga) which, combined with new petrological and geochronological data, help providing a more complete understanding of the tectonic, magmatic and volcanological evolution of the Amazonian Craton. This magmatism/volcanism is thought to be formed in a late-/post-orogenic to extentional regime confirmed by the new geochemical data presented here. The transition from late-convergent to extensional tectonic setting could register the beginning of the taphrogenesis that marked the Amazonian Craton throughout the Mesoproterozoic. The volcanological approach of this contribution can serve as a strategy for the modelling of the evolution of Precambrian volcano-sedimentary basins around the world. The large amount of rocks analyzed are divided into primary and secondary volcaniclastic products depending on if they resulted from a direct volcanic activity (pyroclastic) or processes that reworked pyroclastic fragments. Furthermore, the deposits are subdivided into massive and stratified, depending on their primary mechanisms of transport and emplacement. By confirming the results from previous studies, our study permits to depict a more precise paleo-environmental picture of the processes that occurred in the Amazonian Craton during the Late-Paleoproterozoic. In particular, the presence of large regional-scale fissural systems and caldera collapses produced large silicic explosive volcanic eruptions, also accompanied by the emission of large volume effusive products. Although studies on the Amazonian Craton are still scarce and controversial, the present study provides new evidence that this volcanism may have formed one of the largest Silicic Large Igneous Provinces (SLIP) on earth. Our data also confirm that at least two major Paleoproterozoic periods of formation of volcanic rocks exist in the Amazonian craton. This point is of great relevance for any future interpretation of the geological evolution of this craton.
Abstract: The study of Paleoproterozoic rocks is crucial for understanding Earth's tectonic evolution during the time when most of the modern crust and ore deposits were formed. The rocks of the Brazilian Amazonian Craton record some of the most-complete and best-preserved Paleoproterozoic magmatic and volcanic episodes on Earth. Following previous investigations, we present new lithofaciological and stratigraphic records of the felsic rocks of the Tapajós Mineral Province (TMP) (~2-1.88?Ga) and the São Felix do Xingú region (SFX) (~1.88?Ga) which, combined with new petrological and geochronological data, help providing a more complete understanding of the tectonic, magmatic and volcanological evolution of the Amazonian Craton. This magmatism/volcanism is thought to be formed in a late-/post-orogenic to extentional regime confirmed by the new geochemical data presented here. The transition from late-convergent to extensional tectonic setting could register the beginning of the taphrogenesis that marked the Amazonian Craton throughout the Mesoproterozoic. The volcanological approach of this contribution can serve as a strategy for the modelling of the evolution of Precambrian volcano-sedimentary basins around the world. The large amount of rocks analyzed are divided into primary and secondary volcaniclastic products depending on if they resulted from a direct volcanic activity (pyroclastic) or processes that reworked pyroclastic fragments. Furthermore, the deposits are subdivided into massive and stratified, depending on their primary mechanisms of transport and emplacement. By confirming the results from previous studies, our study permits to depict a more precise paleo-environmental picture of the processes that occurred in the Amazonian Craton during the Late-Paleoproterozoic. In particular, the presence of large regional-scale fissural systems and caldera collapses produced large silicic explosive volcanic eruptions, also accompanied by the emission of large volume effusive products. Although studies on the Amazonian Craton are still scarce and controversial, the present study provides new evidence that this volcanism may have formed one of the largest Silicic Large Igneous Provinces (SLIP) on earth. Our data also confirm that at least two major Paleoproterozoic periods of formation of volcanic rocks exist in the Amazonian craton. This point is of great relevance for any future interpretation of the geological evolution of this craton.
Limiting effect of UHP metamorphism on length scales of oxygen, hydrogen and argon isotope exchange: an example from the Qinglongshan UHP eclogites, Sulu Terrain.
International Geology Review, Vol. 47, 7, pp. 716-749.
Abstract: The Cana Brava complex is the northernmost of three layered complexes outcropping in the Goiás state (central Brasil). New field and geochemical evidences suggest that Cana Brava underwent hyper- to subsolidus deformation during its growth, acquiring a high-temperature foliation that is generally interpreted as the result of a granulite-facies metamorphic event. The increase along the stratigraphy of the incompatible elements abundances (LREE, Rb, Ba) and of the Sr isotopic composition, coupled with a decrease in ?Nd(790), indicate that the complex was contaminated by the embedded xenoliths from the Palmeirópolis Sequence. The geochemical data suggest that the contamination occurred along the entire magma column during the crystallization of the Upper Mafic Zone, with in situ variations determined by the abundance and composition of the xenoliths. These features of the Cana Brava complex point to an extremely similarity with the Lower Sequence of the most known Niquelândia intrusion (the central of the three complexes). This, together with the evidences that the two complexes have the same age (c.a. 790 Ma) and their thickness and units decrease northwards suggests that Cana Brava and Niquelândia are part of a single giant Brasilia body grown through several melt impulses.
Gondwana Research, Vol. 70, pp. 1-24. doi:10.1016/ j.gr.2018.12.005
South America, Brazil
craton
Abstract: The study of Paleoproterozoic rocks is crucial for understanding Earth's tectonic evolution during the time when most of the modern crust and ore deposits were formed. The rocks of the Brazilian Amazonian Craton record some of the most-complete and best-preserved Paleoproterozoic magmatic and volcanic episodes on Earth. Following previous investigations, we present new lithofaciological and stratigraphic records of the felsic rocks of the Tapajós Mineral Province (TMP) (~2-1.88?Ga) and the São Felix do Xingú region (SFX) (~1.88?Ga) which, combined with new petrological and geochronological data, help providing a more complete understanding of the tectonic, magmatic and volcanological evolution of the Amazonian Craton. This magmatism/volcanism is thought to be formed in a late-/post-orogenic to extentional regime confirmed by the new geochemical data presented here. The transition from late-convergent to extensional tectonic setting could register the beginning of the taphrogenesis that marked the Amazonian Craton throughout the Mesoproterozoic. The volcanological approach of this contribution can serve as a strategy for the modelling of the evolution of Precambrian volcano-sedimentary basins around the world. The large amount of rocks analyzed are divided into primary and secondary volcaniclastic products depending on if they resulted from a direct volcanic activity (pyroclastic) or processes that reworked pyroclastic fragments. Furthermore, the deposits are subdivided into massive and stratified, depending on their primary mechanisms of transport and emplacement. By confirming the results from previous studies, our study permits to depict a more precise paleo-environmental picture of the processes that occurred in the Amazonian Craton during the Late-Paleoproterozoic. In particular, the presence of large regional-scale fissural systems and caldera collapses produced large silicic explosive volcanic eruptions, also accompanied by the emission of large volume effusive products. Although studies on the Amazonian Craton are still scarce and controversial, the present study provides new evidence that this volcanism may have formed one of the largest Silicic Large Igneous Provinces (SLIP) on earth. Our data also confirm that at least two major Paleoproterozoic periods of formation of volcanic rocks exist in the Amazonian craton. This point is of great relevance for any future interpretation of the geological evolution of this craton.
Journal of South American Earth Sciences, Vol. 92, pp. 197-208.
South America, Brazil
craton
Abstract: The Carajás-Rio Maria region, together with the Rio Maria domain of the Central Amazonian province, comprises the eastern margin of the Amazonian Craton with the Neoproterozoic Araguaia belt. This region hosts several basaltic dyke swarms whose UPb baddeleyite ages highlighted three intrusive events at 1882, 535 and 200?Ma. New geochemical and SrNd isotopic data were obtained for the different groups of the Carajás dykes allowing new insights on i) the mantle source composition beneath the Carajás region through time and ii) the geodynamic setting of the intrusive events. The 1882?Ma swarm is coeval to the Uatumã SLIP event which is one of the oldest intraplate events of the proto-Amazonian craton. Trace elements and isotopic values suggest that the dyke parent melt for those dykes have a crustal component derived from a sedimentary source similar to GLOSS (GLObal Subducting Sediment compositions). This is consistent with the emplacement of the dykes in a supra-subduction setting or in a post-collisional setting. Trace and isotopic values of the 535?Ma dyke swarm are consistent with an enriched mantle source from EMII component. These geochemical features suggest an enrichment of the mantle from an oceanic lithosphere poor in sediments, different to that of the 1882?Ma source. The age of this swarm matches magmatic activity during a post-collisional extensive-transtensive event recorded in the marginal Araguaia belt after the amalgamation of the Amazonian Craton to the Western Gondwana during Neoproterozoic. The 200?Ma dyke swarm which is related to the CAMP (Central Atlantic Magmatic Province) and opening of the Atlantic Ocean shows trace element composition similar to Atlantic E-MORB. The coupled isotopic values are consistent with an enriched mantle source with EMII component. These particular geochemical features suggest that the plume activity responsible for the CAMP near the rifting zone has not affected the mantle beneath the Carajás region.
Abstract: The study of Paleoproterozoic rocks is crucial for understanding Earth's tectonic evolution during the time when most of the modern crust and ore deposits were formed. The rocks of the Brazilian Amazonian Craton record some of the most-complete and best-preserved Paleoproterozoic magmatic and volcanic episodes on Earth. Following previous investigations, we present new lithofaciological and stratigraphic records of the felsic rocks of the Tapajós Mineral Province (TMP) (~2-1.88?Ga) and the São Felix do Xingú region (SFX) (~1.88?Ga) which, combined with new petrological and geochronological data, help providing a more complete understanding of the tectonic, magmatic and volcanological evolution of the Amazonian Craton. This magmatism/volcanism is thought to be formed in a late-/post-orogenic to extentional regime confirmed by the new geochemical data presented here. The transition from late-convergent to extensional tectonic setting could register the beginning of the taphrogenesis that marked the Amazonian Craton throughout the Mesoproterozoic. The volcanological approach of this contribution can serve as a strategy for the modelling of the evolution of Precambrian volcano-sedimentary basins around the world. The large amount of rocks analyzed are divided into primary and secondary volcaniclastic products depending on if they resulted from a direct volcanic activity (pyroclastic) or processes that reworked pyroclastic fragments. Furthermore, the deposits are subdivided into massive and stratified, depending on their primary mechanisms of transport and emplacement. By confirming the results from previous studies, our study permits to depict a more precise paleo-environmental picture of the processes that occurred in the Amazonian Craton during the Late-Paleoproterozoic. In particular, the presence of large regional-scale fissural systems and caldera collapses produced large silicic explosive volcanic eruptions, also accompanied by the emission of large volume effusive products. Although studies on the Amazonian Craton are still scarce and controversial, the present study provides new evidence that this volcanism may have formed one of the largest Silicic Large Igneous Provinces (SLIP) on earth. Our data also confirm that at least two major Paleoproterozoic periods of formation of volcanic rocks exist in the Amazonian craton. This point is of great relevance for any future interpretation of the geological evolution of this craton.
Abstract: The study of Paleoproterozoic rocks is crucial for understanding Earth's tectonic evolution during the time when most of the modern crust and ore deposits were formed. The rocks of the Brazilian Amazonian Craton record some of the most-complete and best-preserved Paleoproterozoic magmatic and volcanic episodes on Earth. Following previous investigations, we present new lithofaciological and stratigraphic records of the felsic rocks of the Tapajós Mineral Province (TMP) (~2-1.88?Ga) and the São Felix do Xingú region (SFX) (~1.88?Ga) which, combined with new petrological and geochronological data, help providing a more complete understanding of the tectonic, magmatic and volcanological evolution of the Amazonian Craton. This magmatism/volcanism is thought to be formed in a late-/post-orogenic to extentional regime confirmed by the new geochemical data presented here. The transition from late-convergent to extensional tectonic setting could register the beginning of the taphrogenesis that marked the Amazonian Craton throughout the Mesoproterozoic. The volcanological approach of this contribution can serve as a strategy for the modelling of the evolution of Precambrian volcano-sedimentary basins around the world. The large amount of rocks analyzed are divided into primary and secondary volcaniclastic products depending on if they resulted from a direct volcanic activity (pyroclastic) or processes that reworked pyroclastic fragments. Furthermore, the deposits are subdivided into massive and stratified, depending on their primary mechanisms of transport and emplacement. By confirming the results from previous studies, our study permits to depict a more precise paleo-environmental picture of the processes that occurred in the Amazonian Craton during the Late-Paleoproterozoic. In particular, the presence of large regional-scale fissural systems and caldera collapses produced large silicic explosive volcanic eruptions, also accompanied by the emission of large volume effusive products. Although studies on the Amazonian Craton are still scarce and controversial, the present study provides new evidence that this volcanism may have formed one of the largest Silicic Large Igneous Provinces (SLIP) on earth. Our data also confirm that at least two major Paleoproterozoic periods of formation of volcanic rocks exist in the Amazonian craton. This point is of great relevance for any future interpretation of the geological evolution of this craton.
Barry, P.H., de Moor, J.M., Giovannelli, D., Schrenk, M., Hummer, D.R., Lopez, T., Pratt, C.A., Alpizar Segua, Y., Battaglia, A., Beaudry, A., Bini, G., Cascante, M., d'Errico, G., di Carlo, M., Fattorini, D., Fullerton, K., H+Gazel, E., Gonzalez, G., Hal
Abstract: Carbon and other volatiles in the form of gases, fluids or mineral phases are transported from Earth’s surface into the mantle at convergent margins, where the oceanic crust subducts beneath the continental crust. The efficiency of this transfer has profound implications for the nature and scale of geochemical heterogeneities in Earth’s deep mantle and shallow crustal reservoirs, as well as Earth’s oxidation state. However, the proportions of volatiles released from the forearc and backarc are not well constrained compared to fluxes from the volcanic arc front. Here we use helium and carbon isotope data from deeply sourced springs along two cross-arc transects to show that about 91 per cent of carbon released from the slab and mantle beneath the Costa Rican forearc is sequestered within the crust by calcite deposition. Around an additional three per cent is incorporated into the biomass through microbial chemolithoautotrophy, whereby microbes assimilate inorganic carbon into biomass. We estimate that between 1.2 × 108 and 1.3 × 1010 moles of carbon dioxide per year are released from the slab beneath the forearc, and thus up to about 19 per cent less carbon is being transferred into Earth’s deep mantle than previously estimated.
Brovarone, A.V., Butch, C.J., Ciappa, A., Cleaves, H.J., Elmaleh, A., Faccenda, M., Feineman, M., Hermann, J., Nestola, F., Cordone, A., Giovannelli., D.
American Mineralogist, Vol. 105, pp. 1152-1160. pdf
Mantle
carbon
Abstract: Water plays a key role in shaping our planet and making life possible. Given the abundance of water on Earth's surface and in its interior, chemical reactions involving water, namely hydration and dehydration reactions, feature prominently in nature and are critical to the complex set of geochemical and biochemical reactions that make our planet unique. This paper highlights some fundamental aspects of hydration and dehydration reactions in the solid Earth, biology, and man-made materials, as well as their connections to carbon cycling on our planet.
Journal of South American Earth Sciences, Vol. 80, pp. 1-17.
South America, Brazil
carbonatite
Abstract: We present results of U-Pb dating (by MC-ICP-MS) of zircons from samples that cover all of the known lithotypes in the Seis Lagos Carbonatite Complex and associated lateritic mineralization (the Morro dos Seis Lagos Nb deposit). The host rock (gneiss) yielded an age of 1828 ± 09 Ma interpreted as the crystallization time of this unit. The altered feldspar vein in the same gneiss yielded an age of 1839 ± 29 Ma. Carbonatite samples provided 3 groups of ages. The first group comprises inherited zircons with ages compatible with the gneissic host rock: 1819 ± 10 Ma (superior intercept), 1826 ± 5 Ma (concordant age), and 1812 ± 27 Ma (superior intercept), all from the Orosirian. The second and the third group of ages are from the same carbonatite sample: the superior intercept age of 1525 ± 21 Ma (MSWD ¼ 0.77) and the superior intercept age of 1328 ± 58 Ma (MSWD ¼ 1.4). The mineralogical study indicates that the ~1.3 Ga zircons have affinity with carbonatite. It is, however, a tendence rather than a well-defined result. The data allow state that the age of 1328 ± 58 Ma represents the maximum age of the carbonatite. Without the same certainty, we consider that the data suggest that this age may be the carbonatite age, whose emplacement would have been related to the evolution of the K'Mudku belt. The best age obtained in laterite samples (a superior intercept age of 1828 ± 12 Ma) is considered the age of the main source for the inherited zircons related to the gneissic host rock.
Abstract: The Morro dos Seis Lagos niobium rare earth element, Ti-bearing lateritic deposit (Amazonas, Brazil) is derived from a primary siderite carbonatite. The complex is the only example of a Nb deposit in which Nb-rich rutile is the main Nb ore mineral. Apart from the laterites, at the current level of exposure the complex consists only of siderite carbonatite; silicate rocks are absent. Three types of siderite carbonatite are recognized: (1) a brecciated and oxidized core siderite carbonatite consisting of up to 95 vol% siderite together with: hematite; pyrochlore; Nb-brookite; Ti-maghemite; and thorobastnäsite; (2) a REE- and P-rich variety of the core siderite carbonatite consisting of siderite (up to 95 vol%), hematite, minor pyrochlore, monazite and bastnäsite; (3) a border hydrothermal siderite carbonatite with ~70 vol% siderite, barite (~15 vol%), gorceixite (~7 vol%) and minor rhabdophane and pyrochlore. The country rock gneiss in which the carbonatite was emplaced was affected by potassic fenitization, with the formation of phlogopite and orthoclase together with monazite, fluorapatite and bastnäsite. The siderite carbonatites exhibit a wide variation of ?13C (?5.39‰ to ?1.40‰), accompanied by a significant variation in ?18O (17.13‰ to 31.33‰), especially in the REE-rich core siderite carbonatite, and are explained as due to the presence of both H2O and CO2 in the magma. The core siderite carbonatite is the richest in Fe (48.64-70.85 wt% Fe2O3) and the poorest in Ca (up 0.82 wt% CaO) example of a siderite carbonatite yet recognized The ferrocarbonatite has significant contents of Mn, Ba, Th, Pb and LREE, and a very high Nb (up to 7667 ppm) content due to the presence of Nb-brookite. The substitution 3Ti4+ = Fe2+ + 2Nb5+ recognized in Nb-rich brookite explains enrichment of Nb in the core siderite carbonatite and indicates formation in a reducing environment. The high Nb/Ta ratio (1408-11,459) of the carbonatite is compatible with residual liquids derived by fractional crystallization. The 87Sr/86Sr (0.70411-0.70573) and 144Nd/143Nd (0.512663-0.512715) isotopic data suggest the carbonatite is mantle-derived with essentially no crustal contamination and is younger than the maximum age of 1328 ± 58 Ma (UPb in zircon). We suggest that the Morro dos Seis Lagos carbonatite complex represents the upper-most parts of a differentiated carbonatite magmatic system, and that the siderite carbonatite is related to late-magmatic-to-carbo-hydrothermal processes.
Ore Geology Reviews, doi.org/10.1016/ j.oregeorev. 2021.104308 59p. Pdf
South America, Brazil
REE
Abstract: In the Morro dos Seis Lagos Nb (Ti, REE) deposit (MSLD), Amazonas state, Brazil, there are four types of REE mineralization: primary, associated to siderite carbonatite; supergene, associated to laterite profile; and sedimentary (detrital and authigenic). The mineralogical and geochemical evolutions of the REE in these domains are integrated into a comprehensible metallogenic model. The main primary ore in the core siderite carbonatite is 52 m thick with 1.47 wt% REE2O3 mainly in monazite-(Ce) and bastnäsite. However, considering the entire section intersected in the core siderite carbonatite, the average grade drops to 0.7 wt% REE2O3 mainly contained in thorbastnasite. In the border siderite carbonatite, the REE mineralization is hydrothermal [rhabdophane-(Ce) and REE-rich gorceixite]. The LREE and phosphates are concentrated at the reworked laterites from where the HREE were leached. With the advance of lateritization, pyrochlore was completely decomposed. The final secondary Ce-pyrochlore was progressively enriched in Ce4+ with loss in REE3+, resulting in the breakdown of the structure and release Ce under strongly oxidizing conditions (high Ce4+/Ce3+) thus forming extremely pure cerianite-(Ce). This mineral occurs intercalated with goethite bands in the lower part of the weathering profile, represented by the brown laterite, and forms intergrowth with hollandite in the manganiferous laterite, formed in a more alkaline environment closer to the water table. The brown laterite has 1.30 wt% REE2O3, the manganese laterite has 1.54 wt% REE2O3, of which 1.42 wt% is Ce2O3. Tectonic and karstic processes over the carbonatite formed several sedimentary basins. In the Esperança Basin, the sedimentary record (233 m thick) shows the whole evolution of the MSLD. The base of the basin (layer 5) is formed by abundant carbonatite fragments, have florencite-(Ce) mineralization with 1.07 wt% REE2O3; layer 4 is formed by carbonatite fragments interbedded with clayey bed; layer 3 is a rhythmite deposited in a lacustrine environment, with clasts of ferruginous materials related to early stages of carbonatite alteration; layer 2 is made up by clays, is rich in organic matter, has authigenic florencite-(Ce), florencite-(La) and base metals. This layer marks the inversion of the relief and the input into the basin of REE leached from the upper laterites, carried by the groundwater flow; layer 1 was formed by the oxidation of the upper part of layer 2. Layers 1 + 2 have 73 m thick and average of 1.72 wt% REE2O3.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 175, 15p.
Canada
olivine
Abstract: Interactions between carbonated ultramafic silicate magmas and the continental lithospheric mantle results in the formation of dunite—a ubiquitous xenolith type in kimberlites and aillikites. However, whether this process dominantly occurs in the mantle source region or by subsequent interactions between lithospheric mantle fragments and transporting silica-undersaturated magmas during ascent remains debated. Aillikite magmas, which are derived from the fusion of carbonate-phlogopite metasomes under diamond-stability field upper mantle conditions, have a mineralogically more complex source than kimberlites, providing an opportunity to more fully constrain the origin of dunite xenoliths in such deeply sourced carbonated silicate magmas. Here we present a major and trace element study of olivine occurring in xenoliths and as phenocrysts in an aillikite dike located on the southern Superior Craton. We show that olivine within the dunite microxenoliths exhibits extreme enrichment in Al, Cr, Na, and V when compared to equivalent xenoliths carried by kimberlites. We interpret these results as evidence for the presence of carbonate-phlogopite metasomes left residual in the cratonic mantle source during aillikite magma formation. Our results are inconsistent with models of dunite formation through orthopyroxene dissolution upon kimberlite/aillikite magma ascent, supporting an origin for such dunites that is more closely linked to primary melt generation at the base of relatively thick continental lithosphere. Our work demonstrates that it is possible to constrain the precursor composition of cratonic mantle dunite at depth, thereby facilitating the further exploration of how carbonated silicate magmas modify and weaken continental lithospheric roots.
Abstract: Rheological properties of the lower mantle have strong influence on the dynamics and evolution of Earth. By using the improved methods of quantitative deformation experiments at high pressures and temperatures, we deformed a mixture of bridgmanite and magnesiowüstite under the shallow lower mantle conditions. We conducted experiments up to about 100% strain at a strain rate of about 3 × 10(-5) second(-1). We found that bridgmanite is substantially stronger than magnesiowüstite and that magnesiowüstite largely accommodates the strain. Our results suggest that strain weakening and resultant shear localization likely occur in the lower mantle. This would explain the preservation of long-lived geochemical reservoirs and the lack of seismic anisotropy in the majority of the lower mantle except the boundary layers.
Abstract: The strength of subducted slabs in the mantle transition zone influences the style of mantle convection. Intense deformation is observed particularly in relatively old subducted slabs in the deep mantle transition zone. Understanding the cause of this regional and depth variation in slab deformation requires constraint of the rheological properties of deep mantle materials. Here, we report results of in situ deformation experiments during the olivine to ringwoodite phase transformation, from which we infer the deformation process under the conditions of cold slabs deep in the mantle transition zone. We find that newly transformed fine-grained ringwoodite deforms by diffusion creep and that its strength is substantially smaller than that of coarser-grained minerals but increases with time. Scaling analysis, based on a model of transformation kinetics and grain-size evolution during a phase transformation, suggests that a cold slab will be made of a mixture of weak, fine-grained and strong, coarse-grained materials in the deep transition zone, whereas a warm slab remains strong because of its large grain size. We propose that this temperature dependence of grain size may explain extensive deformation of cold slabs in the deep transition zone but limited deformation of relatively warm slabs.
Abstract: The strength of subducted slabs in the mantle transition zone influences the style of mantle convection. Intense deformation is observed particularly in relatively old subducted slabs in the deep mantle transition zone. Understanding the cause of this regional and depth variation in slab deformation requires constraint of the rheological properties of deep mantle materials. Here, we report results of in situ deformation experiments during the olivine to ringwoodite phase transformation, from which we infer the deformation process under the conditions of cold slabs deep in the mantle transition zone. We find that newly transformed fine-grained ringwoodite deforms by diffusion creep and that its strength is substantially smaller than that of coarser-grained minerals but increases with time. Scaling analysis, based on a model of transformation kinetics and grain-size evolution during a phase transformation, suggests that a cold slab will be made of a mixture of weak, fine-grained and strong, coarse-grained materials in the deep transition zone, whereas a warm slab remains strong because of its large grain size. We propose that this temperature dependence of grain size may explain extensive deformation of cold slabs in the deep transition zone but limited deformation of relatively warm slabs.
Abstract: U-Pb baddeleyite ages for key mafic dykes of the Amazonian Craton reveal four significant intraplate episodes that allow connections with global igneous activity through time and supercontinent cycles. The oldest dykes (Carajás-Rio Maria region) are diabases with ages of 1880.2 ± 1.5 Ma and 1884.6 ± 1.6 Ma, respectively, corresponding with the Tucumã swarm which crops out to the west and is age-equivalent. The magmatic activity has a genetic link with the ca. 1.88 Ga Uatumã Silicic Large Igneous Province (SLIP), characterized by felsic plutonic-volcanic rocks. There is an age correlation with LIP events (ca. 1880 Ma) in the Superior, Slave, Indian and other cratons. This magmatism could be derived from significant perturbations of the upper mantle during the partial assembly of Columbia. Gabbronorite of the Rio Perdido Suite (Rio Apa Terrane) crystallized at 1110.7 ± 1.4 Ma, and is identical to that of the Rincón del Tigre-Huanchaca LIP event of the Amazonian Craton. This event was synchronous with the initiation of Keweenawan magmatism of central Laurentia (Midcontinent Rift) and also with coeval units in the Kalahari, Congo and India cratons. The two youngest U-Pb dates (535 and 200 Ma) occur in the Carajás region. Diabase of the Paraupebas swarm yields an age of 535.1 ± 1.1 Ma, which may be correlative with the giant Piranhas swarm located ca. 900 km apart to the west. The Paraupebas swarm is correlative with post-collisional plutonism within the Araguaia marginal belt. Therefore, the Cambrian dykes may reflect reactivation of cooled lithosphere, due to crustal extension/transtension active along the craton’s margin during assembly of West Gondwana. This magmatism is also contemporaneous with the 539-530 Ma Wichita LIP of southern Laurentia. The youngest studied Carajás region dyke was emplaced at ca. 200 Ma, corresponding with 40Ar/39Ar ages for the Periquito dykes west of Carajás and with most K-Ar ages of the giant Cassiporé swarm, located north of the study area. The newly dated ca. 200 Ma dyke fits well into the known, brief span of ages for the CAMP Large Igneous Province event, around the present central and northern Atlantic Ocean.
Abstract: The Cana Brava complex is the northernmost of three layered complexes outcropping in the Goiás state (central Brasil). New field and geochemical evidences suggest that Cana Brava underwent hyper- to subsolidus deformation during its growth, acquiring a high-temperature foliation that is generally interpreted as the result of a granulite-facies metamorphic event. The increase along the stratigraphy of the incompatible elements abundances (LREE, Rb, Ba) and of the Sr isotopic composition, coupled with a decrease in ?Nd(790), indicate that the complex was contaminated by the embedded xenoliths from the Palmeirópolis Sequence. The geochemical data suggest that the contamination occurred along the entire magma column during the crystallization of the Upper Mafic Zone, with in situ variations determined by the abundance and composition of the xenoliths. These features of the Cana Brava complex point to an extremely similarity with the Lower Sequence of the most known Niquelândia intrusion (the central of the three complexes). This, together with the evidences that the two complexes have the same age (c.a. 790 Ma) and their thickness and units decrease northwards suggests that Cana Brava and Niquelândia are part of a single giant Brasilia body grown through several melt impulses.
Journal of South American Earth Sciences, Vol. 92, pp. 197-208.
South America, Brazil
craton
Abstract: The Carajás-Rio Maria region, together with the Rio Maria domain of the Central Amazonian province, comprises the eastern margin of the Amazonian Craton with the Neoproterozoic Araguaia belt. This region hosts several basaltic dyke swarms whose UPb baddeleyite ages highlighted three intrusive events at 1882, 535 and 200?Ma. New geochemical and SrNd isotopic data were obtained for the different groups of the Carajás dykes allowing new insights on i) the mantle source composition beneath the Carajás region through time and ii) the geodynamic setting of the intrusive events. The 1882?Ma swarm is coeval to the Uatumã SLIP event which is one of the oldest intraplate events of the proto-Amazonian craton. Trace elements and isotopic values suggest that the dyke parent melt for those dykes have a crustal component derived from a sedimentary source similar to GLOSS (GLObal Subducting Sediment compositions). This is consistent with the emplacement of the dykes in a supra-subduction setting or in a post-collisional setting. Trace and isotopic values of the 535?Ma dyke swarm are consistent with an enriched mantle source from EMII component. These geochemical features suggest an enrichment of the mantle from an oceanic lithosphere poor in sediments, different to that of the 1882?Ma source. The age of this swarm matches magmatic activity during a post-collisional extensive-transtensive event recorded in the marginal Araguaia belt after the amalgamation of the Amazonian Craton to the Western Gondwana during Neoproterozoic. The 200?Ma dyke swarm which is related to the CAMP (Central Atlantic Magmatic Province) and opening of the Atlantic Ocean shows trace element composition similar to Atlantic E-MORB. The coupled isotopic values are consistent with an enriched mantle source with EMII component. These particular geochemical features suggest that the plume activity responsible for the CAMP near the rifting zone has not affected the mantle beneath the Carajás region.
Abstract: The subparallel maflc dykes of the Aorida-Durazno-S.José region (SW Uruguay) trend N60-80W and vary in thickness from 0.6 to 50 m. They are part of the mafic dyke swarms intrudlng granitic-gnelssic basement that were mappecl by BOSSI et ai. (1989), In an ares approximately 200 km In length and 100 km in bresdth. Plagioclass, augite, subcalclc augite (plgeonite) and opaques are the maln components of the dykes. Orthopyroxene and oIlvine are very rare. Blotite and homblende are secondary minerais. Quartz-feldspar Intergrowths occur In the coarser gralnecl dykes. The characterlstlc textures are subophitic and intersertal.
Abstract: The consumption of mineral resources and energy has increased exponentially over the last 100 years. Further growth is expected until at least the middle of the 21st century as the demand for minerals is stimulated by the industrialization of poor countries, increasing urbanization, penetration of rapidly evolving high technologies, and the transition to low-carbon energies. In order to meet this demand, more metals will have to be produced by 2050 than over the last 100 years, which raises questions about the sustainability and conditions of supply. The answers to these questions are not only a matter of available reserves. Major effort will be required to develop new approaches and dynamic models to address social, economic, environmental, geological, technological, legal and geopolitical impacts of the need for resources.
Paleoclimatic and structural environment at the end of the Cretaceous along the western flank of the Congo Basin, with application of undergroundmicrodiamonds.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 10, No. 1/2. pp. 399-408
Proceedings Natural Science Academy, Vol. 86, 1, pp. 301-311.
India
kimberlite, lamproites
Abstract: Highlights of researches on kimberlites, lamproites and lamprophyres (and their entrained xenoliths) during 2016-2019 from the Indian context are presented. A few previously unknown occurrences have been brought to light, and a wealth of petrological, geochemical and isotopic data on these rocks became available. All these studies provided new insights into the nomenclatural as well as geodynamic aspects such as subduction-tectonics, mantle metasomatism, lithospheric thickness, supercontinent amalgamation, and break-up and nature of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle from the Indian shield.
Journal of Mineralogical and petrological Sciences, Vol. 115, 2, pp. 202-215. pdf
India
deposit - Wajrakarur
Abstract: Petrology and geochemistry (including Sr and Nd isotopes) of two lamprophyre dykes, intruding the Archaean granitic gneisses at Sivarampeta in the diamondiferous Wajrakarur kimberlite field (WKF), eastern Dharwar craton, southern India, are presented. The Sivarampeta lamprophyres display porphyritic-panidiomorphic texture comprising macrocrysts/phenocrysts of olivine, clinopyroxene (augite), and mica set in a groundmass dominated by feldspar and comprising minor amounts of ilmenite, chlorite, carbonates, epidote, and sulphides. Amphibole (actinolite-tremolite) is essentially secondary in nature and derived from the alteration of clinopyroxene. Mica is compositionally biotite and occurs as a scattered phase throughout. Mineralogy suggests that these lamprophyres belong to calc-alkaline variety whereas their bulk-rock geochemistry portrays mixed signals of both alkaline as well as calc-alkaline (shoshonitic) variety of lamprophyres and suggest their derivation from the recently identified Domain II (orogenic-anorogenic transitional type mantle source) from eastern Dharwar craton. Trace element ratios imply melt-derivation from an essentially the garnet bearing-enriched lithospheric mantle source region; this is further supported by their 87Sr/86Srinitial (0.708213 and 0.708507) and ‘enriched’ ?Ndinitial (?19.1 and ?24.2) values. The calculated TDM ages (2.7-2.9 Ga) implies that such enrichment occurred prior to or during Neoarchean, contrary to that of the co-spatial and co-eval kimberlites which originated from an isotopically depleted mantle source which was metasomatized during Mesoproterozoic. The close association of calc-alkaline shoshonitic lamprophyres, sampling distinct mantle sources, viz., Domain I (e.g., Udiripikonda) and Domain II (Sivarampeta), and kimberlites in the WKF provide further evidence for highly heterogeneous nature of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle beneath the eastern Dharwar craton.
Abstract: Lamprophyres are some of the oldest recognized alkaline rocks and have been studied for almost the last 150 years. Known for hosting economic minerals such as gold, diamond and base metals, they are also significant in our understanding of the deep-mantle processes (viz., mantle metasomatism and mantleplume-lithosphere interactions) as well as large-scale geodynamic processes (viz., subduction-tectonics, supercontinent amalgamation and break-up). The Indian shield is a collage of distinct cratonic blocks margined by the mobile belts and manifested by large igneous provinces (LIPs) such as the Deccan. A plethora of lamprophyres, varying in age from the Archaean to the Eocene, with diverse mineralogical and geochemical compositions, are recorded from the Indian shield and played a key role in clarifying the tectonic processes, especially during the Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic and the Late Cretaceous. A comprehensive review of the occurrence, petrology, geochemistry and origin of the Indian lamprophyres is provided here highlighting their tectonomagmatic significance. The relationship of the lamprophyres to the Kimberlite clan rocks (KCRs), focusing on the Indian examples, is also critically examined.
Abstract: his study aims to examine the altering paradigms for two specific characteristics of the international diamond industry: community-based business model and competitive advantage and their impact and interaction effect.
Average compositions of magmas and mantle sources of Mid-Ocean Ridges and intraplate Oceanic and Continental settings estimated from the dat a of melt inclusions
Deep Seated Magmatism, its sources and plumes, Ed. Vladykin, N.V., p.35-78,
Average composition of basic magmas and mantle sources of island arcs and active continental margins estimated from the dat a on melt inclusions and quenched glasses
Vladykin, N.V., Deep Seated Magmatism: its sources and plumes, pp. 22-53.
Average compositions of igneous melts from main geodynamic settings according to the investigation of melt inclusions in minerals& quenched glasses of rocks.
Deep Seated Magmatism, its sources and plumes, Ed. Vladykin, N.V., pp. 171-204.
Girnis, A.V., Bulatov, V.K., Brey, G.P., Gerdes, A., Hofer, H.E.
Trace element partitioning between mantle minerals and silico-carbonate melts at 6-12 Gpa and applications to mantle metasomatism and kimberlite genesis.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 170, 25p.
Technology
Experimental petrology
Abstract: Melting of carbonated sediment in the presence of graphite or diamond was experimentally investigated at 7.5–12 GPa and 800–1600 °C in a multianvil apparatus. Two starting materials similar to GLOSS of Plank and Langmuir (Chem Geol 145:325–394, 1998) were prepared from oxides, carbonates, hydroxides and graphite. One mixture (Na-gloss) was identical in major element composition to GLOSS, and the other was poorer in Na and richer in K (K-gloss). Both starting mixtures contained ~6 wt% CO2 and 7 wt% H2O and were doped at a ~100 ppm level with a number of trace elements, including REE, LILE and HFSE. The near-solidus mineral assemblage contained a silica polymorph (coesite or stishovite), garnet, kyanite, clinopyroxene, carbonates (aragonite and magnesite-siderite solid solution), zircon, rutile, bearthite and hydrous phases (phengite and lawsonite at <9 GPa and the hydrous aluminosilicates topaz-OH and phase egg at >10 GPa). Hydrous phases disappear at ~900 °C, and carbonates persist up to 1000-1100 °C. At temperatures >1200 °C, the mineral assemblage consists of coesite or stishovite, kyanite and garnet. Clinopyroxene stability depends strongly on the Na content in the starting mixture; it remains in the Na-gloss composition up to 1600 °C at 12 GPa, but was not observed in K-gloss experiments above 1200 °C. The composition of melt or fluid changes gradually with increasing temperature from hydrous carbonate-rich (<10 wt% SiO2) at 800-1000 °C to volatile-rich silicate liquids (up to 40 wt% SiO2) at high temperatures. Trace elements were analyzed in melts and crystalline phases by LA ICP MS. The garnet-melt and clinopyroxene-melt partition coefficients are in general consistent with results from the literature for volatile-free systems and silicocarbonate melts derived by melting carbonated peridotites. Most trace elements are strongly incompatible in kyanite and silica polymorphs (D < 0.01), except for V, Cr and Ni, which are slightly compatible in kyanite (D > 1). Aragonite and Fe-Mg carbonate have very different REE partition coefficients (D Mst-Sd/L ~ 0.01 and D Arg/L ~ 1). Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf are strongly incompatible in both carbonates. The bearthite/melt partition coefficients are very high for LREE (>10) and decrease to ~1 for HREE. All HFSE are strongly incompatible in bearthite. In contrast, Ta, Nb, Zr and Hf are moderately to strongly compatible in ZrSiO4 and TiO2 phases. Based on the obtained partition coefficients, the composition of a mobile phase derived by sediment melting in deep subduction zones was calculated. This phase is strongly enriched in incompatible elements and displays a pronounced negative Ta-Nb anomaly but no Zr-Hf anomaly. Although all experiments were conducted in the diamond stability field, only graphite was observed in low-temperature experiments. Spontaneous diamond nucleation and the complete transformation of graphite to diamond were observed at temperatures above 1200-1300 °C. We speculate that the observed character of graphite-diamond transformation is controlled by relationships between the kinetics of metastable graphite dissolution and diamond nucleation in a hydrous silicocarbonate melt that is oversaturated in C.
Abstract: Diamond nucleation and growth were investigated experimentally at 7.5 and 10.5?GPa and temperatures up to 1500?°C. Samples consisted of two layers: i) H2O- and CO2-bearing model sediment and ii) graphite-bearing garnet harzburgite comprising natural minerals. Two experimental series were conducted, one under a controlled temperature gradient with the sedimentary layer usually in the cold zone and the other under isothermal conditions. In the latter case, diamond seeds were added to the sedimentary mixture. During the experiments, the sedimentary layer partially or completely melted, with the melt percolating and interacting with the adjacent harzburgite. The graphite-to-diamond transition in the peridotite was observed above 1300?°C at 7.5?GPa and 1200?°C at 10.5?GPa in the temperature-gradient experiments, and at temperatures ~100?°C lower in the isothermal experiments with diamond seeds. Newly formed diamond occurs mostly as individual grains up to 10??m in size and is separate from graphite aggregates. In some cases, an association of diamond with magnesite was observed. Diamond nucleation occurs in hydrous and CO2-bearing silicate melt following graphite dissolution and recrystallization. In the case of the diamond-magnesite association, diamond was probably formed through carbonate reduction coupled with graphite oxidation. The composition of the melts ranged from “carbonatitic” with ~10?wt% SiO2 and?>?50?wt% volatiles to hydrous silicate with ~40?wt% SiO2 and?10?wt% volatiles. This variation has no strong effect on diamond nucleation or growth.
Journal of South American Earth Sciences, Vol. 108, 103255. 17p. Pdf
South America, Brazil
lineaments, tectonics
Abstract: The effect of previous structures inheritance is known to be important in the development of tectonic rifts. A series of overlapping structures generally can be represented by lineaments marking the successive tectonic events. We studied the NNE structural lineaments corridor in the central region of the Ribeira Belt. We used a digital elevation model (DEM) and new and previous fieldwork data to investigate the structural control of such lineaments and their relevance for the Brazilian continental margin. Our results suggest that the NNE direction is a crustal weakness zone characterising corridors of intense ductile and brittle deformation which was recurrently reactivated. Aligned NNE Neoproterozoic-Ordovician ductile and brittle structures as foliations, shear zones, lithological boundaries, and fractures filled by pegmatitic veins coincide with the lineaments. During the Cretaceous rift, a transtensional sinistral regime generated NNE T-fractures filled by mafic dykes. In the Cenozoic, the NNE direction is represented by transfer and domino faults developed within a mega accommodation zone in an intracontinental rift system. Our results suggest that the NNE direction was active in this region throughout the Phanerozoic and has high relevance for the structural development of the continental margin of southeastern Brazil.
Geochemistry International, Vol. 55, 4, pp. 360-366.
Russia, Siberia
diamondoid
Abstract: A broad suite of geological materials were studied a using a handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument. Because LIBS is simultaneously sensitive to all elements, the full broadband emission spectrum recorded from a single laser shot provides a ‘chemical fingerprint’ of any material - solid, liquid or gas. The distinguishing chemical characteristics of the samples analysed were identified through principal component analysis (PCA), which demonstrates how this technique for statistical analysis can be used to identify spectral differences between similar sample types based on minor and trace constituents. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) was used to distinguish and classify the materials, with excellent discrimination achieved for all sample types. This study illustrates through four selected examples involving carbonate minerals and rocks, the oxide mineral pair columbite-tantalite, the silicate mineral garnet and native gold how portable, handheld LIBS analysers can be used as a tool for real-time chemical analysis under simulated field conditions for element or mineral identification plus such applications as stratigraphic correlation, provenance determination and natural resources exploration.
SIMS analyses on trace and rare earth elements in coexisting clinopyroxene and mica from minette mafic enclaves in potassic syenites crystallized under high pressure.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 148, 6, pp. 675-688.
Journal of the Geological Society of India, Vol. 87, 6, pp. 709-715.
India
Carbonatite
Abstract: The Siriwasan carbonatite-sill along with associated alkaline rocks and fenites is located about 10 km north of the well-known Amba Dongar carbonatite-alkaline rocks diatreme, in the Chhota Udaipur carbonatite-alkaline province. Carbonatite has intruded as a sill into the Bagh sandstone and overlying Deccan basalt. This resulted in the formation of carbonatite breccia with enclosed fragments of basement metamorphics, sandstone and fenites in the matrix of ankeritic carbonatite. The most significant are the plugs of sovite with varied mineralogy that include pyroxene, amphibole, apatite, pyrochlore, perovskite and sphene. REE in sovites is related to the content of pyrochlore, perovskite and apatite. The carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of some sovite samples and an ankeritic carbonatite plot in the "mantle box" pointing to their mantle origin. However, there is also evidence for mixing of the erupting carbonatite magma with the overlying Bagh limestone. The carbonatites of Siriwasan and Amba Dongar have the same Sr and Nd isotopic ratios and radiometric age, suggesting the same magma source. On the basis of available chemical analyses this paper is aimed to give some details of the Siriwasan carbonatites. The carbonatite complex has good potential for an economic mineral deposit but this is the most neglected carbonatite of the Chhota Udaipur province.
Abstract: The Karelian Craton in Finland is host to (at least) two distinct pulses of kimberlite magmatism. Twenty kimberlite occurrences have so far been discovered on the southwest margin of the craton at Kaavi-Kuopio and seven kimberlites are located in the Kuusamo area within the core of the craton. Comprehensive radiometric age determinations (U-Pb, Ar- Ar and Rb-Sr) reveal that all kimberlite activity was restricted to the Proterozoic. The Kaavi-Kuopio field was emplaced over a protracted period from ~610 to 550 Ma and is predated by the Kuusamo cluster that represents a relatively short pulse of magmatism at ~750 to 730 Ma. The emplacement of kimberlites globally has recently been linked to supercontinent reorganisation and we propose a similar scenario for these Finnish occurrences which, at the time of kimberlite emplacement, were situated on the Baltica paleo-continent. This land mass was contiguous with Laurentia in the Proterozoic and together formed part of Rodinia. The breakup of Rodinia is considered to have commenced at ~750 Ma and initiation of the opening of the Iapetus ocean at ~615 Ma. Contemporaneous with Kaavi-Kuopio magmatism, this latter period of Neoproterozoic crustal extension also includes the emplacement of kimberlites and related rocks in areas that were linked with Baltica as part of Rodinia - West Greenland and eastern North America. Both the initial and final periods of Rodinia’s breakup have been linked to mantle upwellings from the core-mantle boundary. We suggest that kimberlite magmatism in Finland was promoted by the influx of heat from mantle upwellings and lithospheric extension associated with the demise of Rodinia. Although both magmatic episodes are potentially linked to the breakup of Rodinia, whole-rock and perovskite radiogenic isotope compositions for the Kuusamo kimberlites (?Nd(i) +2.6 to +3.3, ?Hf(i) +3.1 to +5.6) are distinct from the Kaavi-Kuopio kimberlites (?Nd(i) -0.7 to +1.8, ?Hf(i) -6.1 to +5.2). The spread in Hf isotope compositions for the Kaavi-Kuopio magmas may be linked to variable assimilation of diverse mantle lithologies.
Abstract: Origin determination is of increasing importance in the gem trade. It is possible because there is a close relationship between the geological environment of formation and the physical and chemical properties of gemstones, such as trace element and isotopic compositions, that can be measured in the laboratory using combinations of increasingly sophisticated instrumentation. Origin conclusions for ruby, sapphire, and emerald make up the bulk of demand for these services, with growing demand for alexandrite, tourmaline, and spinel. However, establishing origin with a high degree of confidence using the capabilities available today is met with varying degrees of success. Geographic origin can be determined with a high level of confidence for materials such as emerald, Paraíba-type tourmaline, alexandrite, and many rubies. For some materials, especially blue sapphire and some rubies, the situation is more difficult. The main problem is that if the geology of two deposits is similar, then the properties of the gemstones they produce will also be similar, to the point where concluding an origin becomes seemingly impossible in some cases. Origin determination currently relies on a combination of traditional gemological observations and advanced analytical instrumentation.
Abstract: Diamonds in alluvial deposits in Southeast Asia are not accompanied by indicator minerals suggesting primary kimberlite or lamproite sources. The Meratus Mountains in Southeast Borneo (Province Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesia) provide the largest known deposit of these so-called “headless” diamond deposits. Proposals for the origin of Kalimantan diamonds include the adjacent Meratus ophiolite complex, ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphic terranes, obducted subcontinental lithospheric mantle and undiscovered kimberlite-type sources. Here we report results from detailed sediment provenance analysis of diamond-bearing Quaternary river channel material and from representative outcrops of the oldest known formations within the Alino Group, including the diamond-bearing Campanian-Maastrichtian Manunggul Formation. Optical examination of surfaces of diamonds collected from artisanal miners in the Meratus area (247 stones) and in West Borneo (Sanggau Area, Province Kalimantan Barat;
Abstract: Hypabyssal kimberlites are subvolcanic intrusive rocks crystallised from mantle-derived magmas poor in SiO2 and rich in CO2 and H2O. They are complex, hybrid rocks containing significant amounts of mantle-derived fragments, primarily olivine with rare diamonds, set in a matrix of essentially magmatic origin. Unambiguous identification of kimberlites requires careful petrographic examination combined with mineral compositional analyses. Melt inclusion studies have shown that kimberlite melts contain higher alkali concentrations than previously thought but have not clarified the ultimate origin of these melts. Because of the hybrid nature of kimberlites and their common hydrothermal alteration by fluids of controversial origin (magmatic and/or crustal), the composition of primary kimberlite melts remains unknown.
Abstract: Our discovery of moissanite grains in a peralkaline syenite from the Água de Pau Volcano (São Miguel, Azores Islands, Portugal) represents the first report of this mineral in present day oceanic geodynamic settings. Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction show the presence of both the 6H and 4H polytypes with the predominance of the first one. The distribution of trace elements is homogeneous, except for Al and V. Azorean moissanite often hosts rounded inclusions of metallic Si and other not yet identified metallic alloys. A process involving a flushing of CH4-H2 ultra-reducing fluids in the alkaline melts might be considered as a possible mechanism leading to the formation of natural SiC, thus calling for strongly reducing conditions that were locally met in the crust-mantle beneath the São Miguel Island.
Abstract: Our discovery of moissanite grains in a peralkaline syenite from the Água de Pau Volcano (São Miguel, Azores Islands, Portugal) represents the first report of this mineral in present day oceanic geodynamic settings. Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction show the presence of both the 6H and 4H polytypes with the predominance of the first one. The distribution of trace elements is homogeneous, except for Al and V. Azorean moissanite often hosts rounded inclusions of metallic Si and other not yet identified metallic alloys. A process involving a flushing of CH4-H2 ultra-reducing fluids in the alkaline melts might be considered as a possible mechanism leading to the formation of natural SiC, thus calling for strongly reducing conditions that were locally met in the crust-mantle beneath the São Miguel Island.
Journal of Petrology, 10.1093/petrology /egaa062/5857610 90p. Pdf
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Kimberley
Abstract: Olivine is the most abundant phase in kimberlites and is stable throughout most of the crystallisation sequence, thus providing an extensive record of kimberlite petrogenesis. To better constrain the composition, evolution, and source of kimberlites we present a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of olivine from multiple dyke, sill, and root zone kimberlites in the Kimberley cluster (South Africa). Olivine grains in these kimberlites are zoned, with a central core, a rim overgrowth, and occasionally an external rind. Additional ‘internal’ and ‘transitional’ zones may occur between the core and rim, and some samples of root zone kimberlites contain a late generation of high-Mg olivine in cross-cutting veins. Olivine records widespread pre-ascent (proto-)kimberlite metasomatism in the mantle including: (a) Relatively Fe-rich (Mg# <89) olivine cores interpreted to derive from the disaggregation of kimberlite-related megacrysts (20% of cores); (b) Mg-Ca-rich olivine cores (Mg# >89; >0.05?wt.% CaO) suggested to be sourced from neoblasts in sheared peridotites (25% of cores); (c) transitional zones between cores and rims probably formed by partial re-equilibration of xenocrysts (now cores) with a previous pulse of kimberlite melt (i.e., compositionally heterogeneous xenocrysts); and (d) olivine from the Wesselton water tunnel sills, internal zones (I), and low-Mg# rims, that crystallised from a kimberlite melt that underwent olivine fractionation within the shallow lithospheric mantle. Magmatic crystallisation begins with internal olivine zones (II), which are common but not ubiquitous in the Kimberley olivine. These zones are euhedral, contain rare inclusions of chromite, and have a higher Mg# (90.0 ± 0.5), NiO, and Cr2O3 contents, but are depleted in CaO compared to the rims. Internal olivine zones (II) are interpreted to crystallise from a primitive kimberlite melt during its ascent and transport of olivine toward the surface. Their compositions suggest assimilation of peridotitic material (particularly orthopyroxene) and potentially sulfides prior to or during crystallisation. Comparison of internal zones (II) with liquidus olivine from other mantle-derived carbonate-bearing magmas (i.e., orangeites, ultramafic lamprophyres, melilitites) show that low (100×) Mn/Fe (?1.2), very low Ca/Fe (?0.6), and moderate Ni/Mg ratios (?1.1) appear to be the hallmarks of olivine in melts derived from carbonate-bearing garnet-peridotite sources. Olivine rims display features indicative of magmatic crystallisation, which are typical of olivine rims in kimberlites worldwide - i.e. primary inclusions of chromite, Mg-ilmenite and rutile, homogeneous Mg# (88.8 ± 0.3), decreasing Ni and Cr, increasing Ca and Mn. Rinds and high-Mg olivine are characterised by extreme Mg-Ca-Mn enrichment and Ni depletion, and textural relationships indicate these zones represent replacement of pre-existing olivine, with some new crystallisation of rinds. These zones likely precipitated from evolved, oxidised, and relatively low-temperature kimberlite fluids after crustal emplacement. In summary, this study demonstrates the utility of combined petrography and olivine geochemistry to trace the evolution of kimberlite magmatic systems from early metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle by (proto-)kimberlite melts, to crystallisation at different depths en route to surface, and finally late-stage deuteric/hydrothermal fluid alteration processes after crustal emplacement.
Giuliani, A., Kamenetsky, V.S., Kendrick, M.A., Phillips, D., Wyatt, B.A., Maas, R.
Oxide, sulphide and carbonate minerals in a mantle polymict breccia: metasomatism by proto-kimberlite magmas, and relationship to the kimberlite megacrystic suite.
Abstract: Mantle-derived carbonatites are igneous rocks dominated by carbonate minerals. Intrusive carbonatites typically contain calcite and, less commonly, dolomite and siderite as the only carbonate minerals. In contrast, lavas erupted by the only active carbonatite volcano on Earth, Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania, are enriched in Na-rich carbonate phenocrysts (nyerereite and gregoryite) and Na-K halides in the groundmass. The apparent paradox between the compositions of intrusive and extrusive carbonatites has not been satisfactorily resolved. This study records the fortuitous preservation of halite in the intrusive dolomitic carbonatite of the St.-Honoré carbonatite complex (Québec, Canada), more than 490 m below the present surface. Halite occurs intergrown with, and included in, magmatic minerals typical of intrusive carbonatites; i.e., dolomite, calcite, apatite, rare earth element fluorocarbonates, pyrochlore, fluorite, and phlogopite. Halite is also a major daughter phase of melt inclusions hosted in early magmatic minerals, apatite and pyrochlore. The carbon isotope composition of dolomite (?13C = –5.2‰) and Sr-Nd isotope compositions of individual minerals (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70287 in apatite, to 0.70443 in halite; ?Nd = +3.2 to +4.0) indicate a mantle origin for the St.-Honoré carbonatite parental melt. More radiogenic Sr compositions of dolomite and dolomite-hosted halite and heavy oxygen isotope composition of dolomite (?18O = +23‰) suggest their formation at some time after magma emplacement by recrystallization of original magmatic components in the presence of ambient fluids. Our observations indicate that water-soluble chloride minerals, common in the modern natrocarbonatite lavas, can be significant but ephemeral components of intrusive carbonatite complexes. We therefore infer that the parental magmas that produce primary carbonatite melts might be enriched in Na and Cl. This conclusion affects existing models for mantle source compositions, melting scenarios, temperature, rheological properties, and crystallization path of carbonatite melts.
Abstract: Kimberlite magmas are of economic and scientific importance because they represent the major host to diamonds and are probably the deepest magmas from continental regions. In addition, kimberlite magmas transport abundant mantle and crustal xenoliths, thus providing fundamental information on the composition of the sub-continental lithosphere. Despite their importance, the composition and ascent mechanism(s) of kimberlite melts remain poorly constrained. Phlogopite is one of the few minerals that preserves a history of fluid migration and magmatism in the mantle and crust and is therefore an invaluable petrogenetic indicator of kimberlite magma evolution. Here we present major and trace element compositional data for phlogopite from the Bultfontein kimberlite (Kimberley, South Africa; i.e. the kimberlite type-locality) and from entrained mantle xenoliths. Phlogopite macrocrysts (~ > 0.3-0.5 mm) and microcrysts (between ~ 0.1 and 0.3 mm) in the Bultfontein kimberlite display concentric compositional zoning patterns. The cores of these phlogopite grains exhibit compositions typical of phlogopite contained in peridotite mantle xenoliths. However, the rims of some grains show compositions analogous to kimberlite groundmass phlogopite (i.e. high Ti, Al and Ba; low Cr), whereas other rims and intermediate zones (between cores and rims) exhibit unusually elevated Cr and lower Al and Ba concentrations. The latter compositions are indistinguishable from matrix phlogopite in polymict breccia xenoliths (considered to represent failed kimberlite intrusions) and from Ti-rich overgrowth rims on phlogopite in other mantle xenoliths. Consequently, it is likely that these phlogopite grains crystallized from kimberlite melts and that the high Ti-Cr zones originated from earlier kimberlite melts at mantle depths. We postulate that successive pulses of ascending kimberlite magma progressively metasomatised the conduit along which later kimberlite pulses ascended, producing progressively decreasing interaction with the surrounding mantle rocks. In our view, these processes represent the fundamental mechanism of kimberlite magma ascent. Our study also indicates that, in addition to xenoliths/xenocrysts and magmatic phases, kimberlite rocks incorporate material crystallized at various mantle depths by previous kimberlite intrusions (mantle-derived ‘antecrysts’).
Abstract: The lack of consensus on the possible range of initial kimberlite melt compositions and their evolution as they ascend through and interact with mantle and crustal wall rocks, hampers a complete understanding of kimberlite petrogenesis. Attempts to resolve these issues are complicated by the fact that kimberlite rocks are mixtures of magmatic, xenocrystic and antecrystic components and, hence, are not directly representative of their parental melt composition. Furthermore, there is a lack of direct evidence of the assimilation processes that may characterise kimberlitic melts during ascent, which makes understanding their melt evolution difficult. In this contribution we provide novel constraints on the interaction between precursor kimberlite melts and lithospheric mantle wall rocks. We present detailed textural and geochemical data for a carbonate-rich vein assemblage that traverses a garnet wehrlite xenolith [equilibrated at ~ 1060 °C and 43 kbar (~ 140-145 km)] from the Bultfontein kimberlite (Kimberley, South Africa). This vein assemblage is dominated by Ca-Mg carbonates, with subordinate oxide minerals, olivine, sulphides, and apatite. Vein phases have highly variable compositions indicating formation under disequilibrium conditions. Primary inclusions in the vein minerals and secondary inclusion trails in host wehrlite minerals contain abundant alkali-bearing phases (e.g., Na-K bearing carbonates, Mg-freudenbergite, Na-bearing apatite and phlogopite). The Sr-isotope composition of vein carbonates overlaps those of groundmass calcite from the Bultfontein kimberlite, as well as perovskite from the other kimberlites in the Kimberley area. Clinopyroxene and garnet in the host wehrlite are resorbed and have Si-rich reaction mantles where in contact with the carbonate-rich veins. Within some veins, the carbonates occur as droplet-like, globular segregations, separated from a similarly shaped Si-rich phase by a thin meniscus of Mg-magnetite. These textures are interpreted to represent immiscibility between carbonate and silicate melts. The preservation of reaction mantles, immiscibility textures and disequilibrium in the vein assemblage, suggests quenching, probably triggered by entrainment and rapid transport toward the Earth's surface in the host kimberlite magma. Based on the Sr-isotope systematics of vein carbonate minerals, and the close temporal relationship between carbonate-rich metasomatism and kimberlite magmatism, we suggest that the carbonate-rich vein assemblage was produced by the interaction between a melt genetically related to the Bultfontein kimberlite and wehrlitic mantle wall rock. If correct, this unique xenolith sample provides a rare snapshot of the assimilation processes that might characterise parental kimberlite melts during their ascent through the lithospheric mantle.
Abstract: Kimberlitic magmaclasts are discrete ovoid magmatic fragments that formed prior to emplacement from disrupted kimberlite magma. To provide new constraints on the origin and evolution of the kimberlite melts, we document the mineralogy and petrography of a magmaclast recovered from one of the ca. 520 Ma Venetia kimberlites, South Africa. The sample (BI9883) has a sub-spherical shape and consists of a ~ 10 mm diameter central olivine macrocryst, surrounded by porphyritic kimberlite. The kimberlitic material consists of concentrically aligned, altered olivine phenocrysts, set in a crystalline groundmass of calcite, chromite, perovskite, phlogopite, apatite, ilmenite, titanite, sulphides, rutile and magnetite along with abundant alteration phases (i.e. serpentine, talc and secondary calcite). These features are typical of archetypal hypabyssal kimberlites. We examined primary fluid/melt inclusions in chromite, perovskite and apatite containing a diversity of daughter phases. Chromite and perovskite host polycrystalline inclusions containing abundant alkali-carbonates (i.e. enriched in K, Na, Ba, Sr), phosphates, Na-K chlorides, sulphides and equal to lesser quantities of olivine, phlogopite and pleonaste. In contrast, apatite hosts polycrystalline assemblages with abundant alkali-carbonates and Na-K chlorides and lesser amounts of olivine, monticellite and phlogopite. Numerous solid inclusions of shortite (Na2Ca2(CO3)3), Na-Sr-carbonates and apatite occur in groundmass calcite along with fluid inclusions containing daughter crystals of Na-carbonates and Na-chlorides. The primary inclusions in chromite, perovskite and apatite are considered to represent remnants of fluid(s)/melt(s) trapped during crystallisation of the host minerals, whereas the fluid inclusions in calcite are probably secondary in origin. The component proportions of these primary fluid/melt inclusions were estimated in an effort to constrain the composition of the evolving kimberlite melt. These estimates suggest melt evolution from a silicate-carbonate kimberlite melt that became increasingly enriched in carbonates, phosphates, alkalis and chlorides, in response to the fractional crystallisation of constituent minerals (i.e. olivine to apatite). The concentric alignment of crystals around the olivine kernel and ovoid shape of the magmaclast can be ascribed to the low viscosity of the kimberlite melt and rapid rotation whilst in a liquid or partial crystalline state, or to progressive layer-by-layer growth of the magmaclast. Although the mineralogy of our sample is similar to hypabyssal kimberlites worldwide, it differs from hypabyssal kimberlite units in the main Venetia pipes, which contain monticellite-phlogopite rich assemblages and segregationary matrix textures. Therefore magmaclast BI9883 probably originated from a batch of magma distinct from those that produced known hypabyssal units within the Venetia kimberlite cluster.-
Abstract: The petrogenesis of kimberlites commonly is obscured by interaction with hydrothermal fluids, including deuteric (late-magmatic) and/or groundwater components. To provide new constraints on the modification of kimberlite rocks during overprinting by such fluids and on the fractionation of kimberlite magmas during crystallisation, we have undertaken a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of a hypabyssal sample (BK) from the Bultfontein kimberlite (Kimberley, South Africa).
Abstract: Kimberlitic magmaclasts are discrete ovoid magmatic fragments that formed prior to emplacement from disrupted kimberlite magma. To provide new constraints on the origin and evolution of the kimberlite melts, we document the mineralogy and petrography of a magmaclast recovered from one of the ca. 520 Ma Venetia kimberlites, South Africa. The sample (BI9883) has a sub-spherical shape and consists of a ~ 10 mm diameter central olivine macrocryst, surrounded by porphyritic kimberlite. The kimberlitic material consists of concentrically aligned, altered olivine phenocrysts, set in a crystalline groundmass of calcite, chromite, perovskite, phlogopite, apatite, ilmenite, titanite, sulphides, rutile and magnetite along with abundant alteration phases (i.e. serpentine, talc and secondary calcite). These features are typical of archetypal hypabyssal kimberlites. We examined primary fluid/melt inclusions in chromite, perovskite and apatite containing a diversity of daughter phases. Chromite and perovskite host polycrystalline inclusions containing abundant alkali-carbonates (i.e. enriched in K, Na, Ba, Sr), phosphates, Na-K chlorides, sulphides and equal to lesser quantities of olivine, phlogopite and pleonaste. In contrast, apatite hosts polycrystalline assemblages with abundant alkali-carbonates and Na-K chlorides and lesser amounts of olivine, monticellite and phlogopite. Numerous solid inclusions of shortite (Na2Ca2(CO3)3), Na-Sr-carbonates and apatite occur in groundmass calcite along with fluid inclusions containing daughter crystals of Na-carbonates and Na-chlorides. The primary inclusions in chromite, perovskite and apatite are considered to represent remnants of fluid(s)/melt(s) trapped during crystallisation of the host minerals, whereas the fluid inclusions in calcite are probably secondary in origin. The component proportions of these primary fluid/melt inclusions were estimated in an effort to constrain the composition of the evolving kimberlite melt. These estimates suggest melt evolution from a silicate-carbonate kimberlite melt that became increasingly enriched in carbonates, phosphates, alkalis and chlorides, in response to the fractional crystallisation of constituent minerals (i.e. olivine to apatite). The concentric alignment of crystals around the olivine kernel and ovoid shape of the magmaclast can be ascribed to the low viscosity of the kimberlite melt and rapid rotation whilst in a liquid or partial crystalline state, or to progressive layer-by-layer growth of the magmaclast. Although the mineralogy of our sample is similar to hypabyssal kimberlites worldwide, it differs from hypabyssal kimberlite units in the main Venetia pipes, which contain monticellite-phlogopite rich assemblages and segregationary matrix textures. Therefore magmaclast BI9883 probably originated from a batch of magma distinct from those that produced known hypabyssal units within the Venetia kimberlite cluster.
Abstract: The petrogenesis of kimberlites is commonly obscured by interaction with hydrothermal fluids, including deuteric (late-magmatic) and/or groundwater components. To provide new constraints on the modification of kimberlite rocks during fluid interaction and the fractionation of kimberlite magmas during crystallisation, we have undertaken a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of a hypabyssal sample (BK) from the Bultfontein kimberlite (Kimberley, South Africa). Sample BK consists of abundant macrocrysts (> 1 mm) and (micro-) phenocrysts of olivine and lesser phlogopite, smaller grains of apatite, serpentinised monticellite, spinel, perovskite, phlogopite and ilmenite in a matrix of calcite, serpentine and dolomite. As in kimberlites worldwide, BK olivine grains consist of cores with variable Mg/Fe ratios, overgrown by rims that host inclusions of groundmass phases (spinel, perovskite, phlogopite) and have constant Mg/Fe, but variable Ni, Mn and Ca concentrations. Primary multiphase inclusions in the outer rims of olivine and in Fe-Ti-rich (‘MUM’) spinel are dominated by dolomite, calcite and alkali carbonates with lesser silicate and oxide minerals. Secondary inclusions in olivine host an assemblage of Na-K carbonates and chlorides. The primary inclusions are interpreted as crystallised alkali-Si-bearing Ca-Mg-rich carbonate melts, whereas secondary inclusions host Na-K-rich C-O-H-Cl fluids. In situ Sr-isotope analyses of groundmass calcite and perovskite reveal similar 87Sr/86Sr ratios to perovskite in the Bultfontein and the other Kimberley kimberlites, i.e. magmatic values. The ?18O composition of the BK bulk carbonate fraction is above the mantle range, whereas the ?13C values are similar to those of mantle-derived magmas. The occurrence of different generations of serpentine and occasional groundmass calcite with high 87Sr/86Sr, and elevated bulk carbonate ?18O values indicate that the kimberlite was overprinted by hydrothermal fluids, which probably included a significant groundwater component. Before this alteration the groundmass included calcite, monticellite, apatite and minor dolomite, phlogopite, spinel, perovskite and ilmenite. Inclusions of groundmass minerals in olivine rims and phlogopite phenocrysts show that olivine and phlogopite also belong to the magmatic assemblage. We therefore suggest that the crystallised kimberlite was produced by an alkali-bearing, phosphorus-rich, silica-dolomitic melt. The alkali-Si-bearing Ca-Mg-rich carbonate compositions of primary melt inclusions in the outer rims of olivine and in spinel grains with evolved compositions (MUM spinel) support formation of these melts after fractionation of abundant olivine, and probably other phases (e.g., ilmenite and chromite). Finally, the similarity between secondary inclusions in kimberlite olivine of this and other worldwide kimberlites and secondary inclusions in minerals of carbonatitic, mafic and felsic magmatic rocks, suggests trapping of residual Na-K-rich C-O-H-Cl fluids after groundmass crystallisation. These residual fluids may have persisted in pore spaces within the largely crystalline BK groundmass and subsequently mixed with larger volumes of external fluids, which triggered serpentine formation and localised carbonate recrystallisation.
Tracing mantle metasomatism using combined stable (S,O) and radiogenic (Sr, Nd, Hf, Pb) isotope geochemistry: case studies from mantle xenoliths of the Kimberley kimberlites.
Abstract: The origin of intraplate carbonatitic to alkaline volcanism in Africa is controversial. A tectonic control, i.e., decompression melting associated with far-field stress, is suggested by correlation with lithospheric sutures, repeated magmatic cycles in the same areas over several million years, synchronicity across the plate, and lack of clear age progression patterns. Conversely, a dominant role for mantle convection is supported by the coincidence of Cenozoic volcanism with regions of lithospheric uplift, positive free-air gravity anomalies, and slow seismic velocities. To improve constraints on the genesis of African volcanism, here we report the first radiometric and isotopic results for the Catanda complex, which hosts the only extrusive carbonatites in Angola. Apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He and phlogopite 40Ar/39Ar ages of Catanda aillikite lavas indicate eruption at ca. 500–800 ka, more than 100 m.y. after emplacement of abundant kimberlites and carbonatites in this region. The lavas share similar high-? (HIMU)–like Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotope compositions with other young mantle-derived volcanics from Africa (e.g., Northern Kenya Rift; Cameroon Line). The position of the Catanda complex in the Lucapa corridor, a long-lived extensional structure, suggests a possible tectonic control for the volcanism. The complex is also located on the Bié Dome, a broad region of fast Pleistocene uplift attributed to mantle upwelling. Seismic tomography models indicate convection of deep hot material beneath regions of active volcanism in Africa, including a large area encompassing Angola and northern Namibia. This is strong evidence that intraplate late Cenozoic volcanism, including the Catanda complex, resulted from the interplay between mantle convection and preexisting lithospheric heterogeneities.
Abstract: The origin of intraplate carbonatitic to alkaline volcanism in Africa is controversial. A tectonic control, i.e., decompression melting associated with far-field stress, is suggested by correlation with lithospheric sutures, repeated magmatic cycles in the same areas over several million years, synchronicity across the plate, and lack of clear age progression patterns. Conversely, a dominant role for mantle convection is supported by the coincidence of Cenozoic volcanism with regions of lithospheric uplift, positive free-air gravity anomalies, and slow seismic velocities. To improve constraints on the genesis of African volcanism, here we report the first radiometric and isotopic results for the Catanda complex, which hosts the only extrusive carbonatites in Angola. Apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He and phlogopite 40Ar/39Ar ages of Catanda aillikite lavas indicate eruption at ca. 500-800 ka, more than 100 m.y. after emplacement of abundant kimberlites and carbonatites in this region. The lavas share similar high-? (HIMU)-like Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotope compositions with other young mantle-derived volcanics from Africa (e.g., Northern Kenya Rift; Cameroon Line). The position of the Catanda complex in the Lucapa corridor, a long-lived extensional structure, suggests a possible tectonic control for the volcanism. The complex is also located on the Bié Dome, a broad region of fast Pleistocene uplift attributed to mantle upwelling. Seismic tomography models indicate convection of deep hot material beneath regions of active volcanism in Africa, including a large area encompassing Angola and northern Namibia. This is strong evidence that intraplate late Cenozoic volcanism, including the Catanda complex, resulted from the interplay between mantle convection and preexisting lithospheric heterogeneities.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 401, pp. 132-147.
Africa, South Africa
metasomatism
Abstract: The Karoo igneous rocks (174-185 Ma) of southern Africa represent one of the largest continental flood basalt provinces on Earth. Available evidence indicates that Karoo magmas either originated in the asthenosphere and were extensively modified by interaction with the lithospheric mantle prior to emplacement in the upper crust; or were produced by partial melting of enriched mantle lithosphere. However, no direct evidence of interaction by Karoo melts (or their precursors) with lithospheric mantle rocks has yet been identified in the suites of mantle xenoliths sampled by post-Karoo kimberlites in southern Africa. Here we report U-Pb ages for lindsleyite-mathiasite (LIMA) titanate minerals (crichtonite series) from three metasomatised, phlogopite and clinopyroxene-rich peridotite xenoliths from the ?84 Ma Bultfontein kimberlite (Kimberley, South Africa), located in the southern part of the Karoo magmatic province. The LIMA minerals appear to have formed during metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle by fluids enriched in HFSE (Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb), LILE (K, Ba, Ca, Sr) and LREE. LIMA U-Pb elemental and isotopic compositions were measured in situ by LA-ICP-MS methods, and potential matrix effects were evaluated by solution-mode analysis of mineral separates. LIMA minerals from the three samples yielded apparent U-Pb ages of , and (). A single zircon grain extracted from the ?190 Ma LIMA-bearing sample produced a similar U-Pb age of , within uncertainty of the LIMA ages. These data provide the first robust evidence of fluid enrichment in the lithospheric mantle beneath the Kimberley region at ?180-190 Ma, and suggest causation of mantle metasomatism by Karoo melts or their precursor(s). The results further indicate that U-Pb dating of LIMA minerals provides a new, accurate tool for dating metasomatic events in the lithospheric mantle.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 482, pp. 253-264.
Africa, South Africa
metasomatism
Abstract: Radiogenic isotope variations unrelated to radiogenic ingrowth are common between minerals found in metasomatised mantle xenoliths entrained in kimberlite, basalts and related magmas. As the metasomatic minerals are assumed to have been in isotopic equilibrium originally, such variations are typically attributed to contamination by the magma host and/or interaction with mantle fluids during or before xenolith transport to surface. However, the increasing evidence of metasomatism by multiple, compositionally distinct fluids permeating the lithospheric mantle, coeval with specific magmatic events, suggests that isotopic disequilibrium might be a consequence of discrete, though complex, metasomatic events. Here we provide clear evidence of elemental and Sr isotope heterogeneity between coeval Ti-rich LIMA (lindsleyite–mathiasite) minerals at the time of their formation in the mantle. LIMA minerals occur in close textural association with clinopyroxene and phlogopite in low-temperature (?800–900?°C), strongly metasomatised mantle xenoliths from the ?84 Ma Bultfontein kimberlite (South Africa). Previous U/Pb dating of the LIMA phases was used to argue that each xenolith recorded a single event of LIMA crystallisation at ?180–190 Ma, coeval with the emplacement of Karoo magmas. SEM imaging reveals that up to four types of LIMA phases coexist in each xenolith, and occasionally in a single LIMA grain. Major element and in situ Sr isotope analyses of the different LIMA types show that each phase has a distinct elemental composition and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio (e.g., 0.7068–0.7086 and 0.7115–0.7129 for two LIMA types in a single xenolith; 0.7053-0.7131 across the entire sample suite). These combined age and isotopic constraints require that multiple fluids metasomatised these rocks at broadly the same time (i.e. within a few thousands to millions of years), and produced similar mineralogical features. Elemental and isotopic variations between different LIMA types could be due to interaction between one (or more) Karoo-related Ti-rich silicate melts and previously metasomatised, phlogopite-rich lithospheric mantle. This study demonstrates that mantle metasomatic assemblages seemingly generated in a single event may instead result from the infiltration of broadly coeval fluids with variable compositions. This in turn implies that the isotopic variations recorded in mantle rocks may be an inherent feature of metasomatism, and that hot fluids infiltrating a rock do not necessarily cause equilibration at the cm scale, as has been assumed previously. Simple modelling of solid-state diffusion in mantle minerals shows that isotopic disequilibrium may be preserved for up to hundreds of Myr at mantle lithosphere temperatures (?1100–1200?°C), unless subsequently affected by transient heating and/or fluid infiltration events. Radiogenic isotope disequilibrium associated with mantle metasomatism may therefore be a common feature of mantle xenoliths.
Abstract: The compositions of kimberlite melts at depth and upon emplacement in the upper crust remain elusive. This can be attributed to the unquantified effects of multiple processes, such as alteration, assimilation, xenocryst contamination, and fractional crystallisation. The inability to accurately constrain the composition and physical properties of kimberlite melts prevents a comprehensive understanding of their petrogenesis. To improve constraints on the compositions of kimberlite melts, we have combined modal analysis including the discrimination of xenocrystic from magmatic phases, with mineral chemistry determinations to reconstruct a whole-rock composition. We apply this approach to a sample of “fresh” macrocrystic hypabyssal kimberlite (sample BK-1) from the Bultfontein mine (Kimberley, South Africa). The accuracy of this whole-rock reconstruction method is validated by the similarity between reconstructed and measured whole-rock compositions. A series of corrections are then applied to account for the effects of post-emplacement serpentinisation, pre-emplacement olivine crystallisation, and the inclusion and assimilation of mantle material. This approach permits discernment of melt compositions at different stages of kimberlite evolution. The primitive melt parental to the Bultfontein kimberlite is estimated to contain 17.4-19.0?wt% SiO2, 20.2-22.8?wt% MgO, 20.9-21.9?wt% CaO, 2.1-2.3?wt% P2O5, 1.2-1.4?wt% TiO2, 0.9-1.1?wt% Al2O3, and 0.6-0.7?wt% K2O, and has a Mg# of 83.4-84.4. Primary volatile contents (i.e., after an attempt to account for volatile loss) are tentatively estimated at ~2.1-2.2?wt% H2O and ~22.9-25.4?wt% CO2. This composition is deficient in SiO2, MgO and H2O, but enriched in CaO and CO2 compared with most previous estimates of primitive kimberlite melts. We suggest that the primitive melt parental to the Bultfontein kimberlite was a transitional silicate-carbonate melt, which was progressively enriched in SiO2, MgO, Al2O3, Cr2O3, and Na2O through the assimilation of lithospheric mantle material. Comparisons with experimentally produced low-degree melts of carbonated lherzolite indicate that the Bultfontein kimberlite could have formed by ~0.5% melting of asthenospheric mantle at ~6.0-8.6?GPa (i.e., ~190-285?km) and ~1400-1500?°C. The low calculated Na2O contents (<0.2?wt%), which are inconsistent with derivation from low-degree melting of lherzolite, suggest that an alkali-bearing, volatile-rich fluid was exsolved during ascent or released after emplacement, and subsequently removed.
Mineralogy and Petrology, in press available, 14p.
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Bultfontein
Abstract: MARID (Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside) and PIC (Phlogopite-Ilmenite-Clinopyroxene) xenoliths are thought to be formed by intense Bprimary^ mantle metasomatism. These rocks also display secondary features, such as cross-cutting veins and geochemical zonation of matrix minerals, which probably reflect latermetasomatic events. To investigate the nature and origin(s) of these secondary features, 28 MARID and PIC xenoliths from southern African kimberlites and orangeites have been studied. MARID-hosted veins contain both carbonate and Ti-rich phases (e.g., titanite, phlogopite), suggesting that they formed by the infiltration of a carbonated silicate melt. Elevated TiO2 contents in MARID matrix mineral rims are spatially associated with carbonate-dominated veins, suggesting a genetic relationship between vein formation and geochemical zonation. Spongy rims around primaryMARID and PIC clinopyroxene are depleted in Na2O andAl2O3 relative to their cores, possibly reflecting mineral dissolution in the xenoliths during ascent and emplacement of the entraining kimberlite. The preservation of compositional differences between primary and secondary phases in MARID and PIC xenoliths indicates that metasomatism occurred shortly before, or broadly coeval with, kimberlite/orangeite magmatism; otherwise, at typical mantle temperatures, such features would have quickly re-equilibrated. Increased Na2O in some mineral rims (e.g., K-richterite) may therefore reflect equilibration with a more Na-enriched primitive kimberlite melt composition than is commonly suggested. Vein-hosted clinopyroxene 87Sr/86Sri (0.70539 ± 0.00079) in one MARID sample is intermediate between primary clinopyroxene in the sample (0.70814 ± 0.00002) and the host Bultfontein kimberlite (0.70432 ± 0.00005), suggesting that vein minerals are derived from interactions between primary MARID phases and kimberlite-related melts/fluids. Sulfur isotope compositions of barite (?34SVCDT = +4.69 ‰) and sulfides (?34SVCDT = ?0.69 ‰) in carbonate veins reflect equilibration at temperatures of 850-900 °C, consistent with sulfurrich melt/fluid infiltration in the lithospheric mantle. In contrast, vein carbonate C-O isotope systematics (?13CVPDB = ?9.18 ‰ ?18OVSMOW = +17.22‰) are not typical of kimberlites or other mantle carbonates (?13CVPDB = ?3 to ?8‰ ?18OVSMOW = 6 to 9 ), and may represent post-emplacement hydrothermal interactions of the cooling kimberlite with crustal fluids. These constraints suggest protracted metasomatism of MARID rocks shortly before and during entrainment by the host kimberlite.
Mineralogy and Petrology, June 14, DOI:10.1007/ s00710-018 -0588-5, 16p.
Africa, South Africa
deposit - De Beers dyke
Abstract: We present petrographic and mineral chemical data for a suite of samples derived from the De Beers dyke, a contemporaneous, composite intrusion bordering the De Beers pipe (Kimberley, South Africa). Petrographic features and mineral compositions indicate the following stages in the evolution of this dyke: (1) production of antecrystic material by kimberlite-related metasomatism in the mantle (i.e., high Cr-Ti phlogopite); (2) entrainment of wall-rock material during ascent through the lithospheric mantle, including antecrysts; (3) early magmatic crystallisation of olivine (internal zones and subsequently rims), Cr-rich spinel, rutile, and magnesian ilmenite, probably on ascent to the surface; and (4) crystallisation of groundmass phases (i.e., olivine rinds, Fe-Ti-rich spinels, perovskite, apatite, monticellite, calcite micro-phenocrysts, kinoshitalite-phlogopite, barite, and baddeleyite) and the mesostasis (calcite, dolomite, and serpentine) on emplacement in the upper crust. Groundmass and mesostasis crystallisation likely forms a continuous sequence with deuteric/hydrothermal modification. The petrographic features, mineralogy, and mineral compositions of different units within the De Beers dyke are indistinguishable from one another, indicating a common petrogenesis. The compositions of antecrysts (i.e., high Cr-Ti phlogopite) and magmatic phases (e.g., olivine rims, magnesian ilmenite, and spinel) overlap those from the root zone intrusions of the main Kimberley pipes (i.e., Wesselton, De Beers, Bultfontein). However, the composition of these magmatic phases is distinct from those in ‘evolved’ intrusions of the Kimberley cluster (e.g., Benfontein, Wesselton water tunnel sills). Although the effects of syn-emplacement flow processes are evident (e.g., alignment of phases parallel to contacts), there is no evidence that the De Beers dyke has undergone significant pre-emplacement crystal fractionation (e.g., olivine, spinel, ilmenite). This study demonstrates the requirement for detailed petrographic and mineral chemical studies to assess whether individual intrusions are in fact ‘evolved’; and that dykes are not necessarily produced by differentiated magmas.
Mineralogy and Petrology, doi.org/10.1007/s00710-018-0607-6 16p.
Canada, Northwest Territories, South America, Brazil
deposit - Ekati, Grizzly, Kaola, Limpeza-18, Tres Ranchos-04, Kaalvallei, Samada, New Robinson
Abstract: Olivine in kimberlites can provide unique insights into magma petrogenesis, because it is the most abundant xenocrystic phase and a stable magmatic product over most of the liquid line of descent. In this study we examined the petrography and chemistry of olivine in kimberlites from different tectonic settings, including the Slave craton, Canada (Ekati: Grizzly, Koala), the Brasilia mobile belt (Limpeza-18, Tres Ranchos-04), and the Kaapvaal craton, South Africa (Kaalvallei: Samada, New Robinson). Olivine cores display a wide range of compositions (e.g., Mg#?=?78-95). The similarity in olivine composition, resorption of core zones and inclusions of mantle-derived phases, indicates that most olivine cores originated from the disaggregation of mantle peridotites, including kimberlite-metasomatised lithologies (i.e. sheared lherzolites and megacrysts). Olivine rims typically show a restricted range of Mg#, with decreasing Ni and increasing Mn and Ca contents, a characteristic of kimberlitic olivine worldwide. The rims host inclusions of groundmass minerals, which implies crystallisation just before and/or during emplacement. There is a direct correlation between olivine rim composition and groundmass mineralogy, whereby high Mg/Fe rims are associated with carbonate-rich kimberlites, and lower Mg/Fe rims are correlated with increased phlogopite and Fe-bearing oxide mineral abundances. There are no differences in olivine composition between explosive (Grizzly) and hypabyssal (Koala) kimberlites. Olivine in kimberlites also displays transitional zones and less common internal zones, between cores and rims. The diffuse transitional zones exhibit intermediate compositions between cores and rims, attributed to partial re-equilibration of xenocrystic cores with the ascending kimberlite melt. In contrast, internal zones form discrete layers with resorbed margins and restricted Mg# values, but variable Ni, Mn and Ca concentrations, which indicates a discrete crystallization event from precursor kimberlite melts at mantle depths. Overall, olivine exhibits broadly analogous zoning in kimberlites worldwide. Variable compositions for individual zones relate to different parental melt compositions rather than variations in tectonic setting or emplacement mechanism.
Abstract: Carbonates in fresh hypabyssal kimberlites worldwide have been studied to understand their origin [i.e. primary magmatic (high T) versus deuteric (‘low T’) versus hydrothermal/alteration (‘low T’)] and identify optimal strategies for petrogenetic studies of kimberlitic carbonates. The approach presented here integrates detailed textural characterisation, cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, in situ major- and trace-element analysis, as well as in situ Sr-isotope analysis. The results reveal a wide textural diversity. Calcite occurs as fine-grained groundmass, larger laths, segregations, veins or as a late crystallising phase, replacing olivine or early carbonates. Different generations of carbonates commonly coexist in the same kimberlite, each one defined by a characteristic texture, CL response and composition (e.g., variable Sr and Ba concentrations). In situ Sr isotope analysis revealed a magmatic signature for most of the carbonates, based on comparable 87Sr/86Sr values between these carbonates and the coexisting perovskite, a robust magmatic phase. However, this study also shows that in situ Sr isotope analysis not always allow distinction between primary (i.e., magmatic) and texturally secondary carbonates within the same sample. Carbonates with a clear secondary origin (e.g., late-stage veins) occasionally show the same moderately depleted 87Sr/86Sr ratios of primary carbonates and coexisting perovskite (e.g., calcite laths-shaped crystals with 87Sr/86Sr values identical within uncertainty to those of vein calcite in the De Beers kimberlite). This complexity emphasises the necessity of integrating detailed petrography, geochemical and in situ Sr isotopic analyses for an accurate interpretation of carbonate petrogenesis in kimberlites. Therefore, the complex petrogenesis of carbonates demonstrated here not only highlights the compositional variability of kimberlites, but also raises concerns about the use of bulk-carbonate C-O isotope studies to characterise the parental melt compositions. Conversely, our integrated textural and in situ study successfully identifies the most appropriate (i.e. primary) carbonates for providing constraints on the isotopic parameters of parental kimberlite magmas.
Abstract: The Benfontein kimberlite is a renowned example of a sill complex and provides an excellent opportunity to examine the emplacement and evolution of intrusive kimberlite magmas. We have undertaken a detailed petrographic and melt inclusion study of the Benfontein Upper, Middle and Lower sills. These sills range in thickness from 0.25 to 5?m. New perovskite and baddeleyite U/Pb dating produced ages of 85.7?±?4.4?Ma and 86.5?±?2.6?Ma, respectively, which are consistent with previous age determinations and indicate emplacement coeval with other kimberlites of the Kimberley cluster. The Benfontein sills are characterised by large variations in texture (e.g., layering) and mineral modal abundance between different sill levels and within individual samples. The Lower Sill is characterised by carbonate-rich diapirs, which intrude into oxide-rich layers from underlying carbonate-rich levels. The general paucity of xenogenic mantle material in the Benfontein sills is attributed to its separation from the host magma during flow differentiation during lateral spreading. The low viscosity is likely responsible for non-explosive emplacement of the Benfontein sills, while the rhythmic layering is attributed to multiple magma injections. The Benfontein sills are marked by the excellent preservation of olivine and groundmass mineralogy, which is composed of monticellite, spinel, perovskite, baddeleyite, ilmenite, apatite, calcite, dolomite along with secondary serpentine and glagolevite [NaMg6[Si3AlO10](OH,O)8•H2O]. This is the first time glagolevite is reported in kimberlites. Groundmass spinel exhibits atoll-textures and is composed of a magnesian ulvöspinel magnetite (MUM) or chromite core, surrounded by occasional pleonaste and a rim of Mg-Al-magnetite. We suggest that pleonaste crystallised as a magmatic phase, but was resorbed back into the residual host melt and/or removed by alteration. Analyses of secondary inclusions in olivine and primary inclusions in monticellite, spinel, perovskite, apatite and interstitial calcite are largely composed of Ca-Mg carbonates and, to a lesser extent, alkali-carbonates and other phases. These inclusions probably represent the entrapment of variably differentiated parental kimberlite melts, which became progressively more enriched in carbonate, alkalis, halogens and sulphur during crystal fractionation. Carbonate-rich diapirs from the Lower Sill contain more exotic phase assemblages (e.g., Ba-Fe titanate, barite, ancylite, pyrochlore), which probably result from the extreme differentiation of residual kimberlite melts followed by physical separation and isolation from the parental carbonate-rich magma. It is likely that any alkali or halogen rich minerals crystallising in the groundmass were removed from the groundmass during syn?/post-magmatic alteration, or in the case of Na, remobilised to form secondary glagolevite. The Benfontein sill complex therefore provides a unique example of how the composition of kimberlites may be modified after magma emplacement in the upper crust.
Abstract: MARID (Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside) and PIC (Phlogopite-Ilmenite-Clinopyroxene) rocks are unusual mantle samples entrained by kimberlites and other alkaline volcanic rocks. The formation of MARID rocks remains hotly debated. Although the incompatible element (for example, large ion lithophile element) enrichment in these rocks suggests that they formed by mantle metasomatism, the layered textures of some MARID samples (and MARID veins in composite xenoliths) are more indicative of formation by magmatic processes. MARID lithologies have also been implicated as an important source component in the genesis of intraplate ultramafic potassic magmas (e.g., lamproites, orangeites, ultramafic lamprophyres), due to similarities in their geochemical and isotopic signatures. To determine the origins of MARID and PIC xenoliths and to understand how they relate to alkaline magmatism, this study presents new mineral major and trace element data and bulk-rock reconstructions for 26 MARID and PIC samples from the Kimberley-Barkly West area in South Africa. Similarities between compositions of PIC minerals and corresponding phases in metasomatised mantle peridotites are indicative of PIC formation by pervasive metasomatic alteration of peridotites. MARID genesis remains a complicated issue, with no definitive evidence precluding either the magmatic or metasomatic model. MARID minerals exhibit broad ranges in Mg# (e.g., clinopyroxene Mg# from 82 to 91), which may be indicative of fractionation processes occurring in the MARID-forming fluid/melt. Finally, two quantitative modelling approaches were used to determine the compositions of theoretical melts in equilibrium with MARID rocks. Both models indicate that MARID-derived melts have trace element patterns resembling mantle-derived potassic magma compositions (e.g., lamproites, orangeites, ultramafic lamprophyres), supporting inferences that these magmas may originate from MARID-rich mantle sources.
Abstract: The Benfontein kimberlite is a renowned example of a sill complex and provides an excellent opportunity to examine the emplacement and evolution of intrusive kimberlite magmas. We have undertaken a detailed petrographic and melt inclusion study of the Benfontein Upper, Middle and Lower sills. These sills range in thickness from 0.25 to 5?m. New perovskite and baddeleyite U/Pb dating produced ages of 85.7?±?4.4?Ma and 86.5?±?2.6?Ma, respectively, which are consistent with previous age determinations and indicate emplacement coeval with other kimberlites of the Kimberley cluster. The Benfontein sills are characterised by large variations in texture (e.g., layering) and mineral modal abundance between different sill levels and within individual samples. The Lower Sill is characterised by carbonate-rich diapirs, which intrude into oxide-rich layers from underlying carbonate-rich levels. The general paucity of xenogenic mantle material in the Benfontein sills is attributed to its separation from the host magma during flow differentiation during lateral spreading. The low viscosity is likely responsible for non-explosive emplacement of the Benfontein sills, while the rhythmic layering is attributed to multiple magma injections. The Benfontein sills are marked by the excellent preservation of olivine and groundmass mineralogy, which is composed of monticellite, spinel, perovskite, baddeleyite, ilmenite, apatite, calcite, dolomite along with secondary serpentine and glagolevite [NaMg6[Si3AlO10](OH,O)8•H2O]. This is the first time glagolevite is reported in kimberlites. Groundmass spinel exhibits atoll-textures and is composed of a magnesian ulvöspinel - magnetite (MUM) or chromite core, surrounded by occasional pleonaste and a rim of Mg-Al-magnetite. We suggest that pleonaste crystallised as a magmatic phase, but was resorbed back into the residual host melt and/or removed by alteration. Analyses of secondary inclusions in olivine and primary inclusions in monticellite, spinel, perovskite, apatite and interstitial calcite are largely composed of Ca-Mg carbonates and, to a lesser extent, alkali-carbonates and other phases. These inclusions probably represent the entrapment of variably differentiated parental kimberlite melts, which became progressively more enriched in carbonate, alkalis, halogens and sulphur during crystal fractionation. Carbonate-rich diapirs from the Lower Sill contain more exotic phase assemblages (e.g., Ba-Fe titanate, barite, ancylite, pyrochlore), which probably result from the extreme differentiation of residual kimberlite melts followed by physical separation and isolation from the parental carbonate-rich magma. It is likely that any alkali or halogen rich minerals crystallising in the groundmass were removed from the groundmass during syn?/post-magmatic alteration, or in the case of Na, remobilised to form secondary glagolevite. The Benfontein sill complex therefore provides a unique example of how the composition of kimberlites may be modified after magma emplacement in the upper crust.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 174, 8 22p.
Africa, South Africa, Russia, Canada, Northwest Territories
deposit - Bultfontein, Roberts Victor, Udachnaya-East, Obnazhennaya, Vtorogodnitsa, Koala, Leslie
Abstract: Djerfisherite (K6(Fe,Ni,Cu)25S26Cl) occurs as an accessory phase in the groundmass of many kimberlites, kimberlite-hosted mantle xenoliths, and as a daughter inclusion phase in diamonds and kimberlitic minerals. Djerfisherite typically occurs as replacement of pre-existing Fe-Ni-Cu sulphides (i.e. pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite), but can also occur as individual grains, or as poikilitic phase in the groundmass of kimberlites. In this study, we present new constraints on the origin and genesis of djerfisherite in kimberlites and their entrained xenoliths. Djerfisherite has extremely heterogeneous compositions in terms of Fe, Ni and Cu ratios. However, there appears to be no distinct compositional range of djerfisherite indicative of a particular setting (i.e. kimberlites, xenoliths or diamonds), rather this compositional diversity reflects the composition of the host kimberlite melt and/or interacting metasomatic medium. In addition, djerfisherite may contain K and Cl contents less than the ideal formula unit. Raman spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) revealed that these K-Cl poor sulphides still maintain the same djerfisherite crystal structure. Two potential mechanisms for djerfisherite formation are considered: (1) replacement of pre-existing Fe-Ni-Cu sulphides by djerfisherite, which is attributed to precursor sulphides reacting with metasomatic K-Cl bearing melts/fluids in the mantle or the transporting kimberlite melt; (2) direct crystallisation of djerfisherite from the kimberlite melt in groundmass or due to kimberlite melt infiltration into xenoliths. The occurrence of djerfisherite in kimberlites and its mantle cargo from localities worldwide provides strong evidence that the metasomatising/infiltrating kimberlite melt/fluid was enriched in K and Cl. We suggest that kimberlites originated from melts that were more enriched in alkalis and halogens relative to their whole-rock compositions.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 506, pp. 15-26.
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Newlands, Kimberley, Bultfontein
Abstract: MARID (Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside) and PIC (Phlogopite-Ilmenite-Clinopyroxene) rocks occur as mantle-derived xenoliths in kimberlites and other alkaline volcanic rocks. Both rock types are alkaline and ultramafic in composition. The H2O and alkali metal enrichments in MARID and PIC rocks, reflected in abundant phlogopite, have been suggested to be caused by extreme mantle metasomatism. Radiogenic (Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb) isotope and trace element compositions for mineral separates from MARID (clinopyroxene and amphibole) and PIC (clinopyroxene only) samples derived from Cretaceous kimberlites (Kimberley) and orangeites (Newlands) from South Africa are used here to examine the source(s) of mantle metasomatism. PIC clinopyroxene is relatively homogeneous, with narrow ranges in initial isotopic composition (calculated to the emplacement age of the host Bultfontein kimberlite; 87Sr/86Sri: 0.7037-0.7041; ?Ndi: +3.0 to +3.6; ?Hfi: +2.2 to +2.5; 206Pb/204Pbi: 19.72-19.94) similar to kimberlite values. This is consistent with PIC rocks representing peridotites modified by intense metasomatic interaction with kimberlite melts. The MARID clinopyroxene and amphibole separates () studied here display broader ranges in isotope composition (e.g., 87Sr/86Sri: 0.705-0.711; ?Ndi: ?11.0 to ?1.0; ?Hfi: ?17.9 to ?8.5; 206Pb/204Pbi: 17.33-18.72) than observed in previous studies of MARID rocks. The Nd-Hf isotope compositions of kimberlite-derived MARID samples fall below the mantle array (??Hfi between ?13.0 and ?2.4), a feature reported widely for kimberlites and other alkaline magmas. We propose that such displacements in MARID minerals result from metasomatic alteration of an initial “enriched mantle” MARID composition (i.e., 87Sr/86Sri = 0.711; ?Ndi = ?11.0; ?Hfi = ?17.9; and 206Pb/204Pbi = 17.3) by the entraining kimberlite magma (87Sr/86Sr; ?Nd; ?Hf; 206Pb/204Pb). A model simulating the flow of kimberlite magma through a mantle column, thereby gradually equilibrating the isotopic and chemical compositions of the MARID wall-rock with those of the kimberlite magma, broadly reproduces the Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotope compositions of the MARID minerals analysed here. This model also suggests that assimilation of MARID components could be responsible for negative ??Hfi values in kimberlites. The isotopic composition of the inferred initial MARID end-member, with high 87Sr/86Sr and low ?Nd, ?Hf, and 206Pb/204Pb, resembles those found in orangeites, supporting previous inferences of a genetic link between MARID-veined mantle and orangeites. The metasomatic agent that produced such compositions in MARID rocks must be more extreme than the EM-II mantle component and may relate to recycled material that experienced long-term storage in the lithospheric mantle.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available 21p.
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Bultfontein
Abstract: Current understanding of the fate of subducted material (and related fluids) in the deep Earth can be improved by combining major and trace element geochemistry with stable isotopic compositions of mantle rocks or minerals. Limited isotopic fractionation during high temperature processes means that significant deviations from mantle-like isotope ratios in mantle rocks probably result from recycling of surficial material. To determine the effects and origins of mantle metasomatic fluids/melts, new ?15N and ?18O data have been collected for thirteen mantle xenoliths - harzburgites, wehrlites, lherzolites, and MARID (Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside) rocks - from the Bultfontein kimberlite (Kimberley, South Africa), which show varying degrees of metasomatism. The ?18O values of olivine and orthopyroxene in phlogopite-free harzburgites match the mantle composition (?18Oolivine?=?+5.2?±?0.3‰; ?18Oorthopyroxene?=?+5.7?±?0.3‰; 2?s.d.), consistent with previous inferences that harzburgites were formed by interaction with ancient silica-rich melts unrelated to subduction processes. Wehrlite samples display mineral compositional characteristics (e.g., low La/Zr in clinopyroxene) resembling those of other products of kimberlite melt metasomatism, such as PIC (Phlogopite-Ilmenite-Clinopyroxene) rocks. The inferred interaction with kimberlite melts may be responsible for O isotopic disequilibrium between clinopyroxene and olivine (?18O?=?+0.2‰) in the wehrlites of this study. In contrast with broadly mantle-like ?18O values, the ?15N value of phlogopite in a wehrlite sample (+5.9‰) differs from the mantle composition (?15N?=??5?±?2‰). This unusual N isotopic composition in kimberlite-related mantle products might indicate that a recycled crustal component occurred in the source of the Kimberley kimberlites, or was assimilated during interaction with the lithospheric mantle. Similar major and trace element characteristics in clinopyroxene from phlogopite-lherzolite and MARID samples suggest metasomatism by fluids of similar composition. Lherzolite and MARID clinopyroxene ?18O values (as low as +4.4‰) extend below those reported in mantle peridotites (i.e. ?18Oclinopyroxene?=?+5.6?±?0.3‰; 2?s.d.), and strong negative correlations are found between mineral ?18O values and major element compositions (e.g., Na2O contents in clinopyroxene). Furthermore, phlogopite ?15N values (+4 to +7‰) in the studied lherzolite and MARID samples are higher than mantle values. Combined, the low ?18O-high ?15N isotopic signatures of MARID and lherzolite samples suggest progressive mantle metasomatism by a melt containing a recycled oceanic crust (eclogitic) component. This study demonstrates that progressive enrichment of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle may be inextricably linked to plate tectonics via recycling of subducted crustal material into the deep mantle.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available, 19p.
Africa, South Africa, Canada, South America, Brazil
deposit - Lac de Gras, Paranaiba
Abstract: Kimberlites are the deepest melts produced on Earth that are erupted at the surface and can therefore provide unique insights into the composition and evolution of the mantle. Radiogenic isotopes provide ambiguous evidence for the occurrence of recycled crustal material in kimberlite sources. Oxygen isotopes can fractionate significantly only in the shallow crust, and thus represent a powerful tracer of subducted material in the sources of kimberlite. To constrain the oxygen isotope composition of kimberlite melts, we have examined olivine grains in eleven Cretaceous to Eocene archetypal kimberlites from southern Africa, Lac de Gras (Canada) and Alto Paranaiba (Brazil), which exhibit radiogenic isotope evidence for recycled crustal material in their sources including highly radiogenic Pb isotopes and Nd-Hf isotope compositions deviating below the mantle array. Olivine grains are commonly zoned between a mantle-derived xenocrystic core and one or more magmatic overgrowths, i.e. occasional internal zones, ubiquitous rims and rare rinds (moving outward from the core). The oxygen isotope composition of different olivine zones was determined in situ within separated olivine grains by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) after point selection using back-scattered electron (BSE) images combined with major and minor element analyses. With the exception of a few cores, the ?18O values of different olivine zones do not deviate from typical mantle olivine values of 5.18?±?0.28‰ (Mattey et al., 1994). There are no correlations between oxygen isotopes and major/minor element compositions for internal zones and rims from individual localities or in the entire dataset. This indicates that the oxygen isotope composition of kimberlite melts is not affected by melt differentiation to the point of olivine rim crystallisation. However, olivine rinds from the Koala kimberlite (Canada) display an inverse correlation between ?18O and Mn-Ca concentrations, with ?18O values extending below the mantle range, which is probably due to carbonate fractionation, CO2 degassing and/or assimilation of serpentine-rich material after kimberlite emplacement in the upper crust. The mantle-like ?18O composition of olivine internal zones and rims suggests that assimilation of mantle material and liberation of a CO2-rich phase during ascent in the mantle do not significantly modify the original ?18O signature of kimberlite melts. Modelling of oxygen isotope fractionation shows that up to 15 wt% of CO2 can be lost by kimberlites en route to the upper crust. Our results combined with mass balance calculations indicate that only a limited amount (<5-10 wt%) of recycled crustal material could occur in the source of kimberlites from southern Africa, Lac de Gras and Alto Paranaiba, or that the recycled material had an oxygen isotope composition similar to the mantle.
Mineralogy and Petrology, doi.org/10.1007/ s00710-018-0588-5 17p.
Africa, South Africa
deposit - De Beers dyke
Abstract: We present petrographic and mineral chemical data for a suite of samples derived from the De Beers dyke, a contemporaneous, composite intrusion bordering the De Beers pipe (Kimberley, South Africa). Petrographic features and mineral compositions indicate the following stages in the evolution of this dyke: (1) production of antecrystic material by kimberlite-related metasomatism in the mantle (i.e., high Cr-Ti phlogopite); (2) entrainment of wall-rock material during ascent through the lithospheric mantle, including antecrysts; (3) early magmatic crystallisation of olivine (internal zones and subsequently rims), Cr-rich spinel, rutile, and magnesian ilmenite, probably on ascent to the surface; and (4) crystallisation of groundmass phases (i.e., olivine rinds, Fe-Ti-rich spinels, perovskite, apatite, monticellite, calcite micro-phenocrysts, kinoshitalite-phlogopite, barite, and baddeleyite) and the mesostasis (calcite, dolomite, and serpentine) on emplacement in the upper crust. Groundmass and mesostasis crystallisation likely forms a continuous sequence with deuteric/hydrothermal modification. The petrographic features, mineralogy, and mineral compositions of different units within the De Beers dyke are indistinguishable from one another, indicating a common petrogenesis. The compositions of antecrysts (i.e., high Cr-Ti phlogopite) and magmatic phases (e.g., olivine rims, magnesian ilmenite, and spinel) overlap those from the root zone intrusions of the main Kimberley pipes (i.e., Wesselton, De Beers, Bultfontein). However, the composition of these magmatic phases is distinct from those in ‘evolved’ intrusions of the Kimberley cluster (e.g., Benfontein, Wesselton water tunnel sills). Although the effects of syn-emplacement flow processes are evident (e.g., alignment of phases parallel to contacts), there is no evidence that the De Beers dyke has undergone significant pre-emplacement crystal fractionation (e.g., olivine, spinel, ilmenite). This study demonstrates the requirement for detailed petrographic and mineral chemical studies to assess whether individual intrusions are in fact ‘evolved’; and that dykes are not necessarily produced by differentiated magmas.
Abstract: The trace element composition of olivine is becoming increasingly important in petrological studies due to the ubiquity of olivine in the Earth's upper mantle and in primitive magmatic rocks. The LA-ICP-MS method allows for the routine analysis of trace elements in olivine to sub-ppm levels, but a major drawback of this method is the lack of knowledge about possible downhole fractionation effects when non matrix-matched calibration is used. In this contribution, we show that matrix-matched (i.e., olivine-based) calibration is preferable for small laser spot sizes (<100??m) due to significant laser-induced inter-element fractionation between olivine and commonly used silicate glass calibration materials, e.g., NIST SRM 612, GSD-1G and BHVO-2G. As a result, we present two Mg-rich natural olivine standards (355OL and SC-GB) that have been characterized by independent methods (EPMA, solution ICP-MS), and by LA-ICP-MS in four different laboratories. These natural olivines have been used 1) as primary standards for the matrix-matched calibration of olivine samples for most elements of interest (e.g., Li, Na, Al, P, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), and 2) as secondary standards to assess the accuracy of results. Comparison of olivine- and silicate glass-calibrated results for natural peridotitic olivine reveals that matrix-matched calibration is essential when using small laser spot sizes (<100??m) in order to mitigate downhole fractionation effects for certain elements, especially Na, P, Mn, Co, Ni and Zn. If matrix-matched calibration is not feasible, we recommend that spot sizes of ?100??m, laser fluence of ?4.0?J/cm2, and total laser shot counts of ?250 (e.g., 5?Hz repetition rate for 50?s) are used in order to minimize fractionation effects between olivine and silicate glass calibration materials. We demonstrate the applicability of matrix-matched calibration on olivine from a suite of different mantle peridotite xenoliths sampled by kimberlites and alkali basalts from on-craton and off-craton localities.
Abstract: The late evolution of kimberlite magmas, i.e., during and-following emplacement into the upper crust, remains a-controversial aspect of kimberlite petrogenesis. Likewise, it is-unclear whether or not there is a link between melt composition-and the emplacement mechanism of intrusive kimberlites (i.e.,-planar dykes/sills vs. irregular intrusions in the root zone of-pipes). Resolving these issues is hampered by the absence of-comparative studies of late-magmatic kimberlite phases (e.g.,-apatite, monticellite, mica) in dykes, sills, and root-zone-intrusions from the same locality.-Here we report petrographic and mineral-chemical results-for groundmass phases in samples of dykes, sills, and root zone-intrusions from the Kimberley kimberlites (South Africa).-Early crystalised phases (e.g., olivine, spinel) in dykes/sills and-root-zone intrusions have indistingushable compositions, and-hence crystallised from similar primitive melts. Conversely,-apatite major element compositions are variable and can-discriminate dykes/sills (i.e., low and constant Sr, with-increasing Si) from root zone intrusions (high but variable Sr,-low and constant Si). The Sr depletion in root zone apatite is-interpreted to represent fractional crystallisation of earlier-apatite, perovskite, and calcite from a broadly similar parental-melt. Silica enrichment of apatite from dykes/sills may be-attributed to the coupled incorporation of CO32- and Si into the-apatite structure, reflecting higher CO2 contents in the melts-that formed dykes/sills. CO2 enrichment in the dykes/sills is-consistent with petrographic obervations. Dykes/sills are-enriched in carbonates, may contain dolomite, and are depleted-in mica and monticellite compared to the groundmass of rootzone-kimberlites. This suggests the melts parental to-dykes/sills have a higher CO2/H2O ratio compared to those-parental to root zone intrusions. These two distinct melt-evolution paths cannot be due to crustal contamination before-emplacement because the Sr-isotope compositions of latecrystallised-carbonates are indistinguishable in dykes/sills and-root-zone intrusions. We speculate that CO2 is better retained-in dykes/sills due to a higher confining pressure (i.e., lack of-breakthrough to the surface).-
Abstract: Kimberlites are silica-poor, volatile-rich (CO2 ± H2O), volcanic rocks that are often described as ‘hybrid’, because their parental magmas include abundant xenocrystic (crustand mantle-derived) components. Unravelling the influence of mantle assimilation on kimberlite melt compositions represents an outstanding question of kimberlite petrology. To address this issue, we have carried out a comprehensive geochemical and petrographic investigation of nine kimberlites from the Kaavi-Kuopio field in Finland, that were emplaced on the southern margin of the Karelian Craton in the Neoproterozoic (~550-600 Ma). Olivine is the dominant mineral phase in kimberlites (~50 vol.%) with cores mainly derived from the disaggregation of mantle peridotite. In contrast, olivine rims crystallise directly from the kimberlitic melt and their Mg# (Mg/(Mg+Fe)) typically show remarkable homogeneity within and between kimberlites of a single cluster and field (e.g., Lac de Gras). The Kaavi-Kuopio kimberlites appear to represent a unique case where there is a (statistically) significant difference between the average Mg# of olivine rims in different pipes (89.9 ± 0.2 to 88.5 ± 0.3). Importantly, the Mg# of olivine rims exhibit a strong correlation with the Mg# of olivine cores. Furthermore, the compositions of olivine cores (and rims) exhibit a strong correlation with those of spinel (e.g., Mg#, TiO2 contents). These geochemical variations correlate with the modal mineralogy of the kimberlites: for example, higher abundances of monticellite and lower abundances of ilmenite are associated with higher Mg# olivine. The robust relationship between entrained and assimilated lithospheric mantle material (i.e. olivine cores) and magmatic components (i.e. olivine rims, spinel, and other groundmass minerals) suggests that assimilation of lithospheric mantle has impacted the compositions of kimberlitic melts to a greater extent than previously recognised. These new data also suggest significant variations in the composition of the mantle lithosphere beneath the Kaavi-Kuopio kimberlites, which are spaced less than 10 km apart.
Abstract: MARID (Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside) and PIC (Phlogopite-Ilmenite-Clinopyroxene) rocks occur as mantle-derived xenoliths in kimberlites and other alkaline volcanic rocks. Both rock types are alkaline and ultramafic in composition. The H2O and alkali metal enrichments in MARID and PIC rocks, reflected in abundant phlogopite, have been suggested to be caused by extreme mantle metasomatism. Radiogenic (Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb) isotope and trace element compositions for mineral separates from MARID (clinopyroxene and amphibole) and PIC (clinopyroxene only) samples derived from Cretaceous kimberlites (Kimberley) and orangeites (Newlands) from South Africa are used here to examine the source(s) of mantle metasomatism. PIC clinopyroxene ( n = 4 ) is relatively homogeneous, with narrow ranges in initial isotopic composition (calculated to the emplacement age of the host Bultfontein kimberlite; 87Sr/86Sri: 0.7037-0.7041; ?Ndi: +3.0 to +3.6; ?Hfi: +2.2 to +2.5; 206Pb/204Pbi: 19.72-19.94) similar to kimberlite values. This is consistent with PIC rocks representing peridotites modified by intense metasomatic interaction with kimberlite melts. The MARID clinopyroxene ( n = 9 ) and amphibole separates ( n = 11 ) studied here display broader ranges in isotope composition (e.g., 87Sr/86Sri: 0.705-0.711; ?Ndi: ?11.0 to ?1.0; ?Hfi: ?17.9 to ?8.5; 206Pb/204Pbi: 17.33-18.72) than observed in previous studies of MARID rocks. The Nd-Hf isotope compositions of kimberlite-derived MARID samples fall below the mantle array (??Hfi between ?13.0 and ?2.4), a feature reported widely for kimberlites and other alkaline magmas. We propose that such displacements in MARID minerals result from metasomatic alteration of an initial “enriched mantle” MARID composition (i.e., 87Sr/86Sri = 0.711; ?Ndi = ?11.0; ?Hfi = ?17.9; and 206Pb/204Pbi = 17.3) by the entraining kimberlite magma (87Sr/86Sr ? i 0.704 ; ?Nd ? i + 3.3 ; ?Hf ? i + 2.3 ; 206Pb/204Pb ? i 19.7 ). A model simulating the flow of kimberlite magma through a mantle column, thereby gradually equilibrating the isotopic and chemical compositions of the MARID wall-rock with those of the kimberlite magma, broadly reproduces the Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotope compositions of the MARID minerals analysed here. This model also suggests that assimilation of MARID components could be responsible for negative ??Hfi values in kimberlites. The isotopic composition of the inferred initial MARID end-member, with high 87Sr/86Sr and low ?Nd, ?Hf, and 206Pb/204Pb, resembles those found in orangeites, supporting previous inferences of a genetic link between MARID-veined mantle and orangeites. The metasomatic agent that produced such compositions in MARID rocks must be more extreme than the EM-II mantle component and may relate to recycled material that experienced long-term storage in the lithospheric mantle.
Abstract: The late evolution of kimberlite magmas, i.e., during and following emplacement into the upper crust, remains a controversial aspect of kimberlite petrogenesis. Likewise, it is unclear whether or not there is a link between melt composition and the emplacement mechanism of intrusive kimberlites (i.e., planar dykes/sills vs. irregular intrusions in the root zone of pipes). Resolving these issues is hampered by the absence of comparative studies of late-magmatic kimberlite phases (e.g., apatite, monticellite, mica) in dykes, sills, and root-zone intrusions from the same locality. Here we report petrographic and mineral-chemical results for groundmass phases in samples of dykes, sills, and root zone intrusions from the Kimberley kimberlites (South Africa). Early crystalised phases (e.g., olivine, spinel) in dykes/sills and root-zone intrusions have indistingushable compositions, and hence crystallised from similar primitive melts. Conversely, apatite major element compositions are variable and can discriminate dykes/sills (i.e., low and constant Sr, with increasing Si) from root zone intrusions (high but variable Sr, low and constant Si). The Sr depletion in root zone apatite is interpreted to represent fractional crystallisation of earlier apatite, perovskite, and calcite from a broadly similar parental melt. Silica enrichment of apatite from dykes/sills may be attributed to the coupled incorporation of CO32- and Si into the apatite structure, reflecting higher CO2 contents in the melts that formed dykes/sills. CO2 enrichment in the dykes/sills is consistent with petrographic obervations. Dykes/sills are enriched in carbonates, may contain dolomite, and are depleted in mica and monticellite compared to the groundmass of rootzone kimberlites. This suggests the melts parental to dykes/sills have a higher CO2/H2O ratio compared to those parental to root zone intrusions. These two distinct melt evolution paths cannot be due to crustal contamination before emplacement because the Sr-isotope compositions of latecrystallised carbonates are indistinguishable in dykes/sills and root-zone intrusions. We speculate that CO2 is better retained in dykes/sills due to a higher confining pressure (i.e., lack of breakthrough to the surface).
Abstract: Kimberlites are mantle-derived, CO2 and H2O rich magmas that entrain abundant mantle material, including diamonds during rapid ascent to the surface. Most kimberlite magmas that reach the upper crust either erupt explosively or are emplaced as shallow hypabyssal intrusions. Catastrophic volatile exsolution, local geology and stress regimes, and interaction with external water are suggested as possible controls of magma explosivity. A full understanding of the processes promoting the explosive emplacement of kimberlite magmas has been hindered by common alteration and crustal contamination of pyroclastic kimberlites (PK). To address this issue, we have undertaken a detailed petrographic and mineral-chemical study of fresh pyroclastic and hypabyssal kimberlites (i.e. dykes either cross-cutting or isolated from volcanic pipes) from the Diavik Diamond Mine (Lac de Gras, Canada). Diavik kimberlites feature the same olivine compositions regardless of emplacement style. The cross-cutting kimberlite dykes (xHK) and pyroclastic kimberlites also feature the same chromite (i.e. liquidus spinel) compositions, and spinel evolution to indistinguishable magnesian ulvospinel-magnetite compositions. These results demonstrate that primitive melt compositions, and early magmatic evolutionary trends are the same for kimberlite melts that erupt explosively or those that are emplaced as shallow intrusions. The magmaclasts in PKs contain higher abundances of phlogopite, and lower contents of carbonate than the groundmass of xHKs suggesting higher H2O/CO2 ratios in the magmas that erupt explosively. This finding highlights divergence of the PK and xHK parental melt compositions after late spinel formation, which underpins explosive CO2 exsolution only in some magmas. While the causes of explosive volcanism remain uncertain, our study indicates that primitive melt composition has no significant influence on the emplacement style of kimberlites.
Abstract: The widely accepted paradigm of Earth's geochemical evolution states that the successive extraction of melts from the mantle over the past 4.5 billion years formed the continental crust, and produced at least one complementary melt-depleted reservoir that is now recognized as the upper-mantle source of mid-ocean-ridge basalts1. However, geochemical modelling and the occurrence of high 3He/4He (that is, primordial) signatures in some volcanic rocks suggest that volumes of relatively undifferentiated mantle may reside in deeper, isolated regions2. Some basalts from large igneous provinces may provide temporally restricted glimpses of the most primitive parts of the mantle3,4, but key questions regarding the longevity of such sources on planetary timescales—and whether any survive today—remain unresolved. Kimberlites, small-volume volcanic rocks that are the source of most diamonds, offer rare insights into aspects of the composition of the Earth’s deep mantle. The radiogenic isotope ratios of kimberlites of different ages enable us to map the evolution of this domain through time. Here we show that globally distributed kimberlites originate from a single homogeneous reservoir with an isotopic composition that is indicative of a uniform and pristine mantle source, which evolved in isolation over at least 2.5 billion years of Earth history—to our knowledge, the only such reservoir that has been identified to date. Around 200 million years ago, extensive volumes of the same source were perturbed, probably as a result of contamination by exogenic material. The distribution of affected kimberlites suggests that this event may be related to subduction along the margin of the Pangaea supercontinent. These results reveal a long-lived and globally extensive mantle reservoir that underwent subsequent disruption, possibly heralding a marked change to large-scale mantle-mixing regimes. These processes may explain why uncontaminated primordial mantle is so difficult to identify in recent mantle-derived melts.
Abstract: The widely accepted paradigm of Earth's geochemical evolution states that the successive extraction of melts from the mantle over the past 4.5 billion years formed the continental crust, and produced at least one complementary melt-depleted reservoir that is now recognized as the upper-mantle source of mid-ocean-ridge basalts1. However, geochemical modelling and the occurrence of high 3He/4He (that is, primordial) signatures in some volcanic rocks suggest that volumes of relatively undifferentiated mantle may reside in deeper, isolated regions2. Some basalts from large igneous provinces may provide temporally restricted glimpses of the most primitive parts of the mantle3,4, but key questions regarding the longevity of such sources on planetary timescales—and whether any survive today—remain unresolved. Kimberlites, small-volume volcanic rocks that are the source of most diamonds, offer rare insights into aspects of the composition of the Earth’s deep mantle. The radiogenic isotope ratios of kimberlites of different ages enable us to map the evolution of this domain through time. Here we show that globally distributed kimberlites originate from a single homogeneous reservoir with an isotopic composition that is indicative of a uniform and pristine mantle source, which evolved in isolation over at least 2.5 billion years of Earth history—to our knowledge, the only such reservoir that has been identified to date. Around 200 million years ago, extensive volumes of the same source were perturbed, probably as a result of contamination by exogenic material. The distribution of affected kimberlites suggests that this event may be related to subduction along the margin of the Pangaea supercontinent. These results reveal a long-lived and globally extensive mantle reservoir that underwent subsequent disruption, possibly heralding a marked change to large-scale mantle-mixing regimes. These processes may explain why uncontaminated primordial mantle is so difficult to identify in recent mantle-derived melts.
Abstract: MARID (Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside) and PIC (Phlogopite-Ilmenite-Clinopyroxene) rocks are rare mantle xenoliths entrained by kimberlites. Their high phlogopite modes (15 to ?100 vol.%) and consequent enrichments in alkali metals and H2O suggest a metasomatic origin. Phlogopite also has high concentrations (>0.2 ?g/g) of thallium (Tl) relative to mantle abundances (<3 ng/g). Thallium isotope ratios have proven useful in tracing the input of Tl-rich materials, such as pelagic sediments and altered oceanic crust, to mantle sources because of their distinct isotopic compositions compared to the peridotitic mantle. This study presents the first Tl isotopic compositions of well-characterised phlogopite separates from MARID and PIC samples to further our understanding of their genesis. The PIC rocks in this study were previously interpreted as the products of kimberlite melt metasomatism, whereas the radiogenic and stable N-O isotope systematics of MARID rocks suggest a parental metasomatic agent containing a recycled component. The ?205Tl values of phlogopite in both PIC (-2.7 ± 0.8; 2 s.d., n = 4) and MARID samples (-2.5 ± 1.3; 2 s.d., n = 21) overlap with the estimated mantle composition (-2.0 ± 1.0). PIC phlogopite Tl contents (?0.4 ?g/g) are suggestive of equilibrium with kimberlite melts (0.1-0.6 ?g/g Tl), based on partitioning experiments in other silica-undersaturated melts. Kimberlite Tl-?205Tl systematics suggest their genesis does not require a recycled contribution: however, high temperature-altered oceanic crust cannot be ruled out as a component of the Kimberley kimberlites’ source. Mantle-like ?205Tl values in MARID samples also seem to contradict previous suggestions of a recycled contribution towards their genesis. Recycled components with isotopic compositions close to mantle values (e.g., high temperature-altered oceanic crust) are still permitted. Moreover, mass balance mixing models indicate that incorporation into the primitive mantle of 1-30% of a low temperature-altered oceanic crust + continental crust recycled component or 1-50% of continental crust alone could be accommodated by the Tl-?205Tl systematics of the MARID parental melt. This scenario is consistent with experimental evidence and existing isotopic data. One PIC phlogopite separate has an extremely light Tl isotopic composition of -9.9, interpreted to result from kinetic isotopic fractionation. Overall, phlogopite is the main host mineral for Tl in metasomatised mantle and shows a very restricted range in Tl isotopic composition, which overlaps with estimates of the mantle composition. These results strongly suggest that negligible high temperature equilibrium Tl isotopic fractionation occurs during metasomatism and reinforces previous estimates of the mantle’s Tl isotopic composition.
Nature Communications, doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-11065-4 pdf 10p.
Mantle
subduction
Abstract: Ore deposits are loci on Earth where energy and mass flux are greatly enhanced and focussed, acting as magnifying lenses into metal transport, fractionation and concentration mechanisms through the lithosphere. Here we show that the metallogenic architecture of the lithosphere is illuminated by the geochemical signatures of metasomatised mantle rocks and post-subduction magmatic-hydrothermal mineral systems. Our data reveal that anomalously gold and tellurium rich magmatic sulfides in mantle-derived magmas emplaced in the lower crust share a common metallogenic signature with upper crustal porphyry-epithermal ore systems. We propose that a trans-lithospheric continuum exists whereby post-subduction magmas transporting metal-rich sulfide cargoes play a fundamental role in fluxing metals into the crust from metasomatised lithospheric mantle. Therefore, ore deposits are not merely associated with isolated zones where serendipitous happenstance has produced mineralisation. Rather, they are depositional points along the mantle-to-upper crust pathway of magmas and hydrothermal fluids, synthesising the concentrated metallogenic budget available.
Abstract: Kimberlites are complex, ‘hybrid’ igneous rocks because their parental magmas entrain abundant crust- and mantle-derived components that can be readily assimilated during ascent to surface. Recent studies of olivine zonation patterns have shown compositional relationships between xenocrystic cores and magmatic rims, suggesting that kimberlite melt compositions might be controlled by assimilation of mantle material during emplacement. However, the nature and extent to which this process, as well as assimilation of crustal material, influences melt compositions within single kimberlite fields remains unclear. To address this issue, we have conducted a comprehensive geochemical and petrographic investigation of kimberlites from eight pipes in the Kaavi-Kuopio field in Finland, which were emplaced on the southern margin of the Karelian craton during the Neoproterozoic (~550-600 Ma). While magmatic olivine rims are usually homogeneous in composition within and between kimberlites of a single cluster and field (e.g., Lac de Gras), the Kaavi-Kuopio kimberlites appear to represent a unique case where there are statistically significant differences between the average Mg# of olivine rims in different pipes (89.9 ± 0.2 to 88.5 ± 0.3). Importantly, the Mg# of magmatic olivine rims exhibit a strong correlation with the Mg# of their mantle-derived xenocrystic cores. Furthermore, the compositions of olivine cores and rims exhibit a robust relationship with those of magmatic spinel (e.g., Mg#, TiO2 contents). These geochemical variations also align with the mineralogy of the kimberlites: whereby abundances of phlogopite and oxides (e.g., spinel) are negatively correlated with olivine rim Mg#. The robust relationship between entrained and assimilated lithospheric mantle material (i.e. olivine cores) and magmatic components (i.e. olivine rims, spinel, and groundmass mineral abundance), combined with numerical modelling suggests that up to 10 wt% assimilation of lithospheric mantle material has modified the compositions of the Kaavi-Kuopio kimberlites. These new data are also consistent with significant variations in the lithospheric mantle composition of the Karelian craton beneath the closely spaced (<10 km) kimberlites. Finally, in addition to mantle assimilation, formation of Si-Fe-rich mica in some of the examined kimberlites might be linked to late-stage increases in oxygen fugacity potentially enhanced by crustal contamination. This study shows for the first time that variable assimilation of mantle and crustal material can generate significant variations in kimberlites derived from seemingly similar sources.
Journal of Petrology, in press available, 79p. Pdf
Europe, Finland
deposit - Kuusamo
Abstract: Kimberlites are often closely associated, both in time and space, with a wide variety of alkaline ultramafic rock types; yet the question of a genetic relationship between these rock types remains uncertain. One locality where these relationships can be studied within the same cluster is the Karelian craton in Finland. In this study we present the first petrographic, mineral and whole-rock geochemical results for the most recently discovered kimberlite cluster on this craton, which represents an example of the close spatial overlap of kimberlites with ultramafic lamprophyres. The Kuusamo cluster incorporates seven bodies (Kasma 45, Kasma 45 south, Kasma 47, Kalettomanpuro (KP), Kattaisenvaara (KV), Dike 15 and Lampi) distributed along a 60?km NE-SW corridor. Hypabyssal samples from KV, KP, Kasma 45 and Kasma 47 consist of altered olivine macrocrysts and microcrysts and phlogopite phenocrysts in a groundmass of perovskite, apatite, spinel, ilmenite, serpentine, and calcite. These petrographic features combined with mineral (e.g., Mg-rich ilmenite, Al-Ba-rich, Ti-Fe-poor mica) and whole-rock incompatible trace element compositions (La/Nb = 0.8 ± 0.1; Th/Nb = 0.07 ± 0.01; Nb/U = 66 ± 9) are consistent with these rocks being classified as archetypal kimberlites. These Kuusamo kimberlites are enriched in CaO and poor in MgO, which combined with the absence of chromite and paucity of olivine macrocrysts and mantle-derived xenocrysts (including diamonds), suggest derivation from differentiated magmas after crystal fractionation. Samples from Lampi share similar petrographic features, but contain mica with compositions ranging from kimberlitic (Ba-Al-rich cores) to those more typical of orangeites/lamproites (increasing Si-Fe, decreasing Al-Ti-Ba), and have higher bulk-rock SiO2 contents than the Kuusamo kimberlites. These features, combined with the occurrence of quartz and titanite in the groundmass, indicate derivation from a kimberlite magma that underwent considerable crustal contamination. This study shows that crustal contamination can modify kimberlites by introducing features typical of alkaline ultramafic rock types. Dike 15 represents a distinct carbonate-rich lithology dominated by phlogopite over olivine, with lesser amounts of titaniferous clinopyroxene and manganoan ilmenite. Phlogopite (Fe-Ti-rich) and spinel (high Fe2+/Fe2++Mg) compositions are also distinct from the other Kuusamo intrusions. The petrographic and geochemical features of Dike 15 are typical of ultramafic lamprophyres, specifically, aillikites. Rb-Sr dating of phlogopite in Dike 15 yields an age of 1178.8 ± 4.1?Ma (2?), which is considerably older than the ?750?Ma emplacement age of the Kuusamo kimberlites. This new age indicates significant temporal overlap with the Lentiira-Kuhmo-Kostomuksha olivine lamproites emplaced ?100?km to the southeast. It is suggested that asthenospheric aillikite magmas similar to Dike 15 evolved to compositions akin to the Karelian orangeites and olivine lamproites through interaction with and assimilation of MARID-like, enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle. We conclude that the spatial coincidence of the Kuusamo kimberlites and Dike 15 is likely the result of exploitation of similar trans-lithospheric corridors.
Abstract: Kimberlites are mantle-derived magmas that either crystallise as hypabyssal intrusions, erupt explosively after rapid ascent to the surface, or less commonly form lava lakes and flows, thereby creating texturally distinct kimberlite units. Efforts to fully understand the processes responsible for the explosive eruption of kimberlite magmas have been hindered by the widespread alteration and crustal contamination of most volcaniclastic kimberlites. To address this issue, we have undertaken a detailed petrographic and mineral chemical study of fresh (i.e. minimally altered) pyroclastic and hypabyssal kimberlites (HK) from the ca. 55-56?Ma A154 North and South kimberlite pipes in the Diavik Mine (Lac de Gras, Canada). These localities host exceptionally fresh kimberlites and are therefore ideally suited to this study. Kimberlite emplacement at A154 North and South initiated with the intrusion of hypabyssal kimberlite (external dykes), and was followed by the explosive formation of kimberlite pipes and volcaniclastic kimberlite infill. Subsequent kimberlite magmas intruded the volcaniclastic kimberlite units forming multiple cross-cutting, internal dykes. The studied volcaniclastic units feature abundant rounded magmaclasts and massive textures, suggestive of primary deposits. These units are classified as pyroclastic kimberlites (PK). Pyroclastic and hypabyssal kimberlite units at Diavik exhibit subtle mineral compositional differences. Samples from both internal HK units and PK units feature identical compositions for liquidus olivine rims (Mg#?=?90.5?±?0.1 and 90.7?±?0.2, respectively), with a marginally lower Mg# of 90.2?±?0.2 in olivine rims from the external HK dykes. Similarly, early-formed chromite compositions are the same for internal HK and PK units (Cr#?=?79.1?±?3.4 and 78.3?±?5.7; Mg#?=?60.0?±?1.3 and 60.0?±?2.2), but, differ in the external HK units (Cr#?=?86.9?±?2.7; Mg#?=?52.8?±?1.9). The internal HK and PK units also exhibit lower carbonate contents than the internal HK units. These compositional differences indicate that the external dykes were probably derived from slightly different primitive melt compositions to those parental to the internal HK and PK units. Spinel evolutionary trends from chromite to magnesian ulv?spinel-magnetite (MUM) compositions (Fe3+#?=?47.2?±?5.8 and 49.7?±?9.3; Cr#?=?25.7?±?11.0 and 17.0?±?14.0 for MUM) are indistinguishable in internal HK and PK samples. These results demonstrate that the primitive melt compositions and early magmatic evolution processes are identical for the internal kimberlite units, regardless of whether the kimberlite melts erupted explosively or were emplaced as shallow intrusions. However, magmaclasts in the PK units contain higher abundances of phlogopite (<52 vol%) and lower quantities of carbonate (<4 vol%) than the groundmass of the hypabyssal kimberlite samples (<2 vol% and 25-65 vol%, respectively). This indicates that the explosively erupted magmas featured higher H2O/CO2 ratios. In contrast, abundant carbonates, including dolomite, in the internal HK samples indicate that CO2, and therefore low H2O/CO2 ratios, were retained during the emplacement of this magma, which likely prevented phlogopite crystallisation. Lower K and Rb whole-rock compositions for internal HK samples compared to PK samples, are attributed to the removal of these components in late-stage kimberlitic fluids, as indicated by hydrothermal alteration of the adjacent volcaniclastic kimberlite units. The above results clearly rule out variations in primitive melt composition and melt evolution trajectories as a primary control on the explosive behaviour of the kimberlite magmas at Diavik. Our study also emphasises how volatile loss resulting from different emplacement styles can have a profound effect on the whole-rock compositions and petrography of kimberlite units. Controls on kimberlite explosivity at Diavik are likely due to external factors, such as local stress regimes, the availability of groundwater (i.e. phreatomagmatism) and differing magma supply rates.
Abstract: Diamondiferous rock types worldwide are broadly divided into kimberlite and lamproite, the latter of which have unique characteristics in different regions and include carbonate-rich varieties (formerly orangeites/Group II kimberlites). Diamondiferous rocks in West Africa are typically micaceous and share petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics with both kimberlites and lamproites. To further constrain the classification and petrogenesis of diamondiferous rocks worldwide and their variability between different cratonic regions, in this study we combine detailed petrographic observations with olivine, phlogopite, and spinel chemistry for hypabyssal samples from the Jurassic Tongo dike (Sierra Leone) and the Neoproterozoic Weasua cluster (Liberia). The Tongo dike contains macrocrysts of olivine and phlogopite in a groundmass of olivine, abundant phlogopite, spinel, perovskite, and apatite with a base of calcite, dolomite, and lesser serpentine. The phlogopite is characterised by concurrent FeO and Al2O3 enrichment, which is typical of kimberlites and unlike lamproites. These features and the kimberlite-like spinel compositions allow us to classify the Tongo samples as micaceous kimberlites. The Weasua rocks comprise macrocrysts of olivine in a groundmass of olivine, phlogopite, diopside (zoned towards aegirine-rich rims), spinel, perovskite, and apatite with a base of serpentine and less common calcite. The composition of Weasua phlogopite trends to significant FeO enrichment and Al2O3 depletion, i.e. towards tetraferriphlogopite. The enrichment in mica, phlogopite chemistry and presence of magmatic diopside indicates that these rocks are olivine lamproites. The populations of olivine macrocrysts and microcrysts at Tongo and Weasua are similar and characterised by distinct core and rim zones. Two distinct olivine core populations are observed. 1) forsterite-rich (Fo?>?90) olivine interpreted to reflect xenocrysts from typical mantle peridotites. Al-in-olivine thermometry suggests that these cores have P-T equilibration within diamond stability at Weasua and Tongo. 2) Al-, Ca- and Na- rich cores with P-T formation conditions extending beyond the mantle adiabat. These cores are interpreted to reflect metasomatic and thermal perturbation linked with the infiltration of kimberlite/lamproite melts in the deep lithosphere shortly before entrainment in the ascending magma. The olivine rims at Tongo and Weasua show limited variations in Fo contents at similar values of 88.9?±?0.8 for Tongo and 89.6?±?1.2 for Weasua, as well as similar minor and trace element concentrations. Thus, whereas the Tongo and Weasua rock types are classified as kimberlite and olivine lamproite, respectively, the olivine chemistry suggests a similar petrogenetic evolution.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, in press available, 21p. Pdf
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Benfontein
Abstract: Primary carbonates in kimberlites are the main CO2 carriers in kimberlites and thus can be used to constrain the original carbon and oxygen-isotope composition of kimberlite melts and their deep mantle sources. However, the contribution of syn- and post-emplacement processes to the modification of the C-O-isotope composition of kimberlites is yet to be fully constrained. This study aims to shed new light on this topic through a detailed textural, compositional (major and trace elements), and in situ C-O-Sr isotopic characterisation of carbonates in the Benfontein kimberlite sills (Kimberley, South Africa). Our multi-technique approach not only reveals the petrographic and geochemical complexity of carbonates in kimberlites in unprecedented detail, but also allows identification of the processes that led to their formation, including: (1) magmatic crystallisation of Sr-rich calcite laths and groundmass; (2) crystallisation of late groundmass calcite from hydrothermal fluids; and (3) variable degrees of crustal contamination in carbonate-rich diapirs and secondary veins. These diapirs most likely resulted from a residual C-O-H fluid or carbonate melt with contributions from methane-rich fluids from the Dwyka shale wall rock, leading to higher 87Sr/86Sr and ?18O, but lower ?13C values than in pristine magmatic calcite. Before coalescing into the diapiric segregations, these fluids/melts also variably entrained early formed calcite laths and groundmass phases. Comparison between in situ and bulk-carbonate analyses confirms that O isotopic analyses of bulk carbonates from kimberlite rocks are not representative of the original isotopic signature of the kimberlite magma, whereas bulk C-isotope compositions are similar to those of the pristine magmatic carbonates. Calcite laths and most groundmass grains at Benfontein preserve isotopic values (?18O?=?6-8‰ and ?13C?=???4 to ??6‰), similar to those of unaltered carbonatites worldwide, which, therefore, probably correspond to those of their parental melts. This narrow range suggests kimberlite derivation from a mantle source with little contribution from recycled crustal material unless the recycled material had isotopic composition indistinguishable from typical mantle values.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 175, 21p. Pdf
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Kimberley
Abstract: Kimberlites are pipe-like igneous bodies, consisting of a pyroclastic crater and diatreme, commonly underlain by coherent root-zone rocks, and with associated dyke/sill complexes. The processes that control the different modes of coherent kimberlite emplacement remain uncertain. In addition, late evolution of kimberlite melts during emplacement into the upper crust remains poorly constrained. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is a link between melt composition/evolution and the emplacement mechanism of coherent kimberlites (i.e. planar dykes/sills vs. irregular bodies in the root zone). An absence of comparative studies on late-stage magmatic phases across the different emplacement modes of coherent kimberlite from the same locality hamper resolution of these issues. Therefore, we report petrographic and mineral chemical data for groundmass apatite in samples of dyke, sill, and root-zone kimberlites from the Kimberley cluster (South Africa). Early crystallised phases (olivine, spinel, Mg-ilmenite) in dyke/sill and root-zone kimberlites have indistinguishable compositions, and hence crystallised from similar primitive melts. Conversely, apatite compositions are generally distinct in dyke/sill (low Sr, high and variable Si) and root-zone kimberlites (high and variable Sr, low Si). The Si enrichment of apatite in dykes/sills is attributed to the coupled incorporation of CO32? and SiO44? for PO43?, reflecting higher CO2 contents in their parental melts, and potentially higher Si contents due to the preferential crystallisation of carbonates over mica/monticellite. The low Sr contents of apatite in dyke/sill kimberlites reflect equilibrium with a (kimberlite) melt (i.e. DSr is close to unity for carbonate and silicate melts), whereas the higher Sr contents of apatite in root-zone kimberlites require crystallisation from, or overprinting by a H2O?±?CO2 fluid (significantly higher DSr). The relative enrichment of CO2 in kimberlite dykes/sills is evident from the abundance of carbonates, the presence of mesostasis dolomite and calcite phenocrysts in some samples, and concomitant reduced proportions of other groundmass phases (e.g. serpentine, mica, monticellite). During late alteration of kimberlite dykes/sills, monticellite is typically replaced by carbonates, whereas olivine and pleonaste are relatively stable, indicating the melts which form dykes/sills evolve to higher CO2/H2O ratios. It is unlikely that these two distinct evolutionary paths were caused by crustal contamination before or during near surface magma emplacement, because crustal assimilation is not recorded in the O and Sr isotopic composition of late crystallising olivine rinds or carbonates, respectively. We suggest that higher concentrations of CO2 are retained in kimberlite dykes/sills due to higher confining pressures (i.e. lack of breakthrough to the surface). In contrast, exsolution of CO2 from root-zone kimberlites increased melt H2O/CO2 ratios and promoted the crystallisation of mica and monticellite at the expense of dolomite and calcite. Apatite compositions have the potential to aid in the discrimination of kimberlites from lamproites (higher LREE, Sr, F, and S, lower Si contents) and carbonatites (higher LREE, F, Cl and S, lower Fe contents). However, the compositions of kimberlitic apatite overlap those from aillikites, probably due to similar late-stage melt compositions.
Abstract: We present a comprehensive petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical study of calc-alkaline lamprophyres (CAL) from the Archean Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. Previous studies have shown that the emplacement age of CAL from the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane of the Yilgarn Craton is ~2684 to ~2640 Ma. A new Rb/Sr mica age for a CAL sample in the Western Yilgarn is ~2070 Ma. Both Archean and Proterozoic CAL analysed in this study display porphyritic textures and contain phenocrysts of amphibole, minor clinopyroxene and biotite in a fine-grained groundmass dominated by feldspar. High MgO, Ni and Cr abundances (up to 11.9 wt%, 373 and 993 ppm. respectively) are consistent with derivation of primitive magmas from a mantle source. Enrichment in H2O, reflected in the abundance of magmatic amphibole and mica, combined with high whole-rock LILE, Th/Yb ratios and negative Nb-Ta anomalies in trace element patterns are consistent with a source that was metasomatised by hydrous fluids analogous to those generated by Phanerozoic subduction-related processes. Chondritic ?Nd and ?Hf signatures and Archean mantle-like Sr isotope signatures of the Late Archean CAL indicate that the fluid metasomatism required to explain their volatile and trace-element enriched composition shortly preceded partial melting (i.e. there was insufficient time to develop enriched radiogenic isotopic signatures). The concurrence of apparently juvenile radiogenic isotopes and fluid-related trace element compositions requires a geodynamic scenario whereby dehydration of a subducted slab triggered metasomatism of the overlying mantle wedge. Our findings therefore support a subduction setting at ~2.6-2.7 Ga along the eastern margin of the Yilgarn Craton. The CAL from the Western Yilgarn have similar compositions but enriched Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes compared to those in the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane. This signature is consistent with melting of lithospheric mantle domains previously enriched by subduction-related metasomatism. Hence, our study suggests the presence of a subduction setting in the Western Yilgarn during the Archean, which is consistent with previous geodynamic reconstructions. However, the geodynamic trigger for the early Proterozoic event that generated CAL magmatism in the Western Yilgarn is currently unclear.
Abstract: The trace element and radiogenic isotope systematics of clinopyroxene have frequently been used to characterise mantle metasomatic processes, because it is the main host of most lithophile elements in the lithospheric mantle. To further our understanding of mantle metasomatism, both solution-mode Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb and in situ trace element and Sr isotopic data have been acquired for clinopyroxene grains from a suite of peridotite (lherzolites and wehrlites), MARID (Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside), and PIC (Phlogopite-Ilmenite-Clinopyroxene) rocks from the Kimberley kimberlites (South Africa). The studied mantle samples can be divided into two groups on the basis of their clinopyroxene trace element compositions, and this subdivision is reinforced by their isotopic ratios. Type 1 clinopyroxene, which comprises PIC, wehrlite, and some sheared lherzolite samples, is characterised by low Sr (~100-200 ppm) and LREE concentrations, moderate HFSE contents (e.g., ~40-75 ppm Zr; La/Zr < 0.04), and restricted isotopic compositions (e.g., 87Sr/86Sri = 0.70369-0.70383; ?Ndi = +3.1 to +3.6) resembling those of their host kimberlite magmas. Available trace element partition coefficients can be used to show that Type 1 clinopyroxenes are close to being in equilibrium with kimberlite melt compositions, supporting a genetic link between kimberlites and these metasomatised lithologies. Thermobarometric estimates for Type 1 samples in this study indicate equilibration depths of 135-160 km within the lithosphere, thus showing that kimberlite melt metasomatism is prevalent in the deeper part of the lithosphere beneath Kimberley. In contrast, Type 2 clinopyroxenes occur in MARID rocks and coarse granular lherzolites in this study, which derive from shallower depths (<135 km), and have higher Sr (~350-1000 ppm) and LREE contents, corresponding to higher La/Zr of > ~ 0.05. The isotopic compositions of Type 2 clinopyroxenes are more variable and extend from compositions resembling the “enriched mantle” towards those of Type 1 rocks (e.g., ?Ndi = ?12.7 to ?4.4). To constrain the source of these variations, in situ Sr isotope analyses of clinopyroxene were undertaken, including zoned grains in Type 2 samples. MARID and lherzolite clinopyroxene cores display generally radiogenic but variable 87Sr/86Sri values (0.70526-0.71177), which are correlated with Sr contents and La/Zr ratios, and which might be explained by the interaction between peridotite and melts from different enriched sources within the lithospheric mantle. Most notably, the rims of these Type 2 clinopyroxenes trend towards compositions similar to those of the host kimberlite and Type 1 clinopyroxene from PIC and wehrlites. These results are interpreted to represent clinopyroxene overgrowth during late-stage (shortly before/during entrainment) metasomatism by kimberlite magmas. Our study shows that a pervasive, alkaline metasomatic event caused MARID to be generated and harzburgites to be converted to lherzolite in the lithospheric mantle beneath the Kimberley area, which was followed by kimberlite metasomatism during Cretaceous magmatism. This latter event is the time at which discrete PIC, wehrlite, and sheared lherzolite lithologies were formed, and MARID and granular lherzolites were partly modified.
Abstract: Quantifying the compositional evolution of mantle-derived melts from source to surface is fundamental for constraining the nature of primary melts and deep Earth composition. Despite abundant evidence for interaction between carbonate-rich melts, including diamondiferous kimberlites, and mantle wall rocks en route to surface, the effects of this interaction on melt compositions are poorly constrained. Here, we demonstrate a robust linear correlation between the Mg/Si ratios of kimberlites and their entrained mantle components and between Mg/Fe ratios of mantle-derived olivine cores and magmatic olivine rims in kimberlites worldwide. Combined with numerical modeling, these findings indicate that kimberlite melts with highly variable composition were broadly similar before lithosphere assimilation. This implies that kimberlites worldwide originated by partial melting of compositionally similar convective mantle sources under comparable physical conditions. We conclude that mantle assimilation markedly alters the major element composition of carbonate-rich melts and is a major process in the evolution of mantle-derived magmas.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 175, 49 dor.org./10.1007 /s00410-020-01686-0
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Kimberley
Abstract: Kimberlites are pipe-like igneous bodies, consisting of a pyroclastic crater and diatreme, commonly underlain by coherent root-zone rocks, and with associated dyke/sill complexes. The processes that control the different modes of coherent kimberlite emplacement remain uncertain. In addition, late evolution of kimberlite melts during emplacement into the upper crust remains poorly constrained. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is a link between melt composition/evolution and the emplacement mechanism of coherent kimberlites (i.e. planar dykes/sills vs. irregular bodies in the root zone). An absence of comparative studies on late-stage magmatic phases across the different emplacement modes of coherent kimberlite from the same locality hamper resolution of these issues. Therefore, we report petrographic and mineral chemical data for groundmass apatite in samples of dyke, sill, and root-zone kimberlites from the Kimberley cluster (South Africa). Early crystallised phases (olivine, spinel, Mg-ilmenite) in dyke/sill and root-zone kimberlites have indistinguishable compositions, and hence crystallised from similar primitive melts. Conversely, apatite compositions are generally distinct in dyke/sill (low Sr, high and variable Si) and root-zone kimberlites (high and variable Sr, low Si). The Si enrichment of apatite in dykes/sills is attributed to the coupled incorporation of CO32? and SiO44? for PO43?, reflecting higher CO2 contents in their parental melts, and potentially higher Si contents due to the preferential crystallisation of carbonates over mica/monticellite. The low Sr contents of apatite in dyke/sill kimberlites reflect equilibrium with a (kimberlite) melt (i.e. DSr is close to unity for carbonate and silicate melts), whereas the higher Sr contents of apatite in root-zone kimberlites require crystallisation from, or overprinting by a H2O?±?CO2 fluid (significantly higher DSr). The relative enrichment of CO2 in kimberlite dykes/sills is evident from the abundance of carbonates, the presence of mesostasis dolomite and calcite phenocrysts in some samples, and concomitant reduced proportions of other groundmass phases (e.g. serpentine, mica, monticellite). During late alteration of kimberlite dykes/sills, monticellite is typically replaced by carbonates, whereas olivine and pleonaste are relatively stable, indicating the melts which form dykes/sills evolve to higher CO2/H2O ratios. It is unlikely that these two distinct evolutionary paths were caused by crustal contamination before or during near surface magma emplacement, because crustal assimilation is not recorded in the O and Sr isotopic composition of late crystallising olivine rinds or carbonates, respectively. We suggest that higher concentrations of CO2 are retained in kimberlite dykes/sills due to higher confining pressures (i.e. lack of breakthrough to the surface). In contrast, exsolution of CO2 from root-zone kimberlites increased melt H2O/CO2 ratios and promoted the crystallisation of mica and monticellite at the expense of dolomite and calcite. Apatite compositions have the potential to aid in the discrimination of kimberlites from lamproites (higher LREE, Sr, F, and S, lower Si contents) and carbonatites (higher LREE, F, Cl and S, lower Fe contents). However, the compositions of kimberlitic apatite overlap those from aillikites, probably due to similar late-stage melt compositions.
Abstract: We present a comprehensive petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical study of calc-alkaline lamprophyres (CAL) from the Archean Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. Previous studies have shown that the emplacement age of CAL from the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane of the Yilgarn Craton is ~2684 to ~2640 Ma. A new Rb/Sr mica age for a CAL sample in the Western Yilgarn is ~2070 Ma. Both Archean and Proterozoic CAL analysed in this study display porphyritic textures and contain phenocrysts of amphibole, minor clinopyroxene and biotite in a fine-grained groundmass dominated by feldspar. High MgO, Ni and Cr abundances (up to 11.9 wt%, 373 and 993 ppm. respectively) are consistent with derivation of primitive magmas from a mantle source. Enrichment in H2O, reflected in the abundance of magmatic amphibole and mica, combined with high whole-rock LILE, Th/Yb ratios and negative Nb-Ta anomalies in trace element patterns are consistent with a source that was metasomatised by hydrous fluids analogous to those generated by Phanerozoic subduction-related processes. Chondritic ?Nd and ?Hf signatures and Archean mantle-like Sr isotope signatures of the Late Archean CAL indicate that the fluid metasomatism required to explain their volatile and trace-element enriched composition shortly preceded partial melting (i.e. there was insufficient time to develop enriched radiogenic isotopic signatures). The concurrence of apparently juvenile radiogenic isotopes and fluid-related trace element compositions requires a geodynamic scenario whereby dehydration of a subducted slab triggered metasomatism of the overlying mantle wedge. Our findings therefore support a subduction setting at ~2.6-2.7 Ga along the eastern margin of the Yilgarn Craton. The CAL from the Western Yilgarn have similar compositions but enriched Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes compared to those in the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane. This signature is consistent with melting of lithospheric mantle domains previously enriched by subduction-related metasomatism. Hence, our study suggests the presence of a subduction setting in the Western Yilgarn during the Archean, which is consistent with previous geodynamic reconstructions. However, the geodynamic trigger for the early Proterozoic event that generated CAL magmatism in the Western Yilgarn is currently unclear.
Abstract: The petrology and bulk-rock sulphur isotopic compositions of kimberlite samples from four localities (Bultfontein, De Beers, Kimberley, Wesselton) of the archetypal Kimberley cluster, South Africa, were used to investigate the origin(s) of S in kimberlites and gain insights into the occurrence of recycled crustal material in the source of Mesozoic kimberlites. The samples, which show variable degrees of alteration, are all hypabyssal and were derived from coherent root-zones as well as dykes and sills. Typical sulphide minerals are Cu-Fe-Ni-sulphides with less common pyrite, galena, sphalerite, and djerfisherite. They occur in a variety of textural associations, for example as groundmass phases, secondary inclusions in olivine, inclusions in matrix phases (e.g., phlogopite), or in carbonate-serpentine segregations. Barite is the most commonly observed sulphate phase. Bulk-sample ?34SVCDT values of sulphides in fresh kimberlites, which mostly do not contain barite, vary from - 2.0 to -5.7 ‰. Slightly altered kimberlite samples, in which sulphides were generally associated with serpentine, returned somewhat higher bulk-sulphide ?34SVCDT (-3.8 to +1.1 ‰). One sample from the Wesselton Water Tunnel Sills complex contains abundant barite and pyrite in its groundmass, with the latter having ?34SVCDT (+0.2 to +1.9 ‰) similar to altered kimberlites. Two further altered samples returned ?34SVCDT values (-10.1 to -13.0 ‰) that suggest a contribution from the local country rocks (Dwyka shale: ?34SVCDT from -10.2 to -10.5 ‰). All samples have near-zero ?33S values, suggesting that material displaying mass-independent fractionation has not played an important role. The negative ?34SVCDT values of fresh kimberlites from Kimberley suggest the involvement of recycled crustal material in their source, which is consistent with radiogenic isotope compositions. Overall, it appears that most kimberlitic sulphide S isotopic compositions can be explained by the action of a few typical magmatic/hydrothermal processes.
Abstract: FOZO-PREMA is an ubiquitous component of oceanic basalts and was originally defined by the convergence of Sr- Nd-Pb isotope trends of ocean island basalts (OIBs) from individual island-seamount chains [1]. FOZO-PREMA is also widespread in juvenile continental magmas, which argue for a global relevance of this component irrespective of the tectonic settings. Early studies proposed that FOZO-PREMA could be a physically discrete reservoir derived from depletion of primitive mantle based on the combination of geochemically depleted 143Nd/144Nd combined with elevated 3He/4He ratios [2]. Conversely, later models showed that isotopic compositions spanning the FOZO-PREMA field can be obtained by mixing recycled oceanic crust and mantle material previously depleted by crust extraction [3]. Kimberlites can provide a new perspective on this debate because a recent study of the Nd and Hf isotope compositions of kimberlite through time shows that these magmas sample a deep, long-lived, homogeneous reservoir, which might contain remnants of early Earth differentiation processes [4]. We critically review the Sr, Nd and Hf isotope compositions of kimberlites that were emplaced from ~2.1 Ga. After screening kimberlite isotopic data for the effects of lithospheric contamination and secondary alteration, we show that kimberlites through time have been derived from a mantle source with FOZO-PREMA composition. This observation makes it unlikely that FOZO-PREMA derives from continuous mixing of depleted and recycled components because the composition of subducted lithologies, pressure and temperature conditions in subduction zones, and temperature and oxygen fugacity conditions of the convective mantle have changed throughout Earth history. We therefore conclude that FOZO-PREMA is a long-lived component of Earth’s mantle, which must have existed for at least the last 2.1 Ga, the wider implications of which will be discussed.
South America, Brazil, Africa, South Africa, Canada, Northwest Territories
geochronology
Abstract: Kimberlites emplaced since ~2 Ga show Nd and Hf isotopic compositions that follow a remarkably consistent linear evolution [1]. However, kimberlites emplaced <200 Ma within a few thousand kilometers of the western paleo-margin of Pangea (i.e. Brazil, southern Africa, and Lac de Gras in western Canada) deviate towards more enriched Nd and Hf isotopic compositions possibly due to contribution by recycled crustal material, introduced to the deep kimberlite source via subduction [1]. To address this anomaly further we have compared new and existing geochronological and Nd isotopic data for 28 kimberlites from Lac de Gras (LDG; ca. 47 - 75 Ma) with their olivine and spinel mineral chemistries. Olivine grains typically include mantle-derived xenocrystic cores (Mg# = 83.5-94.2) overgrown by magmatic rims with relatively constant Mg# values. Olivine rims and chromite are the first magmatic phases to crystallise from kimberlite and can be used as proxies for primitive melt compositions. The average Mg# of olivine cores from each kimberlite is positively correlated with average olivine rim Mg#, suggesting that assimilation of heterogeneous lithospheric mantle contributed to the primitive melt compositions. The ?Nd(i) values from whole-rock and perovskite from LDG kimberlites vary between -3.4 and -0.4 that are negatively correlated with their emplacement ages. This correlation is indicative of an evolving kimberlite source which may have resulted from a progressively lower contribution of recycled material. No systematic relationships were observed between olivine rim or chromite compositions and age or Nd isotopic composition. This observation highlights decoupling between kimberlite source evolution and primitive melt compositions due to the combined effects of crustal recycling in the kimberlite source and lithospheric mantle assimilation during kimberlite ascent.
Journal of Petrology, in press available, 90p. Pdf
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Kimberley
Abstract: Olivine is the most abundant phase in kimberlites and is stable throughout most of the crystallization sequence, thus providing an extensive record of kimberlite petrogenesis. To better constrain the composition, evolution, and source of kimberlites we present a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of olivine from multiple dyke, sill, and root zone kimberlites in the Kimberley cluster (South Africa). Olivine grains in these kimberlites are zoned, with a central core, a rim overgrowth, and occasionally an external rind. Additional ‘internal’ and ‘transitional’ zones may occur between the core and rim, and some samples of root zone kimberlites contain a late generation of high-Mg olivine in cross-cutting veins. Olivine records widespread pre-ascent (proto-)kimberlite metasomatism in the mantle including the following features: (1) relatively Fe-rich (Mg# <89) olivine cores interpreted to derive from the disaggregation of kimberlite-related megacrysts (20?% of cores); (2) Mg-Ca-rich olivine cores (Mg# >89; >0•05?wt% CaO) suggested to be sourced from neoblasts in sheared peridotites (25?% of cores); (3) transitional zones between cores and rims probably formed by partial re-equilibration of xenocrysts (now cores) with a previous pulse of kimberlite melt (i.e. compositionally heterogeneous xenocrysts); (4) olivine from the Wesselton water tunnel sills, internal zones (I), and low-Mg# rims, which crystallized from a kimberlite melt that underwent olivine fractionation and stalled within the shallow lithospheric mantle. Magmatic crystallization begins with internal olivine zones (II), which are common but not ubiquitous in the Kimberley olivine. These zones are euhedral, contain rare inclusions of chromite, and have a higher Mg# (90•0 ± 0•5), NiO, and Cr2O3 contents, but are depleted in CaO compared with the rims. Internal olivine zones (II) are interpreted to crystallize from a primitive kimberlite melt during its ascent and transport of olivine toward the surface. Their compositions suggest assimilation of peridotitic material (particularly orthopyroxene) and potentially sulfides prior to or during crystallization. Comparison of internal zones (II) with liquidus olivine from other mantle-derived carbonate-bearing magmas (i.e. orangeites, ultramafic lamprophyres, melilitites) shows that low (100×) Mn/Fe (?1•2), very low Ca/Fe (?0•6), and moderate Ni/Mg ratios (?1•1) appear to be the hallmarks of olivine in melts derived from carbonate-bearing garnet-peridotite sources. Olivine rims display features indicative of magmatic crystallization, which are typical of olivine rims in kimberlites worldwide; that is, primary inclusions of chromite, Mg-ilmenite and rutile, homogeneous Mg# (88•8 ± 0•3), decreasing Ni and Cr, and increasing Ca and Mn. Rinds and high-Mg olivine are characterized by extreme Mg-Ca-Mn enrichment and Ni depletion, and textural relationships indicate that these zones represent replacement of pre-existing olivine, with some new crystallization of rinds. These zones probably precipitated from evolved, oxidized, and relatively low-temperature kimberlite fluids after crustal emplacement. In summary, this study demonstrates the utility of combined petrography and olivine geochemistry to trace the evolution of kimberlite magmatic systems from early metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle by (proto-)kimberlite melts, to crystallization at different depths en route to surface, and finally late-stage deuteric or hydrothermal fluid alteration after crustal emplacement.
Lithos, doi.org/10.1016/ jlithos.2020.105880, 26p. Pdf
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Bultfontein
Abstract: The metasomatised continental mantle may play a key role in the generation of some ore deposits, in particular mineral systems enriched in platinum-group elements (PGE) and Au. The cratonic lithosphere is the longest-lived potential source for these elements, but the processes that facilitate their pre-concentration in the mantle and their later remobilisation to the crust are not yet well-established. Here, we report new results on the petrography, major-element, and siderophile- and chalcophile-element composition of native Ni, base metal sulphides (BMS), and spinels in a suite of well-characterised, highly metasomatised and weakly serpentinised peridotite xenoliths from the Bultfontein kimberlite in the Kaapvaal Craton, and integrate these data with published analyses. Pentlandite in polymict breccias (failed kimberlite intrusions at mantle depth) has lower trace-element contents (e.g., median total PGE 0.72 ppm) than pentlandite in phlogopite peridotites and Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside (MARID) rocks (median 1.6 ppm). Spinel is an insignificant host for all elements except Zn, and BMS and native Ni account for typically <25% of the bulk-rock PGE and Au. High bulk-rock Te/S suggest a role for PGE-bearing tellurides, which, along with other compounds of metasomatic origin, may host the missing As, Ag, Cd, Sb, Te and, in part, Bi that are unaccounted for by the main assemblage. The close spatial relationship between BMS and metasomatic minerals (e.g., phlogopite, ilmenite) indicates that the lithospheric mantle beneath Bultfontein was resulphidised by metasomatism after initial melt depletion during stabilisation of the cratonic lithosphere. Newly-formed BMS are markedly PGE-poor, as total PGE contents are <4.2 ppm in pentlandite from seven samples, compared to >26 ppm in BMS in other peridotite xenoliths from the Kaapvaal craton. This represents a strong dilution of the original PGE abundances at the mineral scale, perhaps starting from precursor PGE alloy and small volumes of residual BMS. The latter may have been the precursor to native Ni, which occurs in an unusual Ni-enriched zone in a harzburgite and displays strongly variable, but overall high PGE abundances (up to 81 ppm). In strongly metasomatised peridotites, Au is enriched relative to Pd, and was probably added along with S. A combination of net introduction of S, Au +/? PGE from the asthenosphere and intra-lithospheric redistribution, in part sourced from subducted materials, during metasomatic events may have led to sulphide precipitation at ~80-120 km beneath Bultfontein. This process locally enhanced the metallogenic fertility of this lithospheric reservoir. Further mobilisation of the metal budget stored in these S-rich domains and upwards transport into the crust may require interaction with sulphide-undersaturated melts that can dissolve sulphides along with the metals they store.
Nature Communications, doi.org/10.1038/ s41467-020-18157-6 11p. Pdf
Mantle
carbon
Abstract: Magmatic systems play a crucial role in enriching the crust with volatiles and elements that reside primarily within the Earth’s mantle, including economically important metals like nickel, copper and platinum-group elements. However, transport of these metals within silicate magmas primarily occurs within dense sulfide liquids, which tend to coalesce, settle and not be efficiently transported in ascending magmas. Here we show textural observations, backed up with carbon and oxygen isotope data, which indicate an intimate association between mantle-derived carbonates and sulfides in some mafic-ultramafic magmatic systems emplaced at the base of the continental crust. We propose that carbon, as a buoyant supercritical CO2 fluid, might be a covert agent aiding and promoting the physical transport of sulfides across the mantle-crust transition. This may be a common but cryptic mechanism that facilitates cycling of volatiles and metals from the mantle to the lower-to-mid continental crust, which leaves little footprint behind by the time magmas reach the Earth’s surface.
Nature Scientific Reports, doi.org/10.1038/ s41598-020-76800-0 10p. Pdf
Australia, Africa, South Africa
alkaline magmatism
Abstract: Large-scale mantle convective processes are commonly reflected in the emplacement of Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs). These are high-volume, short-duration magmatic events consisting mainly of extensive flood basalts and their associated plumbing systems. One of the most voluminous LIPs in the geological record is the ~?2.06 billion-year-old Bushveld Igneous Complex of South Africa (BIC), one of the most mineralised magmatic complexes on Earth. Surprisingly, the known geographic envelope of magmatism related to the BIC is limited to a series of satellite intrusions in southern Africa and has not been traced further afield. This appears inconsistent with the inferred large size of the BIC event. Here, we present new radiometric ages for alkaline magmatism in the Archean Yilgarn Craton (Western Australia), which overlap the emplacement age of the BIC and indicate a much more extensive geographic footprint of the BIC magmatic event. To assess plume involvement at this distance, we present numerical simulations of mantle plume impingement at the base of the lithosphere, and constrain a relationship between the radial extent of volcanism versus time, excess temperature and plume size. These simulations suggest that the thermal influence of large plume events could extend for thousands of km within a few million years, and produce widespread alkaline magmatism, crustal extension potentially leading to continental break-up, and large ore deposits in distal sectors. Our results imply that superplumes may produce very extensive and diverse magmatic and metallogenic provinces, which may now be preserved in widely-dispersed continental blocks.
Abstract: The noble gas isotope systematics of ocean island basalts suggest the existence of primordial mantle signatures in the deep mantle. Yet, the isotopic compositions of lithophile elements (Sr, Nd, Hf) in these lavas require derivation from a mantle source that is geochemically depleted by melt extraction rather than primitive. Here, this apparent contradiction is resolved by employing a compilation of the Sr, Nd, and Hf isotope composition of kimberlites—volcanic rocks that originate at great depth beneath continents. This compilation includes kimberlites as old as 2.06 billion years and shows that kimberlites do not derive from a primitive mantle source but sample the same geochemically depleted component (where geochemical depletion refers to ancient melt extraction) common to most oceanic island basalts, previously called PREMA (prevalent mantle) or FOZO (focal zone). Extrapolation of the Nd and Hf isotopic compositions of the kimberlite source to the age of Earth formation yields a 143Nd/144Nd-176Hf/177Hf composition within error of chondrite meteorites, which include the likely parent bodies of Earth. This supports a hypothesis where the source of kimberlites and ocean island basalts contains a long-lived component that formed by melt extraction from a domain with chondritic 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf shortly after Earth accretion. The geographic distribution of kimberlites containing the PREMA component suggests that these remnants of early Earth differentiation are located in large seismically anomalous regions corresponding to thermochemical piles above the core-mantle boundary. PREMA could have been stored in these structures for most of Earth’s history, partially shielded from convective homogenization.
Abstract: Aillikites are carbonate-rich ultramafic lamprophyres often associated with carbonatites. Despite their common field relationships, the petrogenetic links, if any, between aillikites and carbonatites remain controversial. To address this question, this study reports the results of a detailed geochemical and isotopic examination of the Permian Wajilitag aillikites in the northwestern Tarim large igneous province, including bulk-rock major-, trace-element and Sr-Nd isotope compositions, olivine major- and trace-element and (in-situ secondary ion mass spectrometry) oxygen isotope compositions, oxygen isotope data for clinopyroxene separates, and bulk-carbonate C-O isotopic analyses. Olivine in the aillikites occurs in two textural types: (i) microcrysts, 0.3-5?mm; and (ii) macrocrysts, 0.5-2.5?cm. The microcrysts exhibit well-defined linear correlations between Fo (79-89), minor and trace elements (e.g., Ni?=?1304-3764??g/g and Mn?=?1363-3042??g/g). In contrast, the olivine macrocrysts show low Fo79-81, Ni (5.3-442??g/g) and Ca (477-1018??g/g) and very high Mn (3418-5123??g/g) contents, and are displaced from the compositional trend of the microcrysts. The microcrysts are phenocrysts crystallized from the host aillikite magmas. Conversely, the lack of mantle-derived xenoliths in these aillikites suggests that the macrocrysts probably represent cognate crystals (i.e., antecrysts) that formed from earlier, evolved aillikite melts. Olivine phenocrysts in the more primitive aillikite dykes (Dyke 1) have relatively higher Fo82-89 and mantle-like oxygen isotope values, whereas those in the more evolved dykes (Dyke 2 and 3) exhibit lower Fo79-86 and oxygen isotope values that trend toward lower than mantle ?18O values. The decreasing ?13C values of carbonate from Dyke 1 through to Dyke 2 and 3, coupled with the indistinguishable Sr-Nd isotopes of these dykes, suggest that the low ?18O values of olivine phenocrysts in Dyke 2 and 3 resulted from carbonate melt/fluid exsolution from a common progenitor melt. These lines of evidence combined with the overlapping emplacement ages and Sr-Nd isotope compositions of the aillikites and carbonatites in this area suggest that these exsolved carbonate melts probably contributed to the formation of the Tarim carbonatites thus supporting a close petrogenetic relationship between aillikites and carbonatites.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences PNAS, Vol. 118, 1 e201521118 9p. Pdf
Mantle
kimberlite
Abstract: The noble gas isotope systematics of ocean island basalts suggest the existence of primordial mantle signatures in the deep mantle. Yet, the isotopic compositions of lithophile elements (Sr, Nd, Hf) in these lavas require derivation from a mantle source that is geochemically depleted by melt extraction rather than primitive. Here, this apparent contradiction is resolved by employing a compilation of the Sr, Nd, and Hf isotope composition of kimberlites—volcanic rocks that originate at great depth beneath continents. This compilation includes kimberlites as old as 2.06 billion years and shows that kimberlites do not derive from a primitive mantle source but sample the same geochemically depleted component (where geochemical depletion refers to ancient melt extraction) common to most oceanic island basalts, previously called PREMA (prevalent mantle) or FOZO (focal zone). Extrapolation of the Nd and Hf isotopic compositions of the kimberlite source to the age of Earth formation yields a 143Nd/144Nd-176Hf/177Hf composition within error of chondrite meteorites, which include the likely parent bodies of Earth. This supports a hypothesis where the source of kimberlites and ocean island basalts contains a long-lived component that formed by melt extraction from a domain with chondritic 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf shortly after Earth accretion. The geographic distribution of kimberlites containing the PREMA component suggests that these remnants of early Earth differentiation are located in large seismically anomalous regions corresponding to thermochemical piles above the core-mantle boundary. PREMA could have been stored in these structures for most of Earth’s history, partially shielded from convective homogenization.
Abstract: The Yilgarn Craton and its northern margin contain a variety of petrogenetically poorly defined small-volume alkaline ultramafic rocks of Proterozoic age. This study documents the petrography, mineral and bulk-rock geochemistry and Nd-Hf-Sr-Pb isotope compositions of a selected suite of these rocks. They comprise ~2.03-2.06 Ga ultramafic lamprophyres (UML) and carbonatites from the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane (EGS), ~0.86 Ga UML from Norseman, and orangeites from the Earaheedy Basin, including samples from Jewill (~1.3 Ga), Bulljah (~1.4 Ga) and Nabberu (~1.8-1.9 Ga). The Proterozoic UML and carbonatites from the EGS and Norseman display very consistent chondritic to superchondritic Nd-Hf isotope compositions and trace-element ratios similar to modern OIBs, which are indicative of a common mantle source across this wide alkaline province. These Nd-Hf isotope compositions overlap with the evolution trends of global kimberlites through time, thus suggesting that this mantle source could be deep and ancient as that proposed for kimberlites. Conversely, the orangeites located in the Earaheedy Basin along the northern margin of the Yilgarn Craton display trace element signatures similar to subduction-related calc-alkaline magmas. Taken together with their highly enriched Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions, these characteristics indicate an ancient lithospheric mantle source, which was probably metasomatised by subduction-related fluids. As the ages of the Bulljah and Jewill orangeites overlap with the breakup of the Columbia supercontinent, it is proposed that orangeite magmatism was triggered by changes in plate stress conditions associated with this event. This study provides a comprehensive picture of the genesis of Proterozoic alkaline magmatism in the Yilgarn Craton, highlighting the complex tectono-magmatic evolution of this lithospheric block after its assembly in the Archean.
PNAS, Vol. 118, no. 23, doi.org/10.1073/pnas .e2020680118 8p. Pdf
Mantle
deep source, genesis
Abstract: Globally distributed kimberlites with broadly chondritic initial 143Nd-176Hf isotopic systematics may be derived from a chemically homogenous, relatively primitive mantle source that remained isolated from the convecting mantle for much of the Earth’s history. To assess whether this putative reservoir may have preserved remnants of an early Earth process, we report 182W/184W and 142Nd/144Nd data for "primitive" kimberlites from 10 localities worldwide, ranging in age from 1,153 to 89 Ma. Most are characterized by homogeneous ?182W and ?142Nd values averaging ?5.9 ± 3.6 ppm (2SD, n = 13) and +2.7 ± 2.9 ppm (2SD, n = 6), respectively. The remarkably uniform yet modestly negative ?182W values, coupled with chondritic to slightly suprachondritic initial 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf ratios over a span of nearly 1,000 Mya, provides permissive evidence that these kimberlites were derived from one or more long-lived, early formed mantle reservoirs. Possible causes for negative ?182W values among these kimberlites include the transfer of W with low ?182W from the core to the mantle source reservoir(s), creation of the source reservoir(s) as a result of early silicate fractionation, or an overabundance of late-accreted materials in the source reservoir(s). By contrast, two younger kimberlites emplaced at 72 and 52 Ma and characterized by distinctly subchondritic initial 176Hf/177Hf and 143Nd/144Nd have ?182W values consistent with the modern upper mantle. These isotopic compositions may reflect contamination of the ancient kimberlite source by recycled crustal components with ?182W ? 0.
Abstract: Olivine is one of the most abundant phases in kimberlites and cratonic lamproites, where it occurs as mantle-derived xenocrysts and magmatic phenocrysts or rims overgrowing xenocrystic cores, indicating its prevalence throughout most of the crystallisation sequence of these magmas. Thus, olivine can provide valuable insights into kimberlite and lamproite petrogenesis. Here, we present a detailed study of olivine compositional zoning in two lamproites (P2 and P12) of the Mesoproterozoic Wajrakarur kimberlite-lamproite field in southern India and use these data to propose a genetic link between lamproites and kimberlites in the region. Olivine macrocrysts (i.e., anhedral grains >1 mm) from the P2 and P12 intrusions are strongly zoned. Comparisons with olivine from mantle xenoliths worldwide demonstrate that the cores of olivine macrocrysts are xenocrysts derived from disaggregated mantle wall-rocks. The internal zones and overgrowth rims of olivine macrocrysts and the cores of olivine phenocrysts from P2 and P12 contain magmatic Mg-chromite and Ti-magnetite inclusions and hence crystallized from the host lamproite melt. These magmatic olivine zones show increasing Mg# (molar Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)), CaO and MnO contents with decreasing NiO. This reverse differentiation trend appears to be a characteristic feature of olivine in lamproites from the Wajrakarur field. To evaluate potential petrogenetic links between coeval lamproites and kimberlites from Wajrakarur, the composition of olivine xenocrysts (i.e., macrocryst cores) was compared with that of early crystallized olivine in P2, P12 and previously studied kimberlites and lamproites. The average Mg# of olivine macrocryst cores is directly correlated with the average Mg# of magmatic olivine in lamproites and kimberlites from Wajrakarur. Coupled with their indistinguishable Sr-Nd-Hf isotope compositions, these data suggest derivation of the Wajrakarur lamproites and kimberlites from a common source, The more Fe-rich composition of liquidus olivine in the Wajrakarur lamproites compared to coeval kimberlites suggests a higher degree of assimilation of metasomatised Fe-richer lithospheric mantle by the lamproites and provides a plausible explanation for the different petrological features of the Wajrakarur lamproites and kimberlites Our results suggest that cratonic lamproites can have a remarkably similar petrogenetic history to kimberlites.
Nature Communications, 10.10.1038/s4167-021-266668-z 14p. Pdf
Mantle
olivine
Abstract: Oxygen isotope ratios in mantle-derived magmas that differ from typical mantle values are generally attributed to crustal contamination, deeply subducted crustal material in the mantle source or primordial heterogeneities. Here we provide an alternative view for the origin of light oxygen-isotope signatures in mantle-derived magmas using kimberlites, carbonate-rich magmas that assimilate mantle debris during ascent. Olivine grains in kimberlites are commonly zoned between a mantle-derived core and a magmatic rim, thus constraining the compositions of both mantle wall-rocks and melt phase. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analyses of olivine in worldwide kimberlites show a remarkable correlation between mean oxygen-isotope compositions of cores and rims from mantle-like 18O/16O to lower ‘crustal’ values. This observation indicates that kimberlites entraining low-18O/16O olivine xenocrysts are modified by assimilation of low-18O/16O sub-continental lithospheric mantle material. Interaction with geochemically-enriched domains of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle can therefore be an important source of apparently ‘crustal’ signatures in mantle-derived magmas.
Journal of Petrology, 10.1093/petrology/egac028/6553928 24p. pdf
Canada, Northwest Territories
deposit - Lac de Gras
Abstract: In the Lac de Gras (LDG) kimberlite field, Northwest Territories, Canada, coherent kimberlites (CKs) occur as tabular dykes, pipe-shaped diatremes, and irregular bodies without well-defined geometries. Combining the morphology of CK bodies with the occurrence of fragmented olivine microcrysts allows distinction of four CK types at LDG: (1) dykes with no broken olivine; (2) CK without well-defined but probable sheet geometry and no broken olivine; (3) pipe-filling CK (pfCK) with abundant broken olivine and (4) pfCK with no broken olivine. These features suggest an intrusive origin for type 1 and, probably, type 2 CK; a high-energy extrusive emplacement for CK type 3 and a low-energy intrusive or extrusive emplacement for the CK type 4. Here, we compare petrographic and whole-rock, olivine and spinel compositional data for high-energy extrusive pfCK, low-energy pfCK and intrusive CK units to understand the factors controlling their variable emplacement styles. Extrusive CK contain more abundant groundmass phlogopite and monticellite, lower carbonate/silicate mineral abundance ratios and significantly lower dolomite and pleonaste-spinel abundances compared to intrusive CK. This indicates greater CO2 loss and higher H2O/CO2 in the melt phase for the extrusive CK during emplacement. Lower incompatible element concentrations in the extrusive CKs and different chromite Ti# and olivine rim Mg# indicate derivation from distinct primitive melt compositions. The extrusive CK feature higher ?Ndi and marginally higher ?Hfi compositions than the intrusive CK, pointing to derivation from distinct sources. These findings strongly imply that distinct primary melt compositions were largely responsible for the differences in emplacement styles of CK at LDG. Low-energy pfCKs have similar olivine rim Mg#, chromite Ti# and, hence, primitive melt compositions to the high-energy extrusive CK samples. Their marginally different emplacement styles may depend on local factors, such as changing stress regimes, or slightly different volatile concentrations. Both types of pfCK might reflect the waning stages of volcanic sequences resulting from the eruption of a segregated magma column that started with pipe excavation and the explosive emplacement of gas-rich magma (volcaniclastic kimberlite), followed by the less energetic emplacement of melt-rich magma (pfCK). This hypothesis underscores different primary melt compositions for dyke vs pipe-forming (and filling) kimberlites and hence a fundamental primary melt control on the explosivity of kimberlites.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 326, pp. 77-96.
China
allikites
Abstract: Despite being volumetrically minor components, carbonate-rich ultramafic magmas like aillikites represent good candidates to investigate the compositional variations in plume and/or lithospheric mantle sources because they represent low-degree melts which preferentially sample highly fusible components including recycled crustal material. To gain new insights into the composition of the plume-related magmas and, more broadly, the petrogenesis of ultramafic lamprophyres, we have undertaken the first comprehensive study of bulk rock and mineral (olivine and Ti-magnetite) highly siderophile element (HSE) abundances and Re-Os isotopes combined with in situ major-, trace-element and Sr-Nd isotope analyses of apatite and perovskite from the Permian Wajilitag aillikites of the Tarim large igneous province, China. The Wajilitag aillikites have high PPGE (Pt and Pd) contents relative to IPGE (Os, Ir and Ru), which can be ascribed to low-degree partial melting and/or fractionation of olivine and laurite. Measured 187Os/188Os ratios are moderately to highly radiogenic (0.186-0.313) with age-corrected ?Os values up to +113. In situ Sr and Nd isotope analyses of apatite phenocrysts (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.70349-0.70384; ?Nd(i) = +1.3 to +4.9) and fresh perovskite grains (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.70340-0.70390; ?Nd(i) = +1.3 to +3.8) exhibit limited variability both within and across samples from different aillikite dykes and the only volcanic pipe in the area. These Nd isotopic values resemble those from bulk-rock samples (?Nd(i) = +1.9 to +5.2), whereas Sr in apatite and perovskite extends to marginally less radiogenic values than the bulk-rock compositions (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.70362-0.70432). The moderately depleted Sr-Nd isotope compositions of magmatic apatite and perovskite, and the previously reported mantle-like C isotope values of these samples suggest that the aillikites and their carbon probably derived from a sub-lithospheric (plume) source with minimal contribution of deeply subducted material. Conversely, the radiogenic Os isotope compositions of the Tarim aillikites and separated minerals require some contribution from recycled crustal material in the plume source. Mass balance calculations suggest that the radiogenic Os isotopes and moderately depleted Sr-Nd isotopes can be reproduced by less than one third of eclogite component addition to a moderately depleted mantle source. We conclude that the combination of complementary isotopic systems can enlighten contributions from different components to mantle-derived magmas and, in this case, clarifies the occurrence of carbon-free subducted oceanic crust in the Tarim plume.
Abstract: Carbon isotope compositions and the distribution of nitrogen and hydrogen in diamonds from 18 eclogites from Nurbinskaya kimberlites were studied in situ in polished plates. Cathodoluminescence images show that most of the diamonds have complex growth structures with distinctive cores, intermediate and rim zones. In some diamonds the cores display dissolution features, and intermediate growth zones are separated from the cores by narrow rounded oscillatory zones. At least three crystals show interrupted multistage diamond growth; variations in ? ¹³C of 2–3‰ occur across the contacts between distinct zones. Generally, ?¹³C within the diamond cores varies only by 1–2‰, in rare cases up to 3.3‰. ?¹³C values are usually lower in the intermediate zones and drop further towards the rims by up to 3‰. High-resolution SIMS profiles show that variations in ?¹³C across the diamond growth zones are sharp with no evidence of diffusive relaxation.
Oxygen isotope and trace element evidence for the origin of sapphire and/or ruby in the Mbuyi-Mayi kimberlite ( FDC) and the Changle alkali basalt China.
Giuliani, G.,Pivin, M., Fallick, A.E., Ohnenstetter, D., Song, Y., Demaiffe, D.
Geochemical and oxygen isotope signatures of mantle corundum megacrysts from the Mbuji-Mayi kimberlite, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Changle alkali basalt, China.
Comptes Rendus Geoscience, Vol. 347, 1, pp. 24-34.
Feneyrol, J., Giuliani, G., Demaiffe, D., Ohenstetter, D., Fallick, A.E., Dubessy, J., Martelet, J-E., Rakotondrazafy, A.F.M., Omito, E., Ichangi, D., Nyamai, C., Wamunyu, W.
Abstract: The genetic model previously proposed for tsavorite- (and tanzanite-) bearing mineralization hosted in the Neoproterozoic Metamorphic Mozambique Belt (stretching from Kenya through Tanzania to Madagascar) is refined on the basis of new Sm-Nd age determinations and detailed Sr-O-S isotope and fluid-inclusion studies. The deposits are hosted within meta-sedimentary series composed of quartzites, graphitic gneisses, calc-silicate rocks intercalated with meta-evaporites, and marbles. Tsavorite occurs either in nodules (also called “boudins”) oriented parallel to the metamorphic foliation in all of the deposits in the metamorphic belt or in quartz veins and lenses located at the hinges of anticlinal folds (Lelatema fold belt and Ruangwa deposits, Tanzania). Gem tanzanite occurs in pockets and lenses in the Lelatema fold belt of northern Tanzania. The Sm-Nd isotopic data for tsavorites and tanzanites hosted in quartz veins and lenses from Merelani demonstrate that they formed at 600 Ma, during the retrograde metamorphic episode associated with the East African Orogeny. The tsavorites hosted in nodules do not provide reliable ages: their sedimentary protoliths had heterogeneous compositions and their Sm-Nd system was not completely rehomogenized, even at the local scale, by the fluid-absent metamorphic recrystallization. The initial 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios of calcite from marble and tanzanites from Merelani fit with the strontium isotopic composition of Neoproterozoic marine carbonates. Seawater sediment deposition in the Mozambique Ocean took place around 720 Ma. The quartz-zoisite O-isotopic thermometer indicates a temperature of formation for zoisite between 385 and 448 °C. The sulfur isotopic composition of pyrite (between –7.8 and –1.3‰ V-CDT) associated with tsavorite in the Lelatema fold belt deposits suggests the contribution of reduced marine sulfate. The sulfur in pyrite in the marbles was likely derived from bacterial sulfate reduction which produced H2S. Fluid inclusion data from tsavorite and tanzanite samples from the Merelani mine indicate the presence of a dominant H2S-S8±(CH4)±(N2)±(H2O)-bearing fluid. In the deposits in Kenya and Madagascar, the replacement of sulfate by tsavorite in the nodules and the boron isotopic composition of tourmaline associated with tsavorite are strong arguments in favor of the participation of evaporites in garnet formation.
Africa, Madagascar, Zambia, Asia, Sri Lanka, South America, Colombia
emerald
Abstract: The great challenge of geographic origin determination is to connect the properties and features of individual gems to the geology of their deposits. Similar geologic environments can produce gems with similar gemological properties, making it difficult to find unique identifiers. Over the last two decades, our knowledge of corundum and emerald deposit formation has improved significantly. The mineral deposits are classically separated into primary and secondary deposits. Primary corundum deposits are subdivided into two types based on their geological environment of formation: (1) magmatic and (2) metamorphic. Magmatic deposits include gem corundum in alkali basalts as in eastern Australia, and sapphire in lamprophyre and syenite as in Montana (United States) and Garba Tula (Kenya), respectively. Metamorphic deposits are divided into two subtypes (1) metamorphic deposits sensu stricto (in marble; mafic and ultramafic rocks, or M-UMR), and (2) metamorphic-metasomatic deposits characterized by high fluid-rock interaction and metasomatism (i.e., plumasite or desilicated pegmatites in M-UMR and marble, skarn deposits, and shear zonerelated deposits in different substrata, mainly corundum-bearing Mg-Cr-biotite schist). Examples of the first subtype include the ruby deposits in marble from the Mogok Stone Tract or those in M-UMR from Montepuez (Mozambique) and Aappaluttoq (Greenland). The second subtype concerns the sapphire from Kashmir hosted by plumasites in M-UMR. Secondary corundum deposits (i.e., present-day placers) result from the erosion of primary corundum deposits. Here, corundum is found in the following types of deposits: eluvial (derived by in situ weathering or weathering plus gravitational movement), diluvial (scree or talus), colluvial (deposited at the base of slopes by rainwash, sheetwash, slow continuous downslope creep, or a combination of these processes), and alluvial (deposited by rivers). Today, most sapphires are produced from gem placers related to alkali basalts, as in eastern Australia or southern Vietnam, while placers in metamorphic environments, such as in Sri Lanka (Ratnapura, Elahera) and Madagascar (Ilakaka), produce the highest-quality sapphires. The colluvial Montepuez deposit in Mozambique provides a huge and stable supply of clean and very high-quality rubies. Primary emerald deposits are subdivided into two types based on their geological environment of formation: (1) tectonic-magmatic-related (Type I) and (2) tectonic-metamorphic-related (Type II). Several subtypes are defined and especially Type IA, hosted in M-UMR, which accounts for about 70% of worldwide production (Brazil, Zambia, Russia, and others). It is characterized by the intrusion of pegmatites or quartz veins in M-UMR accompanied by huge hydrothermal fluid circulation and metasomatism with the formation of emerald-bearing desilicated pegmatite (plumasite) and biotite schist. Type IB in sedimentary rocks (China, Canada, Norway, Kazakhstan, and Australia) and Type IC in granitic rocks (Nigeria) are of minor importance. The subtype Type IIA of metamorphic deposits is related to hydrothermal fluid circulation at high temperature, in thrust fault and/or shear zones within M-UMR of volcano-sedimentary series, such as at the Santa Terezinha de Goiás deposit in Brazil. The subtype Type IIB is showcased by the Colombian emerald deposits located in the Lower Cretaceous black shales of the Eastern Cordillera Basin. These are related to the circulation of hydrothermal basinal fluids in black shales, at 300330°C, that dissolved evaporites in (1) thrust and tear faults for the deposits of the western emerald zone (Yacopi, Coscuez, Muzo, Peñas Blancas, Cunas, and La Pita mines) and (2) a regional evaporite level intercalated in the black shales or the deposits of the eastern emerald zone (Gachalá, Chivor, and Macanal mining districts). Secondary emerald deposits are unknown because emerald is too fragile to survive erosion and transport in rivers.
Abstract: Nitrogen is the main constituent of the Earth’s atmosphere, but its provenance in the Earth’s mantle remains uncertain. The relative contribution of primordial nitrogen inherited during the Earth’s accretion versus that subducted from the Earth’s surface is unclear1,2,3,4,5,6. Here we show that the mantle may have retained remnants of such primordial nitrogen. We use the rare 15N15N isotopologue of N2 as a new tracer of air contamination in volcanic gas effusions. By constraining air contamination in gases from Iceland, Eifel (Germany) and Yellowstone (USA), we derive estimates of mantle ?15N (the fractional difference in 15N/14N from air), N2/36Ar and N2/3He. Our results show that negative ?15N values observed in gases, previously regarded as indicating a mantle origin for nitrogen7,8,9,10, in fact represent dominantly air-derived N2 that experienced 15N/14N fractionation in hydrothermal systems. Using two-component mixing models to correct for this effect, the 15N15N data allow extrapolations that characterize mantle endmember ?15N, N2/36Ar and N2/3He values. We show that the Eifel region has slightly increased ?15N and N2/36Ar values relative to estimates for the convective mantle provided by mid-ocean-ridge basalts11, consistent with subducted nitrogen being added to the mantle source. In contrast, we find that whereas the Yellowstone plume has ?15N values substantially greater than that of the convective mantle, resembling surface components12,13,14,15, its N2/36Ar and N2/3He ratios are indistinguishable from those of the convective mantle. This observation raises the possibility that the plume hosts a primordial component. We provide a test of the subduction hypothesis with a two-box model, describing the evolution of mantle and surface nitrogen through geological time. We show that the effect of subduction on the deep nitrogen cycle may be less important than has been suggested by previous investigations. We propose instead that high mid-ocean-ridge basalt and plume ?15N values may both be dominantly primordial features.
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, Vol. 19, 3, pp. 865-881.
Mantle
subduction
Abstract: The buoyancy of continental crust opposes its subduction to mantle depths, except where mineral reactions substantially increase rock density. Sluggish kinetics limit such densification, especially in dry rocks, unless deformation and hydrous fluids intervene. Here we document how hydrous fluids in the subduction channel invaded lower crustal granulites at 50-60 km depth through a dense network of probably seismically induced fractures. We combine analyses of textures and mineral composition with thermodynamic modeling to reconstruct repeated stages of interaction, with pulses of high-pressure (HP) fluid at 650-6708C, rehydrating the initially dry rocks to micaschists. SIMS oxygen isotopic data of quartz indicate fluids of crustal composition. HP growth rims in allanite and zircon show uniform U-Th-Pb ages of 65 Ma and indicate that hydration occurred during subduction, at eclogite facies conditions. Based on this case study in the Sesia Zone (Western Italian Alps), we conclude that continental crust, and in particular deep basement fragments, during subduction can behave as substantial fluid sinks, not sources. Density modeling indicates a bifurcation in continental recycling: Chiefly mafic crust, once it is eclogitized to >60%, are prone to end up in a subduction graveyard, such as is tomographically evident beneath the Alps at 550 km depth. By contrast, dominantly felsic HP fragments and mafic granulites remain positively buoyant and tend be incorporated into an orogen and be exhumed with it. Felsic and intermediate lithotypes remain positively buoyant even where deformation and fluid percolation allowed them to equilibrate at HP.
Niobium and zirconium in alkaline olivine basalts and alkaline basaltoids of the Baikal-Mongolian regions as criteria for estimating their distrib. In mantle source
Soviet Geology and Geophysics, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 62-68
Paleomagnetism and geochronology of mafic dykes in south Siberia, Russia: the first precisely dated Permian paleomagnetic pole from the Siberian Craton.
Geophysical Journal International, Vol. 167, 2, pp. 649-658.
A period of global uncertainty ( Blank spot) in the Precambrian history of the southern Siberian Craton and the problem of the transproterozoic supercontinent.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 449, pp. 118-126.
Gondwana, Rodinia
Subduction
Abstract: Periodic assembly and dispersal of continental fragments has been a characteristic of the solid Earth for much of its history. Geodynamic drivers of this cyclic activity are inferred to be either top-down processes related to near surface lithospheric stresses at plate boundaries or bottom-up processes related to mantle convection and, in particular, mantle plumes, or some combination of the two. Analysis of the geological history of Rodinian crustal blocks suggests that internal rifting and breakup of the supercontinent were linked to the initiation of subduction and development of accretionary orogens around its periphery. Thus, breakup was a top-down instigated process. The locus of convergence was initially around north-eastern and northern Laurentia in the early Neoproterozoic before extending to outboard of Amazonia and Africa, including Avalonia-Cadomia, and arcs outboard of Siberia and eastern to northern Baltica in the mid-Neoproterozoic (?760 Ma). The duration of subduction around the periphery of Rodinia coincides with the interval of lithospheric extension within the supercontinent, including the opening of the proto-Pacific at ca. 760 Ma and the commencement of rifting in east Laurentia. Final development of passive margin successions around Laurentia, Baltica and Siberia was not completed until the late Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic (ca. 570-530 Ma), which corresponds with the termination of convergent plate interactions that gave rise to Gondwana and the consequent relocation of subduction zones to the periphery of this supercontinent. The temporal link between external subduction and internal extension suggests that breakup was initiated by a top-down process driven by accretionary tectonics along the periphery of the supercontinent. Plume-related magmatism may be present at specific times and in specific places during breakup but is not the prime driving force. Comparison of the Rodinia record of continental assembly and dispersal with that for Nuna, Gondwana and Pangea suggests grouping into two supercycles in which Nuna and Gondwana underwent only partial or no break-up phase prior to their incorporation into Rodinia and Pangea respectively. It was only after this final phase of assembly that the supercontinents then underwent full dispersal.
Abstract: Precambrian supercontinents Nuna-Columbia (1.7 to 1.3 billion years ago) and Rodinia (1.1 to 0.7 billion years ago) have been proposed. However, the arrangements of crustal blocks within these supercontinents are poorly known. Huge, dominantly basaltic magmatic outpourings and intrusions, covering up to millions of square kilometres, termed Large Igneous Provinces, typically accompany (super) continent breakup, or attempted breakup and offer an important tool for reconstructing supercontinents. Here we focus on the Large Igneous Province record for Siberia and Laurentia, whose relative position in Nuna-Columbia and Rodinia reconstructions is highly controversial. We present precise geochronology—nine U -Pb and six Ar -Ar ages—on dolerite dykes and sills, along with existing dates from the literature, that constrain the timing of emplacement of Large Igneous Province magmatism in southern Siberia and northern Laurentia between 1,900 and 720 million years ago. We identify four robust age matches between the continents 1,870, 1,750, 1,350 and 720 million years ago, as well as several additional approximate age correlations that indicate southern Siberia and northern Laurentia were probably near neighbours for this 1.2-billion-year interval. Our reconstructions provide a framework for evaluating the shared geological, tectonic and metallogenic histories of these continental blocks.
Abstract: We report new geological, mineralogical, geochemical and geochronological data about the Katugin Ta-Nb-Y-Zr (REE) deposit, which is located in the Kalar Ridge of Eastern Siberia (the southern part of the Siberian Craton). All these data support a magmatic origin of the Katugin rare-metal deposit rather than the previously proposed metasomatic fault-related origin. Our research has proved the genetic relation between ores of the Katugin deposit and granites of the Katugin complex. We have studied granites of the eastern segment of the Eastern Katugin massif, including arfvedsonite, aegirine-arfvedsonite and aegirine granites. These granites belong to the peralkaline type. They are characterized by high alkali content (up to 11.8?wt% Na2O?+?K2O), extremely high iron content (FeO?/(FeO??+?MgO)?=?0.96-1.00), very high content of most incompatible elements - Rb, Y, Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb, Th, U, REEs (except for Eu) and F, and low concentrations of CaO, MgO, P2O5, Ba, and Sr. They demonstrate negative and CHUR-close ?Nd(t) values of 0.0…?1.9. We suggest that basaltic magmas of OIB type (possibly with some the crustal contamination) represent a dominant part of the granitic source. Moreover, the fluorine-enriched fluid phases could provide an additional source of the fluorine. We conclude that most of the mineralization of the Katugin ore deposit occurred during the magmatic stage of the alkaline granitic source melt. The results of detailed mineralogical studies suggest three major types of ores in the Katugin deposit: Zr mineralization, Ta-Nb-REE mineralization and aluminum fluoride mineralization. Most of the ore minerals crystallized from the silicate melt during the magmatic stage. The accessory cryolites in granites crystallized from the magmatic silicate melt enriched in fluorine. However, cryolites in large veins and lens-like bodies crystallized in the latest stage from the fluorine enriched melt. The zircons from the ores in the aegirine-arfvedsonite granite have been dated at 2055?±?7?Ma. This age is close to the previously published 2066?±?6?Ma zircon age of the aegirine-arfvedsonite granites, suggesting that the formation of the Katugin rare-metal deposit is genetically related to the formation of peralkaline granites. We conclude that Katugin rare-metal granites are anorogenic. They can be related to a Paleoproterozoic (?2.05?Ga) mantle plume. As there is no evidence of the 2.05?Ga mantle plume in other areas of southern Siberia, we suggest that the Katugin mineralization occurred on the distant allochtonous terrane, which has been accreted to Siberian Craton later.
Geodynamics and Tectonphysics in RUS, Vol. 9, 3, pp. 827-854. only 1 p. english abstract
Africa, Angola
deposit - Catoca
Abstract: This paper presents the first results of the geostructural and tectonophysical studies of the crustal stress state in the Catoca kimberlite pipe area at the southwestern flank of the Kasai Shield in the northeasternAngola. In the evolution of the crustal stress state, six main stages are distinguished by analyzing the displacements of markers, fold hinges, long axes of boudins, granite dikes of various intrusion phases and kimberlites, as well as fractures with striations. For each of these stages, a dominating horizontal tectonic stress and its orientation is identified. During stage 1 (NW extension and shearing) and at the beginning of stage 2 (NW compression), structures formed in the host rocks in brittle-plastic conditions. The replacement of plastic deformation by faulting could occur about 530-510 Ma ago, when the continental crust ofAfricahad completely formed. Stage 3 (radial, mainly NW extension) and stage 4 (shearing, NW extension, and NE compression) were the most important for kimberlite occurrence: in the Early Cretaceous, radial extension was replaced by shearing. Both stages are related to opening of the central segment of theSouth Atlantic. The main kimberlite magmas occurred during the break-up of the Angola-Brazilian segment of Gondwana. In the course of all the four stages, stress was mainly released by the NE- and E-NE-striking faults and, to a lesser extent, by the NW-striking and latitudinal faults. The initial stage of kimberlite magmatism is associated with the NE- and E-NE-striking faults due to the presence of the Precambrian zones of flow and schistosity, which facilitated the NW-trending subhorizontal extension. Stage 5 (NE compression) began in the second half of the Cretaceous and possibly lasted until the end of the Paleogene, and compression occurred mainly along the NW-striking faults. Regionally, it corresponds to two stages of inversion movements in the southern regions of Africa, during which theAngoladome-shaped uplift emerged and the shoulders of the East African rifts began to take shape. Stage 6 (horizontal extension, mainly in the N-NE direction) is related to the processes that took place in the southern segment of theTanganyikarift and the eastern coast of theAtlantic. Based on the results of our studies, it became for the first time possible to get an idea of the main stages in the evolution of the studied region. Further geostructural measurements and dating of the host rocks will provide for a more precise definition of the proposed stages.
Abstract: The emplacement age of the Great Udzha Dyke (northern Siberian Craton) was determined by the U-Pb dating of apatite using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). This produced an age of 1386 ± 30 Ma. This dyke along with two other adjacent intrusions, which cross-cut the sedimentary units of the Udzha paleo-rift, were subjected to paleomagnetic investigation. The paleomagnetic poles for the Udzha paleo-rift intrusions are consistent with previous results published for the Chieress dyke in the Anabar shield of the Siberian Craton (1384 ± 2 Ma). Our results suggest that there was a period of intense volcanism in the northern Siberian Craton, as well as allow us to reconstruct the apparent migration of the Siberian Craton during the Mesoproterozoic.
Abstract: Based on investigation of Proterozoic mafic dike swarms of the Siberian Craton, we inferred how the geochemical and isotopic characteristics of dike swarms of dolerites of Large Igneous Provinces depend on their distance from the mantle plume head. It has been found that the dolerite parent melts near the mantle plume head correspond to OIB compositions. At significant distances from the plume, the initial melts of dolerites are generated in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, which provides a wide range of their compositions differing from typical OIB and do not indicate directly the genetic relationship of these mafic rocks with the mantle plume.
Geological Society of London Special Publication 513, pp. 45-70.
Russia
lamproites
Abstract: Ingashi lamproite dykes are the only known primary sources of diamond in the Irkutsk district (Russia) and the only non-kimberlitic one in the Siberian craton. The Ingashi lamproite field is situated in the Urik-Iya graben within the Prisayan uplift of the Siberian craton. The phlogopite-olivine lamproites contain olivine, talc, phlogopite, serpentine, chlorite, olivine, garnet, chromite, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene as well as Sr-F-apatite, monazite, zircon, armolcolite, priderite, potassium Mg-arfvedsonite, Mn-ilmenite, Nb-rutile and diamond. The only ultramafic lamprophyre dyke is composed mainly of serpentinized olivine and phlogopite in the talc-carbonate groundmass and is similar to Ingashi lamproites accessory assemblage with the same major element compositions. Trace element and Sr-Nd isotopic relationships of the Ingashi lamproites are similar to classic lamproites. Different dating methods have provided the ages of lamproites: 1481 Ma (Ar-Ar phlogopite), 1268 Ma (Rb-Sr whole rock) and 300 Ma (U-Pb zircon). Ingashi lamproite ages are controversial and require additional study. The calculated pressure of 3.5 GPamax for clinopyroxenes indicates that lamproite magma originated deeper than 100 km. A Cr-in-garnet barometer shows a 3.7-4.3 GPamin and derivation of Ingashi lamproites deeper than 120 km in depth. Based on the range of typical cratonic geotherms and the presence of diamonds, the Ingashi lamproite magma originated at a depth greater than 155 km.
New dat a on the internal structure and formation mechanism of kimberlite hosting fault zones in the Malaya Botuoba region, Yakutian Diamondiferous province
Abstract: Redox-sensitive transition group elements are involved in almost all fundamental geochemical processes. Of these elements, vanadium (V) contributes a particularly powerful tool to decipher the Earth's history and its link to extraterrestrial bodies. A comprehensive view of V includes the formation and interaction between the Earth's interior layers, the evolution of the Earth's surface to a habitable zone, biogeochemical cycling, and anthropogenic impacts on the environment. Tracing the geochemical behavior of V through the Earth's compartments reveals critical connections between almost all disciplines of Earth sciences. Vanadium has a history of application as a redox tracer to address the early accretion history of the Earth, to identify connections between the mantle and crust by subduction and melting, and to interpret past surface environments. The geochemical cycling of V from the deep Earth to the surface occurs through magmatism, weathering and digenesis, reflecting variations of fO2 and V species in different Earth compartments. Minerals form a link between deep Earth reservoirs of vanadium and surface environments, and the study of V in minerals has increased the understanding of V cycling. Finally, the exploitation of V has been increasing since the Industrial Revolution, and significant amounts of V have been released as a consequence into natural systems. Environmental concerns are promoting new areas of research to focus on V cycling between water, air, soil and sediment compartments. An increased understanding of V in all compartments, and knowledge of the processes that connect the compartments, is vital to tracing the fate of this intriguing element in natural systems.
Petrogenesis of Archean lamprophyres in the southern Vermilion graniticcomplex, northeastern Minnesota, with implications for the nature of their mantle source
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 104, No. 4, pp. 439-452
Geodynamics and Tectonphysics in RUS, Vol. 9, 3, pp. 827-854. only 1 p. english abstract
Africa, Angola
deposit - Catoca
Abstract: This paper presents the first results of the geostructural and tectonophysical studies of the crustal stress state in the Catoca kimberlite pipe area at the southwestern flank of the Kasai Shield in the northeasternAngola. In the evolution of the crustal stress state, six main stages are distinguished by analyzing the displacements of markers, fold hinges, long axes of boudins, granite dikes of various intrusion phases and kimberlites, as well as fractures with striations. For each of these stages, a dominating horizontal tectonic stress and its orientation is identified. During stage 1 (NW extension and shearing) and at the beginning of stage 2 (NW compression), structures formed in the host rocks in brittle-plastic conditions. The replacement of plastic deformation by faulting could occur about 530-510 Ma ago, when the continental crust ofAfricahad completely formed. Stage 3 (radial, mainly NW extension) and stage 4 (shearing, NW extension, and NE compression) were the most important for kimberlite occurrence: in the Early Cretaceous, radial extension was replaced by shearing. Both stages are related to opening of the central segment of theSouth Atlantic. The main kimberlite magmas occurred during the break-up of the Angola-Brazilian segment of Gondwana. In the course of all the four stages, stress was mainly released by the NE- and E-NE-striking faults and, to a lesser extent, by the NW-striking and latitudinal faults. The initial stage of kimberlite magmatism is associated with the NE- and E-NE-striking faults due to the presence of the Precambrian zones of flow and schistosity, which facilitated the NW-trending subhorizontal extension. Stage 5 (NE compression) began in the second half of the Cretaceous and possibly lasted until the end of the Paleogene, and compression occurred mainly along the NW-striking faults. Regionally, it corresponds to two stages of inversion movements in the southern regions of Africa, during which theAngoladome-shaped uplift emerged and the shoulders of the East African rifts began to take shape. Stage 6 (horizontal extension, mainly in the N-NE direction) is related to the processes that took place in the southern segment of theTanganyikarift and the eastern coast of theAtlantic. Based on the results of our studies, it became for the first time possible to get an idea of the main stages in the evolution of the studied region. Further geostructural measurements and dating of the host rocks will provide for a more precise definition of the proposed stages.
Gold bearing sulfide veins in shoshonites, formed by high -T, high -Clalkaline fluids, Prospector Mtn. Yukon Territory
Geological Association of Canada (GAC)/Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC)/SEG Annual Meeting May 27-29. Toronto, Ontario, Abstract, Vol. 16, p. A46. Abstract
Abstract: Two recent co-ordinated research programs - the SAMPLE (South Atlantic Margin Processes and Links with onshore Evolution) program of the German Science Foundation and the French Topo-Africa program - have focused attention on the interaction of the lithosphere with sublithospheric processes. With a main thrust on the West-Gondwana break up and the subsequent post-rift evolution of the South Atlantic passive margins and their hinterlands, SAMPLE and Topo-Africa made concerted efforts to advance models and observations of vertical motions (MoveOn) in the South Atlantic region as a probe into mantle convection/lithosphere interaction. In this special issue of Gondwana Research we assemble a set of contributions that stem from these programs aimed to gain insights on rifting in a geodynamic context with a particular focus on models and observations of the vertical motions of the lithosphere induced by mantle flow. Anderson (1982) suggested that breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana owed to forces in the sublithospheric mantle. However, despite much progress in mantle flow modeling (see Zhong and Liu, 2016 for a recent review), linking mantle convection forces and motion of the lithosphere in quantitative terms has remained elusive. It is generally accepted that plate tectonics is a surface expression of mantle convection and that mantle flow drives horizontal plate motion (Davies, 1999). However, plate tectonic motion reflects a balance of poorly known sublithospheric forces related to mantle flow, and of shallow plate-boundary forces (see Iaffaldano and Bunge, 2015 for a recent review). The latter involve topographic loads from mountain belts and fault friction along convergent plate boundaries (Iaffaldano and Bunge, 2009). Rates of change of plate velocities connect to changes in orogenic topography (Iaffaldano et al., 2006; Austermann and Iaffaldano, 2013) or plate boundary strength (Iaffaldano, 2012), making it possible to reduce some uncertainty on plate boundary forces from the analysis of plate motion changes. But the superposition of sublithospheric forces and shallow plate-boundary forces inhibits interpretations of horizontal plate motions solely in terms of mantle flow related forces. It is also believed that substantial vertical deflections of the earth's surface are induced by viscous stresses from the mantle (e.g., Pekeris, 1935). Such deflections were recognized early on in the sedimentary record through unconformities and missing sections (e.g., Stille, 1919, 1924). Termed ‘Dynamic Topography’ by Hager et al. (1985) > 30 years ago, this topic has received much attention lately (see Braun, 2010 for a recent review). The essential role of dynamic topography in dynamic earth models is well understood, because the mass anomalies associated with surface deflections yield gravity anomalies of comparable amplitude to the flow inducing mantle density variations. Therefore, Geoid interpretations have long been performed with dynamic earth models that account for dynamic topography as well as mantle density heterogeneity (e.g., Ricard et al., 1984; Richards and Hager, 1984; Forte and Mitrovica, 2001). The dynamic topography response of earth models to internal loads (e.g., hot rising plumes or cold sinking slabs) is commonly expressed through kernels (see Colli et al., 2016, for a recent review). They imply that the earth's surface sustains deflections on the order of ± 1 km. For a plume rising through a uniform viscosity mantle the kernels predict the deflections to grow continuously during plume ascend. This is borne out in laboratory models of isoviscous mantle flow (Griffith et al., 1989). However, in the presence of a weak upper mantle much of the surface deflection develops in the final phase of the plume ascend, in a time span of a few million years (Myrs) associated with vertical transit of the plume through the low viscosity upper mantle (Fig. 1). This makes rapid surface uplift events geodynamically plausible.
International Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 108, pp. 89-113.
Africa, Angola
thermochronology
Abstract: There are two main points of view regarding how continental margins evolve. The first one argues that the present-day margins have been developed by long-term denudation since a major exhumation episode, probably driven by rifting or another relevant tectonic event. The second one argues that continental margins underwent alternating burial and exhumation episodes related to crustal tectonic and surface uplift and subsidence. To demonstrate that the proximal domain of the southwestern Angolan margin has evolved in a polycyclic pattern, we present a review of geological and thermochronological information and integrate it with new combined apatite fission-track and (U-Th)/He data from Early Cretaceous volcanic and Precambrian basement samples. We also provide hypotheses on the possible mechanisms able to support the vertical crustal movements of this margin segment, which are also discussed based on some modern rifting models proposed for Central South Atlantic. The central apatite fission-track ages range from 120.6?±?8.9 to 272.9?±?21.6 Ma, with the mean track lengths of approximately 12 µm. The single-grain apatite (U-Th)/He ages vary between 52.2?±?1 and 177.2?±?2.6 Ma. The integration of the thermochronological data set with published geological constraints supports the following time-temperature evolution: (1) heating since the Carboniferous-Permian, (2) cooling onset in the Early Jurassic, (3) heating onset in the Early Cretaceous, (4) cooling onset in the Mid- to Late Cretaceous, (5) heating onset in the Late Cretaceous, and (6) cooling onset in the Oligocene-Miocene. The thermochronological data and the geological constraints, support that the proximal domain of the southwestern Angolan margin was covered in the past by pre-, syn-, and post-rift sediments, which were eroded during succeeding exhumation events. For this margin segment, we show that a development based on long-term denudation is less realistic than one based on burial and exhumation episodes during the last 130 Myr.
Brief notation : field and laboratory investigations of potentially Diamond bearing kimberlites and other rocks.. ongoing -more than 100 possible pipesrecogniz
Geological Survey of Wyoming, 56th. Annual Report, Notation as title -full, p. 11. Brief as above in title
Abstract: Establishing the history of HP and UHP metamorphic rocks is important for quantifying Earth dynamics. The history of these rocks defines, among other things, paleo-subduction rates, P-T paths, and the kinematics of continent-continent collision. Although the appearance of certain minerals, such as coesite, stishovite, or diamond, provides unequivocal evidence of an HP or UHP component to the history of a rock, they cannot provide details of the P-T-t path a rock has experienced. However, complex solid solutions can. This reflects the fact that solid solutions have the potential to provide a continuous thermodynamically controlled response to evolving P-T conditions. To the extent that such solid-solution characteristics are preserved unmodified in a mineral throughout its history, a detailed description of the trajectory of the rock during burial …
Deep-seated magmatism, its sources and plumes, Proceedings of XIII International Workshop held 2014., Vol. 2014, pp. 124-147.
Baltic Shield, Fennoscandia
Carbonatite, alkaline rocks
Abstract: The paper presents the results of a study of the large Paleozoic ore-magmatic system in the northeastern Fennoscandian Shield comprising the Khibiny and Lovozero plutons, the Kurga intrusion, volcanic rocks, and numerous alkaline dike swarms. As follows from the results of deep drilling and 3D geophysical simulation, large bodies of rocks pertaining to the ultramafic alkaline complex occur at the lower level of the ore-magmatic system. Peridotite, pyroxenite, melilitolite, melteigite, and ijolite occupy more than 50 vol % of the volcanic-plutonic complex within the upper 15 km accessible to gravity exploration. The proposed model represents the ore-magmatic system as a conjugate network of mantle magmatic sources localized at different depth levels and periodically supplying the melts belonging to the two autonomous groups: (1) ultramafic alkaline rocks with carbonatites and (2) alkali syenites-peralkaline syenites, which were formed synchronously having a common system of outlet conduits. With allowance for the available isotopic datings and new geochronological evidence, the duration of complex formation beginning from supply of the first batches of melt into calderas and up to postmagmatic events, expressed in formation of late pegmatoids, was no less than 25 Ma.
Hu, S., Raza, A., Min, K., Kohn, B.P., Reiners, Ketcham, Wang, Gleadow
Late Mesozoic and Cenozoic thermotectonic evolution along a transect from the north Chin a craton through the Qinling orogen into the Yangtze craton, central.
Constraints on the current rate of deformation and surface uplift of the Australian continent from a new seismic database and low T thermochronological data.
Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 56, 2, pp. 99-110.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 100, pp. 20-41.
Africa, Namibia
Geothermometry
Abstract: Intracontinental deformation accommodated along major lithospheric scale shear zone systems and within associated extensional basins has been well documented within West, Central and East Africa during the Late Cretaceous. The nature of this deformation has been established by studies of the tectonic architecture of sedimentary basins preserved in this part of Africa. In southern Africa, where the post break-up history has been dominated by major erosion, little evidence for post-break-up tectonics has been preserved in the onshore geology. Here we present the results of 38 new apatite fission track analyses from the Damara region of northern Namibia and integrate these new data with our previous results that were focused on specific regions or sections only to comprehensively document the thermo-tectonic history of this region since continental break-up in the Early Cretaceous. The apatite fission track ages range from 449 ± 20 Ma to 59 ± 3 Ma, with mean confined track lengths between 14.61 ± 0.1 ?m (SD 0.95 ?m) to 10.83 ± 0.33 ?m (SD 2.84 ?m). The youngest ages (c. 80–60 Ma) yield the longest mean track lengths, and combined with their spatial distribution, indicate major cooling during the latest Cretaceous. A simple numerical thermal model is used to demonstrate that this cooling is consistent with the combined effects of heating caused by magmatic underplating, related to the Paraná-Etendeka continental flood volcanism associated with rifting and the opening of the South Atlantic, and enhanced erosion caused by major reactivation of major lithospheric structures within southern Africa during a key period of plate kinematic change that occurred in the South Atlantic and SW Indian ocean basins between 87 and 56 Ma. This phase of intraplate tectonism in northern Namibia, focused in discrete structurally defined zones, is coeval with similar phases elsewhere in Africa and suggests some form of trans-continental linkage between these lithospheric zones.
Abstract: The fragmentary Phanerozoic geological record of the anomalously elevated Zimbabwe Craton makes reconstructing its history difficult using conventional field methods. Here we constrain the cryptic Phanerozoic evolution of the Zimbabwe Craton using a spatially extensive apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He (AHe), apatite fission track (AFT), and zircon (U-Th)/He (ZHe) data set. Joint thermal history modeling reveals that the region experienced two cooling episodes inferred to be the denudational response to surface uplift. The first and most significant protracted denudation period was triggered by stress transmission from the adjacent ~750-500 Ma Pan-African orogenesis during the amalgamation of Gondwana. The spatial extent of this rejuvenation signature, encompassing the current broad topographic high, could indicate the possible longevity of an ancient topographic feature. The ZHe data reveal a second, minor denudation phase which began in the Paleogene and removed a kilometer-scale Karoo cover from the craton. Within our data set, the majority of ZHe ages are younger than their corresponding AHe and AFT ages, even at relatively low eU. This unexpectedly recurrent age “inversion” suggests that in certain environments, moderately, as well as extremely, damaged zircons have the potential to act as ultra-low-temperature thermochronometers. Thermal history modeling results reveal that the zircon radiation damage accumulation and annealing model (ZRDAAM) frequently overpredicts the ZHe age. However, the opposite is true for extremely damaged zircons where the ZHe and AHe data are also seemingly incompatible. This suggests that modification of the ZRDAAM may be required for moderate to extreme damage levels.
Geostandards and Geoanalysis Research, doi.org/10.1111/GGR.12419 34p. Pdf
Australia
geochemistry
Abstract: To promote a more efficient and transparent geochemistry data ecosystem, a consortium of Australian university research laboratories called the AuScope Geochemistry Network (AGN) assembled to build a collaborative platform for the express purpose of preserving, disseminating, and collating geochronology and isotopic data. In partnership with geoscience-data-solutions company Lithodat Pty Ltd, the open, cloud-based AusGeochem platform (https://ausgeochem.auscope.org.au) was developed to simultaneously serve as a geosample registry, a geochemical data repository, and a data analysis tool. Informed by method-specific groups of geochemistry experts and established international data reporting practices, community-agreed database schemas were developed for rock and mineral geosample metadata and secondary ion mass spectrometry U-Pb analysis, with additional models for laser ablation inductively-coupled mass spectrometry U-Pb and Lu-Hf, Ar-Ar, fission-track and (U-Th-Sm)/He under development. Collectively, the AusGeochem platform provides the geochemistry community with a new, dynamic resource to help facilitate FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data management, streamline data dissemination and advanced quantitative investigations of Earth system processes. By systematically archiving detailed geochemical (meta-)data in structured schemas, intractably large datasets comprising thousands of analyses produced by numerous laboratories can be readily interrogated in novel and powerful ways. These include rapid derivation of inter-data relationships, facilitating on-the-fly data compilation, analysis, and visualisation.
Lorencak, M., Kohn, B.P., Osadetz, K.G., Gleadow, A.J.W.
Combined apatite fission track and U Th/He thermochronology in a slowly cooled terrane: results from a 3440 m deep drill hole in the southern Canadian shield.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 227, 1-2, Oct. 30, pp. 87-104.
Compositional heterogeneity of the continental lithospheric mantle beneath the Early Precambrian and Phanerozoic structures: evidence from mantle xenoliths.
Geochemistry International, Vol. 45, 11, pp. 1077-1102.
Zircon trace element characteristics and ages in granulite xenoliths: a key to understanding the age and origin of the lower crust, Arkhangelsk kimberlite province, Russia.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 167, pp. 973-980.
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems: G3, in press available
Technology
geophsyics - magnetics
Abstract: Remanent magnetization in geological samples may record the past intensity and direction of planetary magnetic fields. Traditionally, this magnetization is analyzed through measurements of the net magnetic moment of bulk millimeter to centimeter sized samples. However, geological samples are often mineralogically and texturally heterogeneous at submillimeter scales, with only a fraction of the ferromagnetic grains carrying the remanent magnetization of interest. Therefore, characterizing this magnetization in such cases requires a technique capable of imaging magnetic fields at fine spatial scales and with high sensitivity. To address this challenge, we developed a new instrument, based on nitrogenvacancy centers in diamond, which enables direct imaging of magnetic fields due to both remanent and induced magnetization, as well as optical imaging, of room-temperature geological samples with spatial resolution approaching the optical diffraction limit. We describe the operating principles of this device, which we call the quantum diamond microscope (QDM), and report its optimized image-area-normalized magnetic field sensitivity (20 µT?µm/Hz½), spatial resolution (5 µm), and field of view (4 mm), as well as trade-offs between these parameters. We also perform an absolute magnetic field calibration for the device in different modes of operation, including three-axis (vector) and single-axis (projective) magnetic field imaging. Finally, we use the QDM to obtain magnetic images of several terrestrial and meteoritic rock samples, demonstrating its ability to resolve spatially distinct populations of ferromagnetic carriers.
Abstract: Since the end of World War II, there have been 259 armed conflicts in 159 locations (1). Sierra Leone's civil war began 25 years ago, at a time when roughly 25% of all countries worldwide were experiencing civil war (2). How can individuals and groups recover from such violent conflicts? On page 787 of this issue, Cilliers et al. (3) provide rigorous evidence on the efficacy of one postwar reconciliation strategy that was implemented in 100 communities in Sierra Leone (4).
Abstract: In the last two decades, airborne laser scanning (ALS) has found widespread application and driven fundamental advances in the Earth sciences. With increasing availability and accessibility, multi-temporal ALS data have been used to advance key research topics related to dynamic Earth surface processes. This review presents a comprehensive compilation of existing applications of ALS change detection to the Earth sciences. We cover a wide scope of material pertinent to the broad field of Earth sciences to encourage the cross-pollination between sub-disciplines and discuss the outlook of ALS change detection for advancing scientific discovery. While significant progress has been made in applying repeat ALS data to change detection, numerous approaches make fundamental assumptions that limit the full potential of repeat ALS data. The use of such data for 3D change detection is, therefore, in need of novel, scalable, and computationally efficient processing algorithms that transcend the ever-increasing data density and spatial coverage. Quantification of uncertainty in change detection results also requires further attention, as it is vitally important to understand what 3D differences detected between epochs represent actual change as opposed to limitations in data or methodology. Although ALS has become increasingly integral to change detection across the Earth sciences, the existence of pre- and post-event ALS data is still uncommon for many isolated hazard events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and landslides. Consequently, data availability is still a major limitation for many ALS change detection applications.
Abstract: Ring, dome and crater features on the Australian continent and shelf include (A) 38 structures of confirmed or probable asteroid and meteorite impact origin and (B) numerous buried and exposed ring, dome and crater features of undefined origin. A large number of the latter include structural and geophysical elements consistent with impact structures, pending test by field investigations and/or drilling. This paper documents and briefly describes 43 ring and dome features with the aim of appraising their similarities and differences from those of impact structures. Discrimination between impact structures and igneous plugs, volcanic caldera and salt domes require field work and/or drilling. Where crater-like morphological patterns intersect pre-existing linear structural features and contain central morphological highs and unique thrust and fault patterns an impact connection needs to tested in the field. Hints of potential buried impact structures may be furnished by single or multi-ring TMI patterns, circular TMI quiet zones, corresponding gravity patterns, low velocity and non-reflective seismic zones. A) Examples of crater-form and dome-form features containing elements consistent with an impact origin, though unproven, include Auvergne, Delamere, Fiery Creek, Monte Christo, Mount Moffatt, Tanami East, Youngerina, and Tingha. B) Examples of buried multi-ring features of possible to probable impact origin include Augathella, Balfour Downs, Calvert Hills, Camooweal, Green Swamp Well, Herbert, Ikybon River, Ilkurka, Lennis, McLarty Hills, Mount Davies, Mulkara; Neale; Sheridan Creek, Oodjuongari and Renehan. C) Examples of igneous plugs unrelated to impacts include the Monto gabbro and numerous circular granitoid plugs such as Windinie Hills granite and Yataga granodiorite. D) Large circular structures such as Mount Ashmore and Gnargoo are considered to have convincing structural deformation features warranting classification as probable impact structures. The origin of very large circular TMI and gravity patterns such as of the Diamantina River drainage feature, Coonamona anomaly and the multiple TMI ring pattern of the Deniliquin-Booligal remain unresolved. The advent of ~ 40 m TMI grid coverage promises to further uncover ring and dome features, such as the McLarty Hills multi-ring feature, potentially increasing the inventory of ring structures on the Australian continent. Compared with frequency distribution patterns of extra-terrestrial impact structures worldwide, the Australian record displays a relatively common occurrence of large impact structures and relative depletion in small impact structures and craters. This is explained by the better preservation of large structures at deep crustal zones as compared to the erosion of small craters.
Use of geochemistry as a guide to platinum group element potential of mafic ultramafic rocks- examples the West Pilbara block and Halls Creek Mobile Zone:
Precambrian Research, Vol. 50, No. 102, April pp. 1-35
Field evidence of eros-scale asteroids and impact forcing of Precambrian geodynamic episodes: Kaapvaal (South Africa) and Pilbara ( western Australia) cratons
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 267, 3-4, pp. 559-570.
Time dependent convection models of mantle thermal structure constrained by seismic tomography and geodynamics: implications for mantle plume dynamics and CMB heat flow.
Geophysical Journal International, Vol. 190, 2, pp. 785-815.
The leading Edge, https://dx.doi.org/10.1190/tle36030064.1
Global
data sets
Abstract: Machine learning is becoming an appealing tool in various fields of earth sciences, especially in resources estimation. Six machine learning algorithms have been used to predict the presence of gold mineralization in drill core from geophysical logs acquired at the Lalor deposit, Manitoba, Canada. Results show that the integration of a set of rock physical properties — measured at closely spaced intervals along the drill core — with ensemble machine learning algorithms allows the detection of gold-bearing intervals with an adequate rate of success. Since the resulting prediction is continuous along the drill core, the use of this type of tool in the future will help geologists in selecting sound intervals for assay sampling and in modeling more continuous ore bodies during the entire life of a mine.
Abstract: During convergence of Gondwana-derived microplates and Laurussia in the Palaeozoic, subduction of oceanic and continental crusts and their sedimentary cover introduced material of regionally contrasting chemical and isotopic compositions into the mantle. This slab material metasomatised the local mantle, producing a highly heterogeneous lithospheric mantle beneath the European Variscides. The eastern termination of the European Variscides (Moldanubian and Saxo-Thuringian zones of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and Poland) is unusual in that the mantle was modified by material from several subduction zones within a small area. Orogenic lamproites sampled this lithospheric mantle, which has a chemical signature reflecting extreme depletion (low CaO and Al2O3 contents and high Mg-number) followed by strong metasomatic enrichment, giving rise to crust-like trace element patterns, variable radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr(330) (0.7062-0.7127) and non-radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions (?Nd(330) = ? 2.8 to ? 7.8), crustal Pb isotopic compositions, and a wide range of ?7Li values (? 5.1 to + 5.1). This metasomatic signature is variably expressed in the lamproites, depending on the extent of melting and the nature of the source of the metasomatic component. Preferential melting of the metasomatically enriched (veined) lithospheric mantle with K-rich amphibole resulted in lamproitic melts with very negative, crust-like ?7Li values, which correlate positively with peralkalinity, HFSE contents and lower ?Nd. Both the higher degree of melting and progressive consumption of the metasomatic component reduce the chemical and isotopic imprints of the metasomatic end member. The very positive ?7Li values of some lamproites indicate that the source of these lamproites may have been modified by subducted oceanic lithosphere. Fresh olivine from the Brloh (Moldanubian) lamproitic dyke shows very high Fo (up to 94%) and very high Li contents (up to 25 ppm), demonstrating that the extremely depleted and later enriched lithospheric mantle may have contributed significantly to the Li budget of the lamproites. The regional distribution of lamproites with contrasting chemical and isotopic fingerprints mimics the distribution of the different Variscan subduction zones.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available. 45p.
Mantle
subduction
Abstract: Archean peridotite xenoliths in the ?2.52 Ga Zhulagou diorite (Yinshan Block, North China Craton) show chemical and Li isotopic evidence for metasomatism above an ancient subduction zone. The peridotite xenoliths are composed of olivine + orthopyroxene + amphibole + phlogopite + serpentine. The peridotite xenoliths have low whole-rock Mg# (80-81) and low Mg# (81-84) in olivine, indicating that they are cumulates that formed near the crust-mantle boundary. Petrological observations, mineral trace element data and isotopic ages show that the sequence of hydrous minerals is amphibole-serpentine-phlogopite. SIMS U-Pb dating of zircon from peridotites yielded an upper intercept age at ?2.53 Ga, and a U-Pb lower intercept age at ?1.8 Ga. The age of ?2.53 Ga is interpreted to date the crystallization of zircon from the metasomatized mantle melt that formed the Zhulagou cumulate peridotite. Rb-Sr mineral isochrons date phlogopite formation at ?1760 Ma, consistent with the lower intercept age of zircon. Pargasitic amphibole from the Zhulagou peridotites has fractionated REE, pronounced depletions of Nb, Ta, Zr and Ti, and heavy ?7Li (?+14‰) and light ?11B (?-11‰). Combined with slightly depleted mantle whole rock ?Nd (?+1.3) and high zircon ?18O (+5.6 to +7.0‰), the amphibole composition reflects that the peridotite xenoliths formed from melts that carried the geochemical and isotopic fingerprint typical for a metasomatized mantle wedge above a subduction zone. The Zhulagou peridotite xenoliths have the highest ?7Li values (?+12‰) recorded in Archean peridotites. Isotopically heavy Li and light B in olivine, orthopyroxene, and amphibole from the peridotite xenoliths show that Li and B may decouple during partial melting or fluid release from the subducted slab. The decoupling of Li and B may have a variety of reasons, including different host minerals for Li and B in the source and different protoliths in the subducted slab. The Li and B isotopic record on the recycling of ancient material demonstrates that modern-style subduction operated already in the late Archean.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available pdf 45p.
China
craton
Abstract: Archean peridotite xenoliths in the ?2.52?Ga Zhulagou diorite (Yinshan Block, North China Craton) show chemical and Li isotopic evidence for metasomatism above an ancient subduction zone. The peridotite xenoliths are composed of olivine?+?orthopyroxene?+?amphibole?+?phlogopite?+?serpentine. The peridotite xenoliths have low whole-rock Mg# (80-81) and low Mg# (81-84) in olivine, indicating that they are cumulates that formed near the crust-mantle boundary. Petrological observations, mineral trace element data and isotopic ages show that the sequence of hydrous minerals is amphibole-serpentine-phlogopite. SIMS U-Pb dating of zircon from peridotites yielded an upper intercept age at ?2.53?Ga, and a U-Pb lower intercept age at ?1.8?Ga. The age of ?2.53?Ga is interpreted to date the crystallization of zircon from the metasomatized mantle melt that formed the Zhulagou cumulate peridotite. Rb-Sr mineral isochrons date phlogopite formation at ?1760?Ma, consistent with the lower intercept age of zircon. Pargasitic amphibole from the Zhulagou peridotites has fractionated REE, pronounced depletions of Nb, Ta, Zr and Ti, and heavy ?7Li (?+14‰) and light ?11B (?-11‰). Combined with slightly depleted mantle whole rock ?Nd (?+1.3) and high zircon ?18O (+5.6 to +7.0‰), the amphibole composition reflects that the peridotite xenoliths formed from melts that carried the geochemical and isotopic fingerprint typical for a metasomatized mantle wedge above a subduction zone. The Zhulagou peridotite xenoliths have the highest ?7Li values (?+12‰) recorded in Archean peridotites. Isotopically heavy Li and light B in olivine, orthopyroxene, and amphibole from the peridotite xenoliths show that Li and B may decouple during partial melting or fluid release from the subducted slab. The decoupling of Li and B may have a variety of reasons, including different host minerals for Li and B in the source and different protoliths in the subducted slab. The Li and B isotopic record on the recycling of ancient material demonstrates that modern-style subduction operated already in the late Archean.
Abstract: Variscan orogenic lamproites in the Bohemian Massif predominantly occur as 1 to 2?m wide and petrographically uniform dykes along the eastern borders of the Moldanubian and Saxo-Thuringian zones. Variscan orogenic lamproites were derived by preferential melting of subduction-related olivine-free metasomatic vein assemblages stabilised in the lithospheric mantle. These lamproitic melts may subsequently undergo extensive differentiation. In this study, we present the first combined petrographic and Sr-Nd-Pb-Li isotope characteristics of a complex lamproite exposed at ca 100?m long profile near Horní Rokytnice (Czech Republic) in the Saxo-Thuringian Zone. This lamproite is characterised by the primary mineral assemblage of K-amphibole + K-feldspar ± aegirine and quartz that petrographically varies from relatively primitive (fine-grained, mafic) to more differentiated (medium- to coarse-grained, felsic) pegmatitic lamproite domains. These domains may represent the product of crystallisation of immiscible liquids that had separated from the mafic melt. The primitive lamproite zone is characterised by the typomorphic minerals - baotite, benitoite, and henrymeyerite. The more differentiated pegmatitic domains are free of aegirine and show replacement of primary red-luminescent (Fe3+-rich) K-feldspar by blue-luminescent (Fe-poor) K-feldspar. Residual fluids rich in Ca, Ti, and HFSE in combination with the decreasing peralkalinity of the lamproite system resulted in the local formation of secondary zircon, titanite and quartz at the expense of the primary Ti-Ba-Zr-K lamproitic mineral assemblages. Lamproites from the Moldanubian and Saxo-Thuringian zones fall on separate mixing trends in the 87Sr/86Sr(t) - ?Nd(t) diagram, which indicates that the mantle beneath these two zones had been metasomatised by different crustal material. The scatter in the peralkalinity index vs. ?7Li diagram indicates that the Li isotope composition is not controlled by mixing of two end members metasome and ambient depleted mantle alone, but may also be affected by late-stage magmatic and hydrothermal processes. The compositionally zoned Horní Rokytnice dyke is special as the petrographically different types show a variation of about 4 ?-units in ?7Li due to dyke-internal processes, such as fractionation, which increases ?7Li in late-stage lamproitic melts, and post-emplacement interaction with fluids that reduced ?7Li in samples that have lost Li. Post-emplacement alteration also led to the disturbance in the Pb isotope systematics of the differentiated orogenic lamproite as indicated by variable over-correction of in situ radiogenic Pb ingrowth.
Journal of Petrology, Vol. 61, 7, doi.org/10.1093 /petrology/egaa072
Europe
magmatism
Abstract: The orogenic development after the continental collision between Laurussia and Gondwana, led to two contrasting associations of mantle-derived magmatic rocks on the territory of the Bohemian Massif: (i) a 340-310?Ma lamprophyre-lamproite orogenic association; and (ii) a 300-275?Ma lamprophyre association of anorogenic affinity. Major types of potassic mantle-derived magmatic rocks recognized in the orogenic and anorogenic associations include: (i) calc-alkaline to alkaline lamprophyres; (ii) alkaline ‘orthopyroxene minettes’ and geochemically related rocks grouped here under the new term lampyrite; and (iii) peralkaline lamproites. These three types significantly differ with respect to mineral, whole-rock and Sr-Nd-Pb-Li isotope composition and spatial distribution. The calc-alkaline lamprophyres occur throughout the entire Saxo-Thuringian and Moldanubian zones, whereas the different types of malte-derived potassic rocks are spatially restricted to particular zones. Rocks of the Carboniferous lamprophyre-lamproite orogenic association are characterized by variable negative ?Nd(i) and variably radiogenic Sr(i), whereas the rocks of the Permian lamprophyre association of anorogenic affinity are characterized by positive ?Nd(i) and relatively young depleted-mantle Nd-model ages reflecting increasing input from upwelling asthenospheric mantle. The small variation in the Pb isotopic composition of post-collisional potassic mantle-derived magmatic rocks (of both the orogenic and anorogenic series) implies that the Pb budget of the mantle beneath the Bohemian Massif is dominated by the same crust-derived material, which itself may include material derived from several sources. The source rocks of ‘orthopyroxene minettes’ are characterized by isotopically light (‘eclogitic’) Li and strongly radiogenic (crustal) Sr and may have been metasomatized by high-pressure fluids along the edge of a subduction zone. In contrast, the strongly Al2O3 and CaO depleted mantle source of the lamproites is characterized by isotopically heavy Li and high SiO2 and extreme K2O contents. This mantle source may have been metasomatized predominantly by melts. The mantle source of the lamprophyres may have undergone metasomatism by both fluids and melts.
Abstract: The Southern Irumide Belt (SIB) of Zambia consists of predominantly Mesoproterozoic terranes that record a pervasive tectono-metamorphic overprint from collision between the Congo and Kalahari cratons in the final stages of Gondwana amalgamation. This study applies multi-method thermochronology to samples throughout southern Zambia to constrain the post-collisional, Phanerozoic thermo-tectonic evolution of the region. U-Pb apatite and 40Ar/39Ar muscovite data are used to constrain the cooling history of the region following Congo-Kalahari collision, and reveal ages of c. 550-450?Ma. Variations in the recorded cooling ages are interpreted to relate to localised post-tectonic magmatism and the proximity of analysed samples to the Congo-Kalahari suture. Apatite fission track data are used to constrain the low-temperature thermo-tectonic evolution of the region and identify mean central ages of c. 320-300, 210-200 and 120-110?Ma. Thermal modelling of these samples identifies a number of thermal events occurring in the region throughout the Phanerozoic. Carboniferous to Permian-Triassic heating is suggested to relate to the development of Karoo rift basins found throughout central Africa and constrain the timing of sedimentation in the basin. Permian to Jurassic cooling is identified in a number of samples, reflecting exhumation as a result of the Mauritanian-Variscan and Gondwanide orogenies. Subsequent cooling of the majority of samples occurs from the Cretaceous and persists until present, reflecting exhumation in response to larger scale rifting associated with the break-up of Gondwana. Each model reveals a later phase of enhanced cooling beginning at c. 30?Ma that, if not an artefact of modelling, corresponds to the development of the East African Rift System. The obtained thermochronological data elucidate the previously unconstrained thermal evolution of the SIB, and provides a refined regional framework for constraining the tectonic history of central Africa throughout the Phanerozoic.
Abstract: A new Massadou kimberlite field, was discovered in southeastern Guinea, near the town of Macenta. It consists of 16 poorly diamondiferous kimberlite dikes, ~1 m thick on average. The ore-controlling zone has a width of around 600 m, its orientation corresponds to the K-4 trend after S. Haggerty, and it is quite well detectable in satellite images. A thick laterite weathering profile has developed on the kimberlites. The main indicator minerals are pyrope, chromite, and ilmenite. Ilmenite grains have a zoned structure with a high-Fe core (hemoilmenite) overgrown by a parallel-columnar aggregate of Mg-ilmente rim resulting from interaction of the core phase with kimberlitic melt. The age of kimberlites is estimated as 140-145 Ma by analogy with those in adjacent areas. Dikes occur as an independent form of kimberlite magmatism in the Guinean-Liberian shield, rather than being roots of kimberlite pipes; therefore, the erosion cutout is relatively small and large-scale diamond placers should not be expected.
Physicsa Status Solidi , doi:10.1002/pssa.201900888
Global
HPHT
Abstract: Various samples of multisectoral high?pressure high?temperature (HPHT) single?crystal diamond plate (IIa type) (4?×?4?×?0.53?mm) are tested for particle detection applications. The samples are investigated by X?ray diffractometry, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier?transform infrared, and visible/ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectroscopy. High crystalline perfection and low impurity concentration (in the {100} growth sector) are observed. To investigate detector parameters, circular 1.0 and 1.5?mm diameter Pt Schottky barrier contacts are created on {111} and {100} growth sectors. On the backside, a Pt contact (3.5?×?3.5?mm) is produced. The {100} growth sector is proved to be a high?quality detector: the full width at half maximum energy resolution is 0.94% for the 5.489?MeV 226Ra ??line at an operational bias of +500?V. Therefore, it is concluded that the HPHT material {100} growth sector is used for radiation detector production, whose quality is not worse than the chemical vapor deposition method or specially selected natural diamond detectors.
Geochemistry of late stage medium to high K calc alkaline and shoshoninitc dikes in the Ulukla Basin, central Anatolia, Turkey; petrogenesis and tectonics
Geochemistry International, Vol. 46, 11, pp. 1145-1163.
Abstract: Hundred-micrometer-sized calcium-aluminum-silicates (CAS) inclusions occur in moissanite-4H, moissanite-15R, and moissanite-6H from Turkey. These inclusions commonly consist of tabular exsolution lamellae of two different minerals. By combined electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopy analysis, at least eight different, essentially Mg- and Fe-free Ca-Al-silicate or Al-silicate phases have been discerned. The most common phase is dmisteinbergite, a hexagonal modification of CaAl2Si2O8, occurring in association with lamellae of Cax(Al,Si)1?xO3 or Ca1?x(Al,Si)2+xO5 compositions. All three phases contain significant amounts of BaO (up to 2 mol% of celsiane component in dmisteinbergite), SrO, SO3, and light rare earth elements (LREE). In particular, Ca1?x(Al,Si)2+xO5 contains up to 2.1 wt% of LREE, 3.9 wt% of F, and significant traces of Cl, while it is also associated to osbornite (TiN). Pure ghelenite, Ca2Al2SiO7, and three additional compositions, namely CaAl4-xSixO7, Ca1-x(Al,Si)3+xO6, and Ca3-x(Al,Si)6+xO14 have been found, either occurring as single grains or forming exsolution lamellae. They also contain significant amounts of BaO, SrO, SO3, and LREE. One last intriguing phase is composed in average of 65.9 wt% SiO2, 17.4% Al2O3, 3.0% alkalis, 6.0% BaO, 2.0% CaO+MgO, 0.9% ZrO2, and up to 0.5% LREE. Dmisteinbergite and ghelenite show Raman peaks in very good agreement with literature data, Cax(Al,Si)1-xO3 shows main Raman modes at 416 and 1009 cm?1, Ca1-x(Al,Si)3+xO6 at 531 and 1579 cm?1 while Ca3-x(Al,Si)6+xO14 has a strong peak at 553 cm?1. CaAl4-xSixO7 shows a weak Raman pattern, while Ca1-x(Al,Si)2+xO5 has no detectable Raman modes. Since the association moissanite-CAS is thermodynamically not stable at ambient pressure and moissanite crystals hosting the CAS phases have ?13C values typical of deep-mantle origin, we interpret the CAS inclusions as partially retrogressed HP minerals. Striking analogies exist between observed CAS compositions and experimentally obtained HP-HT mineralogy. For instance, Cax(Al,Si)1-xO3 contains up to 25 mol% of Al2O3, which is considered as the upper limit of alumina solubility in Ca-perovskite. The study confirms that CAS phases are an important mantle depository for large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and LREE.
Mineral inclusions in sublithospheric diamonds from Collier 4 kimberlite pipe, Juina, Brazil: subducted protoliths, carbonated melts and primary kimberlite ..
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 160, 4, pp. 489-50.
Abstract: Diamonds from the Machado River alluvial deposit have been characterised on the basis of external morphology, internal textures, carbon isotopic composition, nitrogen concentration and aggregation state and mineral inclusion chemistry. Variations in morphology and features of abrasion suggest some diamonds have been derived directly from local kimberlites, whereas others have been through extensive sedimentary recycling. On the basis of mineral inclusion compositions, both lithospheric and sublithospheric diamonds are present at the deposit. The lithospheric diamonds have clear layer-by-layer octahedral and/or cuboid internal growth zonation, contain measurable nitrogen and indicate a heterogeneous lithospheric mantle beneath the region. The sublithospheric diamonds show a lack of regular sharp zonation, do not contain detectable nitrogen, are isotopically heavy (?13CPDB predominantly ? 0.7 to ? 5.5) and contain inclusions of ferropericlase, former bridgmanite, majoritic garnet and former CaSiO3-perovskite. This suggests source lithologies that are Mg- and Ca-rich, probably including carbonates and serpentinites, subducted to lower mantle depths. The studied suite of sublithospheric diamonds has many similarities to the alluvial diamonds from Kankan, Guinea, but has more extreme variations in mineral inclusion chemistry. Of all superdeep diamond suites yet discovered, Machado River represents an end-member in terms of either the compositional range of materials being subducted to Transition Zone and lower mantle or the process by which materials are transferred from the subducted slab to the diamond-forming region.
Abstract: Diamonds from Dachine, French Guiana, are unique among worldwide diamond populations. The diamonds were transported to the surface in an unusual ultramafic extrusive magma with an affinity to boninite or komatiite, which was emplaced within an arc geological setting at ~ 2.2 Ga. Dachine diamonds have internal and external morphologies indicative of relatively rapid growth from carbon oversaturated fluids or melts, and exhibit internal features consistent with residence in a high-strain environment. On the basis of nitrogen (N) defects the diamonds are categorized as Type Ib-IaA. The unusually low aggregation state of N places severe constraints on the thermal history of the diamonds, effectively ruling out derivation in convecting mantle. The carbon and N isotopic compositions of Dachine diamonds are consistent with a sedimentary source of carbon, with the majority of diamonds having ?13C values < ? 25‰ and ?15N values > + 4‰. The primary carbon was presumably deposited on an early Proterozoic seafloor. Sulphide inclusions have low Ni and Cr and are comparable to lithospheric eclogitic-type sulphide inclusions. Three garnet and one clinopyroxene inclusion are also eclogitic in composition, and one garnet inclusion has a majorite component indicating an origin around 250 km depth. The silicate inclusions are highly depleted in many incompatible trace elements (e.g. LREE, Nb, Hf, Zr), and modelling indicates an eclogitic source lithology that contained a LREE-enriched trace phase such as epidote or allanite, and an HFSE-rich phase such as rutile. Four of the five inclusions are unusually enriched in Mn, as well as Ni and Co, and modelling indicates a protolith with the bulk composition of subducted normal MORB plus about 10% ferromanganese crust component. We suggest a model wherein Dachine diamonds precipitated from remobilized sedimentary carbon at the slab-mantle interface from liquids derived ultimately by deserpentinization of slab peridotite at depths of ~ 200 to 250 km. These fluids may also trigger melting in wedge peridotite, resulting in a volatile-rich ultramafic melt that transports the diamonds rapidly to the surface. The process of diamond formation and exhumation from the slab mantle interface likely occurred in a Paleoproterozoic subduction zone and over a very limited timespan, likely less than a million years.
Godard, G., Frizzotti, M-L., Palmeri, R., Smith, D.C.
Origin of high pressure disordered metastable phases ( Lonsdaleite and incipiently amorphized quartz) in metamorphic rocks: geodynamic shock or crystal-scale overpressure?
In: Ultrahigh Pressure Metamorphism: 25 years after discovery of coesite and diamond. Eds. Dobrzhinetskaya, L., Cuthbert, S., Faryad, W., Elsevier Publ. Pp. 125-148.
Abstract: The chemical and physical processes operating during subduction-zone metamorphism can profoundly influence the cycling of elements on Earth. Deep-Earth carbon (C) cycling and mobility in subduction zones has been of particular recent interest to the scientific community. Here, we present textural and geochemical data (CO, Sr isotopes and bulk and in-situ trace element concentrations) for a suite of ophicarbonate rocks (carbonate-bearing serpentinites) metamorphosed over a range of peak pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions together representing a prograde subduction zone P-T path. These rocks, in order of increasing peak P-T conditions, are the Internal Liguride ophicarbonates (from the Bracco unit, N. Apennines), pumpellyite- and blueschist-facies ophicarbonates from the Sestri-Voltaggio zone (W. Ligurian Alps) and the Queyras (W. Alps), respectively, and eclogite-facies ophicarbonates from the Voltri Massif. The Bracco oceanic ophicarbonates retain breccia-like textures associated with their seafloor hydrothermal and sedimentary origins. Their trace element concentrations and ?18OVSMOW (+15.6 to +18.2‰), ?13CVPDB (+1.1 to +2.5‰) and their 87Sr/86Sr (0.7058 to 0.7068), appear to reflect equilibration during Jurassic seawater-rock interactions. Intense shear deformation characterizes the more deeply subducted ophicarbonates, in which prominent calcite recrystallization and carbonation of serpentinite clasts occurred. The isotopic compositions of the pumpellyite-facies ophicarbonates overlap those of their oceanic equivalents whereas the most deformed blueschist-facies sample shows enrichments in radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr?=?0.7075) and depletion in 13C (with ?13C as low as ?2.0‰). These differing textural and geochemical features for the two suites reflect interaction with fluids in closed and open systems, respectively. The higher-P-metamorphosed ophicarbonates show strong shear textures, with coexisting antigorite and dolomite, carbonate veins crosscutting prograde antigorite foliation and, in some cases, relics of magnesite-nodules enclosed in the foliation. These rocks are characterized by lower ?18O (+10.3 to 13.0‰), enrichment in radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr up to 0.7096) and enrichment in incompatible and fluid-mobile element (FME; e.g., As, Sb, Pb). These data seemingly reflect interaction with externally-derived metamorphic fluids and the infiltrating fluids likely were derived from dehydrating serpentinites with hybrid serpentinite-sediment compositions. The interaction between these two lithologies could have occurred prior to or after dehydration of the serpentinites elsewhere. We suggest that decarbonation and dissolution/precipitation processes operating in ancient subduction zones, and resulting in the mobilization of C, are best traced by a combination of detailed field and petrographic observations, C, O and Sr isotope systematics (i.e., 3D isotopes), and FME inventories. Demonstration of such processes is key to advancing our understanding of the influence of subduction zone metamorphism on the mobilization of C in subducting reservoirs and the efficiency of delivery of this C to depths beneath volcanic arcs and into the deeper mantle.
Journal of Metamorphic Geology, doi.org/10/111/jmg.12566
Mantle
coesite
Abstract: Ultrahigh?pressure (UHP) metamorphism observed in continental terranes implies that continental crust can subduct to ~40 kbar before exhuming to the surface. This process is one of the least understood and widely debated parts of the orogenic cycle. The dominantly felsic composition of UHP continental terranes means that many petrology?based techniques for determining peak pressures and temperatures are often not possible. In such cases, the detection of UHP conditions depends on the preservation of coesite, a rarely preserved mineral in exhumed UHP terranes as it rapidly transforms to quartz on decompression. Consequently, the qualitative identification of palisade quartz microstructures that form during the retrograde transformation of coesite to quartz is often used to identify UHP terranes. In this study, we conduct EBSD and misorientation analysis of palisade quartz inclusions in the coesite?bearing pyrope quartzite from the Dora Maira massif in the Alps, and matrix?scale palisade quartz in the Polokongka La granite from Tso Morari in the Ladakh Himalaya, in order to quantitatively define crystallographic characteristics of quartz after coesite. The repeatability of our observations in two unrelated occurrences of UHP rocks supports our interpretation that the following features provide a systematic and predictable set of criteria to identify the coesite to quartz transition: (1) Quartz crystallographic orientations define spatially and texturally distinct subdomains of palisade quartz grains with ‘single crystal’ orientations defined by distinct c?axis point?maxima. (2) Adjacent subdomains are misorientated with respect to each other by a misorientation angle/axis of 90°/. (3) Within each subdomain, palisade quartz grain boundaries commonly have intra? and inter?granular misorientations of 60°/[0001], consistent with the dauphiné twin law. Our observations imply that the coesite?to?quartz transformation is crystallographically controlled by the epitaxial nucleation of palisade quartz on the former coesite grain, specifically on potential coesite twin planes such as (101) and (021).
Abstract: For the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the pioneering papers that established the basis of plate tectonic, this paper was solicited to illustrate the close relation between tectonics and climate. Amongst the large spectrum of interactions that depict how tectonics modified the climate at geological time steps, we choose to illustrate two major issues: (1) How the “tryptic” climate/long?term carbon cycle/tectonics explains the extraordinary glacial episode (717-635 Ma) occurring during Neoproterozoic era? (2) How major tectonic events (i.e., the slow shrinkage of a huge epicontinental sea and the uplift of large mountains ranges in Asia and Africa) drastically changed the climate and shaped the pattern of present?day monsoons systems. This paper is the result of long?standing collaboration with many researchers from different countries.
Journal of Metamorphic Geology, doi:10.1111/jmg.12599
Canada, Quebec
cratons
Abstract: Dating the onset of continental collision is fundamental in defining orogenic cycles and their effects on regional tectonics and geodynamic processes through time. Part of the Palaeoproterozoic Trans?Hudson Orogen, the Southeastern Churchill Province (SECP) is interpreted to result from the amalgamation of Archean to Palaeoproterozoic crustal blocks (amalgamated as the central Core Zone) that diachronically collided with the margins of the North Atlantic and Superior cratons, resulting in two bounding transpressive orogens: the Torngat and New Quebec Orogens. The SECP exposes mainly gneissic middle to lower orogenic crust in which deformation and amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism and anatexis overprinted the early geological features classically used to constrain the timing of collisional events. To enable improved tectonic models for the development of the SECP, and the Trans?Hudson as a whole, we investigated granulite facies supracrustal sequences from the Tasiuyak Complex (TC) accretionary prism and the western margin of the North Atlantic Craton-that is, Saglek Block (upper plate)-using a multi?chronometer approach coupled with trace element geochemistry. In particular, the use of garnet Lu-Hf geochronology provides an important minimal time constraint for crustal thickening and collision. Garnet growth in the TC is constrained at 1885 ± 12 Ma (Lu-Hf), indistinguishable from U-Pb age of prograde monazite at 1873 ± 5 Ma. Zircon growth during melt crystallization occurred at 1848 ± 12 Ma. Garnet from the overriding Saglek Block is dated at 2567 ± 4.4 Ma (Lu-Hf) and indicates that gneissic rocks from the upper plate did not record the metamorphic imprint of the Torngat Orogeny. The diachronicity of the integrated metamorphic record across the strike of the SECP is explained by the location of terrane boundaries, consistent with the westward growth of the Churchill plate margin through sequential amalgamation of narrow crustal blocks during accretionary tectonics from c. 1.9 to 1.8 Ga.
Journal of Metamorphic Geology, Vol. 39, 8, 31p. Pdf
Canada
geochronology
Abstract: Dating the onset of continental collision is fundamental in defining orogenic cycles and their effects on regional tectonics and geodynamic processes through time. Part of the Palaeoproterozoic Trans-Hudson Orogen, the Southeastern Churchill Province (SECP) is interpreted to result from the amalgamation of Archean to Palaeoproterozoic crustal blocks (amalgamated as the central Core Zone) that diachronically collided with the margins of the North Atlantic and Superior cratons, resulting in two bounding transpressive orogens: the Torngat and New Quebec Orogens. The SECP exposes mainly gneissic middle to lower orogenic crust in which deformation and amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism and anatexis overprinted the early geological features classically used to constrain the timing of collisional events. To enable improved tectonic models for the development of the SECP, and the Trans-Hudson as a whole, we investigated granulite facies supracrustal sequences from the Tasiuyak Complex (TC) accretionary prism and the western margin of the North Atlantic Craton—that is, Saglek Block (upper plate)—using a multi-chronometer approach coupled with trace element geochemistry. In particular, the use of garnet Lu-Hf geochronology provides an important minimal time constraint for crustal thickening and collision. Garnet growth in the TC is constrained at 1885 ± 12 Ma (Lu-Hf), indistinguishable from U-Pb age of prograde monazite at 1873 ± 5 Ma. Zircon growth during melt crystallization occurred at 1848 ± 12 Ma. Garnet from the overriding Saglek Block is dated at 2567 ± 4.4 Ma (Lu-Hf) and indicates that gneissic rocks from the upper plate did not record the metamorphic imprint of the Torngat Orogeny. The diachronicity of the integrated metamorphic record across the strike of the SECP is explained by the location of terrane boundaries, consistent with the westward growth of the Churchill plate margin through sequential amalgamation of narrow crustal blocks during accretionary tectonics from c. 1.9 to 1.8 Ga.
Journal of South American Earth Sciences, Vol. 97, 102416, 7p. Pdf
South America, Brazil, Minas Gerais
carbonatite
Abstract: The Alto Parnaíba Igneous Province (APIP) is a voluminous magmatic province composed of various alkaline-carbonatite complexes emplaced in the Brasilia Mobile Belt during the Cretaceous. Relative timing of emplacement of silicate and carbonate magmas in most of these complexes remains mostly unresolved due to conflicting geochronological results. To determine the duration of magmatism and to test the possible existence of multiple magmatic events, we employ 40Ar/39Ar phlogopite single crystal dating to determine the history of magma emplacement at the Tapira alkaline-carbonatite complex, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new single crystal data indicate at least two magmatic events during the emplacement of this complex, the first at > 96.2 ± 0.8 Ma and the second at 79.15 ± 0.6 Ma. The first igneous event was responsible for emplacement of the silicate plutonic series, while the second event corresponds to the emplacement of primarily carbonatitic magmas, generating metasomatic phlogopite alteration in bebedourites. The ages of intrusion and cooling of the alkaline-carbonatite complexes in the APIP must be investigated in other complexes to determine if intrusion intervals of ~17 Ma or more are common regionally. Protracted intrusive events, if related to magma generation by passage of South America over a stationary Trindade plume, requires complex ponding and lateral magma flow below a slow-moving continent.
Abstract: Kimberlite magmas are of economic and scientific importance because they represent the major host to diamonds and are probably the deepest magmas from continental regions. In addition, kimberlite magmas transport abundant mantle and crustal xenoliths, thus providing fundamental information on the composition of the sub-continental lithosphere. Despite their importance, the composition and ascent mechanism(s) of kimberlite melts remain poorly constrained. Phlogopite is one of the few minerals that preserves a history of fluid migration and magmatism in the mantle and crust and is therefore an invaluable petrogenetic indicator of kimberlite magma evolution. Here we present major and trace element compositional data for phlogopite from the Bultfontein kimberlite (Kimberley, South Africa; i.e. the kimberlite type-locality) and from entrained mantle xenoliths. Phlogopite macrocrysts (~ > 0.3-0.5 mm) and microcrysts (between ~ 0.1 and 0.3 mm) in the Bultfontein kimberlite display concentric compositional zoning patterns. The cores of these phlogopite grains exhibit compositions typical of phlogopite contained in peridotite mantle xenoliths. However, the rims of some grains show compositions analogous to kimberlite groundmass phlogopite (i.e. high Ti, Al and Ba; low Cr), whereas other rims and intermediate zones (between cores and rims) exhibit unusually elevated Cr and lower Al and Ba concentrations. The latter compositions are indistinguishable from matrix phlogopite in polymict breccia xenoliths (considered to represent failed kimberlite intrusions) and from Ti-rich overgrowth rims on phlogopite in other mantle xenoliths. Consequently, it is likely that these phlogopite grains crystallized from kimberlite melts and that the high Ti-Cr zones originated from earlier kimberlite melts at mantle depths. We postulate that successive pulses of ascending kimberlite magma progressively metasomatised the conduit along which later kimberlite pulses ascended, producing progressively decreasing interaction with the surrounding mantle rocks. In our view, these processes represent the fundamental mechanism of kimberlite magma ascent. Our study also indicates that, in addition to xenoliths/xenocrysts and magmatic phases, kimberlite rocks incorporate material crystallized at various mantle depths by previous kimberlite intrusions (mantle-derived ‘antecrysts’).
Abstract: Oldoinyo Lengai is situated within the Gregory Rift Valley (northern Tanzania) and is the only active volcano erupting natrocarbonatite lava. This study investigates the texture and mineralogy of the June 1993 lava at Oldoinyo Lengai, and presents petrographic evidence of liquid immiscibility between silicate, carbonate, chloride, and fluoride melt phases. The 1993 lava is a porphyritic natrocarbonatite consisting of abundant phenocrysts of alkali carbonates, nyerereite and gregoryite, set in a quenched groundmass, composed of sodium carbonate, khanneshite, Na-sylvite and K-halite, and a calcium fluoride phase. Dispersed in the lava are silicate spheroids (< 2 mm) with a cryptocrystalline silicate mineral assemblage wrapped around a core mineral. We have identified several textural features preserved in the silicate spheroids, melt inclusions, and carbonatite groundmass that exhibit evidence of silicate-carbonate, carbonate-carbonate and carbonate-halide immiscibility. Rapid quenching of the lava facilitated the preservation of the end products of these liquid immiscibility processes within the groundmass. Textural evidence (at both macro- and micro-scales) indicates that the silicate, carbonate, chloride and fluoride phases of the lava unmixed at different stages of evolution in the magmatic system.
Abstract: The petrogenesis of kimberlites is commonly obscured by interaction with hydrothermal fluids, including deuteric (late-magmatic) and/or groundwater components. To provide new constraints on the modification of kimberlite rocks during fluid interaction and the fractionation of kimberlite magmas during crystallisation, we have undertaken a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of a hypabyssal sample (BK) from the Bultfontein kimberlite (Kimberley, South Africa). Sample BK consists of abundant macrocrysts (> 1 mm) and (micro-) phenocrysts of olivine and lesser phlogopite, smaller grains of apatite, serpentinised monticellite, spinel, perovskite, phlogopite and ilmenite in a matrix of calcite, serpentine and dolomite. As in kimberlites worldwide, BK olivine grains consist of cores with variable Mg/Fe ratios, overgrown by rims that host inclusions of groundmass phases (spinel, perovskite, phlogopite) and have constant Mg/Fe, but variable Ni, Mn and Ca concentrations. Primary multiphase inclusions in the outer rims of olivine and in Fe-Ti-rich (‘MUM’) spinel are dominated by dolomite, calcite and alkali carbonates with lesser silicate and oxide minerals. Secondary inclusions in olivine host an assemblage of Na-K carbonates and chlorides. The primary inclusions are interpreted as crystallised alkali-Si-bearing Ca-Mg-rich carbonate melts, whereas secondary inclusions host Na-K-rich C-O-H-Cl fluids. In situ Sr-isotope analyses of groundmass calcite and perovskite reveal similar 87Sr/86Sr ratios to perovskite in the Bultfontein and the other Kimberley kimberlites, i.e. magmatic values. The ?18O composition of the BK bulk carbonate fraction is above the mantle range, whereas the ?13C values are similar to those of mantle-derived magmas. The occurrence of different generations of serpentine and occasional groundmass calcite with high 87Sr/86Sr, and elevated bulk carbonate ?18O values indicate that the kimberlite was overprinted by hydrothermal fluids, which probably included a significant groundwater component. Before this alteration the groundmass included calcite, monticellite, apatite and minor dolomite, phlogopite, spinel, perovskite and ilmenite. Inclusions of groundmass minerals in olivine rims and phlogopite phenocrysts show that olivine and phlogopite also belong to the magmatic assemblage. We therefore suggest that the crystallised kimberlite was produced by an alkali-bearing, phosphorus-rich, silica-dolomitic melt. The alkali-Si-bearing Ca-Mg-rich carbonate compositions of primary melt inclusions in the outer rims of olivine and in spinel grains with evolved compositions (MUM spinel) support formation of these melts after fractionation of abundant olivine, and probably other phases (e.g., ilmenite and chromite). Finally, the similarity between secondary inclusions in kimberlite olivine of this and other worldwide kimberlites and secondary inclusions in minerals of carbonatitic, mafic and felsic magmatic rocks, suggests trapping of residual Na-K-rich C-O-H-Cl fluids after groundmass crystallisation. These residual fluids may have persisted in pore spaces within the largely crystalline BK groundmass and subsequently mixed with larger volumes of external fluids, which triggered serpentine formation and localised carbonate recrystallisation.
Abstract: Oldoinyo Lengai is situated within the Gregory Rift Valley (northern Tanzania) and is the only active volcano erupting natrocarbonatite lava. This study investigates the texture and mineralogy of the June 1993 lava at Oldoinyo Lengai, and presents petrographic evidence of liquid immiscibility between silicate, carbonate, chloride, and fluoride melt phases. The 1993 lava is a porphyritic natrocarbonatite consisting of abundant phenocrysts of alkali carbonates, nyerereite and gregoryite, set in a quenched groundmass, composed of sodium carbonate, khanneshite, Na-sylvite and K-halite, and a calcium fluoride phase. Dispersed in the lava are silicate spheroids (< 2 mm) with a cryptocrystalline silicate mineral assemblage wrapped around a core mineral. We have identified several textural features preserved in the silicate spheroids, melt inclusions, and carbonatite groundmass that exhibit evidence of silicate-carbonate, carbonate-carbonate and carbonate-halide immiscibility. Rapid quenching of the lava facilitated the preservation of the end products of these liquid immiscibility processes within the groundmass. Textural evidence (at both macro- and micro-scales) indicates that the silicate, carbonate, chloride and fluoride phases of the lava unmixed at different stages of evolution in the magmatic system.
Abstract: The abundance and distribution of halogens (F, Cl) are rarely recorded in kimberlites and therefore their petrogenetic significance is poorly constrained. Halogens are usually present in kimberlite rocks in the structure of phlogopite and apatite, but their original concentrations are never fully retained due to the effects of alteration. To provide new constraints on the origin and evolution of halogens in kimberlites and their melts, we present a detailed study of the petrography and geochemistry of the late-Cretaceous Group-I (or archetypal) Roger kimberlite (Ekati cluster, Canada). The studied samples contain abundant anhedral-to-euhedral olivine which is set in a crystalline groundmass of monticellite, phlogopite, apatite, spinel (i.e. magnesian ulvöspinel-magnetite (MUM), Mg-magnetite, pleonaste, Cr-spinel), and perovskite along with abundant secondary alteration phases (i.e. serpentine, garnet (andradite-schlorlomite), amakinite ((Fe2 +, Mg, Mn)(OH)2), calcite). The Roger kimberlite is characterised by the highest recorded F-content (up to 2688 ppm) of the Ekati cluster kimberlites, which is reflected by the preservation of F-rich phases, where bultfonteinite (Ca4(Si2O7)(F, OH)2) and fluorite commonly replace olivine. In order to examine the composition and evolution of the kimberlite melt prior to post-magmatic processes, we studied melt inclusions in olivine, Cr-spinel, monticellite and apatite. Primary multiphase melt inclusions in Cr-spinel, monticellite and apatite and secondary inclusions in olivine are shown to contain a diversity of daughter phases and compositions that are dominated by alkali/alkali-earth (Na, K, Ba, Sr)-enriched Ca-Mg-carbonates ± F, Na-K-chlorides and sulphates, phosphates ± REE, spinel, silicates (e.g. olivine, phlogopite, (clino)humite), and sulphides. Although alkali/alkali-earth- and halogen-bearing phases are abundant in melt inclusions, they are generally absent from the kimberlite groundmass, most likely due to ubiquitous effects of syn- and/or post-magmatic alteration (i.e. serpentinisation). Comparisons between halogens and other trace elements of similar compatibility (i.e. F/Nd and Cl/U) in the Roger kimberlite and their respective estimated primitive mantle abundances show that halogens should be a more significant component in kimberlites than typically measured. We propose that fluorine in the Roger kimberlite was magmatic and was redistributed during hydrothermal alteration by Ca-bearing serpentinising fluids to produce the observed bultfonteinite/fluorite assemblages. Based the compositions and daughter mineral assemblages in primary melt inclusions and reconstructed halogen abundances, we suggest that Cr-spinel, monticellite and apatite crystallised from a variably differentiated Si-P-Cl-F-bearing carbonate melt that was enriched in alkalis/alkali-earths and highly incompatible trace elements
Abstract: Monticellite is a magmatic and/or deuteric mineral that is often present, but widely varying in concentrations in Group-I (or archetypal) kimberlites. To provide new constraints on the petrogenesis of monticellite and its potential significance to kimberlite melt evolution, we examine the petrography and geochemistry of the minimally altered hypabyssal monticellite-rich Leslie (Canada) and Pipe 1 (Finland) kimberlites. In these kimberlites, monticellite (Mtc) is abundant (25–45 vol%) and can be classified into two distinct morphological types: discrete and intergrown groundmass grains (Mtc-I), and replacement of olivine (Mtc-II).
Monticellite in group-I kimberlites: Implications for evolution of parental melts and post-emplacement CO 2 degassing (PDF Download Available).
Abstract: The abundance and distribution of halogens (F, Cl) are rarely recorded in kimberlites and therefore their petrogenetic significance is poorly constrained. Halogens are usually present in kimberlite rocks in the structure of phlogopite and apatite, but their original concentrations are never fully retained due to the effects of alteration. To provide new constraints on the origin and evolution of halogens in kimberlites and their melts, we present a detailed study of the petrography and geochemistry of the late-Cretaceous Group-I (or archetypal) Roger kimberlite (Ekati cluster, Canada). The studied samples contain abundant anhedral-to-euhedral olivine which is set in a crystalline groundmass of monticellite, phlogopite, apatite, spinel (i.e. magnesian ulvöspinel-magnetite (MUM), Mg-magnetite, pleonaste, Cr-spinel), and perovskite along with abundant secondary alteration phases (i.e. serpentine, garnet (andradite-schlorlomite), amakinite ((Fe2 +, Mg, Mn)(OH)2), calcite). The Roger kimberlite is characterised by the highest recorded F-content (up to 2688 ppm) of the Ekati cluster kimberlites, which is reflected by the preservation of F-rich phases, where bultfonteinite (Ca4(Si2O7)(F, OH)2) and fluorite commonly replace olivine. In order to examine the composition and evolution of the kimberlite melt prior to post-magmatic processes, we studied melt inclusions in olivine, Cr-spinel, monticellite and apatite. Primary multiphase melt inclusions in Cr-spinel, monticellite and apatite and secondary inclusions in olivine are shown to contain a diversity of daughter phases and compositions that are dominated by alkali/alkali-earth (Na, K, Ba, Sr)-enriched Ca-Mg-carbonates ± F, Na-K-chlorides and sulphates, phosphates ± REE, spinel, silicates (e.g. olivine, phlogopite, (clino)humite), and sulphides. Although alkali/alkali-earth- and halogen-bearing phases are abundant in melt inclusions, they are generally absent from the kimberlite groundmass, most likely due to ubiquitous effects of syn- and/or post-magmatic alteration (i.e. serpentinisation). Comparisons between halogens and other trace elements of similar compatibility (i.e. F/Nd and Cl/U) in the Roger kimberlite and their respective estimated primitive mantle abundances show that halogens should be a more significant component in kimberlites than typically measured. We propose that fluorine in the Roger kimberlite was magmatic and was redistributed during hydrothermal alteration by Ca-bearing serpentinising fluids to produce the observed bultfonteinite/fluorite assemblages. Based the compositions and daughter mineral assemblages in primary melt inclusions and reconstructed halogen abundances, we suggest that Cr-spinel, monticellite and apatite crystallised from a variably differentiated Si-P-Cl-F-bearing carbonate melt that was enriched in alkalis/alkali-earths and highly incompatible trace elements.
Abstract: Monticellite is a magmatic and/or deuteric mineral that is often present, but widely varying in concentrations in Group-I (or archetypal) kimberlites. To provide new constraints on the petrogenesis of monticellite and its potential significance to kimberlite melt evolution, we examine the petrography and geochemistry of the minimally altered hypabyssal monticellite-rich Leslie (Canada) and Pipe 1 (Finland) kimberlites. In these kimberlites, monticellite (Mtc) is abundant (25-45 vol%) and can be classified into two distinct morphological types: discrete and intergrown groundmass grains (Mtc-I), and replacement of olivine (Mtc-II). Primary multiphase melt inclusions in monticellite, perovskite and Mg-magnetite contain assemblages dominated by alkali (Na, K, Ba, Sr)-enriched Ca-Mg-carbonates, chlorides, phosphates, spinel, silicates (e.g. olivine, phlogopite) and sulphides. These melt inclusions probably represent snapshots of a variably differentiated kimberlite melt that evolved in-situ towards carbonatitic and silica-poor compositions. Although unconstrained in their concentration, the presence of alkali-carbonates and chlorides in melt inclusions suggests they are a more significant component of the kimberlite melt than commonly recorded by whole-rock analyses. We present petrographic and textural evidence showing that pseudomorphic Mtc-II resulted from an in-situ reaction between olivine and the carbonate component of the kimberlite melt in the decarbonation reactio. This reaction is supported by the preservation of abundant primary inclusions of periclase and to a lesser extent Fe-Mg-oxides in monticellite, perovskite and Mg-magnetite. Based on the preservation of primary periclase inclusions, we infer that periclase also existed in the groundmass, but was subsequently altered to brucite. We suggest that CO2 degassing in the latter stages of kimberlite emplacement into the crust is largely driven by the observed reaction between olivine and the carbonate melt. For this reaction to proceed, CO2 should be removed (i.e. degassed), which will cause further reaction and additional degassing in response to this chemical system change (Le Chatelier's principle). Our study demonstrates that these proposed decarbonation reactions may be a commonly overlooked process in the crystallisation of monticellite and exsolution of CO2, which may in turn contribute to the explosive eruption and brecciation processes that occur during kimberlite magma emplacement and pipe formation.
Mineralogy and Petrology, doi.org/10.1007/s00710-018-0607-6 16p.
Canada, Northwest Territories, South America, Brazil
deposit - Ekati, Grizzly, Kaola, Limpeza-18, Tres Ranchos-04, Kaalvallei, Samada, New Robinson
Abstract: Olivine in kimberlites can provide unique insights into magma petrogenesis, because it is the most abundant xenocrystic phase and a stable magmatic product over most of the liquid line of descent. In this study we examined the petrography and chemistry of olivine in kimberlites from different tectonic settings, including the Slave craton, Canada (Ekati: Grizzly, Koala), the Brasilia mobile belt (Limpeza-18, Tres Ranchos-04), and the Kaapvaal craton, South Africa (Kaalvallei: Samada, New Robinson). Olivine cores display a wide range of compositions (e.g., Mg#?=?78-95). The similarity in olivine composition, resorption of core zones and inclusions of mantle-derived phases, indicates that most olivine cores originated from the disaggregation of mantle peridotites, including kimberlite-metasomatised lithologies (i.e. sheared lherzolites and megacrysts). Olivine rims typically show a restricted range of Mg#, with decreasing Ni and increasing Mn and Ca contents, a characteristic of kimberlitic olivine worldwide. The rims host inclusions of groundmass minerals, which implies crystallisation just before and/or during emplacement. There is a direct correlation between olivine rim composition and groundmass mineralogy, whereby high Mg/Fe rims are associated with carbonate-rich kimberlites, and lower Mg/Fe rims are correlated with increased phlogopite and Fe-bearing oxide mineral abundances. There are no differences in olivine composition between explosive (Grizzly) and hypabyssal (Koala) kimberlites. Olivine in kimberlites also displays transitional zones and less common internal zones, between cores and rims. The diffuse transitional zones exhibit intermediate compositions between cores and rims, attributed to partial re-equilibration of xenocrystic cores with the ascending kimberlite melt. In contrast, internal zones form discrete layers with resorbed margins and restricted Mg# values, but variable Ni, Mn and Ca concentrations, which indicates a discrete crystallization event from precursor kimberlite melts at mantle depths. Overall, olivine exhibits broadly analogous zoning in kimberlites worldwide. Variable compositions for individual zones relate to different parental melt compositions rather than variations in tectonic setting or emplacement mechanism.
Abstract: The petrologically unique Udachnaya-East kimberlite (Siberia, Russia) is characterised by unserpentinised and H2O-poor volcaniclastic and coherent units that contain fresh olivine, along with abundant alkali-rich carbonates, chlorides, sulphides and sulphates in the groundmass. These mineralogical and geochemical characteristics have led to two divergent models that advocate different origins. It has been suggested that the unserpentinised units from Udachnaya-East are representative of pristine unaltered kimberlite. Conversely, the alkali-chlorine-sulphur enrichment has been attributed to interactions with crustal materials and/or post-emplacement contamination by brines. The mineralogical and geochemical features and the compositions of melt inclusions in unserpentinised and serpentinised Udachnaya-East kimberlite varieties are compared in this study. Both varieties of kimberlite have similar major, compatible and incompatible trace element concentrations and primitive mantle normalised trace element patterns, groundmass textures and silicate, oxide and sulphide mineral compositions. However, these two kimberlite varieties are distinguished by: (i) the presence of unaltered olivine, abundant Na-K-Cl-S-rich minerals (i.e. chlorides, S-bearing alkali-carbonates, sodalite) and the absence of H2O-rich phases (i.e. serpentine, iowaite (Mg4Fe3+(OH)8OCl•3(H2O)) in unserpentinised samples, and (ii) the absence of alkali- and chlorine-enriched phases in the groundmass and characteristic olivine alteration (i.e. replacement by serpentine and/or iowaite) in serpentinised samples. In addition, melt inclusions hosted in olivine, monticellite, spinel and perovskite from unserpentinised and serpentinised kimberlite contain identical daughter phase assemblages that are dominated by alkali-carbonates, chlorides and sulphates/sulphides. This enrichment in alkalis, chlorine and sulphur in melt inclusions demonstrates that these elements were an intrinsic part of the parental magma. The paucity of alkali-carbonates and chlorides in the groundmass of serpentinised Udachnaya-East kimberlite is attributed to their instability and removal during post-emplacement alteration. All evidence previously used in support of crustal and brine contamination of the Udachnaya-East kimberlite is thoroughly evaluated. We demonstrate that ‘contamination models’ are inconsistent with petrographic, geochemical and melt inclusion data. Our combined data suggest that the Udachnaya-East kimberlite crystallised from an essentially H2O-poor, Si-Na-K-Cl-S-bearing carbonate-rich melt.
Abstract: The Benfontein kimberlite is a renowned example of a sill complex and provides an excellent opportunity to examine the emplacement and evolution of intrusive kimberlite magmas. We have undertaken a detailed petrographic and melt inclusion study of the Benfontein Upper, Middle and Lower sills. These sills range in thickness from 0.25 to 5?m. New perovskite and baddeleyite U/Pb dating produced ages of 85.7?±?4.4?Ma and 86.5?±?2.6?Ma, respectively, which are consistent with previous age determinations and indicate emplacement coeval with other kimberlites of the Kimberley cluster. The Benfontein sills are characterised by large variations in texture (e.g., layering) and mineral modal abundance between different sill levels and within individual samples. The Lower Sill is characterised by carbonate-rich diapirs, which intrude into oxide-rich layers from underlying carbonate-rich levels. The general paucity of xenogenic mantle material in the Benfontein sills is attributed to its separation from the host magma during flow differentiation during lateral spreading. The low viscosity is likely responsible for non-explosive emplacement of the Benfontein sills, while the rhythmic layering is attributed to multiple magma injections. The Benfontein sills are marked by the excellent preservation of olivine and groundmass mineralogy, which is composed of monticellite, spinel, perovskite, baddeleyite, ilmenite, apatite, calcite, dolomite along with secondary serpentine and glagolevite [NaMg6[Si3AlO10](OH,O)8•H2O]. This is the first time glagolevite is reported in kimberlites. Groundmass spinel exhibits atoll-textures and is composed of a magnesian ulvöspinel magnetite (MUM) or chromite core, surrounded by occasional pleonaste and a rim of Mg-Al-magnetite. We suggest that pleonaste crystallised as a magmatic phase, but was resorbed back into the residual host melt and/or removed by alteration. Analyses of secondary inclusions in olivine and primary inclusions in monticellite, spinel, perovskite, apatite and interstitial calcite are largely composed of Ca-Mg carbonates and, to a lesser extent, alkali-carbonates and other phases. These inclusions probably represent the entrapment of variably differentiated parental kimberlite melts, which became progressively more enriched in carbonate, alkalis, halogens and sulphur during crystal fractionation. Carbonate-rich diapirs from the Lower Sill contain more exotic phase assemblages (e.g., Ba-Fe titanate, barite, ancylite, pyrochlore), which probably result from the extreme differentiation of residual kimberlite melts followed by physical separation and isolation from the parental carbonate-rich magma. It is likely that any alkali or halogen rich minerals crystallising in the groundmass were removed from the groundmass during syn?/post-magmatic alteration, or in the case of Na, remobilised to form secondary glagolevite. The Benfontein sill complex therefore provides a unique example of how the composition of kimberlites may be modified after magma emplacement in the upper crust.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 173, 12, pp. 106-
Russia, Kola Peninsula
deposit - Afrikanda
Abstract: Perovskite is a common accessory mineral in a variety of mafic and ultramafic rocks, but perovskite deposits are rare and studies of perovskite ore deposits are correspondingly scarce. Perovskite is a key rock-forming mineral and reaches exceptionally high concentrations in olivinites, diverse clinopyroxenites and silicocarbonatites in the Afrikanda alkaline-ultramafic complex (Kola Peninsula, NW Russia). Across these lithologies, we classify perovskite into three types (T1-T3) based on crystal morphology, inclusion abundance, composition, and zonation. Perovskite in olivinites and some clinopyroxenites is represented by fine-grained, equigranular, monomineralic clusters and networks (T1). In contrast, perovskite in other clinopyroxenites and some silicocarbonatites has fine- to coarse-grained interlocked (T2) and massive (T3) textures. Electron backscatter diffraction reveals that some T1 and T2 perovskite grains in the olivinites and clinopyroxenites are composed of multiple subgrains and may represent stages of crystal rotation, coalescence and amalgamation. We propose that in the olivinites and clinopyroxenites, these processes result in the transformation of clusters and networks of fine-grained perovskite crystals (T1) to mosaics of more coarse-grained (T2) and massive perovskite (T3). This interpretation suggests that sub-solidus processes can lead to the development of coarse-grained and massive perovskite. A combination of characteristic features identified in the Afrikanda perovskite (equigranular crystal mosaics, interlocked irregular-shaped grains, and massive zones) is observed in other oxide ore deposits, particularly in layered intrusions of chromitites and intrusion-hosted magnetite deposits and suggests that the same amalgamation processes may be responsible for some of the coarse-grained and massive textures observed in oxide deposits worldwide.
Abstract: The Benfontein kimberlite is a renowned example of a sill complex and provides an excellent opportunity to examine the emplacement and evolution of intrusive kimberlite magmas. We have undertaken a detailed petrographic and melt inclusion study of the Benfontein Upper, Middle and Lower sills. These sills range in thickness from 0.25 to 5?m. New perovskite and baddeleyite U/Pb dating produced ages of 85.7?±?4.4?Ma and 86.5?±?2.6?Ma, respectively, which are consistent with previous age determinations and indicate emplacement coeval with other kimberlites of the Kimberley cluster. The Benfontein sills are characterised by large variations in texture (e.g., layering) and mineral modal abundance between different sill levels and within individual samples. The Lower Sill is characterised by carbonate-rich diapirs, which intrude into oxide-rich layers from underlying carbonate-rich levels. The general paucity of xenogenic mantle material in the Benfontein sills is attributed to its separation from the host magma during flow differentiation during lateral spreading. The low viscosity is likely responsible for non-explosive emplacement of the Benfontein sills, while the rhythmic layering is attributed to multiple magma injections. The Benfontein sills are marked by the excellent preservation of olivine and groundmass mineralogy, which is composed of monticellite, spinel, perovskite, baddeleyite, ilmenite, apatite, calcite, dolomite along with secondary serpentine and glagolevite [NaMg6[Si3AlO10](OH,O)8•H2O]. This is the first time glagolevite is reported in kimberlites. Groundmass spinel exhibits atoll-textures and is composed of a magnesian ulvöspinel - magnetite (MUM) or chromite core, surrounded by occasional pleonaste and a rim of Mg-Al-magnetite. We suggest that pleonaste crystallised as a magmatic phase, but was resorbed back into the residual host melt and/or removed by alteration. Analyses of secondary inclusions in olivine and primary inclusions in monticellite, spinel, perovskite, apatite and interstitial calcite are largely composed of Ca-Mg carbonates and, to a lesser extent, alkali-carbonates and other phases. These inclusions probably represent the entrapment of variably differentiated parental kimberlite melts, which became progressively more enriched in carbonate, alkalis, halogens and sulphur during crystal fractionation. Carbonate-rich diapirs from the Lower Sill contain more exotic phase assemblages (e.g., Ba-Fe titanate, barite, ancylite, pyrochlore), which probably result from the extreme differentiation of residual kimberlite melts followed by physical separation and isolation from the parental carbonate-rich magma. It is likely that any alkali or halogen rich minerals crystallising in the groundmass were removed from the groundmass during syn?/post-magmatic alteration, or in the case of Na, remobilised to form secondary glagolevite. The Benfontein sill complex therefore provides a unique example of how the composition of kimberlites may be modified after magma emplacement in the upper crust.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 174, 8 22p.
Africa, South Africa, Russia, Canada, Northwest Territories
deposit - Bultfontein, Roberts Victor, Udachnaya-East, Obnazhennaya, Vtorogodnitsa, Koala, Leslie
Abstract: Djerfisherite (K6(Fe,Ni,Cu)25S26Cl) occurs as an accessory phase in the groundmass of many kimberlites, kimberlite-hosted mantle xenoliths, and as a daughter inclusion phase in diamonds and kimberlitic minerals. Djerfisherite typically occurs as replacement of pre-existing Fe-Ni-Cu sulphides (i.e. pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite), but can also occur as individual grains, or as poikilitic phase in the groundmass of kimberlites. In this study, we present new constraints on the origin and genesis of djerfisherite in kimberlites and their entrained xenoliths. Djerfisherite has extremely heterogeneous compositions in terms of Fe, Ni and Cu ratios. However, there appears to be no distinct compositional range of djerfisherite indicative of a particular setting (i.e. kimberlites, xenoliths or diamonds), rather this compositional diversity reflects the composition of the host kimberlite melt and/or interacting metasomatic medium. In addition, djerfisherite may contain K and Cl contents less than the ideal formula unit. Raman spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) revealed that these K-Cl poor sulphides still maintain the same djerfisherite crystal structure. Two potential mechanisms for djerfisherite formation are considered: (1) replacement of pre-existing Fe-Ni-Cu sulphides by djerfisherite, which is attributed to precursor sulphides reacting with metasomatic K-Cl bearing melts/fluids in the mantle or the transporting kimberlite melt; (2) direct crystallisation of djerfisherite from the kimberlite melt in groundmass or due to kimberlite melt infiltration into xenoliths. The occurrence of djerfisherite in kimberlites and its mantle cargo from localities worldwide provides strong evidence that the metasomatising/infiltrating kimberlite melt/fluid was enriched in K and Cl. We suggest that kimberlites originated from melts that were more enriched in alkalis and halogens relative to their whole-rock compositions.
Abstract: Megacrysts are large (cm to >20?cm in size) mantle-derived crystals, which are commonly entrained by kimberlite magmas, comprising of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, phlogopite, garnet, ilmenite and zircon as common phases. Numerous studies have shown megacrysts to contain polymineralic inclusions, which have been interpreted to represent entrapped kimberlite melt. To constrain the origin of these inclusions in megacrysts and their relationship to kimberlite magmatism, we present a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of clinopyroxene and olivine megacrysts and their hosted inclusions from the Diavik, Jericho, Leslie (Slave Craton, Canada) and Udachnaya-East (Siberian Craton, Russia) kimberlites. The studied megacrysts are between 1 and 3?cm in size and representative of both the Cr-rich and Cr-poor suites. Megacrysts contain two types of inclusions: i. Large (<0.5-5?mm in size) round-to-irregular shaped polymineralic inclusions, which are composed of minerals similar to the host kimberlite groundmass, and consist of olivine, calcite, spinel, perovskite, phlogopite and apatite (± serpentine, alkali-carbonates, alkali-chlorides, barite). ii. Swarms/trails of ‘micro melt inclusions’ (MMI; <1-5??m in size), which surround polymineralic inclusions, veins and fractures, thereby forming a ‘spongy’ texture. MMIs generally contain multiphase assemblages similar to polymineralic inclusions as well as various additional phases, such as alkali-carbonates or alkali-chlorides, which are typically absent in polymineralic inclusions and the surrounding kimberlite groundmass. Textural and geochemical evidence suggests that polymineralic inclusions in megacrysts crystallised from kimberlite melt, which infiltrated along fracture/vein networks. The polymineralic inclusion assemblages resulted from disequilibria reactions between the host megacryst and infiltrating kimberlite melt, which was likely enhanced by rapidly changing conditions during magmatic ascent. The connectivity of polymineralic inclusions to the kimberlite groundmass via network veins/fractures suggests that they are susceptible to infiltrating post-emplacement fluids. Therefore, the vast majority of polymineralic inclusions are unlikely to represent ‘pristine’ entrapped kimberlite melt. In contrast, MMIs are isolated within megacrysts (i.e. not connected to fractures/veins and therefore shielded from post-magmatic fluids) and probably represent entrapped remnants of the variably differentiated kimberlite melt, which was more enriched in alkalis-Cl-S-CO2 than serpentinised polymineralic inclusions and the host rocks exposed at Earth's surface as kimberlites.
Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, in press available, 21p.
Asia, Mongolia
olivine
Abstract: A new olivine reference material - MongOL Sh11?2 - for in situ analysis has been prepared from the central portion of a large (20 × 20 × 10 cm) mantle peridotite xenolith from a ~ 0.5 My old basaltic breccia at Shavaryn?Tsaram, Tariat region, central Mongolia. The xenolith is a fertile mantle lherzolite with minimal signs of alteration. Approximately 10 g of 0.5-2 mm gem quality olivine fragments were separated under binocular microscope and analysed by EPMA, LA?ICP?MS, SIMS and bulk analytical methods (ID?ICP?MS for Mg and Fe, XRF, ICP?MS) for major, minor and trace elements at six institutions world?wide. The results show that the olivine fragments are sufficiently homogeneous with respect to major (Mg, Fe, Si), minor and trace elements. Significant inhomogeneity was revealed only for phosphorus (homogeneity index of 12.4), whereas Li, Na, Al, Sc, Ti and Cr show minor inhomogeneity (homogeneity index of 1-2). The presence of some mineral and fluid?melt micro?inclusions may be responsible for the inconsistency in mass fractions obtained by in situ and bulk analytical methods for Al, Cu, Sr, Zr, Ga, Dy and Ho. Here we report reference and information values for twenty?seven major, minor and trace elements.
Abstract: Elucidating the composition of primary kimberlite melts is essential to understanding the nature of their source, petrogenesis, rheology, transport and ultimately the origin of diamonds. Kimberlite rocks are typically comprised of abundant olivine (~2560 vol%), which occurs as individual grains of variable size and morphology, and includes xenocrysts and zoned phenocrysts. Zoning patterns and inclusions in olivine can be used to decipher the petrogenetic history of kimberlites, starting from their generation in the mantle through to emplacement in the crust. This study examines well-preserved, euhedral, zoned olivine crystals from the Mark kimberlite (Lac de Gras, Canada). Olivine typically consists of xenocrystic cores, which are homogeneous in composition but vary widely between grains (Fo88.193.6). These cores are in turn surrounded by (in order of crystallisation) magmatic rims and Mg-rich rinds (Fo95.398.1). In addition, we document a new type of olivine zone (‘outmost rind’) that overgrows Mg-rich rinds. Crystal and melt/fluid inclusions are abundant in olivine and preserve a record of kimberlite melt evolution. For the first time in the studies of kimberlite olivine, we report primary melt inclusions hosted in Mg-rich olivine rinds. In addition, we observe that pseudosecondary melt/fluid inclusions are restricted to interior olivine zones (cores, rims) and are considered to have formed prior to rind formation. Pseudosecondary melt/fluid inclusions are inferred to have been entrapped at depth, as evidenced by measured densities in thermometric experiments of CO2 and decrepitation haloes, indicating a minimum entrapment pressure of ~200450 MPa (or ~615 km). Both primary and pseudosecondary melt inclusions in olivine have daughter minerals dominated by CaMg and K-Na-Ba-Sr-bearing carbonates, K-Na-chlorides along with subordinate silicates (e.g., phlogopite, monticellite), Fe-Mg-Al-Ti-spinel, perovskite, phosphates and sulphates/sulphides and periclase. In addition to phases reported in primary melt inclusions, pseudosecondary melt inclusions contain more diverse and exotic daughter mineral assemblages, where they contain phases such as tetraferriphlogopite Ba- or K-sulphates, kalsilite and Na-phosphates. The daughter mineral assemblages are consistent with a silica-poor, alkali dolomitic carbonatite melt. We demonstrate that the different types of inclusions in olivine can assist in constraining the timing of multi-stage olivine growth and the composition of the crystallising melt. The large variance in olivine zoning patterns, morphologies and Ni distribution (i.e. both coupling with and decoupling from Fo) indicates that olivine in the studied Mark kimberlite samples represent an accumulation of olivine, where olivine was derived from successive stages of the ascending magma and/or from multiple, but related pulses of magma. Primary and pseudosecondary melt/fluid inclusions in olivine indicate that a variably differentiated silica-poor, halogen-bearing, alkali-dolomitic melt crystallised and transported olivine in the Mark kimberlite.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 175, 13p. Pdf
Russia
perovskite
Abstract: The exceptional accumulation of perovskite in the alkaline-ultramafic Afrikanda complex (Kola Peninsula, Russia) led to the study of polymineralic inclusions hosted in perovskite and magnetite to understand the development of the perovskite-rich zones in the olivinites, clinopyroxenites and silicocarbonatites. The abundance of inclusions varies across the three perovskite textures, with numerous inclusions hosted in the fine-grained equigranular perovskite, fewer inclusions in the coarse-grained interlocked perovskite and rare inclusions in the massive perovskite. A variety of silicate, carbonate, sulphide, phosphate and oxide phases are assembled randomly and in variable proportions in the inclusions. Our observations reveal that the inclusions are not bona fide melt inclusions. We propose that the inclusions represent material trapped during subsolidus sintering of magmatic perovskite. The continuation of the sintering process resulted in the coarsening of inclusion-rich subhedral perovskite into inclusion-poor anhedral and massive perovskite. These findings advocate the importance of inclusion studies for interpreting the origin of oxide minerals and their associated economic deposits and suggest that the formation of large scale accumulations of minerals in other oxide deposits may be a result of annealing of individual disseminated grains.
Abstract: Kimberlites are the surface manifestation of deeply-derived (>150 km) and rapidly ascended magmas. Fresh kimberlite rocks are exceptionally rare, as most of them are invariably modified by pervasive deuteric and/or post-magmatic fluids that overprint the original mineralogy. In this study, we examined fresh archetypal kimberlite from the Mark pipe (Lac de Gras, Canada), which is characterised by well-preserved olivine and groundmass minerals. The sequence of crystallisation of the parental melt and its major compositional features, including oxygen fugacity, were reconstructed using textural relationships between magmatic minerals, their zoning patterns and crystal/melt/fluid inclusions. Crystal and multiphase primary, pseudosecondary and secondary melt/fluid inclusions in olivine, Cr-diopside, spinel, perovskite, phlogopite/kinoshitalite, apatite and calcite preserve a record of different stages of kimberlite melt evolution. Melt/fluid inclusions are generally more depleted in silica and more enriched in alkalis (K, Na), alkali-earth (Ba, Sr) and halogens (Cl, F) relative to the whole-rock composition of the Mark kimberlite. These melt/fluid inclusion compositions, in combination with presence of elevated CaO (up to 1.73 wt%), in Mg-rich olivine rinds, crystallisation of groundmass kinoshitalite, carbonates (calcite, Sr-Ba-bearing) and alkali-enriched rims around apatite suggest that there was progressive enrichment in CO2, alkalis and halogens in the evolving parental melt. The Mark kimberlite groundmass is characterised by the following stages of in-situ crystallisation: (1) olivine rims around xenocrystic cores + Cr-spinel/TIMAC. (2) Mg-rich olivine rinds around olivine rims/cores + MUM-spinel (followed by pleonaste and Mg-magnetite) + monticellite (+ partial resorption of olivine, along with the formation of ferropericlase and CO2 as a result of decarbonation reactions) + perovskite + apatite. (3) Olivine outmost rinds, which are coeval with phlogopite/kinoshitalite + apatite + sulphides + carbonate (calcite, Ba-Sr-Na-bearing varieties). In addition, oxygen fugacity of the Mark kimberlite was constrained by olivine-chromite, perovskite and monticellite oxygen barometry and showed that the parental melt became progressively more oxidised in response to fractional crystallisation. (4) Deuteric (i.e. late-stage magmatic) and/or post-magmatic (i.e. external fluids) alteration of magmatic minerals (e.g., olivine, monticellite, ferropericlase) and crystallisation of mesostasis serpentine, K-bearing chlorite and brucite (i.e. replacement of ferropericlase). The absence of any alkali (Na, K) and halogen (F, Cl) rich groundmass minerals in the Mark kimberlite may be attributed to these elements becoming concentrated in the late-stage melt where they potentially formed unstable, water-soluble carbonates (such as those observed in melt inclusions). Consequently, these minerals were most likely removed from the groundmass by deuteric and/or post-magmatic alteration.
Abstract: Reconstructing the original composition of kimberlite melts in the mantle and delineating the processes that modify them during magmatic ascent and emplacement in the crust remains a significant challenge in kimberlite petrology. One of the most significant processes commonly cited to drive initial kimberlite melts towards more Si-Mg-rich compositions and decrease the solubility of CO2 is the assimilation of mantle orthopyroxene. However, there is limited direct evidence to show the types of reactions that may occur between mantle orthopyroxene and the host kimberlite melt. To provide new constraints on the interaction between orthopyroxene and parental kimberlite melts, we examined a fresh (i.e. unmodified by secondary/post-magmatic alteration) orthopyroxenite xenolith, which was recovered from the serpentine-free units of the Udachnaya-East kimberlite (Siberian Craton, Russia). This xenolith is composed largely of orthopyroxene (~ 90%), along with lesser olivine and clinopyroxene and rare aluminous magnesian chromite. We can show that this xenolith was invaded by the host kimberlite melt along grain interstices and fractures, where it partially reacted with orthopyroxene along the grain boundaries and replaced it with aggregates of compositionally distinct clinopyroxene, olivine and phlogopite, along with subordinate Fe-Cr-Mg spinel, Fesingle bondNi sulphides and djerfisherite (K6(Fe,Ni,Cu)25S26Cl). Primary melt inclusions in clinopyroxene replacing xenolith-forming orthopyroxene, as well as secondary melt inclusion trails in xenolith orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and olivine are composed of similar daughter mineral assemblages that consist largely of: Nasingle bondK chlorides, along with varying proportions of phlogopite, Fe-Cu-Ni sulphides, djerfisherite, rasvumite (KFe2S3), Cr-Fe-Mg spinel, nepheline and apatite, and rare rutile, sodalite, barite, olivine, Ca-K-Na carbonates and Nasingle bondK sulphates. The melt entrapped by these inclusions likely represent the hybrid products produced by the invading kimberlite melt reacting with orthopyroxene in the xenolith. The mechanism that could explain the partial replacement of orthopyroxene in this xenolith by clinopyroxene, olivine and phlogopite could be attributed to the following reaction: Orthopyroxene + Carbonatitic (melt) ? Olivine + Clinopyroxene + Phlogopite + CO2. This reaction is supported by theoretical and experimental studies that advocate the dissolution of mantle orthopyroxene within an initially silica-poor and carbonate-rich kimberlite melt. The mineral assemblages replacing orthopyroxene in the xenolith, together with hosted melt inclusions, suggests that the kimberlitic melt prior to reaction with orthopyroxene was likely carbonate-rich and Na-K-Cl-S bearing. The paucity of carbonate in the reaction zones around orthopyroxene and in melt inclusions in clinopyroxene replacing xenolith-forming orthopyroxene and xenolith minerals (orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and olivine) is attributed to the consumption of carbonates and subsequent exsolution of CO2 by the proposed decarbonation reaction. Concluding, we propose that this orthopyroxenite xenolith provides a rare example of the types of reactions that can occur between mantle orthopyroxene and the host kimberlite melt. The preservation of this xenolith and zones around orthopyroxene present new insights into the composition and evolution of parental kimberlite melts and CO2 exsolution.
Chemie der Erde, doi.org/10.1016/j ,chemer.2018.09.002 30MB
South America, Brazil
meteorite
Abstract: In the first part of this review of the impact record of South America, we have presented an up-to-date introduction to impact processes and to the criteria to identify/confirm an impact structure and related deposits, as well as a comprehensive examination of Brazilian impact structures. The current paper complements the previous one, by reviewing the impact record of other countries of South America and providing current information on a number of proposed impact structures. Here, we also review those structures that have already been discarded as not being formed by meteorite impact. In addition, current information on impact-related deposits is presented, focusing on impact glasses and tektites known from this continent, as well as on the rare K-Pg boundary occurrences revealed to date and on reports of possible large airbursts. We expect that this article will not only provide systematic and up-to-date information on the subject, but also encourage members of the South American geoscientific community to be aware of the importance of impact cratering and make use of the criteria and tools to identify impact structures and impact deposits, thus potentially contributing to expansion and improvement of the South American impact record.
Cobden, L., Goes, S., Ravenna, M., Styles, E., Cammarano, F., Gallagher, K., Connolly, J.
Thermochemical interpretation of 1-D seismic dat a for the lower mantle: the significance of nonadiabiatic thermal gradients and compositional heterogeneity.
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 114, B 11, B11309
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 464, pp. 10-23.
Mantle
Subduction
Abstract: Seismic tomography shows that subducting slabs can either sink straight into the lower mantle, or lie down in the mantle transition zone. Moreover, some slabs seem to have changed mode from stagnation to penetration or vice versa. We investigate the dynamic controls on these modes and particularly the transition between them using 2D self-consistent thermo-mechanical subduction models. Our models confirm that the ability of the trench to move is key for slab flattening in the transition zone. Over a wide range of plausible Clapeyron slopes and viscosity jumps at the base of the transition zone, hot young slabs (25 Myr in our models) are most likely to penetrate, while cold old slabs (150 Myr) drive more trench motion and tend to stagnate. Several mechanisms are able to induce penetrating slabs to stagnate: ageing of the subducting plate, decreasing upper plate forcing, and increasing Clapeyron slope (e.g. due to the arrival of a more hydrated slab). Getting stagnating slabs to penetrate is more difficult. It can be accomplished by an instantaneous change in the forcing of the upper plate from free to motionless, or a sudden decrease in the Clapeyron slope. A rapid change in plate age at the trench from old to young cannot easily induce penetration. On Earth, ageing of the subducting plate (with accompanying upper plate rifting) may be the most common mechanism for causing slab stagnation, while strong changes in upper plate forcing appear required for triggering slab penetration.
Abstract: As subducting plates reach the base of the upper mantle, some appear to flatten and stagnate, while others seemingly go through unimpeded. This variable resistance to slab sinking has been proposed to affect long-term thermal and chemical mantle circulation. A review of observational constraints and dynamic models highlights that neither the increase in viscosity between upper and lower mantle (likely by a factor 20–50) nor the coincident endothermic phase transition in the main mantle silicates (with a likely Clapeyron slope of –1 to –2 MPa/K) suffice to stagnate slabs. However, together the two provide enough resistance to temporarily stagnate subducting plates, if they subduct accompanied by significant trench retreat. Older, stronger plates are more capable of inducing trench retreat, explaining why backarc spreading and flat slabs tend to be associated with old-plate subduction. Slab viscosities that are ?2 orders of magnitude higher than background mantle (effective yield stresses of 100–300 MPa) lead to similar styles of deformation as those revealed by seismic tomography and slab earthquakes. None of the current transition-zone slabs seem to have stagnated there more than 60 m.y. Since modeled slab destabilization takes more than 100 m.y., lower-mantle entry is apparently usually triggered (e.g., by changes in plate buoyancy). Many of the complex morphologies of lower-mantle slabs can be the result of sinking and subsequent deformation of originally stagnated slabs, which can retain flat morphologies in the top of the lower mantle, fold as they sink deeper, and eventually form bulky shapes in the deep mantle.
Earth Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 491, pp. 148-159.
Africa, Australia, Canada, Europe
geothermometry
Abstract: The long-term stability of cratons has been attributed to low temperatures and depletion in iron and water, which decrease density and increase viscosity. However, steady-state thermal models based on heat flow and xenolith constraints systematically overpredict the seismic velocity-depth gradients in cratonic lithospheric mantle. Here we invert for the 1-D thermal structure and a depth distribution of metasomatic minerals that fit average Rayleigh-wave dispersion curves for the Archean Kaapvaal, Yilgarn and Slave cratons and the Proterozoic Baltic Shield below Finland. To match the seismic profiles, we need a significant amount of hydrous and/or carbonate minerals in the shallow lithospheric mantle, starting between the Moho and 70 km depth and extending down to at least 100-150 km. The metasomatic component can consist of 0.5-1 wt% water bound in amphibole, antigorite and chlorite, ?0.2 wt% water plus potassium to form phlogopite, or ?5 wt% CO2 plus Ca for carbonate, or a combination of these. Lithospheric temperatures that fit the seismic data are consistent with heat flow constraints, but most are lower than those inferred from xenolith geothermobarometry. The dispersion data require differences in Moho heat flux between individual cratons, and sublithospheric mantle temperatures that are 100-200?°C less beneath Yilgarn, Slave and Finland than beneath Kaapvaal. Significant upward-increasing metasomatism by water and CO2-rich fluids is not only a plausible mechanism to explain the average seismic structure of cratonic lithosphere but such metasomatism may also lead to the formation of mid-lithospheric discontinuities and would contribute to the positive chemical buoyancy of cratonic roots.
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 123, 1. pp. 384-400.
Mantle
geophysics - seismic
Abstract: The strongest evidence to support the classical plume hypothesis comes from seismic imaging of the mantle beneath hot spots. However, imaging results are often ambiguous and it is questionable whether narrow plume tails can be detected by present?day seismological techniques. Here we carry out synthetic tomography experiments based on spectral element method simulations of seismic waves with period T > 10 s propagating through geodynamically derived plume structures. We vary the source?receiver geometry in order to explore the conditions under which lower mantle plume tails may be detected seismically. We determine that wide?aperture (4,000-6,000 km) networks with dense station coverage (<100-200 km station spacing) are necessary to image narrow (<500 km wide) thermal plume tails. We find that if uncertainties on traveltime measurements exceed delay times imparted by plume tails (typically <1 s), the plume tails are concealed in seismic images. Vertically propagating SKS waves enhance plume tail recovery but lack vertical resolution in regions that are not independently constrained by direct S paths. We demonstrate how vertical smearing of an upper mantle low?velocity anomaly can appear as a plume originating in the deep mantle. Our results are useful for interpreting previous plume imaging experiments and guide the design of future experiments.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 501, pp. 67-77.
Mantle
subduction
Abstract: The mechanisms underpinning the formation of a focused volcanic arc above subduction zones are debated. Suggestions include controls by: (i) where the subducting plate releases water, lowering the solidus in the overlying mantle wedge; (ii) the location where the mantle wedge melts to the highest degree; and (iii) a limit on melt formation and migration imposed by the cool shallow corner of the wedge. Here, we evaluate these three proposed mechanisms using a set of kinematically-driven 2D thermo-mechanical mantle-wedge models in which subduction velocity, slab dip and age, overriding-plate thickness and the depth of decoupling between the two plates are systematically varied. All mechanisms predict, on the basis of model geometry, that the arc-trench distance, D, decreases strongly with increasing dip, consistent with the negative D-dip correlations found in global subduction data. Model trends of sub-arc slab depth, H, with dip are positive if H is wedge-temperature controlled and overriding-plate thickness does not exceed the decoupling depth by more than 50 km, and negative if H is slab-temperature controlled. Observed global H-dip trends are overall positive. With increasing overriding plate thickness, the position of maximum melting shifts to smaller H and D, while the position of the trenchward limit of the melt zone, controlled by the wedge's cold corner, shifts to larger H and D, similar to the trend in the data for oceanic subduction zones. Thus, the limit imposed by the wedge corner on melting and melt migration seems to exert the first-order control on arc position.
Abstract: As subducting plates reach the base of the upper mantle, some appear to flatten and stagnate, while others seemingly go through unimpeded. This variable resistance to slab sinking has been proposed to affect long-term thermal and chemical mantle circulation. A review of observational constraints and dynamic models highlights that neither the increase in viscosity between upper and lower mantle (likely by a factor 20-50) nor the coincident endothermic phase transition in the main mantle silicates (with a likely Clapeyron slope of -1 to -2 MPa/K) suffice to stagnate slabs. However, together the two provide enough resistance to temporarily stagnate subducting plates, if they subduct accompanied by significant trench retreat. Older, stronger plates are more capable of inducing trench retreat, explaining why backarc spreading and flat slabs tend to be associated with old-plate subduction. Slab viscosities that are ?2 orders of magnitude higher than background mantle (effective yield stresses of 100-300 MPa) lead to similar styles of deformation as those revealed by seismic tomography and slab earthquakes. None of the current transition-zone slabs seem to have stagnated there more than 60 m.y. Since modeled slab destabilization takes more than 100 m.y., lower-mantle entry is apparently usually triggered (e.g., by changes in plate buoyancy). Many of the complex morphologies of lower-mantle slabs can be the result of sinking and subsequent deformation of originally stagnated slabs, which can retain flat morphologies in the top of the lower mantle, fold as they sink deeper, and eventually form bulky shapes in the deep mantle.
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, Vol. 306, 106509, 18p. Pdf
Mantle
geothermometry
Abstract: Thermal structure of the lithosphere exerts a primary control on its strength and density and thereby its dynamic evolution as the outer thermal and mechanic boundary layer of the convecting mantle. This contribution focuses on continental lithosphere. We review constraints on thermal conductivity and heat production, geophysical and geochemical/petrological constraints on thermal structure of the continental lithosphere, as well as steady-state and non-steady state 1D thermal models and their applicability. Commonly used geotherm families that assume that crustal heat production contributes an approximately constant fraction of 25-40% to surface heat flow reproduce the global spread of temperatures and thermal thicknesses of the lithosphere below continents. However, we find that global variations in seismic thickness of continental lithosphere and seismically estimated variations in Moho temperature below the US are more compatible with models where upper crustal heat production is 2-3 times higher than lower crustal heat production (consistent with rock estimates) and the contribution of effective crustal heat production to thermal structure (i.e. estimated by describing thermal structure with steady-state geotherms) varies systematically from 40 to 60% in tectonically stable low surface heat flow regions to 20% or lower in higher heat flow tectonically active regions. The low effective heat production in tectonically active regions is likely partly the expression of a non-steady thermal state and advective heat transport.
Abstract: New results are presented on the features of the deep velocity structure of two of the three main tectonic blocks that make up the Kola region-Murmansk and Belomorskii-by the P receiver function technique. The research is based on data from the broadband seismic stations Teriberka and Kovda. The results are compared with the models obtained by mutual inversion of PRF and SRF using the data from the stations Apatity and Lovozero. It is shown that the crust has a two-layer structure with the border at a depth of 11 km under the Murmansk block and at a depth of 15 km under the Kola and Belomorskii blocks. The crust thickness of the Murmansk, Belomorskii, and Kola blocks are 35, 33, and 40 km, respectively. The presence of the MLD was revealed in all tectonic structures analyzed for the first time, with a top at a depth of about 70 km for the Murmansk and Belomorskii blocks and 90 km for the Kola block and a bottom at 130-140 km for all structures.
Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry, Vol. 12, 4, pp. 355-366.
Technology
Fullerenes
Abstract: Fullerenes being allotropes of carbon, have been considered as new class of molecules. Unlike diamond and graphite, this is made up of hollow carbon cage structure. The idea of spheroidal cage structures of C60 arose from construction of geodesic domes made by renowned architect Buckminster Fuller. Although fullerenes have low solubility in physiological media they finds promising biological applications. The photo, electrochemical and physical properties of C60 and other fullerene derivatives finds applications in medical fields. The ability of fullerenes to fit inside the hydrophobic cavity of HIV proteases makes them potential inhibitor for substrates to catalytic active site of enzyme. It possesses radical scavenging and antioxidant property. At the same time, when it exposed to light it can form singlet oxygen in high quantum yields which with direct electron transfer from excited state of fullerenes and DNA bases finally results in cleavage of DNA. The fullerenes are also used as a carrier for gene and drug delivery system. The associated low toxicity of fullerenes is sufficient to attract the researchers for investigation of these interesting molecules.
Abstract: The global geodynamic regime of early Earth, which operated before the onset of plate tectonics, remains contentious. As geological and geochemical data suggest hotter Archean mantle temperature1, 2 and more intense juvenile magmatism than in the present-day Earth3, 4, two crust-mantle interaction modes differing in melt eruption efficiency have been proposed: the Io-like heat-pipe tectonics regime dominated by volcanism5, 6 and the “Plutonic squishy lid” tectonics regime governed by intrusive magmatism, which is thought to apply to the dynamics of Venus7, 8, 9. Both tectonics regimes are capable of producing primordial tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) continental crust5, 10 but lithospheric geotherms and crust production rates as well as proportions of various TTG compositions differ greatly9, 10, which implies that the heat-pipe and Plutonic squishy lid hypotheses can be tested using natural data11. Here we investigate the creation of primordial TTG-like continental crust using self-consistent numerical models of global thermochemical convection associated with magmatic processes. We show that the volcanism-dominated heat-pipe tectonics model results in cold crustal geotherms and is not able to produce Earth-like primordial continental crust. In contrast, the Plutonic squishy lid tectonics regime dominated by intrusive magmatism results in hotter crustal geotherms and is capable of reproducing the observed proportions of various TTG rocks. Using a systematic parameter study, we show that the typical modern eruption efficiency of less than 40 per cent12 leads to the production of the expected amounts of the three main primordial crustal compositions previously reported from field data4, 11 (low-, medium- and high-pressure TTG). Our study thus suggests that the pre-plate-tectonics Archean Earth operated globally in the Plutonic squishy lid regime rather than in an Io-like heat-pipe regime.
Kimberlite xenocrysts from the Porcupine Dome diatremes east-centralMontana: evidence for multiple sources of garnet and evaluation of diamondpotential
Geological Society of America Annual Abstract Volume, Vol. 25, No. 6, p. A98 abstract only
Abstract: Knowledge of the state of stress in Earth’s crust is key to understanding the forces and processes responsible for earthquakes. Historically, low rates of natural seismicity in the central and eastern United States have complicated efforts to understand intraplate stress, but recent improvements in seismic networks and the spread of human-induced seismicity have greatly improved data coverage. Here, we compile a nationwide stress map based on formal inversions of focal mechanisms that challenges the idea that deformation in continental interiors is driven primarily by broad, uniform stress fields derived from distant plate boundaries. Despite plate-boundary compression, extension dominates roughly half of the continent, and second-order forces related to lithospheric structure appear to control extension directions. We also show that the states of stress in several active eastern United States seismic zones differ significantly from those of surrounding areas and that these anomalies cannot be explained by transient processes, suggesting that earthquakes are focused by persistent, locally derived sources of stress. Such spatially variable intraplate stress appears to justify the current, spatially variable estimates of seismic hazard. Future work to quantify sources of stress, stressing-rate magnitudes and their relationship with strain and earthquake rates could allow prospective mapping of intraplate hazard.
Abstract: We comprehensively compile and review N content in geologic materials to calculate a new N budget for Earth. Using analyses of rocks and minerals in conjunction with N–Ar geochemistry demonstrates that the Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE) contains ~ 7 ± 4 times present atmospheric N (4 × 1018 kg N, or PAN), with 27 ± 16 × 1018 kg N. Comparison to chondritic composition, after subtracting N sequestered into the core, yields a consistent result, with BSE N between 17 ± 13 × 1018 kg to 31 ± 24 × 1018 kg N. Embedded in the chondritic comparison we calculate a N mass in Earth's core (180 ± 110 to 30 ± 180 × 1018 kg) as well as present discussion of the Moon as a proxy for the early mantle. Significantly, our study indicates that the majority of the planetary budget of N is in the solid Earth. We suggest that the N estimate here precludes the need for a “missing N” reservoir. Nitrogen–Ar systematics in mantle rocks and primary melts identify the presence of two mantle reservoirs: MORB-source like (MSL) and high-N. High-N mantle is composed of young, N-rich material subducted from the surface and identified in OIB and some xenoliths. In contrast, MSL appears to be made of old material, though a component of subducted material is evident in this reservoir as well. Taking into account N mass and isotopic character of the atmosphere and BSE, we calculate a ?15N value of ~ 2%. This value should be used when discussing bulk Earth N isotope evolution. Additionally, our work indicates that all surface N could pass through the mantle over Earth history, and in fact the mantle may act as a long-term sink for N. Since N acts as a tracer of exchange between the atmosphere, oceans, and mantle over time, clarifying its distribution in the Earth is critical for evolutionary models concerned with Earth system evolution. We suggest that N be viewed in the same light as carbon: it has a fast, biologically mediated cycle which connects it to a slow, tectonically-controlled geologic cycle.
Geochemical Perspectives Letters, Vol. 4, pp. 24-28.
Mantle
geomorphology
Abstract: Recent work indicates the presence of substantial geologic nitrogen reservoirs in the mantle and continental crust. Importantly, this geologic nitrogen has exchanged between the atmosphere and the solid Earth over time. Changes in atmospheric nitrogen (i.e. atmospheric mass) have direct effects on climate and biological productivity. It is difficult to constrain, however, the evolution of the major nitrogen reservoirs through time. Here we show a secular increase in continental crust nitrogen through Earth history recorded in glacial tills (2.9 Ga to modern), which act as a proxy for average upper continental crust composition. Archean and earliest Palaeoproterozoic tills contain 66 ± 100 ppm nitrogen, whereas Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic tills contain 290 ± 165 ppm nitrogen, whilst the isotopic composition has remained constant at ~4‰. Nitrogen has accumulated in the continental crust through time, likely sequestered from the atmosphere via biological fixation. Our findings support dynamic, non-steady state behaviour of nitrogen through time, and are consistent with net transfer of atmospheric N to geologic reservoirs over time.
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, Vol. 19, 8, pp. 2516-2542.
Mantle
nitrogen
Abstract: The amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere, oceans, crust, and mantle have important ramifications for Earth's biologic and geologic history. Despite this importance, the history and cycling of nitrogen in the Earth system is poorly constrained over time. For example, various models and proxies contrastingly support atmospheric mass stasis, net outgassing, or net ingassing over time. In addition, the amount available to and processing of nitrogen by organisms is intricately linked with and provides feedbacks on oxygen and nutrient cycles. To investigate the Earth system nitrogen cycle over geologic history, we have constructed a new nitrogen cycle model: EarthN. This model is driven by mantle cooling, links biologic nitrogen cycling to phosphate and oxygen, and incorporates geologic and biologic fluxes. Model output is consistent with large (2-4x) changes in atmospheric mass over time, typically indicating atmospheric drawdown and nitrogen sequestration into the mantle and continental crust. Critical controls on nitrogen distribution include mantle cooling history, weathering, and the total Bulk Silicate Earth+atmosphere nitrogen budget. Linking the nitrogen cycle to phosphorous and oxygen levels, instead of carbon as has been previously done, provides new and more dynamic insight into the history of nitrogen on the planet.
Abstract: Recent studies of mineral diversity and distribution lead to the prediction of >1563 mineral species on Earth today that have yet to be described-approximately one fourth of the 6394 estimated total mineralogical diversity. The distribution of these "missing" minerals is not uniform with respect to their essential chemical elements. Of 15 geochemically diverse elements (Al, B, C, Cr, Cu, Mg, Na, Ni, P, S, Si, Ta, Te, U, and V), we predict that approximately 25% of the minerals of Al, B, C, Cr, P, Si, and Ta remain to be described - a percentage similar to that predicted for all minerals. Almost 35% of the minerals of Na are predicted to be undiscovered, a situation resulting from more than 50% of Na minerals being white, poorly crystallized, and/or water soluble, and thus easily overlooked. In contrast, we predict that fewer than 20% of the minerals of Cu, Mg, Ni, S, Te, U, and V remain to be discovered. In addition to the economic value of most of these elements, their minerals tend to be brightly colored and/or well crystallized, and thus likely to draw attention and interest. These disparities in percentages of undiscovered minerals reflect not only natural processes, but also sociological factors in the search, discovery, and description of mineral species.
Abstract: A fundamental goal of mineralogy and petrology is the deep understanding of mineral phase relationships and the consequent spatial and temporal patterns of mineral coexistence in rocks, ore bodies, sediments, meteorites, and other natural polycrystalline materials. The multi-dimensional chemical complexity of such mineral assemblages has traditionally led to experimental and theoretical consideration of 2-, 3-, or n-component systems that represent simplified approximations of natural systems. Network analysis provides a dynamic, quantitative, and predictive visualization framework for employing “big data” to explore complex and otherwise hidden higher-dimensional patterns of diversity and distribution in such mineral systems. We introduce and explore applications of mineral network analysis, in which mineral species are represented by nodes, while coexistence of minerals is indicated by lines between nodes. This approach provides a dynamic visualization platform for higher-dimensional analysis of phase relationships, because topologies of equilibrium phase assemblages and pathways of mineral reaction series are embedded within the networks. Mineral networks also facilitate quantitative comparison of lithologies from different planets and moons, the analysis of coexistence patterns simultaneously among hundreds of mineral species and their localities, the exploration of varied paragenetic modes of mineral groups, and investigation of changing patterns of mineral occurrence through deep time. Mineral network analysis, furthermore, represents an effective visual approach to teaching and learning in mineralogy and petrology.
Reviews in Economic Geology, Vol. 18, pp. 115-136.
China
REE deposits
Abstract: China is the world’s leading rare earth element (REE) producer and hosts a variety of deposit types. Carbonatite-related REE deposits, the most significant deposit type, include two giant deposits presently being mined in China, Bayan Obo and Maoniuping, the first and third largest deposits of this type in the world, respectively. The carbonatite-related deposits host the majority of China’s REE resource and are the primary supplier of the world’s light REE. The REE-bearing clay deposits, or ion adsorption-type deposits, are second in importance and are the main source in China for heavy REE resources. Other REE resources include those within monazite or xenotime placers, beach placers, alkaline granites, pegmatites, and hydrothermal veins, as well as some additional deposit types in which REE are recovered as by-products. Carbonatite-related REE deposits in China occur along craton margins, both in rifts (e.g., Bayan Obo) and in reactivated transpressional margins (e.g., Maoniuping). They comprise those along the northern, eastern, and southern margins of the North China block, and along the western margin of the Yangtze block. Major structural features along the craton margins provide first-order controls for REE-related Proterozoic to Cenozoic carbonatite alkaline complexes; these are emplaced in continental margin rifts or strike-slip faults. The ion adsorption-type REE deposits, mainly situated in the South China block, are genetically linked to the weathering of granite and, less commonly, volcanic rocks and lamprophyres. Indosinian (early Mesozoic) and Yanshanian (late Mesozoic) granites are the most important parent rocks for these REE deposits, although Caledonian (early Paleozoic) granites are also of local importance. The primary REE enrichment is hosted in various mineral phases in the igneous rocks and, during the weathering process, the REE are released and adsorbed by clay minerals in the weathering profile. Currently, these REE-rich clays are primarily mined from open-pit operations in southern China. The complex geologic evolution of China’s Precambrian blocks, particularly the long-term subduction of ocean crust below the North and South China blocks, enabled recycling of REE-rich pelagic sediments into mantle lithosphere. This resulted in the REE-enriched nature of the mantle below the Precambrian cratons, which were reactivated and thus essentially decratonized during various tectonic episodes throughout the Proterozoic and Phanerozoic. Deep fault zones within and along the edges of the blocks, including continental rifts and strike-slip faults, provided pathways for upwelling of mantle material.
SEG Reviews In Economic Geology Chapter 6, Vol. 18, pp. 115-136.
China
REE
Abstract: China is the world’s leading rare earth element (REE) producer and hosts a variety of deposit types. Carbonatite- related REE deposits, the most significant deposit type, include two giant deposits presently being mined in China, Bayan Obo and Maoniuping, the first and third largest deposits of this type in the world, respectively. The carbonatite-related deposits host the majority of China’s REE resource and are the primary supplier of the world’s light REE. The REE-bearing clay deposits, or ion adsorption-type deposits, are second in importance and are the main source in China for heavy REE resources. Other REE resources include those within monazite or xenotime placers, beach placers, alkaline granites, pegmatites, and hydrothermal veins, as well as some additional deposit types in which REE are recovered as by-products. Carbonatite-related REE deposits in China occur along craton margins, both in rifts (e.g., Bayan Obo) and in reactivated transpressional margins (e.g., Maoniuping). They comprise those along the northern, eastern, and southern margins of the North China block, and along the western margin of the Yangtze block. Major structural features along the craton margins provide first-order controls for REE-related Proterozoic to Cenozoic carbonatite alkaline complexes; these are emplaced in continental margin rifts or strike-slip faults. The ion adsorption-type REE deposits, mainly situated in the South China block, are genetically linked to the weathering of granite and, less commonly, volcanic rocks and lamprophyres. Indosinian (early Mesozoic) and Yanshanian (late Mesozoic) granites are the most important parent rocks for these REE deposits, although Caledonian (early Paleozoic) granites are also of local importance. The primary REE enrichment is hosted in various mineral phases in the igneous rocks and, during the weathering process, the REE are released and adsorbed by clay minerals in the weathering profile. Currently, these REE-rich clays are primarily mined from open-pit operations in southern China. The complex geologic evolution of China’s Precambrian blocks, particularly the long-term subduction of ocean crust below the North and South China blocks, enabled recycling of REE-rich pelagic sediments into mantle lithosphere. This resulted in the REE-enriched nature of the mantle below the Precambrian cratons, which were reactivated and thus essentially decratonized during various tectonic episodes throughout the Proterozoic and Phanerozoic. Deep fault zones within and along the edges of the blocks, including continental rifts and strike-slip faults, provided pathways for upwelling of mantle material.
Abstract: Magnetic monopoles play a central role in various areas of fundamental physics, ranging from electromagnetism to topological states of matter. While their observation is elusive in high-energy physics, monopole sources of artificial gauge fields have been recently identified in synthetic matter. String theory, a potentially unifying framework that encompasses quantum mechanics, promotes the conventional \emph{vector} gauge fields of electrodynamics to \emph{tensor} gauge fields, and predicts the existence of more exotic \emph{tensor monopoles} in 4D space. Here we report on the characterization of a tensor monopole synthesized in a 4D parameter space by the spin degrees of freedom of a single solid-state defect in diamond. Using two complementary methods, we characterize the tensor monopole by measuring its quantized topological charge and its emanating Kalb-Ramond field. By introducing a fictitious external field that breaks chiral symmetry, we further observe an intriguing transition in the spectrum, characterized by spectral rings protected by mirror symmetries. Our work represents the first detection of tensor monopoles in a solid-state system and opens up the possibility of emulating exotic topological structures inspired by string theory.
South Africa Mines; Their Position, Results and Developments: Together with an Account of Diamonds, Land, Finance and Kindred Concerns. Goldman's South African Mines and Finance.
Abstract: Recent exploration work in South Morocco revealed the occurrence of several carbonatite bodies, including the Paleoproterozoic Gleibat Lafhouda magnesiocarbonatite and its associated iron oxide mineralization, recognized here as iron-oxide-apatite (IOA) deposit type. The Gleibat Lafhouda intrusion is hosted by Archean gneiss and schist and not visibly associated with alkaline rocks. Metasomatized micaceous rocks occur locally at the margins of the carbonatite outcrop and were identified as glimmerite fenite type. Rare earth element (REE) and Nb mineralization is mainly linked to the associated IOA mineralization and is represented by monazite-(Ce) and columbite-(Fe) as major ore minerals. The IOA mineralization mainly consists of magnetite and hematite that usually contain large apatite crystals, quartz and some dolomite. Monazite-(Ce) is closely associated with fluorapatite and occurs as inclusions within the altered parts of apatite and along cracks or as separate phases near apatite. Monazite shows no zonation patterns and very low Th contents (<0.4?wt%), which would be beneficial for commercial extraction of the REE and which indicates monazite formation from apatite as a result of hydrothermal volatile-rich fluids. Similar monazite-apatite mineralization and chemistry also occurs at depth within the carbonatite, although the outcropping carbonatite is barren, suggesting an irregular REE ore distribution within the carbonatite body. The barren carbonatite contains some tiny unidentified secondary Nb-Ta-U phases, synchysite and monazite. Niobium mineralization is commonly represented by anhedral minerals of columbite-(Fe) which occur closely associated with magnetite-hematite and host up to 78?wt% Nb2O5, 7?wt% Ta2O5 and 1.6?wt% Sc2O3. This association may suggest that columbite-(Fe) precipitated by an interaction of Nb-rich fluids with pre-existing Fe-rich minerals or as pseudomorphs after pre-existing Nb minerals like pyrochlore. Our results most strongly suggest that the studied mineralization is economically important and warrants both, further research and exploration with the ultimate goal of mineral extraction.
Abstract: Recent exploration work in South Morocco revealed the occurrence of several carbonatite bodies, including the Paleoproterozoic Gleibat Lafhouda magnesiocarbonatite and its associated iron oxide mineralization, recognized here as iron-oxide-apatite (IOA) deposit type. The Gleibat Lafhouda intrusion is hosted by Archean gneiss and schist and not visibly associated with alkaline rocks. Metasomatized micaceous rocks occur locally at the margins of the carbonatite outcrop and were identified as glimmerite fenite type. Rare earth element (REE) and Nb mineralization is mainly linked to the associated IOA mineralization and is represented by monazite-(Ce) and columbite-(Fe) as major ore minerals. The IOA mineralization mainly consists of magnetite and hematite that usually contain large apatite crystals, quartz and some dolomite. Monazite-(Ce) is closely associated with fluorapatite and occurs as inclusions within the altered parts of apatite and along cracks or as separate phases near apatite. Monazite shows no zonation patterns and very low Th contents (<0.4?wt%), which would be beneficial for commercial extraction of the REE and which indicates monazite formation from apatite as a result of hydrothermal volatile-rich fluids. Similar monazite-apatite mineralization and chemistry also occurs at depth within the carbonatite, although the outcropping carbonatite is barren, suggesting an irregular REE ore distribution within the carbonatite body. The barren carbonatite contains some tiny unidentified secondary Nb-Ta-U phases, synchysite and monazite. Niobium mineralization is commonly represented by anhedral minerals of columbite-(Fe) which occur closely associated with magnetite-hematite and host up to 78?wt% Nb2O5, 7?wt% Ta2O5 and 1.6?wt% Sc2O3. This association may suggest that columbite-(Fe) precipitated by an interaction of Nb-rich fluids with pre-existing Fe-rich minerals or as pseudomorphs after pre-existing Nb minerals like pyrochlore. Our results most strongly suggest that the studied mineralization is economically important and warrants both, further research and exploration with the ultimate goal of mineral extraction.
Abstract: The recently discovered REE and Nb mineralization in the Twihinat area in the western part of the Oulad Dlim Massif (Adrar Souttouf) in South Morocco is linked to a Cretaceous calciocarbonatite intrusion which was likely formed in an intracontinental rift setting and crops out locally within a ring structure that mainly consists of massive Fe-oxide mineralization and silica breccia. The carbonatite shows intensively metasomatized zones, which contain bastnaesite and pyrochlore-group minerals as the main REE and Nb ore minerals. They are usually associated with apatite, quartz and Fe-oxides, or trapped in calcite voids, suggesting a secondary ore formation. Within the associated Fe-oxide mineralization, pyrochlore and monazite-(Ce) are the main ore minerals occurring closely associated with quartz and magnetite or hematite. The silica breccia also shows significant subsequent infill of barite, bastnaesite-(Ce) and hydrated ceriopyrochlore, which was identified by EPMA and Raman spectroscopy. Bastnaesite commonly forms prismatic aggregates whereas pyrochlore and ceriopyrochlore usually display subhedral grains along tiny fractures. Structural and textural relationships clearly indicate epigenetic ore formation induced by multiple stages of hydrothermal fluid flow and fracturing. Ore precipitation likely resulted from interaction between low-pH mineralizing hydrothermal fluids and the wall-rock. The latter efficiently buffered the acidity of the fluids and allowed significant amounts of REE and Nb ore minerals to precipitate. Trace element ICP-MS analyses show very high REE and Nb concentrations of up to 0.76 wt% ?REE and 0.21 wt% Nb in carbonatite and up to 3 wt% ?REE and 1.3 wt% Nb in the associated silica and Fe-oxide mineralization. The results clearly demonstrate that the Twihinat REE-Nb deposits are significant and represent a potential new high-grade resource for these critical metals.
Abstract: The Neoproterozoic Lofdal alkaline carbonatite complex consists of a swarm of carbonatite dykes and two plugs of calcite carbonatite known as the ‘Main’ and ‘Emanya’ carbonatite intrusions, with associated dykes and plugs of phonolite, syenite, rare gabbro, anorthosite and quartz-feldspar porphyry. In the unaltered Main Intrusion calcite carbonatite the principal rare-earth host is burbankite. As burbankite typically forms in a magmatic environment, close to the carbohydrothermal transition, this has considerable petrogenetic significance. Compositional and textural features of Lofdal calcite carbonatites indicate that burbankite formed syngenetically with the host calcite at the magmatic stage of carbonatite evolution. The early crystallisation of burbankite provides evidence that the carbonatitic magma was enriched in Na, Sr, Ba and light rare earth elements. In common with other carbonatites, the Lofdal burbankite was variably affected by alteration to produce a complex secondary mineral assemblage. Different stages of burbankite alteration are observed, from completely fresh blebs and hexagonal crystals through to complete pseudomorphs, consisting of carbocernaite, ancylite, cordylite, strontianite, celestine, parisite and baryte. Although most research and exploration at Lofdal has focused on xenotime-bearing carbonatite dykes and wall-rock alteration, this complex also contains a more typical calcite carbonatite enriched in light rare earth elements and their alteration products.
Zhang, H-F., Goldstein, S.L., Zhou, X-H., Sun, M., Zheng, J-P., Cai, Y.
Evolution of subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath eastern China: Re-Os isotopic evidence from mantle xenoliths in Paleozoic kimberlites and Mesozoic basalts
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 155, pp. 271-293.
Abstract: Mantle melting, which leads to the formation of oceanic and continental crust, together with crust recycling through plate tectonics, are the primary processes that drive the chemical differentiation of the silicate Earth. The present-day mantle, as sampled by oceanic basalts, shows large chemical and isotopic variability bounded by a few end-member compositions1. Among these, the HIMU end-member (having a high U/Pb ratio, ?) has been generally considered to represent subducted/recycled basaltic oceanic crust2, 3, 4, 5. However, this concept has been challenged by recent studies of the mantle source of HIMU magmas. For example, analyses of olivine phenocrysts in HIMU lavas indicate derivation from the partial melting of peridotite, rather than from the pyroxenitic remnants of recycled oceanic basalt6. Here we report data that elucidate the source of these lavas: high-precision trace-element analyses of olivine phenocrysts point to peridotite that has been metasomatized by carbonatite fluids. Moreover, similarities in the trace-element patterns of carbonatitic melt inclusions in diamonds7 and HIMU lavas indicate that the metasomatism occurred in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, fused to the base of the continental crust and isolated from mantle convection. Taking into account evidence from sulfur isotope data8 for Archean to early Proterozoic surface material in the deep HIMU mantle source, a multi-stage evolution is revealed for the HIMU end-member, spanning more than half of Earth’s history. Before entrainment in the convecting mantle, storage in a boundary layer, upwelling as a mantle plume and partial melting to become ocean island basalt, the HIMU source formed as Archean-early Proterozoic subduction-related carbonatite-metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle.
Abstract: The raw materials of some volcanic islands are shaped by some of the same processes that form diamonds deep under the continents, according to a new study. The study asserts that material from diamond-forming regions journeys nearly to Earth's core and back up to form such islands, a process that could take two and a half billion years or longer -- more than half of Earth's entire history.
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Vol. 154, pp. 202-212.
Mantle
zircons
Abstract: Lu-Hf isotopic system in zircon is a powerful and widely used geochemical tracer in studying petrogenesis of magmatic rocks and crustal evolution, assuming that zircon Hf isotopes can represent initial Hf isotopes of their parental whole rock. However, this assumption may not always be valid. Disequilibrium partial melting of continental crust would preferentially melt out non-zircon minerals with high time-integrated Lu/Hf ratios and generate partial melts with Hf isotope compositions that are more radiogenic than those of its magma source. Dissolution experiments (with hotplate, bomb and sintering procedures) of zircon-bearing samples demonstrate this disequilibrium effect where partial dissolution yielded variable and more radiogenic Hf isotope compositions than fully dissolved samples. A case study from the Neoproterozoic Jiuling batholith in southern China shows that about half of the investigated samples show decoupled Hf isotopes between zircons and the bulk rocks. This decoupling could reflect complex and prolonged magmatic processes, such as crustal assimilation, magma mixing, and disequilibrium melting, which are consistent with the wide temperature spectrum from ?630?°C to ?900?°C by Ti-in-zircon thermometer. We suggest that magmatic zircons may only record the Hf isotopic composition of their surrounding melt during crystallization and it is uncertain whether their Hf isotopic compositions can represent the primary Hf isotopic compositions of the bulk magmas. In this regard, using zircon Hf isotopic compositions to trace crustal evolution may be biased since most of these could be originally from disequilibrium partial melts.
Earth Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 491, pp. 134-147.
Africa, South Africa
deposit - De Beers-Pool
Abstract: Fluid/melt inclusions in diamonds, which were encapsulated during a metasomatic event and over a short period of time, are isolated from their surrounding mantle, offering the opportunity to constrain changes in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) that occurred during individual thermo-chemical events, as well as the composition of the fluids involved and their sources. We have analyzed a suite of 8 microinclusion-bearing diamonds from the Group I De Beers Pool kimberlites, South Africa, using FTIR, EPMA and LA-ICP-MS. Seven of the diamonds trapped incompatible-element-enriched saline high density fluids (HDFs), carry peridotitic mineral microinclusions, and substitutional nitrogen almost exclusively in A-centers. This low-aggregation state of nitrogen indicates a short mantle residence times and/or low mantle ambient temperature for these diamonds. A short residence time is favored because, elevated thermal conditions prevailed in the South African lithosphere during and following the Karoo flood basalt volcanism at ?180 Ma, thus the saline metasomatism must have occurred close to the time of kimberlite eruptions at ?85 Ma. Another diamond encapsulated incompatible-element-enriched silicic HDFs and has 25% of its nitrogen content residing in B-centers, implying formation during an earlier and different metasomatic event that likely relates to the Karoo magmatism at ca. 180 Ma. Thermometry of mineral microinclusions in the diamonds carrying saline HDFs, based on Mg-Fe exchange between garnet-orthopyroxene (Opx)/clinopyroxene (Cpx)/olivine and the Opx-Cpx thermometer, yield temperatures between 875-1080?°C at 5 GPa. These temperatures overlap with conditions recorded by touching inclusion pairs in diamonds from the De Beers Pool kimberlites, which represent the mantle ambient conditions just before eruption, and are altogether lower by 150-250?°C compared to P-T gradients recorded by peridotite xenoliths from the same locality. Oxygen fugacity differs as well. The calculated for the saline HDF compositions (to ?1.34) are higher by about a log unit compared with that recorded by xenoliths at 4-7 GPa. We conclude that enriched saline HDFs mediated the metasomatism that preceded Group I kimberlite eruptions in the southwestern Kaapvaal craton, and that their ‘cold and oxidized’ nature reflects their derivation from a deep subducting slab. This event had little impact on the temperature and redox state of the Kaapvaal lithosphere as a reservoir, however, it likely affected its properties along limited metasomatized veins and their wall rock. To reconcile the temperature and oxygen fugacity discrepancy between inclusions in diamonds and xenoliths, we argue that xenoliths did not equilibrate during the last saline metasomatic event or kimberlite eruption. Thus the P-T-gradients they record express pre-existing lithospheric conditions that were likely established during the last major thermal event in the Kaapvaal craton (i.e. the Karoo magmatism at ca. 180 Ma).
Mineralogy and Petrology, doi.org/10.1007/s00710-018-0613-8 19p.
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Finsch
Abstract: Microinclusion-bearing diamonds offer the opportunity to investigate relationships between mantle metasomatism, diamond formation and kimberlite eruptions in intracratonic provinces. We have analyzed a suite of 7 microinclusion-bearing diamonds from the Finsch Group II kimberlite, South Africa, and identified two diamond populations: ‘Finsch IaA’ diamonds have nitrogen solely in A-centers and contain saline high-density-fluid (HDF) microinclusions, while ‘Finsch IaAB’ diamonds have nitrogen in both A- and B-centers (25-35% B-centers) and are characterized by carbonatite HDF compositions. Based on nitrogen aggregation states and estimates for mantle residence temperatures, we conclude that ‘Finsch IaA’ diamonds formed during a young saline metasomatic event that preceded kimberlite eruption by ~50 kyr to 15 Myr. The possible timing of metasomatism and formation of ‘Finsch IaAB’ diamonds by carbonatite HDFs is less constrained, and could have taken place between ~15 Myr and 2 Gyr before eruption. Two of the diamonds encapsulated omphacite microinclusions in association with saline or low-Mg carbonatitic-like HDF. We observe compositional differences for Al2O3 vs. CaO between these metasomatised omphacites, and also compared to omphacites in mantle eclogites which were identified as metasomatised by kimberlite or high-Mg carbonatite; suggesting a possible relationship between Al2O3 and CaO in metasomatised omphacite and the type of fluid/melt it interacted with. The combined data for microinclusion-bearing diamonds from the Finsch Group II kimberlite and the neighbouring Group I kimberlites at Koffiefontein and De Beers Pool indicate that a substantial volume of the southwest Kaapvaal deep lithosphere was impacted by saline metasomatism during Cretaceous time, and a direct relationship between saline metasomatism, diamond formation and the Kaapvaal late-Mesozoic ‘kimberlite bloom’. We therefore conclude that saline HDFs play a key role in the buildup of metasomatic mantle sources leading to kimberlite eruptions.
Abstract: Mineral and fluid/melt inclusions in diamonds, which are encapsulated and isolated during a metasomatic event, offer the opportunity to constrain changes in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle that occurred during individual thermochemical events. Fibrous diamonds from the Group I De Beers Pool kimberlites, South Africa (SA), trapped incompatibleelement enriched saline high-density fluids (HDFs) and peridotitic mineral microinclusions. Their substitutional nitrogen resides almost exclusively in A-centers. With regard to the elevated thermal conditions that prevailed in the SA lithosphere during and following Karoo volcanism at ~180 Ma, this low-aggregation state of nitrogen suggests a short mantle residence time, constraining the time of saline metasomatism to be close to the eruption of the kimberlites at ~85 Ma. Thermometry of mineral microinclusions yield temperatures between 875-1080 ºC (at 5 GPa). These temperatures overlap with conditions recorded by touching inclusion pairs, which represent the mantle ambient conditions just before eruption, and are altogether lower by 150-250°C compared to P-T gradients recorded by peridotite xenoliths from the same locality. In addition, the oxygen fugacity calculated for the saline HDF compositions (?log??O2(FMQ) = -2.5 to -1.3) are higher by about a log unit compared with that recorded by xenoliths at 4-7 GPa. We conclude that enriched saline HDFs mediated the metasomatism that preceded Group I kimberlite eruptions in the southwestern Kaapvaal craton, and that their ‘cold and oxidized’ nature reflects their derivation from a deep subducting slab. To reconcile the temperature and oxygen fugacity discrepancy between inclusions in diamonds and xenoliths, we argue that xenoliths did not equilibrate during the last saline metasomatic event or kimberlite eruption. Thus the P-T-??O2 gradients they record express pre-existing lithospheric conditions that were likely established during the last major thermal event in the Kaapvaal craton (i.e. the Karoo magmatism at ca. 180 Ma).
Abstract: Chemical events involving deep carbon- and water-rich fluids impact the continental lithosphere over its history. Diamonds are a by-product of such episodic fluid infiltrations, and entrapment of these fluids as microinclusions in lithospheric diamonds provide unique opportunities to investigate their nature. However, until now, direct constraints on the timing of such events have not been available. Here we report three alteration events in the southwest Kaapvaal lithosphere using U-Th-He geochronology of fluid-bearing diamonds, and constrain the upper limit of He diffusivity (to D???1.8?×?10?19 cm2 s?1), thus providing a means to directly place both upper and lower age limits on these alteration episodes. The youngest, during the Cretaceous, involved highly saline fluids, indicating a relationship with late-Mesozoic kimberlite eruptions. Remnants of two preceding events, by a Paleozoic silicic fluid and a Proterozoic carbonatitic fluid, are also encapsulated in Kaapvaal diamonds and are likely coeval with major surface tectonic events (e.g. the Damara and Namaqua-Natal orogenies).
Genetic classification of glacigenic deposits. Finalreport on genesis and lithology of glacial quartern.deposits of the International Union for QuaternaryResearch
Physical volcanology of komatiites. a field guide to the komatiites between Kalgoorlie and Wiluna, Eastern Gold fields Province, Yilgarn Block, WesternAustralia
Gsa Western Australia Excursion Guidebook, No. 1, 74p
Environmental Monitoring Assessment, Vol. 193, 337, 6p. Pdf
Russia
deposit - Nakyn
Abstract: The most severe disturbance of the earth’s surface occurs when the open-cut method of mineral deposits mining is used. The geoecological situation was assessed based on the nature of the soil cover based on the example of an industrial site of a diamond mining and processing plant located in the permafrost zone. During the period from 2007 to 2018, the soil cover of the industrial site is characterized by polyelement contamination. In the surface, soil horizons were an increase in the concentrations of mobile forms of Mn, Zn, Cd, Cr, Co, and Ni. It is identified that AO, ABcr, and CR are the accumulation horizons if the soil profile is preserved. Mobile forms Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr, Co, and As can migrate along with the soil profile to a depth of 40-50 cm depending on the amount of soil organic matter, the degree of its decomposition, and the scale of the cryoturbation. Research in 2018 allowed us to localize and confirm the increase in the area of contamination of the industrial site. Areas with an extremely dangerous category of soil cover contamination increased by 3 times compared to 2014. The results obtained are the basis for a more detailed study of the horizons of geochemical accumulation and the creation of artificial geochemical barriers with the development of technologies for the subsequent extraction of useful components.
Contents of trace elements in olivines from diamonds and peridotite xenoliths of the V.Grib kimberlite pipe ( Arkhangel'sk Diamondiferous province, Russia).
Sharygin, I., Litasov, K., Shatskiy, A., Golovin, A., Ohtani, E., Pokhilenko, N.
Is kimberlite magma ascent fuelled by CO2 degassing via orthopyroxene assimilation?
V.S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences International Symposium Advances in high pressure research: breaking scales and horizons ( Courtesy of N. Poikilenko), Held Sept. 22-26, 2p. Abstract
Sharygin, I., Litasov, K., Shatskiy, A., Golovin, A., Ohtani, E., Pokhilenko, N.
Melting phase relations of the Udachnaya East Group 1 kimberlite at 3.0-6.5 GPA: experimental evidence for alkali-carbonatite composition of primary kimberlite melt.
V.S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences International Symposium Advances in high pressure research: breaking scales and horizons ( Courtesy of N. Poikilenko), Held Sept. 22-26, 2p. Abstract
Abstract: Kimberlites of the Udachnaya-East pipe (Siberia) include a uniquely dry and serpentine-free rock type with anomalously high contents of chlorine (Cl ? 6.1 wt%), alkalies (Na2O + K2O ? 10 wt%) and sulfur (S ? 0.50 wt%), referred to as a “salty” kimberlite. The straightforward interpretation is that the Na-, K-, Cl- and S-rich components originate directly from a carbonate-chloride kimberlitic magma that is anhydrous and alkali-rich. However, because brines and evaporites are present on the Siberian craton, previous studies proposed that the kimberlitic magma was contaminated by the assimilation of salt-rich crustal rocks. To clarify the origin of high Cl, alkalies and S in this unusual kimberlite, here we determine its sulfur speciation and isotopic composition and compare it to that of non-salty kimberlites and kimberlitic breccia from the same pipe, as well as potential contamination sources (hydrothermal sulfides and sulfates, country-rock sediment and brine collected in the area). The average ?34S of sulfides is ? 1.4 ± 2.2‰ in the salty kimberlite, 2.1 ± 2.7‰ in the non-salty kimberlites and 14.2 ± 5.8‰ in the breccia. The average ?34S of sulfates in the salty kimberlites is 11.1 ± 1.8‰ and 27.3 ± 1.6‰ in the breccia. In contrast, the ?34S of potential contaminants range from 20 to 42‰ for hydrothermal sulfides, from 16 to 34‰ for hydrothermal sulfates, 34‰ for a country-rock sediment (Chukuck suite) and the regional brine aquifer. Our isotope analyses show that (1) in the salty kimberlites, neither sulfates nor sulfides can be simply explained by brine infiltration, hydrothermal alteration or the assimilation of known salt-rich country rocks and instead, we propose that they are late magmatic phases; (2) in the non-salty kimberlite and breccia, brine infiltration lead to sulfate reduction and the formation of secondary sulfides – this explains the removal of salts, alkali-carbonates and sulfates, as well as the minor olivine serpentinization; (3) hydrothermal sulfur was added to the kimberlitic breccia, but not to the massive kimberlites. In situ measurements of sulfides confirm this scenario, clearly showing the addition of two sulfide populations in the breccia (pyrite-pyrrhotites with average ?34S of 7.9 ± 3.4‰ and chalcopyrites with average ?34S of 38.0 ± 0.4‰) whereas the salty and non-salty kimberlites preserve a unique population of djerfisherites (Cl- and K-rich sulfides) with ?34S values within the mantle range. This study provides the first direct evidence of alkaline igneous rocks in which magmatic sulfate is more abundant than sulfide. Although sulfates have been rarely reported in mantle materials, sulfate-rich melts may be more common in the mantle than previously thought and could balance the sulfur isotope budget of Earth's mantle.
Bulletin de la Societe Geologique de France *eng, Vol. 188, 1-2, 8p.
Russia, Siberia
deposit - Udachnaya-East
Abstract: The Udachnaya-East pipe in Yakutia in Siberia hosts a unique dry (serpentine-free) body of hypabyssal kimberlite (<0.64wt% H2O), associated with a less dry type of kimberlite and a serpentinized kimberlitic breccia. The dry kimberlite is anomalously rich in salts (Na2O and Cl both up to 6wt%) whereas the slightly less dry and the breccia kimberlite are salt free. Yet the Udachnaya kimberlite is a group-I kimberlite, as is the archetypical kimberlite from Kimberley, South Africa. Samples were studied from the three different types of kimberlite (dry-salty, n=8, non-salty, n=5 and breccia, n=3) regarding their mineralogy, geochemistry, and more specifically their sulfur content. Our results show the salty kimberlite is unprecedentedly rich in sulfur (0.13-0.57wt%) compared to the non-salty kimberlite (0.04-0.12wt%) and the breccia (0.29-0.33wt%). In the salty kimberlite, most of the sulfur is present as sulfates (up to 97% of Stotal) and is disseminated throughout the groundmass in close association with Na-K-bearing carbonates. Sulfates occur within the crystal structure of these Na-K-bearing carbonates as the replacement of (CO3) by (SO3) groups, or as Na- and K-rich sulfates (e.g. aphtitalite, (K,Na)3Na(SO4)2). The associated sulfides are djerfisherite; also Na- and K-rich species. The close association of sulfates and carbonates in these S-rich alkaline rocks suggests that the sulfates crystallized from a mantle-derived magma, a case that has strong implication for the oxygen fugacity of kimberlite magmatism and more generally for the global S budget of the mantle.
Bulletin de la Societe Geologique de France *eng, Vol. 188, 1-2, 14p.
Russia, Siberia
deposit - Udachnaya
Abstract: Xenoliths brought up by kimberlite magmas are rare samples of otherwise inaccessible lithospheric mantle. Eclogite xenoliths are found in most cratons and commonly show a range of mineral and chemical compositions that can be used to better understand craton formation. This study focuses on five new kyanite-bearing eclogites from the Udachnaya kimberlite pipe (367±5 Ma). They are fine-to coarse-grained and consist mainly of “cloudy” clinopyroxene (cpx) and garnet (grt). The clinopyroxene is Al,Na-rich omphacite while the garnet is Ca-rich, by contrast to typical bi-mineral (cpx+grt) eclogites that contain Fe- and Mg-rich garnets. The Udachnaya kyanite eclogites are similar in modal and major element composition to those from other cratons (Dharwar, Kaapvaal, Slave, West African). The kyanite eclogites have lower REE concentrations than bi-mineral eclogites and typically contain omphacites with positive Eu and Sr anomalies, i.e. a “ghost plagioclase signature”. Because such a signature can only be preserved in non-metasomatised samples, we infer that they were present in the protoliths of the eclogites. It follows that subducted oceanic crust is present at the base of the Siberian craton. Similar compositions and textures are also seen in kyanite eclogites from other cratons, which we view as evidence for an Archean, subduction-like formation mechanism related to craton accretion. Thus, contrary to previous work that classifies all kyanite eclogites as type I (IK), metasomatized by carbonatite/kimberlitic fluids, we argue that some of them, both from this work and those from other cratons, belong to the non-metasomatized type II (IIB). The pristine type IIB is the nearest in composition to protoliths of mantle eclogites because it contains no metasomatic enrichments.
Abstract: A coesite-bearing diamondiferous eclogite from the Udachnaya kimberlite (Daldyn field, Siberian craton) has been studied to trace its complex evolution recorded in rock-forming and minor mineral constituents. The eclogite sample is composed of rock-forming omphacite (60 vol%), garnet (35 vol%) and quartz/coesite (5 vol%) and contains intergranular euhedral zoned olivine crystals, up to 200 µm long, coexisting with phlogopite, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene (secondary), K-feldspar, plagioclase, spinel, sodalite and djerfisherite. Garnet grains are zoned, with a relatively homogeneous core and a more magnesian overgrowth rim. The rim zones further differ from the core in having higher Zr/Y (6 times that in the cores), ascribed to interaction with, or precipitation from, a kimberlite-related melt. Judging by pressure-temperature estimates (~1200 °C; 6.2 GPa), the xenolith originated at depths of ~180-200 km at the base of the continental lithosphere. The spatial coexistence of olivine, orthopyroxene and coesite/quartz with K-Na-Cl minerals in the xenolith indicates that eclogite reacted with a deep-seated kimberlite melt. However, Fe-rich olivine, orthopyroxene and low-pressure minerals (sodalite and djerfisherite) likely result from metasomatic reaction at shallower depths during transport of the eclogite by the erupting kimberlite melt. Our results demonstrate that a mixed eclogitic-peridotitic paragenesis, reported previously from inclusions in diamond, can form by interaction of eclogite and a kimberlite-related melt.
Abstract: Reconstructing the original composition of kimberlite melts in the mantle and delineating the processes that modify them during magmatic ascent and emplacement in the crust remains a significant challenge in kimberlite petrology. One of the most significant processes commonly cited to drive initial kimberlite melts towards more Si-Mg-rich compositions and decrease the solubility of CO2 is the assimilation of mantle orthopyroxene. However, there is limited direct evidence to show the types of reactions that may occur between mantle orthopyroxene and the host kimberlite melt. To provide new constraints on the interaction between orthopyroxene and parental kimberlite melts, we examined a fresh (i.e. unmodified by secondary/post-magmatic alteration) orthopyroxenite xenolith, which was recovered from the serpentine-free units of the Udachnaya-East kimberlite (Siberian Craton, Russia). This xenolith is composed largely of orthopyroxene (~ 90%), along with lesser olivine and clinopyroxene and rare aluminous magnesian chromite. We can show that this xenolith was invaded by the host kimberlite melt along grain interstices and fractures, where it partially reacted with orthopyroxene along the grain boundaries and replaced it with aggregates of compositionally distinct clinopyroxene, olivine and phlogopite, along with subordinate Fe-Cr-Mg spinel, Fesingle bondNi sulphides and djerfisherite (K6(Fe,Ni,Cu)25S26Cl). Primary melt inclusions in clinopyroxene replacing xenolith-forming orthopyroxene, as well as secondary melt inclusion trails in xenolith orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and olivine are composed of similar daughter mineral assemblages that consist largely of: Nasingle bondK chlorides, along with varying proportions of phlogopite, Fe-Cu-Ni sulphides, djerfisherite, rasvumite (KFe2S3), Cr-Fe-Mg spinel, nepheline and apatite, and rare rutile, sodalite, barite, olivine, Ca-K-Na carbonates and Nasingle bondK sulphates. The melt entrapped by these inclusions likely represent the hybrid products produced by the invading kimberlite melt reacting with orthopyroxene in the xenolith. The mechanism that could explain the partial replacement of orthopyroxene in this xenolith by clinopyroxene, olivine and phlogopite could be attributed to the following reaction: Orthopyroxene + Carbonatitic (melt) ? Olivine + Clinopyroxene + Phlogopite + CO2. This reaction is supported by theoretical and experimental studies that advocate the dissolution of mantle orthopyroxene within an initially silica-poor and carbonate-rich kimberlite melt. The mineral assemblages replacing orthopyroxene in the xenolith, together with hosted melt inclusions, suggests that the kimberlitic melt prior to reaction with orthopyroxene was likely carbonate-rich and Na-K-Cl-S bearing. The paucity of carbonate in the reaction zones around orthopyroxene and in melt inclusions in clinopyroxene replacing xenolith-forming orthopyroxene and xenolith minerals (orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and olivine) is attributed to the consumption of carbonates and subsequent exsolution of CO2 by the proposed decarbonation reaction. Concluding, we propose that this orthopyroxenite xenolith provides a rare example of the types of reactions that can occur between mantle orthopyroxene and the host kimberlite melt. The preservation of this xenolith and zones around orthopyroxene present new insights into the composition and evolution of parental kimberlite melts and CO2 exsolution.
Geochemical evolution of rocks at the base of the lithospheric mantle: evidence from study of xenoliths of deformed peridotites from kimberlite of Udachnaya
Kimberlite indicator minerals in terrigene sediments of lower part of Mackenzie River Basin, NWT, Canada: evidence of new craton with thick lithosphere.
10th. International Kimberlite Conference Feb. 6-11, Bangalore India, Abstract
An oxygen fugacity profile through the Siberian craton - Fe K-edge XANES determinations of Fe3 Fe in garnets in peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya East kimberlite.
Metasomatism in lithospheric mantle roots: constraints from whole rock and mineral chemical composition of deformed peridotite xenoliths from kimberlite pipe Udachnaya.
Paleoproterozoic formation age for the Siberian cratonic mantle: Hf and Nd isotope dat a on refractory peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite.
Sharygin, I.S., Litasov, K.D., Shatskiy, A., Golovin, A.V., Ohtani, E., Pokhilenko, N.P.
Melting phase relations of the Udachnaya-East Group 1 kimberlite at 3.0-6.5GPa: experimental evidence for alkali-carbonatite composition of primary kimberlite melts and implications for mantle plumes.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 428, pp. 108-119.
Russia, Siberia
Deposit - Obnazhennaya
Abstract: The formation age of the lithospheric mantle of the Siberian craton (one of the largest on Earth) is not well established; nearly all published whole-rock Re–Os data are for mantle xenoliths from a single kimberlite in the center of the craton (Udachnaya). We report Re–Os isotope and PGE concentration data for 19 spinel and garnet peridotite xenoliths from the Obnazhennaya kimberlite in the northeastern portion of the craton. Most samples in this study, and many Obnazhennaya peridotites in general, show a combination of relatively low Al2O3 (0.1–2%) with high CaO (1.4–4%) concentrations. Only four dunites and harzburgites in our sample suite have low contents of both Al2O3 and CaO (0.1–0.8%), but their relatively low Mg# (0.888–0.919) and highly variable Os concentrations (0.6–35 ppb) suggest they may have formed in melt migration channels rather than as residues of partial melt extraction. A group of six Ca-rich (2.0–3.2% CaO) peridotites yields the highest Re–Os model ages (mean TRD = 2.8 Ga, mean TMA = 3.5 Ga). Eight peridotites with low to moderate Al2O3 (<2%) and Mg# ?0.91, including three low-Ca harzburgites, yield lower Re–Os model ages (mean TRD = 1.9 Ga, mean TMA = 2.2 Ga). The remainder of the samples may not yield meaningful TRD ages because they are not refractory (Al2O3 >2.6% and/or Mg# ?0.90). We interpret these results as evidence for a two-stage formation of the lithospheric mantle. The peridotites formed at the two stages show very similar chemical compositions. The enrichment in Ca, which we attribute to widespread post-melting metasomatism by carbonate-rich melts, may have taken place either at the end of the Archean melting event, when at least one Ca–Al-rich peridotite was formed, or later. The combined Re–Os age data on xenoliths from Obnazhennaya and Udachnaya suggest that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Siberian craton was not formed in a single event, but grew in at least two events, one in the late Archean and the other in the Paleoproterozoic. This study further indicates that the formation of highly melt-depleted lithospheric mantle was not limited to the Archean, but continued well into the Paleoproterozoic when the Siberian craton was stabilized.
Abstract: Experiments on the origin of the Udachnaya-East kimberlite (UEK) have been performed using a Kawai-type multianvil apparatus at 3-6.5GPa and 900-1500°C. The studied composition represents exceptionally fresh Group-I kimberlite containing (wt.%): SiO2=25.9, TiO2=1.8, Al2O3=2.8, FeO=9.0, MgO=30.1, CaO=12.7, Na2O=3.4, K2O=1.3, P2O5=1.0, Cl=0.9, CO2=9.9, and H2O=0.5. The super-solidus assemblage consists of melt, olivine (Ol), Ca-rich (26.0-30.2wt.% CaO) garnet (Gt), Al-spinel (Sp), perovskite (Pv), a CaCO3 phase (calcite or aragonite), and apatite. The low pressure assemblage (3-4GPa) also includes clinopyroxene. The apparent solidus was established between 900 and 1000°C at 6.5GPa. At 6.5GPa and 900°C Na-Ca carbonate with molar ratio of (Na+K)/Ca?0.44 was observed. The UEK did not achieve complete melting even at 1500°C and 6.5GPa, due to excess xenogenic Ol in the starting material. In the studied P-T range, the melt has a Ca-carbonatite composition (Ca#=molar Ca/(Ca+Mg) ratio=0.62-0.84) with high alkali and Cl contents (7.3-11.4wt.% Na2O, 2.8-6.7wt.% K2O, 1.6-3.4wt.% Cl). The K, Na and Cl contents and Ca# decrease with temperature. It is argued that the primary kimberlite melt at depths>200km was an essentially carbonatitic (<5wt.% SiO2), but evolved toward a carbonate-silicate composition (up to 15-20wt.% SiO2) during ascent. The absence of orthopyroxene among the run products indicates that xenogenic orthopyroxene was preferentially dissolved into the kimberlite melt. The obtained subliquidus phase assemblage (Ol+Sp+Pv+Ca-rich Gt) at P-T conditions of the UEK source region, i.e. where melt was in the last equilibrium with source rock before magma ascent, differs from the Opx-bearing peridotitic mineral assemblage of the UEK source region. This difference can be ascribed to the loss of substantial amounts of CO2 from the kimberlite magma at shallow depths, as indicated by both petrological and experimental data. Our study implies that alkali-carbonatite melt would be a liquid phase within mantle plumes generated at the core-mantle boundary or shallower levels of the mantle, enhancing the ascent velocity of the plumes. We conclude that the long-term activity of a rising hot mantle plume and associated carbonatite melt (i.e. kimberlite melt) causes thermo-mechanical erosion of the subcontinental lithosphere mantle (SCLM) roots and creates hot and deformed metasomatic regions in the lower parts of the SCLM, which corresponds to depths constrained by P-T estimates of sheared Gt-peridotite xenoliths. The sheared Gt-peridotites undoubtedly represent samples of these regions.
Abstract: The results of the first study of the PGE distribution in deformed lherzolites of the Udachnaya kimberlite pipe (Yakutia) are presented here. The complex character of evolution of the PGE composition in the Deformed lherzolites is assumed to be the result of silicate metasomatism. At the first stage, growth in the amount of clinopyroxene and garnet in the rock is accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of the compatible PGE (Os, Ir). During the final stage, the rock is enriched with incompatible PGE (Pt, Pd) and Re possible due to precipitation of submicron-sized particles of sulfides in the interstitial space of these mantle rocks.
Abstract: Tychite Na6Mg2(CO3)4(SO3) is a rare natural Na and Mg sulfatocarbonate. It is found only as minor mineral in deposits of saline lakes in the United States, Canada, Uganda, and China. In these continental evaporites tychite has sedimentary genesis. In this study, we report the first occurrence of tychite as a crystal phase in the melt inclusions in olivine from mantle xenoliths of the Udachnaya-East kimberlite pipe. This find provides an evidence for the probability of tychite crystallization from melts; i.e., this rare sulfatocarbonate may have a magmatic origin as well.
Abstract: A xenolith of eclogite from the kimberlite pipe Udachnaya-East, Yakutia Grt+Cpx+Ky + S + Coe/Qtz + Dia + Gr has been studied. Graphite inclusions in diamond have been studied in detail by Confocal Raman (CR) mapping. The graphite inclusion in diamond has a highly ordered structure and is characterized by a substantial shift in the band (about 1580 cm-1) by 7 cm-1, indicating a significant residual strain in the inclusion. According to the results of FTIR spectroscopic studies of diamond crystals, a high degree of nitrogen aggregation has been detected: it is present mainly in form A, which means an "ancient" age of the diamonds. In the xenolith studied, the diamond formation occurred about 1 Byr, long before their transport by the kimberlite melt, and the conditions of the final equilibrium were temperatures of 1020 ± 40°C at 4.7 GPa. Thus, these graphite inclusions found in a diamond are the first evidence of crystallization of metastable graphite in a diamond stability field. They were formed in rocks of the upper mantle significantly below (?20 km) the graphite-diamond equilibrium line.
Abstract: Relations of graphite and diamond have been studied in a garnet-kyanite-clinopyroxene+sulfide+coesite/quartz+diamond+graphite eclogite xenolith from the Udachnaya-East kimberlite pipe in the Yakutian diamond province. Euhedral crystals of diamond and graphite occur in the intra- and intergranular space. The equilibrium conditions of diamond formation reconstructed by geothermobarometry for the Grt-Cpx-Ky-Coe mineral assemblage are 1020 ± 40 °C and 4.7 GPa. Raman imaging of graphite enclosed in diamond shows high ordering and a 9 cm?1 shift of the ~1580 cm?1 band. This Raman shift of graphite, as well as a 5 cm?1 shift of the 1332 cm?1 band of diamond, indicate large residual stress in graphite and in diamond around the inclusion, respectively. According to FTIR spectroscopy, nitrogen in diamond is highly aggregated and exists mainly as the A centers, while no other phases occur near graphite inclusions. Therefore, diamond in the analyzed eclogite sample must be quite old: it likely had crystallized long (~1 Byr) before it became entrained with kimberlite melt. New data show that graphite can stay in the upper mantle for billions of years without converting to diamond. Crystallization of various carbon polymorphs, both in laboratory and natural systems, remains poorly constrained. Graphite present in mantle and UHP rocks may be a metastable phase crystallized in the diamond stability field. This fact should be taken into consideration when deducing petrological constrains and distinguishing diamond and graphite subfacies in upper mantle.
Abstract: Although kimberlite magma carries large amounts of mantle-derived xenocrysts and xenoliths (with sizes up to meters), this magma ascends from the Earth's mantle (> 150-250 km) to the surface in a matter of hours or days, which enables diamonds to survive. The recently proposed assimilation-fuelled buoyancy model for kimberlite magma ascent emphasizes the importance of fluid CO2 that is produced via the reactive dissolution of mantle-derived orthopyroxene xenocrysts into kimberlite melt, which initially has carbonatitic composition. Here, we use a series of high-pressure experiments to test this model by studying the interaction of orthopyroxene (Opx) with an alkali-dolomitic melt (simplified to 0.7Na2CO3 + 0.3K2CO3 + 2CaMg(CO3)2), which is close to the melt that is produced by the partial melting of a kimberlite source, at P = 3.1-6.5 GPa and T = 1200-1600 °C, i.e., up to pressures that correspond to depths (~ 200 km) from where the ascent of kimberlite magma would start. During the first set of experiments, we study the reaction between powdered Opx and model carbonate melt in a homogeneous mixture. During the second set of experiments, we investigate the mechanism and kinetics of the dissolution of Opx crystals in alkali-dolomitic melt. Depending on the P-T conditions, Opx dissolves in the alkali-dolomitic melt (CL) either congruently or incongruently via the following reactions: Mg2Si2O6 (Opx) + CaMg(CO3)2 (CL) = CaMgSi2O6 (clinopyroxene) + 2MgCO3 (CL) and Mg2Si2O6 (Opx) = Mg2SiO4 (olivine) + SiO2 (CL). The experiments confirm that the dissolution of Opx causes gradual SiO2 enrichment in the initial carbonate melt, as previously suggested. However, the assimilation of Opx by carbonate melt does not produce fluid CO2 in the experiments because the CO2 is totally dissolved in the evolved melt. Thus, our results clearly demonstrate the absence of exsolved CO2 fluid at 3.1-6.5 GPa in ascending kimberlite magma and disprove the assimilation-fuelled buoyancy model for kimberlite magma ascent in the lithospheric mantle. We alternatively suggest that the extreme buoyancy of kimberlite magma at depths of 100-250 km is an exclusive consequence of the unique physical properties (i.e., low density, ultra-low viscosity and, thus, high mobility) of the kimberlite melt, which are dictated by its carbonatitic composition.
Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 471, 1, pp. 1104-1207.
Russia
Deposit - Udachnaya
Abstract: New results of Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotope analyses have been obtained on samples of deformed peridotite xenoliths collected from the Udachnaya kimberlite pipe (Yakutia). The data obtained imply two main stages of metasomatic alteration of the lithospheric mantle base matter in the central part of the Siberian Craton. Elevated ratios of Sr isotopes may be considered as evidence of an ancient stage of metasomatic enrichment by a carbonatite melt. The acquired Nd isotope composition together with the geochemistry of the deformed peridotite xenoliths suggests that the second stage of metasomatic alteration took place shortly before formation of the kimberlite melt. The metasomatic agent of this stage had a silicate character and arrived from an asthenosphere source, common for the normal OIB type (PREMA) and the Group-I kimberlite.
Abstract: Alkaline carbonates hexagonal zemkorite (Na,K)2Ca(CO3)2 and orthorhombic shortite Na2Ca2(CO3)3 were found among groundmass minerals in kimberlites from some localities worldwide, including the unserpentinised units of the Udachnaya-East kimberlite. However, the source of alkalis and the origin of the unusual minerals in these kimberlites remain highly debatable. It is generally considered that they have hydrothermal or metasomatic origin while sodium may come from a crustal source. Orthorhombic nyerereite (Na,K)2Ca(CO3)2 and shortite were identified as daughter phases in secondary melt inclusions (MI) in olivine from the deepest mantle xenoliths (i.e., sheared peridotites) and in olivine xenocrysts derived from disintegrated mantle rocks from the Udachnaya-East pipe by Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDS. The melt, hosted as the inclusions in olivine, was entrapped at a mantle depth. On the basis of similar mineralogy of MI to groundmass of the unserpentinised kimberlites, we suggest relation of MI to the Udachnaya kimberlite melts. The MI solidus temperature is as high as 500 °?. Generally, MI nyerereite is considered as a magmatic mineral but experiments show it to be stable at relatively low temperatures (LT) T ? 360 °?. Thus, strictly speaking, it is a subsolidus mineral formed from high-temperature (HT) (T < 800 °?) hexagonal (Na,K)2Ca(CO3)2 carbonate. Shortite is also a subsolidus mineral, which may form by several subsolidus reactions in multicomponent systems, such as kimberlites, while breakdown of the HT hexagonal phase (Na,K)2Ca(CO3,SO4)2 into Na2Ca2(CO3)3 (shortite) and K3Na(SO4)2 (aphthitalite) is the basic mechanism. The solidus temperature for the Udachnaya-East kimberlite is about 300 °? indicating that LT orthorhombic nyerereite may crystallise directly from the melt as well. Thus, (Na,K)2Ca(CO3)2 and Na2Ca2(CO3)3 carbonates in the groundmass of the unserpentinised Udachnaya-East kimberlites are of magmatic/subsolidus origin. This scenario for the origin of Na-K-Ca and Na-Ca carbonates in the Udachnaya-East kimberlites may have implications for other kimberlites elsewhere.
Abstract: Although kimberlite magma carries large amounts of mantle-derived xenocrysts and xenoliths (with sizes up to meters), this magma ascends from the Earth's mantle (> 150–250 km) to the surface in a matter of hours or days, which enables diamonds to survive. The recently proposed assimilation-fuelled buoyancy model for kimberlite magma ascent emphasizes the importance of fluid CO2 that is produced via the reactive dissolution of mantle-derived orthopyroxene xenocrysts into kimberlite melt, which initially has carbonatitic composition. Here, we use a series of high-pressure experiments to test this model by studying the interaction of orthopyroxene (Opx) with an alkali-dolomitic melt (simplified to 0.7Na2CO3 + 0.3K2CO3 + 2CaMg(CO3)2), which is close to the melt that is produced by the partial melting of a kimberlite source, at P = 3.1–6.5 GPa and T = 1200–1600 °C, i.e., up to pressures that correspond to depths (~ 200 km) from where the ascent of kimberlite magma would start. During the first set of experiments, we study the reaction between powdered Opx and model carbonate melt in a homogeneous mixture. During the second set of experiments, we investigate the mechanism and kinetics of the dissolution of Opx crystals in alkali-dolomitic melt. Depending on the P-T conditions, Opx dissolves in the alkali-dolomitic melt (CL) either congruently or incongruently via the following reactions: Mg2Si2O6 (Opx) + CaMg(CO3)2 (CL) = CaMgSi2O6 (clinopyroxene) + 2MgCO3 (CL) and Mg2Si2O6 (Opx) = Mg2SiO4 (olivine) + SiO2 (CL). The experiments confirm that the dissolution of Opx causes gradual SiO2 enrichment in the initial carbonate melt, as previously suggested. However, the assimilation of Opx by carbonate melt does not produce fluid CO2 in the experiments because the CO2 is totally dissolved in the evolved melt. Thus, our results clearly demonstrate the absence of exsolved CO2 fluid at 3.1–6.5 GPa in ascending kimberlite magma and disprove the assimilation-fuelled buoyancy model for kimberlite magma ascent in the lithospheric mantle. We alternatively suggest that the extreme buoyancy of kimberlite magma at depths of 100–250 km is an exclusive consequence of the unique physical properties (i.e., low density, ultra-low viscosity and, thus, high mobility) of the kimberlite melt, which are dictated by its carbonatitic composition.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 474, pp. 128-137.
Mantle
peridotites
Abstract: To better constrain the Ca isotopic composition of the Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE) and explore the Ca isotope fractionation in the mantle, we determined the Ca isotopic composition of 28 peridotite xenoliths from Mongolia, southern Siberia and the Siberian craton. The samples are divided in three chemical groups: (1) fertile, unmetasomatized lherzolites (3.7-4.7 wt.% Al2O3); (2) moderately melt-depleted peridotites (1.3-3.0 wt.% Al2O3) with no or very limited metasomatism (LREE-depleted cpx); (3) strongly metasomatized peridotites (LREE-enriched cpx and bulk rock) further divided in subgroups 3a (harzburgites, 0.1-1.0% Al2O3) and 3b (fertile lherzolites, 3.9-4.3% Al2O3). In Group 1, ?44/40Ca of fertile spinel and garnet peridotites, which experienced little or no melting and metasomatism, show a limited variation from 0.90 to 0.99‰ (relative to SRM 915a) and an average of 0.94 ± 0.05‰ (2SD, ), which defines the Ca isotopic composition of the BSE. In Group 2, the ?44/40Ca is the highest for three rocks with the lowest Al2O3, i.e. the greatest melt extraction degrees (average ‰, i.e. ?0.1‰ heavier than the BSE estimate). Simple modeling of modal melting shows that partial melting of the BSE with ranging from 0.10 to 0.25 can explain the Group 2 data. By contrast, ?44/40Ca in eight out of nine metasomatized Group 3 peridotites are lower than the BSE estimate. The Group 3a harzburgites show the greatest ?44/40Ca variation range (0.25-0.96‰), with ?44/40Ca positively correlated with CaO and negatively correlated with Ce/Eu. Chemical evidence suggests that the residual, melt-depleted, low-Ca protoliths of the Group 3a harzburgites were metasomatized, likely by carbonate-rich melts/fluids. We argue that such fluids may have low (?0.25‰) ?44/40Ca either because they contain recycled crustal components or because Ca isotopes, similar to trace elements and their ratios, may be fractionated by kinetic and/or chromatographic effects of melt percolation in the mantle. The ?44/40Ca in Group 3b lherzolites (0.83-0.89‰) are lower than in the BSE as well, but the effects of metasomatism on ?44/40Ca are smaller, possibly because of the high Ca contents in their protoliths and/or smaller ?44/40Ca differences between the protoliths and metasomatic agents. The BSE estimates based on fertile peridotites in this study fall in the ?44/40Ca ranges for oceanic and continental basalts, various meteorites (achondrites; carbonaceous, ordinary and enstatite chondrites), Mars, and the Moon. These results provide benchmarks for the application of Ca isotopes to planet formation, mantle evolution, and crustal recycling.
Abstract: We report the concentrations ([Li]) and isotopic compositions of Li in mineral separates and bulk rocks obtained by MC-ICPMS for 14 previously studied garnet and spinel peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite in the central Siberian craton as well as major and trace element compositions for a new suite of 13 deformed garnet peridotites. The deformed Udachnaya peridotites occur at > 5 GPa; they are metasomatized residues of melt extraction, which as a group experienced greater modal and chemical enrichments than coarse peridotites. We identify two sub-groups of the deformed peridotites: (a) mainly cryptically metasomatized (similar to coarse peridotites) with relatively low modal cpx (< 6%) and garnet (< 7%), low Ca and high Mg#, sinusoidal REE patterns in garnet, and chemically unequilibrated garnet and cpx; (b) modally metasomatized with more cpx and garnet, higher Ca, Fe and Ti, and equilibrated garnet and cpx. The chemical enrichments are not proportional to deformation degrees. The deformation in the lower lithosphere is caused by a combination of localized stress, heating and fluid ingress from the pathways of ascending proto-kimberlite melts, with metasomatic media evolving due to reactions with wall rocks. Mg-rich olivine in spinel and coarse garnet Udachnaya peridotites has 1.2-1.9 ppm Li and ?7Li of 1.2-5.0‰, i.e. close to olivine in equilibrated fertile to depleted off-craton mantle peridotites from literature data, whereas olivine from the deformed peridotites has higher [Li] (2.4-7.5 ppm) and a broader range of ?7Li (1.8-11.6‰), which we attribute to pre-eruption metasomatism. [Li] in opx is higher than in coexisting olivine while ?7LiOl-Opx (?7LiOl ? ?7LiOpx) ranges from ? 6.6 to 7.8‰, indicating disequilibrium inter-mineral [Li] and Li-isotope partitioning. We relate these Li systematics to interaction of lithospheric peridotites with fluids or melts that are either precursors of kimberlite magmatism or products of their fractionation and/or reaction with host mantle. The melts rich in Na and carbonates infiltrated, heated and weakened wall-rock peridotites to facilitate their deformation as well as produce high [Li] and variable, but mainly high, ?7Li in olivine. The carbonate-rich melts preferentially reacted with the opx without achieving inter-mineral equilibrium because opx is consumed by such melts, and because of small volumes and uneven distribution of the metasomatic media, as well as short time spans between the melt infiltration and the capture of the wall-rock fragments by incoming portions of ascending kimberlite magma as xenoliths. Trapped interstitial liquid solidified as cryptic components responsible for high [Li] and the lack of ?7Li balance between olivine and opx, and bulk rocks. Unaltered ?26Mg values (0.20-0.26‰) measured in several olivine separates show no effects of the metasomatism on Mg-isotopes, apparently due to high Mg in the peridotites.
Abstract: We report the concentrations ([Li]) and isotopic compositions of Li in mineral separates and bulk rocks obtained by MC-ICPMS for 14 previously studied garnet and spinel peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite in the central Siberian craton as well as major and trace element compositions for a new suite of 13 deformed garnet peridotites. The deformed Udachnaya peridotites occur at > 5 GPa; they are metasomatized residues of melt extraction, which as a group experienced greater modal and chemical enrichments than coarse peridotites. We identify two sub-groups of the deformed peridotites: (a) mainly cryptically metasomatized (similar to coarse peridotites) with relatively low modal cpx (< 6%) and garnet (< 7%), low Ca and high Mg#, sinusoidal REE patterns in garnet, and chemically unequilibrated garnet and cpx; (b) modally metasomatized with more cpx and garnet, higher Ca, Fe and Ti, and equilibrated garnet and cpx. The chemical enrichments are not proportional to deformation degrees. The deformation in the lower lithosphere is caused by a combination of localized stress, heating and fluid ingress from the pathways of ascending proto-kimberlite melts, with metasomatic media evolving due to reactions with wall rocks. Mg-rich olivine in spinel and coarse garnet Udachnaya peridotites has 1.2-1.9 ppm Li and ?7Li of 1.2-5.0‰, i.e. close to olivine in equilibrated fertile to depleted off-craton mantle peridotites from literature data, whereas olivine from the deformed peridotites has higher [Li] (2.4-7.5 ppm) and a broader range of ?7Li (1.8-11.6‰), which we attribute to pre-eruption metasomatism. [Li] in opx is higher than in coexisting olivine while ?7LiOl-Opx (?7LiOl ? ?7LiOpx) ranges from ? 6.6 to 7.8‰, indicating disequilibrium inter-mineral [Li] and Li-isotope partitioning. We relate these Li systematics to interaction of lithospheric peridotites with fluids or melts that are either precursors of kimberlite magmatism or products of their fractionation and/or reaction with host mantle. The melts rich in Na and carbonates infiltrated, heated and weakened wall-rock peridotites to facilitate their deformation as well as produce high [Li] and variable, but mainly high, ?7Li in olivine. The carbonate-rich melts preferentially reacted with the opx without achieving inter-mineral equilibrium because opx is consumed by such melts, and because of small volumes and uneven distribution of the metasomatic media, as well as short time spans between the melt infiltration and the capture of the wall-rock fragments by incoming portions of ascending kimberlite magma as xenoliths. Trapped interstitial liquid solidified as cryptic components responsible for high [Li] and the lack of ?7Li balance between olivine and opx, and bulk rocks. Unaltered ?26Mg values (0.20-0.26‰) measured in several olivine separates show no effects of the metasomatism on Mg-isotopes, apparently due to high Mg in the peridotites.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 458, 1, pp. 149-159.
Russia
deposit - Udachnaya
Abstract: Cratons represent the oldest preserved lithospheric domains. Their lithosphere (lithospheric mantle welded to overlying Precambrian crystalline basement) is considered to be particularly robust and long-lived due to the protecting presence of buoyant and rigid “keels” made up of residual harzburgites. Although the cratons are mostly assumed to form in the Archaean, the timing of their formation remains poorly constrained. In particular, there are very few datasets describing concurrently the age of both the crustal and mantle portions of the lithosphere. In this study, we report new U-Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions for zircons in crustal xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite in the central Siberian craton; this dataset includes samples from both the upper and lower portions of the crust. The zircon ages agree well with model melt-extraction Re-Os ages on refractory peridotite xenoliths from the same pipe; taken together they allow an integrated view of lithosphere formation. Our data reveal that the present day upper crust is Archaean, whereas both the lower crust and the lithospheric mantle yield Paleoproterozoic ages. We infer that the deep lithosphere beneath the Siberian craton was not formed in a single Archaean event, but grew in at least two distinct events, one in the late Archaean and the other in the Paleoproterozoic. Importantly, a complete or large-scale delamination and rejuvenation of the Archaean lower lithosphere (lower crust and lithospheric mantle) took place in the Paleoproterozoic. This further demonstrates that craton formation can be a protracted, multi-stage process, and that the present day crust and mantle may not represent complementary reservoirs formed through the same tectono-magmatic event. Further, deep cratonic lithosphere may be less robust and long living than often assumed, with rejuvenation and replacement events throughout its history.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available, 46p.
Russia, Siberia
deposit - Obnazhennaya
Abstract: The Obnazhennaya kimberlite in the NE Siberian craton hosts a most unusual cratonic xenolith suite, with common rocks rich in pyroxenes and garnet, and no sheared peridotites. We report petrographic and chemical data for whole rocks (WR) and minerals of 20 spinel and garnet peridotites from Obnazhennaya with Re-depletion Os isotope ages of 1.8-2.9 Ga (Ionov et al., 2015a) as well as 2 pyroxenites. The garnet-bearing rocks equilibrated at 1.6-2.8 GPa and 710-1050°C. Some xenoliths contain vermicular spinel-pyroxene aggregates with REE patterns in clinopyroxene mimicking those of garnet. The peridotites show significant scatter of Mg# (0.888-0.924), Cr2O3 (0.2-1.4 wt.%) and high NiO (0.3-0.4 wt.%). None are pristine melting residues. Low-CaO-Al2O3 (?0.9 wt.%) dunites and harzburgites are melt-channel materials. Peridotites with low to moderate Al2O3 (0.4-1.8 wt.%) usually have CaO > Al2O3, and some have pockets of calcite texturally equilibrated with olivine and garnet. Such carbonates, exceptional in mantle xenoliths and reported here for the first time for the Siberian mantle, provide direct evidence for modal makeover and Ca and LREE enrichments by ephemeral carbonate-rich melts. Peridotites rich in CaO and Al2O3 (2.7-8.0 wt.%) formed by reaction with silicate melts. We infer that the mantle lithosphere beneath Obnazhennaya, initially formed in the Mesoarchean, has been profoundly modified. Pervasive inter-granular percolation of highly mobile and reactive carbonate-rich liquids may have reduced the strength of the mantle lithosphere leading the way for reworking by silicate melts. The latest events before the kimberlite eruption were the formation of the carbonate-phlogopite pockets, fine-grained pyroxenite veins and spinel-pyroxene symplectites. The reworked lithospheric sections are preserved at Obnazhennaya, but similar processes could erode lithospheric roots in the SE Siberian craton (Tok) and the North China craton, where ancient melting residues and reworked garnet-bearing peridotites are absent.The modal, chemical and Os-isotope compositions of the Obnazhennaya xenoliths produced by reaction of refractory peridotites with melts are very particular (high Ca/Al, no Mg#-Al correlations, highly variable Cr, low 187Os/188Os, continuous modal range from olivine-rich to low-olivine peridotites, wehrlites and websterites) and distinct from those of fertile lherzolites in off-craton xenoliths and peridotite massifs. These features argue against the concept of ‘refertilization’ of cratonic and other refractory peridotites by mantle-derived melts as a major mechanism to form fertile to moderately depleted lherzolites in continental lithosphere. The Obnazhennaya xenoliths represent a natural rock series produced by ‘refertilization’, but include no rocks equivalent in modal, major and trace element to the fertile lherzolites. This study shows that ‘refertilization’ yields broad, continuous ranges of modal and chemical compositions with common wehrlites and websterites that are rare among off-craton xenoliths.
Contribution to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 173, 22p.
Mantle
carbonatite
Abstract: We performed an experimental study, designed to reproduce the formation of an unusual merwinite?+?olivine-bearing mantle assemblage recently described as a part of a Ca-rich suite of inclusions in sublithospheric diamonds, through the interaction of peridotite with an alkali-rich Ca-carbonatite melt, derived from deeply subducted oceanic crust. In the first set of experiments, we studied the reaction between powdered Mg-silicates, olivine and orthopyroxene, and a model Ca-carbonate melt (molar Na:K:Ca?=?1:1:2), in a homogeneous mixture, at 3.1 and 6.5 GPa. In these equilibration experiments, we observed the formation of a merwinite?+?olivine-bearing assemblage at 3.1 GPa and 1200 °C and at 6.5 GPa and 1300-1400 °C. The melts coexisting with this assemblage have a low Si and high Ca content (Ca#?=?molar 100?×?Ca/(Ca?+?Mg)?>?0.57). In the second set of experiments, we investigated reaction rims produced by interaction of the same Ca-carbonate melt (molar Na:K:Ca?=?1:1:2) with Mg-silicate, olivine and orthopyroxene, single crystals at 3.1 GPa and 1300 °C and at 6.5 GPa and 1400 °C. The interaction of the Ca-carbonate melt with olivine leads to merwinite formation through the expected reaction: 2Mg2SiO4 (olivine)?+?6CaCO3 (liquid)?=?Ca3MgSi2O8 (merwinite)?+?3CaMg(CO3)2 (liquid). Thus, our experiments confirm the idea that merwinite in the upper mantle may originate via interaction of peridotite with Ca-rich carbonatite melt, and that diamonds hosting merwinite may have a metasomatic origin. It is remarkable that the interaction of the Ca-carbonate melt with orthopyroxene crystals does not produce merwinite both at 3.1 and 6.5 GPa. This indicates that olivine grain boundaries are preferable for merwinite formation in the upper mantle.
Abstract: Identification of the primary compositions of mantle-derived melts is crucial for understanding mantle compositions and physical conditions of mantle melting. However, these melts rarely reach the Earth's surface unmodified because of contamination, crystal fractionation and degassing, processes that occur almost ubiquitously after melt generation. Here we report snapshots of the melts preserved in sheared peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya-East kimberlite pipe, in the central part of the Siberian craton. These xenoliths are among the deepest mantle samples and were delivered by kimberlite magma from 180-230?km depth interval, i.e. from the base of the cratonic lithosphere. The olivine grains of the sheared peridotites contain secondary inclusions of the crystallized melt with bulk molar (Na?+?K)/Ca?~?3.4. Various Na-K-Ca-, Na-Ca-, Na-Mg-, Ca-Mg- and Ca-carbonates, Na-Mg-carbonates with additional anions, alkali sulphates and halides are predominant among the daughter minerals in secondary melt inclusions, whereas silicates, oxides, sulphides and phosphates are subordinate. These inclusions can be considered as Cl-S-bearing alkali-carbonate melts. The presence of aragonite, a high-pressure polymorph of CaCO3, among the daughter minerals suggests a mantle origin for these melt inclusions. The secondary melt inclusions in olivine from the sheared peridotite xenoliths and the melt inclusions in phenocrystic olivines from the host kimberlites demonstrate similarities, in daughter minerals assemblages and trace-element compositions. Moreover, alkali-rich minerals (carbonates, halides, sulphates and sulphides) identified in the studied melt inclusions are also present in the groundmass of the host kimberlites. These data suggests a genetic link between melt enclosed in olivine from the sheared peridotites and melt parental to the Udachnaya-East kimberlites. We suggest that the melt inclusions in olivine from mantle xenoliths may represent near primary, kimberlite melts. These results are new evidence in support of the alkali?carbonate composition of kimberlite melts in their source regions, prior to the kimberlite emplacement into the crust, and are in stark contrast to the generally accepted ultramafic silicate nature of parental kimberlite liquids.
Abstract: The petrologically unique Udachnaya-East kimberlite (Siberia, Russia) is characterised by unserpentinised and H2O-poor volcaniclastic and coherent units that contain fresh olivine, along with abundant alkali-rich carbonates, chlorides, sulphides and sulphates in the groundmass. These mineralogical and geochemical characteristics have led to two divergent models that advocate different origins. It has been suggested that the unserpentinised units from Udachnaya-East are representative of pristine unaltered kimberlite. Conversely, the alkali-chlorine-sulphur enrichment has been attributed to interactions with crustal materials and/or post-emplacement contamination by brines. The mineralogical and geochemical features and the compositions of melt inclusions in unserpentinised and serpentinised Udachnaya-East kimberlite varieties are compared in this study. Both varieties of kimberlite have similar major, compatible and incompatible trace element concentrations and primitive mantle normalised trace element patterns, groundmass textures and silicate, oxide and sulphide mineral compositions. However, these two kimberlite varieties are distinguished by: (i) the presence of unaltered olivine, abundant Na-K-Cl-S-rich minerals (i.e. chlorides, S-bearing alkali-carbonates, sodalite) and the absence of H2O-rich phases (i.e. serpentine, iowaite (Mg4Fe3+(OH)8OCl•3(H2O)) in unserpentinised samples, and (ii) the absence of alkali- and chlorine-enriched phases in the groundmass and characteristic olivine alteration (i.e. replacement by serpentine and/or iowaite) in serpentinised samples. In addition, melt inclusions hosted in olivine, monticellite, spinel and perovskite from unserpentinised and serpentinised kimberlite contain identical daughter phase assemblages that are dominated by alkali-carbonates, chlorides and sulphates/sulphides. This enrichment in alkalis, chlorine and sulphur in melt inclusions demonstrates that these elements were an intrinsic part of the parental magma. The paucity of alkali-carbonates and chlorides in the groundmass of serpentinised Udachnaya-East kimberlite is attributed to their instability and removal during post-emplacement alteration. All evidence previously used in support of crustal and brine contamination of the Udachnaya-East kimberlite is thoroughly evaluated. We demonstrate that ‘contamination models’ are inconsistent with petrographic, geochemical and melt inclusion data. Our combined data suggest that the Udachnaya-East kimberlite crystallised from an essentially H2O-poor, Si-Na-K-Cl-S-bearing carbonate-rich melt.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 174, 8 22p.
Africa, South Africa, Russia, Canada, Northwest Territories
deposit - Bultfontein, Roberts Victor, Udachnaya-East, Obnazhennaya, Vtorogodnitsa, Koala, Leslie
Abstract: Djerfisherite (K6(Fe,Ni,Cu)25S26Cl) occurs as an accessory phase in the groundmass of many kimberlites, kimberlite-hosted mantle xenoliths, and as a daughter inclusion phase in diamonds and kimberlitic minerals. Djerfisherite typically occurs as replacement of pre-existing Fe-Ni-Cu sulphides (i.e. pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite), but can also occur as individual grains, or as poikilitic phase in the groundmass of kimberlites. In this study, we present new constraints on the origin and genesis of djerfisherite in kimberlites and their entrained xenoliths. Djerfisherite has extremely heterogeneous compositions in terms of Fe, Ni and Cu ratios. However, there appears to be no distinct compositional range of djerfisherite indicative of a particular setting (i.e. kimberlites, xenoliths or diamonds), rather this compositional diversity reflects the composition of the host kimberlite melt and/or interacting metasomatic medium. In addition, djerfisherite may contain K and Cl contents less than the ideal formula unit. Raman spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) revealed that these K-Cl poor sulphides still maintain the same djerfisherite crystal structure. Two potential mechanisms for djerfisherite formation are considered: (1) replacement of pre-existing Fe-Ni-Cu sulphides by djerfisherite, which is attributed to precursor sulphides reacting with metasomatic K-Cl bearing melts/fluids in the mantle or the transporting kimberlite melt; (2) direct crystallisation of djerfisherite from the kimberlite melt in groundmass or due to kimberlite melt infiltration into xenoliths. The occurrence of djerfisherite in kimberlites and its mantle cargo from localities worldwide provides strong evidence that the metasomatising/infiltrating kimberlite melt/fluid was enriched in K and Cl. We suggest that kimberlites originated from melts that were more enriched in alkalis and halogens relative to their whole-rock compositions.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 224, pp. 132-153.
Russia, Siberia
deposit - Obnazhennaya
Abstract: The Obnazhennaya kimberlite in the NE Siberian craton hosts a most unusual cratonic xenolith suite, with common rocks rich in pyroxenes and garnet, and no sheared peridotites. We report petrographic and chemical data for whole rocks (WR) and minerals of 20 spinel and garnet peridotites from Obnazhennaya with Re-depletion Os isotope ages of 1.8-2.9?Ga (Ionov et al., 2015a) as well as 2 pyroxenites. The garnet-bearing rocks equilibrated at 1.6-2.8?GPa and 710-1050?°C. Some xenoliths contain vermicular spinel-pyroxene aggregates with REE patterns in clinopyroxene mimicking those of garnet. The peridotites show significant scatter of Mg# (0.888-0.924), Cr2O3 (0.2-1.4?wt.%) and high NiO (0.3-0.4?wt.%). None are pristine melting residues. Low-CaO-Al2O3 (?0.9?wt.%) dunites and harzburgites are melt-channel materials. Peridotites with low to moderate Al2O3 (0.4-1.8?wt.%) usually have CaO?>?Al2O3, and some have pockets of calcite texturally equilibrated with olivine and garnet. Such carbonates, exceptional in mantle xenoliths and reported here for the first time for the Siberian mantle, provide direct evidence for modal makeover and Ca and LREE enrichments by ephemeral carbonate-rich melts. Peridotites rich in CaO and Al2O3 (2.7-8.0?wt.%) formed by reaction with silicate melts. We infer that the mantle lithosphere beneath Obnazhennaya, initially formed in the Mesoarchean, has been profoundly modified. Pervasive inter-granular percolation of highly mobile and reactive carbonate-rich liquids may have reduced the strength of the mantle lithosphere leading the way for reworking by silicate melts. The latest events before the kimberlite eruption were the formation of the carbonate-phlogopite pockets, fine-grained pyroxenite veins and spinel-pyroxene symplectites. The reworked lithospheric sections are preserved at Obnazhennaya, but similar processes could erode lithospheric roots in the SE Siberian craton (Tok) and the North China craton, where ancient melting residues and reworked garnet-bearing peridotites are absent. The modal, chemical and Os-isotope compositions of the Obnazhennaya xenoliths produced by reaction of refractory peridotites with melts are very particular (high Ca/Al, no Mg#-Al correlations, highly variable Cr, low 187Os/188Os, continuous modal range from olivine-rich to low-olivine peridotites, wehrlites and websterites) and distinct from those of fertile lherzolites in off-craton xenoliths and peridotite massifs. These features argue against the concept of ‘refertilization’ of cratonic and other refractory peridotites by mantle-derived melts as a major mechanism to form fertile to moderately depleted lherzolites in continental lithosphere. The Obnazhennaya xenoliths represent a natural rock series produced by ‘refertilization’, but include no rocks equivalent in modal, major and trace element to the fertile lherzolites. This study shows that ‘refertilization’ yields broad, continuous ranges of modal and chemical compositions with common wehrlites and websterites that are rare among off-craton xenoliths.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 248, pp. 1-13.
Russia, Siberia
carbonatite
Abstract: Ca isotopes can be strongly fractionated at the Earth’s surface and thus may be tracers of subducted carbonates and other Ca-rich surface materials in mantle rocks, magmas and fluids. However, the ?44/40Ca range in the mantle and the scope of intra-mantle isotope fractionation are poorly constrained. We report Ca isotope analyses for 22 mantle xenoliths: four basalt-hosted refractory peridotites from Tariat in Mongolia and 18 samples from the Obnazhennaya (Obn) kimberlite on the NE Siberian craton. Obn peridotites are Paleoproterozoic to Archean melting residues metasomatised by carbonate-rich and/or silicate melts including unique xenoliths that contain texturally equilibrated carbonates. ?44/40Ca in 15 Obn xenoliths shows limited variation (0.74-0.97‰) that overlaps the value (0.94?±?0.05‰) inferred for the bulk silicate Earth from data on fertile lherzolites, but is lower than ?44/40Ca for non-metasomatised refractory peridotites from Mongolia (1.10?±?0.03‰). Bulk ?44/40Ca in four Obn peridotites containing metasomatic carbonates ranges from 0.81?±?0.08‰ to 0.83?±?0.06‰, with similar values in acid-leachates and leaching residues, indicating isotopic equilibration of the carbonates with host rocks. We infer that (a) metasomatism tends to decrease ?44/40Ca values of the mantle, but its effects are usually limited (?0.3‰); (b) Ca isotopes cannot distinguish "carbonatite" and "silicate" types of mantle metasomatism. The lowest ?44/40Ca value (0.56‰) was obtained for a phlogopite-bearing Obn peridotite with a very high Ca/Al of 8 suggesting that the greatest metasomatism-induced Ca isotope shifts may be seen in rocks initially low in Ca that experienced significant Ca input leading to high Ca/Al. Two Obn peridotites, a dunite (melt channel material) and a veined spinel wehrlite, have high ?44/40Ca values (1.22‰ and 1.38‰), which may be due to isotope fractionation by diffusion during silicate melt intrusion and percolation in the host mantle. Overall, we find no evidence that recycling of crustal carbonates may greatly affect Ca isotope values in the global mantle or on a regional scale.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 248, pp. 1-13.
Mantle
carbonatite
Abstract: Ca isotopes can be strongly fractionated at the Earth’s surface and thus may be tracers of subducted carbonates and other Ca-rich surface materials in mantle rocks, magmas and fluids. However, the ?44/40Ca range in the mantle and the scope of intra-mantle isotope fractionation are poorly constrained. We report Ca isotope analyses for 22 mantle xenoliths: four basalt-hosted refractory peridotites from Tariat in Mongolia and 18 samples from the Obnazhennaya (Obn) kimberlite on the NE Siberian craton. Obn peridotites are Paleoproterozoic to Archean melting residues metasomatised by carbonate-rich and/or silicate melts including unique xenoliths that contain texturally equilibrated carbonates. ?44/40Ca in 15 Obn xenoliths shows limited variation (0.74-0.97‰) that overlaps the value (0.94?±?0.05‰) inferred for the bulk silicate Earth from data on fertile lherzolites, but is lower than ?44/40Ca for non-metasomatised refractory peridotites from Mongolia (1.10?±?0.03‰). Bulk ?44/40Ca in four Obn peridotites containing metasomatic carbonates ranges from 0.81?±?0.08‰ to 0.83?±?0.06‰, with similar values in acid-leachates and leaching residues, indicating isotopic equilibration of the carbonates with host rocks. We infer that (a) metasomatism tends to decrease ?44/40Ca values of the mantle, but its effects are usually limited (?0.3‰); (b) Ca isotopes cannot distinguish "carbonatite" and "silicate" types of mantle metasomatism. The lowest ?44/40Ca value (0.56‰) was obtained for a phlogopite-bearing Obn peridotite with a very high Ca/Al of 8 suggesting that the greatest metasomatism-induced Ca isotope shifts may be seen in rocks initially low in Ca that experienced significant Ca input leading to high Ca/Al. Two Obn peridotites, a dunite (melt channel material) and a veined spinel wehrlite, have high ?44/40Ca values (1.22‰ and 1.38‰), which may be due to isotope fractionation by diffusion during silicate melt intrusion and percolation in the host mantle. Overall, we find no evidence that recycling of crustal carbonates may greatly affect Ca isotope values in the global mantle or on a regional scale.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 248, pp. 1-13.
Mantle, Asia, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia
metasomatism
Abstract: Ca isotopes can be strongly fractionated at the Earth’s surface and thus may be tracers of subducted carbonates and other Ca-rich surface materials in mantle rocks, magmas and fluids. However, the ?44/40Ca range in the mantle and the scope of intra-mantle isotope fractionation are poorly constrained. We report Ca isotope analyses for 22 mantle xenoliths: four basalt-hosted refractory peridotites from Tariat in Mongolia and 18 samples from the Obnazhennaya (Obn) kimberlite on the NE Siberian craton. Obn peridotites are Paleoproterozoic to Archean melting residues metasomatised by carbonate-rich and/or silicate melts including unique xenoliths that contain texturally equilibrated carbonates. ?44/40Ca in 15 Obn xenoliths shows limited variation (0.74-0.97‰) that overlaps the value (0.94?±?0.05‰) inferred for the bulk silicate Earth from data on fertile lherzolites, but is lower than ?44/40Ca for non-metasomatised refractory peridotites from Mongolia (1.10?±?0.03‰). Bulk ?44/40Ca in four Obn peridotites containing metasomatic carbonates ranges from 0.81?±?0.08‰ to 0.83?±?0.06‰, with similar values in acid-leachates and leaching residues, indicating isotopic equilibration of the carbonates with host rocks. We infer that (a) metasomatism tends to decrease ?44/40Ca values of the mantle, but its effects are usually limited (?0.3‰); (b) Ca isotopes cannot distinguish “carbonatite” and “silicate” types of mantle metasomatism. The lowest ?44/40Ca value (0.56‰) was obtained for a phlogopite-bearing Obn peridotite with a very high Ca/Al of 8 suggesting that the greatest metasomatism-induced Ca isotope shifts may be seen in rocks initially low in Ca that experienced significant Ca input leading to high Ca/Al. Two Obn peridotites, a dunite (melt channel material) and a veined spinel wehrlite, have high ?44/40Ca values (1.22‰ and 1.38‰), which may be due to isotope fractionation by diffusion during silicate melt intrusion and percolation in the host mantle. Overall, we find no evidence that recycling of crustal carbonates may greatly affect Ca isotope values in the global mantle or on a regional scale.
Abstract: Megacrysts are large (cm to >20?cm in size) mantle-derived crystals, which are commonly entrained by kimberlite magmas, comprising of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, phlogopite, garnet, ilmenite and zircon as common phases. Numerous studies have shown megacrysts to contain polymineralic inclusions, which have been interpreted to represent entrapped kimberlite melt. To constrain the origin of these inclusions in megacrysts and their relationship to kimberlite magmatism, we present a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of clinopyroxene and olivine megacrysts and their hosted inclusions from the Diavik, Jericho, Leslie (Slave Craton, Canada) and Udachnaya-East (Siberian Craton, Russia) kimberlites. The studied megacrysts are between 1 and 3?cm in size and representative of both the Cr-rich and Cr-poor suites. Megacrysts contain two types of inclusions: i. Large (<0.5-5?mm in size) round-to-irregular shaped polymineralic inclusions, which are composed of minerals similar to the host kimberlite groundmass, and consist of olivine, calcite, spinel, perovskite, phlogopite and apatite (± serpentine, alkali-carbonates, alkali-chlorides, barite). ii. Swarms/trails of ‘micro melt inclusions’ (MMI; <1-5??m in size), which surround polymineralic inclusions, veins and fractures, thereby forming a ‘spongy’ texture. MMIs generally contain multiphase assemblages similar to polymineralic inclusions as well as various additional phases, such as alkali-carbonates or alkali-chlorides, which are typically absent in polymineralic inclusions and the surrounding kimberlite groundmass. Textural and geochemical evidence suggests that polymineralic inclusions in megacrysts crystallised from kimberlite melt, which infiltrated along fracture/vein networks. The polymineralic inclusion assemblages resulted from disequilibria reactions between the host megacryst and infiltrating kimberlite melt, which was likely enhanced by rapidly changing conditions during magmatic ascent. The connectivity of polymineralic inclusions to the kimberlite groundmass via network veins/fractures suggests that they are susceptible to infiltrating post-emplacement fluids. Therefore, the vast majority of polymineralic inclusions are unlikely to represent ‘pristine’ entrapped kimberlite melt. In contrast, MMIs are isolated within megacrysts (i.e. not connected to fractures/veins and therefore shielded from post-magmatic fluids) and probably represent entrapped remnants of the variably differentiated kimberlite melt, which was more enriched in alkalis-Cl-S-CO2 than serpentinised polymineralic inclusions and the host rocks exposed at Earth's surface as kimberlites.
Abstract: Identification of the primary compositions of mantle-derived melts is crucial for understanding mantle compositions and physical conditions of mantle melting. However, these melts rarely reach the Earth's surface unmodified because of contamination, crystal fractionation and degassing, processes that occur almost ubiquitously after melt generation. Here we report snapshots of the melts preserved in sheared peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya-East kimberlite pipe, in the central part of the Siberian craton. These xenoliths are among the deepest mantle samples and were delivered by kimberlite magma from 180-230?km depth interval, i.e. from the base of the cratonic lithosphere. The olivine grains of the sheared peridotites contain secondary inclusions of the crystallized melt with bulk molar (Na?+?K)/Ca?~?3.4. Various Na-K-Ca-, Na-Ca-, Na-Mg-, Ca-Mg- and Ca-carbonates, Na-Mg-carbonates with additional anions, alkali sulphates and halides are predominant among the daughter minerals in secondary melt inclusions, whereas silicates, oxides, sulphides and phosphates are subordinate. These inclusions can be considered as Cl-S-bearing alkali-carbonate melts. The presence of aragonite, a high-pressure polymorph of CaCO3, among the daughter minerals suggests a mantle origin for these melt inclusions. The secondary melt inclusions in olivine from the sheared peridotite xenoliths and the melt inclusions in phenocrystic olivines from the host kimberlites demonstrate similarities, in daughter minerals assemblages and trace-element compositions. Moreover, alkali-rich minerals (carbonates, halides, sulphates and sulphides) identified in the studied melt inclusions are also present in the groundmass of the host kimberlites. These data suggests a genetic link between melt enclosed in olivine from the sheared peridotites and melt parental to the Udachnaya-East kimberlites. We suggest that the melt inclusions in olivine from mantle xenoliths may represent near primary, kimberlite melts. These results are new evidence in support of the alkali?carbonate composition of kimberlite melts in their source regions, prior to the kimberlite emplacement into the crust, and are in stark contrast to the generally accepted ultramafic silicate nature of parental kimberlite liquids.
Abstract: Large-ion lithophile elements (LILE)-enriched chromium titanates of the magnetoplumbite (AM12O19) and crichtonite (ABC18T2O38) groups have been recognized as abundant inclusions in orthopyroxene grains in a mantle-derived xenolith from the Udachnaya-East kimberlite pipe, Daldyn field, Siberian craton. The studied xenolith consists of three parts: an orthopyroxenite, a garnet clinopyroxenite, and a garnet-orthopyroxene intermediate domain between the two. Within the host enstatite (Mg# 92.6) in the orthopyroxenitic part of the sample titanate inclusions are associated with Cr-spinel, diopside, rutile, Mg-Cr-ilmenite, and pentlandite. Crichtonite-group minerals also occur as acicular inclusions in pyrope grains of the intermediate domain adjacent to the orthopyroxenite, as well as in interstitial to enstatite oxide intergrowths together with Cr-spinel, rutile, and ilmenite. Yimengite-hawthorneite inclusions in enstatite contain (wt%) 3.72-8.04 BaO, 2.05-3.43 K2O, and 0.06-0.48 CaO. Their composition is transitional between yimengite and hawthorneite end-members with most grains exhibiting K-dominant chemistry. A distinct feature of the studied yimengitehawthorneite minerals is a high content of Al2O3 (5.74-7.69 wt%). Crichtonite-group minerals vary in compositions depending on the occurrence in the xenolith: inclusions in enstatite are moderate-high in TiO2 (62.9-67.1 wt%), moderately Cr-rich (12.6-14.0 wt% Cr2O3), Ba- or K-specific in the A site, and contain low ZrO2 (0.05-1.72 wt%), whereas inclusions in pyrope are moderate in TiO2 (61.7-63.3 wt% TiO2), relatively low in Cr (8.98-9.62 wt% Cr2O3), K-dominant in the A site, and are Zr-enriched (4.64-4.71 wt% ZrO2). Crichtonite-group minerals in polymineralic oxide intergrowths show highly diverse compositions even within individual aggregates, where they are chemically dominated by Ba, Ca, and Sr. P-T estimates indicate the orthopyroxenite to have equilibrated at ~800 °C and 35 kbar. Preferentially oriented lamellae of enstatite-hosted Cr-spinel and diopside, as well as pyrope, diopside, and Cr-spinel grains developed around enstatite crystals, are interpreted to have been exsolved from the high-T Ca-Al-Cr-enriched orthopyroxene precursor. The exotic titanate compositions and observed textural relationships between inclusions in enstatite imply that the studied orthopyroxenite has undergone metasomatic processing by a mobile percolating agent afterward; this highly evolved melt/fluid was enriched in Ba, K, HFSE, and other incompatible elements. The infiltration of the metasomatizing liquid occurred through interstices and vulnerable zones of enstatite grains and manifested in the crystallization of titanate inclusions. It is assumed that Cr-spinel lamellae served as seeds for their nucleation and growth. The prominent textural and chemical inhomogeneity of the interstitial oxide intergrowths is either a consequence of the metasomatic oxide crystallization shortly prior to the kimberlite magma eruption or arose from the intensive modification of preexisting oxide clusters by the kimberlite melt during the Udachnaya emplacement. Our new data provide implications for the metasomatic treatment of orthopyroxenites in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle from the view of exotic titanate occurrences.
Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, in press available, 19p. Pdf
Russia
deposit - Udachnaya
Abstract: The study of kimberlite rocks is important as they provide critical information regarding the composition and dynamics of the continental mantle and are the principal source of diamonds. Despite many decades of research, the original compositions of kimberlite melts, which are thought to be derived from depths > 150 km, remain highly debatable due to processes that can significantly modify their composition during ascent and emplacement. Snapshots of the kimberlite?related melts were entrapped as secondary melt inclusions hosted in olivine from sheared peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya?East pipe (Siberian craton). These xenoliths originated from 180? to 220?km depth and are among the deepest derived samples of mantle rocks exposed at the surface. The crystallised melt inclusions contain diverse daughter mineral assemblages (>30 mineral species), which are dominated by alkali?rich carbonates, sulfates, and chlorides. The presence of aragonite as a daughter mineral suggests a high?pressure origin for these inclusions. Raman?mapping studies of unexposed inclusions show that they are dominated by carbonates (>65 vol.%), whereas silicates are subordinate (<13 vol.%). This indicates that the parental melt for the inclusions was carbonatitic. The key chemical features of this melt are very high contents of alkalis, carbon dioxide, chlorine, and sulfur and extremely low silica and water. Alkali?carbonate melts entrapped in xenolith minerals likely represent snapshots of the primitive kimberlite melt. This composition is in contrast with the generally accepted notion that kimberlites originated as ultramafic silicate water?rich melts. Experimental studies revealed that alkali?carbonate melts are a very suitable diamond?forming media. Therefore, our findings support the idea that some diamonds and kimberlite magmatism may be genetically related.
Abstract: A find of coesite in a kyanite graphite-diamond-bearing eclogite xenolith from the Udachnaya-Vostochnaya kimberlite pipe is described in this paper. The coesite relics were found in intensely fractured garnet indicating some influence of the kimberlite melt, which is supported by the typical secondary mineral assemblage around this inclusion. These data indicate that shallower diamond-free coesite-grade rocks (2.7 GPa) underwent metamorphism distinct from diamond-bearing coesite eclogites (?4 GPa). The metasomatic alteration of rock as a result of the C-O-H fluid-rock interaction during diamond crystallization may be another possible reason for the absence of coesite in diamond-bearing xenoliths.
Abstract: More than forty mineral species of epigenetic origin have been identified in an orthopyroxenite from the Udachnaya-East kimberlite pipe, Daldyn kimberlite field, Siberian platform. Epigenetic phases occur as: (1) Mineral inclusions in the rock-forming enstatite, (2) daughter minerals within large (up to 2 mm) crystallized melt inclusions (CMI) in the rock-forming enstatite, and (3) individual grains and intergrowths in the intergranular space of the xenolith. The studied minerals include silicates (olivine, clinopyroxene, phlogopite, tetraferriphlogopite, amphibole-supergroup minerals, serpentine-group minerals, talc), oxides (several generations of ilmenite and spinel, rutile, perovskite, rare titanates of the crichtonite, magnetoplumbite and hollandite groups), carbonates (calcite, dolomite), sulfides (pentlandite, djerfisherite, pyrrhotite), sulfate (barite), phosphates (apatite and phosphate with a suggested crystal-chemical formula Na2BaMg[PO4]2), oxyhydroxide (goethite), and hydroxyhalides (kuliginite, iowaite). The examined epigenetic minerals are interpreted to have crystallized at different time spans after the formation of the host rock. The genesis of minerals is ascribed to a series of processes metasomatically superimposed onto the orthopyroxenite, i.e., deep-seated mantle metasomatism, infiltration of a kimberlite-related melt and late post-emplacement hydrothermal alterations. The reaction of orthopyroxene with the kimberlite-related melt has led to orthopyroxene dissolution and formation of the CMI, the latter being surrounded by complex reaction zones and containing zoned olivine grains with extremely high-Mg# (up to 99) cores. This report highlights the utility of minerals present in minor volume proportions in deciphering the evolution and modification of mantle fragments sampled by kimberlitic and other deep-sourced magmas. The obtained results further imply that the whole-rock geochemical analyses of mantle-derived samples should be treated with care due to possible drastic contaminations from “hiding” minor phases of epigenetic origin.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 281, pp. 67-90. pdf
Russia, Siberia
deposit - Udachnaya
Abstract: Cratonic lithospheric mantle is believed to have been formed in the Archean, but kimberlite-hosted coarse peridotites from Udachnaya in the central Siberian craton typically yield Paleoproterozoic Re-depletion Os isotope ages (TRD). By comparison, olivine megacrysts from Udachnaya, sometimes called “megacrystalline peridotites”, often yield Archean TRD ages, but the nature of these rare materials remains enigmatic. We provide whole-rock (WR) Re-Os isotope and PGE analyses for 24 olivine-rich xenoliths from Udachnaya as well as modal and petrographic data, WR and mineral major and trace element compositions. The samples were selected based on (a) high olivine abundances in hand specimens and (b) sufficient freshness and size to yield representative WR powders. They comprise medium- to coarse-grained (olivine?1?cm) dunites, a megacrystalline (olivine?>?1?cm) dunite, olivine megacrysts and low-orthopyroxene (11-21% opx) harzburgites equilibrated at 783-1154?°C and 3.9-6.5 GPa; coarse dunites have not been previously reported from Udachnaya; two xenoliths contain ilmenite. The harzburgites and dunites have similar WR variation ranges of Ca, Al, Fe, Cr and Mg# (0.917-0.934) typical of refractory cratonic peridotites, but the dunites tend to have higher MgO, NiO and Mg/Si. Mineral abundances and those of Ca and Al are not correlated with Mg#WR; they are not due to differences in melting degrees but are linked to metasomatism. Several samples with high 187Re/188Os show a positive linear correlation with 187Os/188Os with an apparent age of 0.37?Ga, same as eruption age of host kimberlite. Robust TRD ages were obtained for 16 xenoliths with low 187Re/188Os (0.02-0.13). TRD ages for low-opx harzburgites (1.9-2.1?Ga; average 2.0?±?0.1?Ga, 1 ?) are manifestly lower than for dunites and megacrysts (2.4-3.1?Ga); the latter define two subsets with average TRD of 2.6?±?0.1?Ga and 3.0?±?0.1?Ga, and TMA of 3.0?±?0.2?Ga and 3.3?±?0.1?Ga, respectively. Differences in olivine grain size (coarse vs. megacrystalline) are not related to age. The age relations suggest that the dunites and megacrysts could not be produced by re-melting of harzburgites, e.g. in arc settings, nor be melt channel materials in harzburgites. Instead, they are relict fragments of lithospheric mantle formed in the Archean (likely in two events at or after 2.6?Ga and 3.0?Ga) that were incorporated into cratonic lithosphere during the final assembly of the Siberian craton in the Paleoproterozoic. A multi-stage formation of the Siberian lithospheric mantle is consistent with crustal basement ages from U-Pb dating of zircons from crustal xenoliths at Udachnaya and detrital zircons from the northern Siberian craton (1.8-2.0, 2.4-2.8 and 3.0-3.4?Ga). The new data from the Siberian and other cratons suggest that the formation of strongly melt-depleted cratonic lithosphere (e.g. Mg# ?0.92) did not stop at the Archean-Proterozoic boundary as is commonly thought, but continued in the Paleoproterozoic. The same may be valid for the transition from the ‘Archean’ (4-2.5?Ga) to modern tectonic regimes.
Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, doi.org/10.1002/jrs.5701 19p pdf
Russia
deposit - Udachnaya-East
Abstract: The study of kimberlite rocks is important as they provide critical information regarding the composition and dynamics of the continental mantle and are the principal source of diamonds. Despite many decades of research, the original compositions of kimberlite melts, which are thought to be derived from depths > 150 km, remain highly debatable due to processes that can significantly modify their composition during ascent and emplacement. Snapshots of the kimberlite?related melts were entrapped as secondary melt inclusions hosted in olivine from sheared peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya?East pipe (Siberian craton). These xenoliths originated from 180? to 220?km depth and are among the deepest derived samples of mantle rocks exposed at the surface. The crystallised melt inclusions contain diverse daughter mineral assemblages (>30 mineral species), which are dominated by alkali?rich carbonates, sulfates, and chlorides. The presence of aragonite as a daughter mineral suggests a high?pressure origin for these inclusions. Raman?mapping studies of unexposed inclusions show that they are dominated by carbonates (>65 vol.%), whereas silicates are subordinate (<13 vol.%). This indicates that the parental melt for the inclusions was carbonatitic. The key chemical features of this melt are very high contents of alkalis, carbon dioxide, chlorine, and sulfur and extremely low silica and water. Alkali?carbonate melts entrapped in xenolith minerals likely represent snapshots of the primitive kimberlite melt. This composition is in contrast with the generally accepted notion that kimberlites originated as ultramafic silicate water?rich melts. Experimental studies revealed that alkali?carbonate melts are a very suitable diamond?forming media. Therefore, our findings support the idea that some diamonds and kimberlite magmatism may be genetically related.
MDPI Minerals, Vol. 10, 264, doi.10.3390/ min10030264 34p. Pdf
Russia
deposit - Udachnaya-East
Abstract: More than forty mineral species of epigenetic origin have been identified in an orthopyroxenite from the Udachnaya-East kimberlite pipe, Daldyn kimberlite field, Siberian platform. Epigenetic phases occur as: (1) Mineral inclusions in the rock-forming enstatite, (2) daughter minerals within large (up to 2 mm) crystallized melt inclusions (CMI) in the rock-forming enstatite, and (3) individual grains and intergrowths in the intergranular space of the xenolith. The studied minerals include silicates (olivine, clinopyroxene, phlogopite, tetraferriphlogopite, amphibole-supergroup minerals, serpentine-group minerals, talc), oxides (several generations of ilmenite and spinel, rutile, perovskite, rare titanates of the crichtonite, magnetoplumbite and hollandite groups), carbonates (calcite, dolomite), sulfides (pentlandite, djerfisherite, pyrrhotite), sulfate (barite), phosphates (apatite and phosphate with a suggested crystal-chemical formula Na2BaMg[PO4]2), oxyhydroxide (goethite), and hydroxyhalides (kuliginite, iowaite). The examined epigenetic minerals are interpreted to have crystallized at different time spans after the formation of the host rock. The genesis of minerals is ascribed to a series of processes metasomatically superimposed onto the orthopyroxenite, i.e., deep-seated mantle metasomatism, infiltration of a kimberlite-related melt and late post-emplacement hydrothermal alterations. The reaction of orthopyroxene with the kimberlite-related melt has led to orthopyroxene dissolution and formation of the CMI, the latter being surrounded by complex reaction zones and containing zoned olivine grains with extremely high-Mg# (up to 99) cores. This report highlights the utility of minerals present in minor volume proportions in deciphering the evolution and modification of mantle fragments sampled by kimberlitic and other deep-sourced magmas. The obtained results further imply that the whole-rock geochemical analyses of mantle-derived samples should be treated with care due to possible drastic contaminations from “hiding” minor phases of epigenetic origin.
Nature Communications, doi:.org/10.1038/ s41467-020-17442 -8 11p. Pdf
Africa, South Africa, Russia, Siberia
water
Abstract: Trace amounts of water dissolved in minerals affect density, viscosity and melting behaviour of the Earth’s mantle and play an important role in global tectonics, magmatism and volatile cycle. Water concentrations and the ratios of hydrogen isotopes in the mantle give insight into these processes, as well as into the origin of terrestrial water. Here we show the presence of molecular H2 in minerals (omphacites) from eclogites from the Kaapvaal and Siberian cratons. These omphacites contain both high amounts of H2 (70 to 460 wt. ppm) and OH. Furthermore, their ?D values increase with dehydration, suggesting a positive H isotope fractionation factor between minerals and H2-bearing fluid, contrary to what is expected in case of isotopic exchange between minerals and H2O-fluids. The possibility of incorporation of large quantities of H as H2 in nominally anhydrous minerals implies that the storage capacity of H in the mantle may have been underestimated, and sheds new light on H isotope variations in mantle magmas and minerals.
Abstract: Olivine is the most common rock-forming mineral of the majority of the lithospheric mantle rocks beneath ancient cratons. This study provides the information about an epigenetic olivine in a lherzolite xenolith from the Udachnaya kimberlite pipe (Siberian craton), which is characterized by lower Mg# compared to the rock-forming one (Mg# = 87.4). The iron-rich olivine has been observed in the epigenetic mineral assemblage that forms a kelyphite shell around the rock-forming garnet. Olivine from the kelyphite shell occurs as both homogeneous grains (Mg# = 84.3-85.9) and zoned grains (Mg# = 85.1-87.5). The major and minor elements asymmetric zoning patterns have been found in the rock-forming olivine grains at the contact with the kelyphite shell. These olivine grains have an outer low Mg# (up to 85.9) zone at the contact with the kelyphite shell as the epigenetic olivine grains in the kelyphite shell. We suggest that the iron-rich epigenetic olivine was produced as the result of a reaction between the rock-forming garnet and the primitive kimberlite melt. During this reaction, a hybrid melt was formed in the interstitial space. The hybrid melt was iron-enriched relative to the kimberlite melt. The source of iron for the micro-portions of the interstitial hybrid melt was the rock-forming garnet.
Abstract: Kimberlite-borne mantle eclogites represent an important diamond source rock. Although the origin and stability of diamond, as opposed to its low-pressure polymorph graphite, have been studied for decades, their relationship in rare natural samples where both polymorphs coexist remains poorly constrained. To shed new light on this issue, seven graphite-diamond-bearing eclogites from the kimberlite pipe Udachnaya, Siberian craton were comprehensively investigated with respect to their petrography, mineral chemical composition and omphacite 87Sr/86Sr, acquired in situ by laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The calculated P-T conditions for basaltic group eclogites (Eu/Eu* < 1) correspond to a pressure range of 4•8-6•5?GPa and temperatures of 1060-1130?°C, whereas gabbroic eclogites with positive Eu- and Sr-anomalies have a smaller pressure variation (4•8-5•8?GPa), but a larger range in temperature (990-1260?°C). Reconstructed bulk compositions for gabbroic eclogites indicate an oceanic crustal origin for their protoliths, with accumulation of plagioclase and olivine ± clinopyroxene (gabbronorite or olivine gabbro). The protoliths of basaltic eclogites probably formed from the complementary residual melt. The presence of coesite and low Mg# in basaltic eclogites suggest that their light rare earth element depletion was the result of <10?% partial melting during subsequent subduction and emplacement into the cratonic lithosphere. Extremely unradiogenic 87Sr/86Sr (0•70091-0•70186 for six of seven samples) not only provides new evidence for the Archean age (2•5-2•9?Gyr) of Yakutian graphite-diamond-bearing eclogites and for formation of their protoliths in a depleted mantle source, but also suggests that they were not significantly metasomatically overprinted after their formation, despite their extended residence in the cratonic mantle lithosphere. The mineralogical and petrographic features indicate that the primary mineral association includes garnet, omphacite, ± coesite, ± kyanite, ± rutile, graphite, and diamond. Graphite occurs in the samples in the form of idiomorphic crystals (the longest dimensions being 0•4-1?mm) in garnet and kyanite and extends beyond their grain boundaries. Diamonds occur as octahedral cubic transparent, slightly colored or bright yellow crystals as large as 0•1-2?mm. Furthermore, idiomorphic and highly ordered graphite occurs as inclusions in diamond in four samples. The carbon isotope composition for diamond and graphite has a narrow range (?4 to ?6•6?‰) for both groups (gabbroic and basaltic), indicating a mantle source and limiting the role of subducted isotopically light biogenic carbon or reduction of isotopically heavy carbonate in diamond crystallization. Importantly, the presence of graphite and diamond inclusions in garnet, omphacite, and kyanite in three samples indicates a co-formation close in time to eclogitization. Combined, the petrographic and geochemical evidence suggests that both polymorphic carbon modifications can form in the diamond stability field, as also suggested by experiments and some natural examples, although the exact mechanism remains unresolved. Furthermore, this study provides natural evidence that graphite can be preserved (metastably) deep within the diamond stability field, without recrystallizing into diamond, for a long time, ?2•5?Gyr.
Abstract: The results of study secondary crystallized melt inclusions in olivine of a sheared peridotite xenolith from the Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya kimberlite pipe (Upper Muna field, Yakutia) are reported. Monticellite, phlogopite, tetraferriphlogopite KMg3(Fe3+)Si3O10(F,Cl,OH), apatite, aphthitalite K3Na(SO4)2, burkeite Na6CO3(SO4)2, and carbonates, namely calcite, nyerereite (Na,K)2Ca(CO3)2, shortite Na2Ca2(CO3)3, and eitelite Na2Mg(CO3)2, were detected among the daughter minerals of the melt inclusions by the method of confocal Raman spectroscopy. The abundance of alkali carbonates in the inclusions indicates the alkali-carbonate composition of the melt. Previously, identical inclusions of alkali-carbonate melt were reported in olivine of sheared peridotites from the Udachnaya pipe (Daldyn field). Melt inclusions in sheared peridotites are the relics of a crystallized kimberlite melt that penetrated into peridotites either during the transport of xenoliths to the surface or directly in the mantle shortly prior to the entrapment of xenoliths by the kimberlite magma. If the second scenario took place, the finds of alkali-carbonate melt inclusions in sheared peridotites carried from different mantle depths in the Udachnaya and Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya kimberlite pipes indicate a large-scale metasomatic alteration of the lithospheric mantle of the Siberian Craton by alkaline-carbonate melts, which preceded the kimberlite magmatism. However, regardless of which of the two models proposed above is correct, the results reported here support the alkali-carbonate composition of primary kimberlite melts.
Equigranualr eclogites from the V. Grib kimberlite pipe: evidence for Paleoproterozoic subduction on the territory of the Arkangelsk Diamondiferous province.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 451, pp. 232-240.
Mantle
Peridotite
Abstract: We present new Zn elemental and isotope data on seventeen fertile and refractory mantle peridotite xenoliths. Eleven fertile peridotites are garnet and spinel lherzolites from Vitim and Tariat (Siberia and Mongolia) and represent some of the most pristine fertile peridotites available. Six refractory peridotites are spinel harzburgites from the Udachnaya kimberlite (Siberian craton) that are nearly pristine residues of high-degree polybaric melting at high pressure (7-4 GPa). Geochemical data suggest that Zn isotopic compositions in the peridotites have not been affected by post-melting processes such as metasomatism, contamination by the host-magmas or alteration. The fertile peridotites have uniform Zn concentrations (59±2 ppm59±2 ppm) and Zn isotopic compositions with ?66Zn (relative to JMC-Lyon-03-0749l)?=?+0.30?±?0.03‰ consistent with the Bulk Silicate Earth estimates of ?66Zn?=?+0.28?±?0.05‰ (Chen et al., 2013). The refractory peridotites have Zn concentrations ranging from 30 to 48 ppm and ?66Zn from +0.10±0.01‰+0.10±0.01‰ to +0.18±0.01‰+0.18±0.01‰ with an average of +0.14±0.03‰+0.14±0.03‰. Our data suggest that the lithospheric mantle has a heterogeneous Zn isotopic composition. Modeling of Zn isotope partitioning during partial melting of fertile mantle suggests that high degrees of melt extraction (>30%) may significantly fractionate Zn isotopes (up to 0.16‰) and that during mantle melting, Zn concentrations and isotopic compositions are mainly controlled by the stability of clinopyroxene and garnet within the melting residue. Because the stability of clinopyroxene and garnet is mainly pressure dependent we suggest that both the depth and the degrees of melt extraction may control Zn isotope fractionation during mantle melting.
Abstract: Cratons represent the oldest preserved lithospheric domains. Their lithosphere (lithospheric mantle welded to overlying Precambrian crystalline basement) is considered to be particularly robust and long living due to the protecting presence of buoyant and rigid “keels” made up of residual harzburgites. In this study, we report new U—Pb zircon ages on crustal xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite in the Siberian craton; this dataset includes samples from both the upper and lower portions of the crust. The zircon ages agree well with model melt-extraction Re-Os ages on refractory peridotite xenoliths from the same pipe; taken together they allow an integrated view of lithosphere formation. Our data reveal that the present day upper crust is Archaean, whereas both the lower crust and the lithospheric mantle yield Palaeoproterozoic ages. Consequently, the deep lithosphere beneath the Siberian craton was not formed in a single time, but grew in two distinct events, one in the late Archean and the other in the Palaeoproterozoic. We propose a two-stage scenario for the formation of the Siberian craton involving delamination and rejuvenation of the Archean lower lithosphere (lower crust and lithospheric mantle) in the Palaeoproterozoic. This demonstrates that craton formation can be a protracted, multi-stage process, and that the present day crust and mantle do not represent complementary reservoirs formed through the same episode.
Abstract: Cratons represent the oldest preserved lithospheric domains. Their lithosphere (lithospheric mantle welded to overlying Precambrian crystalline basement) is considered to be particularly robust and long-lived due to the protecting presence of buoyant and rigid “keels” made up of residual harzburgites. Although the cratons are mostly assumed to form in the Archaean, the timing of their formation remains poorly constrained. In particular, there are very few datasets describing concurrently the age of both the crustal and mantle portions of the lithosphere. In this study, we report new U–Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions for zircons in crustal xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite in the central Siberian craton; this dataset includes samples from both the upper and lower portions of the crust. The zircon ages agree well with model melt-extraction Re–Os ages on refractory peridotite xenoliths from the same pipe; taken together they allow an integrated view of lithosphere formation. Our data reveal that the present day upper crust is Archaean, whereas both the lower crust and the lithospheric mantle yield Paleoproterozoic ages. We infer that the deep lithosphere beneath the Siberian craton was not formed in a single Archaean event, but grew in at least two distinct events, one in the late Archaean and the other in the Paleoproterozoic. Importantly, a complete or large-scale delamination and rejuvenation of the Archaean lower lithosphere (lower crust and lithospheric mantle) took place in the Paleoproterozoic. This further demonstrates that craton formation can be a protracted, multi-stage process, and that the present day crust and mantle may not represent complementary reservoirs formed through the same tectono-magmatic event. Further, deep cratonic lithosphere may be less robust and long living than often assumed, with rejuvenation and replacement events throughout its history.
Mineralogy of heavy minerals concentrates from the unconsolidated deposits of Eledoi and Pello Hill volcanic cones ( Gelai volcano): first preliminary data
Peralk-Carb 2011, workshop held Tubingen Germany June 16-18, Poster
Mineralogy of heavy minerals concentrates from the unconsolidated deposits of Eeldoi and Pello Hill volcanic cones (Gelai volcano, northern Tanzania) prel.
Peralk-Carb 2011... workshop June 16-18, Tubingen, Germany, Abstract p.111-112.
Mineralogy of heavy minerals concentrates from the unconsolidated deposits of Eeldoi and Pello Hill volcanic cones (Gelai volcano, northern Tanzania) prel.
Peralk-Carb 2011... workshop June 16-18, Tubingen, Germany, Abstract p.111-112.
The diamond bearing territories of Africa and their importance for expansion of the raw material base of the Russian diamond mining industry. ***IN RUS
Mineral Resources of Russia: economics and Management *** IN RUS, No. 6, pp. 66-72. pdf
Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 477, 1, pp. 1291-1294.
Russia
kimberlite, alnoite, carbonatite
Abstract: The results of geochemical typification of kimberlites and related rocks (alneites and carbonatites) of the North Anabar region are presented with consideration of the geochemical specification of their source and estimation of their potential for diamonds. The content of representative trace elements indicates the predominant contribution of an asthenospheric component (kimberlites and carbonatites) in their source, with a subordinate contribution of vein metasomatic formations containing Cr-diopside and ilmenite. A significant contribution of water-bearing potassium metasomatic parageneses is not recognized. According to the complex of geochemical data, the studied rocks are not industrially diamondiferous.
Abstract: A classification suggested for alkaline ultramafic rocks of the Ary-Mastakh and Staraya Rechka fields, Northern Anabar Shield, is based on the modal mineralogical composition of the rocks and the chemical compositions of their rock-forming and accessory minerals. Within the framework of this classification, the rocks are indentified as orangeite and alkaline ultramafic lamprophyres: aillikite and damtjernite. To estimate how much contamination with the host rocks has modified their composition when the diatremes were formed, the pyroclastic rocks were studied that abound in xenogenic material (which is rich in SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, Rb, Pb, and occasionally also Ba) at relatively low (La/Yb)PM, (La/Sm)PM, and not as much also (Sm/Zr)PM and (La/Nb)PM ratios. The isotopic composition of the rocks suggests that the very first melt portions were of asthenospheric nature. The distribution of trace elements and REE indicates that one of the leading factors that controlled the diversity of the mineralogical composition of the rocks and the broad variations in their isotopic-geochemical and geochemical characteristics was asthenosphere-lithosphere interaction when the melts of the alkaline ultramafic rocks were derived. The melting processes involved metasomatic vein-hosted assemblages of carbonate and potassic hydrous composition (of the MARID type). The alkaline ultramafic rocks whose geochemistry reflects the contributions of enriched vein assemblages to the lithospheric source material, occur in the northern Anabar Shield closer to the boundary between the Khapchan and Daldyn terranes. The evolution of the aillikite melts during their ascent through the lithospheric mantle could give rise to damtjernite generation and was associated with the separation of a C-H-O fluid phase. Our data allowed us to distinguish the evolutionary episodes of the magma-generating zone during the origin of the Triassic alkaline ultramafic rocks in the northern Anabar Shield.
Abstract: To provide new insights into the origin and evolution of kimberlitic magmas with different diamond concentrations from the Arkhangelsk diamond province in northwestern Russia, we examined the major-and trace-element compositions of ilmenite from diamondiferous kimberlite of the Grib pipe and diamond barren kimberlites from the Kepino cluster (Stepnaya and TsNIGRI-Arkhangelskaya pipes). Ilmenite from diamond-barren kimberlites shows lower Mg, Ti, Cr, Ni and Cu concentrations with increase in both Fe 3+ and Fe 2+ and Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Zn and V concentrations. The main differences between kimberlites with different diamond contents are the Nb and Zr concentrations and their correlation patterns with Mg and Cr concentrations. Ilmenite from the Grib kimberlite has Zr concentrations <110 ppm, whereas ilmenite from the Kepino kimberlites has Zr concentrations >300 ppm. Ilmenite crystallisation within the Grib kimberlite occurred under increasing oxygen fugacity (fO 2), which may reflect assimilation of mantle peridotite by the kimberlitic magmas. Ilmenite from the Kepino kimberlites suggests its crystallisation under constant fO 2 , with the ilmenite composition being controlled by processes of fractional crystallisation of megacrystic minerals. These assumptions were confirmed with assimilation-fractional crystallisation calculations. On the basis of obtained data, we developed a model for the evolution of the kimberlitic magmas for both diamon-diferous and barren kimberlites. The diamond-bearing kimberlitic magmas were generated under intense interaction of kimberlitic magmas with the surrounding lithospheric mantle. It may be that during early modification of the lithospheric mantle by kimberlitic magmas as well as with kimberlitic magmas' local stretching and swift ascent, the capture of the mantle xenoliths was favoured over the crystallisation of phenocrysts. The formation of barren kimberlitic magmas may have occurred when the lithospheric mantle in the vicinity of ascending magmas was already geochemically equilibrated with them. It also is possible that the magma's ascent slowed under conditions of dominantly compressive stresses with crystallisation of olivine and other megacrystic phases.
Abstract: To provide new insights into the origin and evolution of kimberlitic magmas with different diamond concentrations from the Arkhangelsk diamond province in north-western Russia, we examined the major- and trace-element compositions of ilmenite from diamondiferous kimberlite of the Grib pipe and diamond-barren kimberlites from the Kepino cluster (Stepnaya and TsNIGRI-Arkhangelskaya pipes). Ilmenite from diamond-barren kimberlites shows lower Mg, Ti, Cr, Ni and Cu concentrations with increase in both Fe3+ and Fe2+ and Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Zn and V concentrations. The main differences between kimberlites with different diamond contents are the Nb and Zr concentrations and their correlation patterns with Mg and Cr concentrations. Ilmenite from the Grib kimberlite has Zr concentrations <110 ppm, whereas ilmenite from the Kepino kimberlites has Zr concentrations >300 ppm. Ilmenite crystallisation within the Grib kimberlite occurred under increasing oxygen fugacity (fO2), which may reflect assimilation of mantle peridotite by the kimberlitic magmas. Ilmenite from the Kepino kimberlites suggests its crystallisation under constant fO2, with the ilmenite composition being controlled by processes of fractional crystallisation of megacrystic minerals. These assumptions were confirmed with assimilation-fractional crystallisation calculations. On the basis of obtained data, we developed a model for the evolution of the kimberlitic magmas for both diamondiferous and barren kimberlites. The diamond-bearing kimberlitic magmas were generated under intense interaction of kimberlitic magmas with the surrounding lithospheric mantle. It may be that during early modification of the lithospheric mantle by kimberlitic magmas as well as with kimberlitic magmas’ local stretching and swift ascent, the capture of the mantle xenoliths was favoured over the crystallisation of phenocrysts. The formation of barren kimberlitic magmas may have occurred when the lithospheric mantle in the vicinity of ascending magmas was already geochemically equilibrated with them. It also is possible that the magma’s ascent slowed under conditions of dominantly compressive stresses with crystallisation of olivine and other megacrystic phases.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, in press available, 17p.
Mantle
Peridotite
Abstract: Natural moissanite (SiC) is reported from mantle-derived samples ranging from lithospheric mantle keel diamonds to serpentinites to podiform chromitites in ophiolites related to suprasubduction zone settings (Luobusa, Dongqiao, Semail, and Ray-Iz). To simulate ultra-reducing conditions and the formation of moissanite, we compiled thermodynamic data for alloys (Fe-Si-C and Fe-Cr), carbides (Fe3C, Fe7C3, SiC), and Fe-silicides; these data were augmented by commonly used thermodynamic data for silicates and oxides. Computed phase diagram sections then constrain the P-T-fO2 conditions of SiC stability in the upper mantle. Our results demonstrate that: Moissanite only occurs at oxygen fugacities 6.5-7.5 log units below the iron-wustite buffer; moissanite and chromite cannot stably coexist; increasing pressure does not lead to the stability of this mineral pair; and silicates that coexist with moissanite have X Mg > 0.99. At upper mantle conditions, chromite reduces to Fe-Cr alloy at fO2 values 3.7-5.3 log units above the moissanite-olivine-(ortho)pyroxene-carbon (graphite or diamond) buffer (MOOC). The occurrence of SiC in chromitites and the absence of domains with almost Fe-free silicates suggest that ultra-reducing conditions allowing for SiC are confined to grain scale microenvironments. In contrast to previous ultra-high-pressure and/or temperature hypotheses for SiC origin, we postulate a low to moderate temperature mechanism, which operates via ultra-reducing fluids. In this model, graphite-/diamond-saturated moderately reducing fluids evolve in chemical isolation from the bulk rock to ultra-reducing methane-dominated fluids by sequestering H2O into hydrous phases (serpentine, brucite, phase A). Carbon isotope compositions of moissanite are consistent with an origin of such fluids from sediments originally rich in organic compounds. Findings of SiC within rocks mostly comprised by hydrous phases (serpentine + brucite) support this model. Both the hydrous phases and the limited diffusive equilibration of SiC with most minerals in the rocks indicate temperatures below 700-800 °C. Moissanite from mantle environments is hence a mineral that does not inform on pressure but on a low to moderate temperature environment involving ultra-reduced fluids. Any mineral in equilibrium with SiC could only contain traces of Fe2+ or Cr3+.
Abstract: Early and Late Cretaceous alkaline and alkaline-carbonatitic complexes from southern Brazil are located along the main tectonic lineaments of the South America Platform. Calcium-, magnesium-, and ferrocarbonatites are well represented and frequently associated even in the same complex. Primary carbonates present significant variations in C-O isotopic compositions, which are mainly due to isotope exchange with H2O-CO2-rich hydrothermal fluids, whereas fractional crystallization or liquid immiscibility probably affects the ?18O and ?13C values by no more than 2?‰ Our isotope exchange model implies that the most significant isotopic variations took place in a hydrothermal environment, e.g., in the range 400-80°C, involving fluids with the CO2/H2O ratio ranging from 0.8 to 1. Sr-Nd-Pb isotope systematics highlight heterogeneous mixtures between HIMU and EMI mantle components, similar to the associated alkaline rocks and the flood tholeiites from southern Brazil. In spite of the strong variation shown by C-O isotopes, Sr-Nd-Pb-Os isotopic systematics could be related to an isotopically enriched source where the chemical heterogeneities reflect a depleted mantle "metasomatized" by small-volume melts and fluids rich in incompatible elements. These fluids are expected to have promoted crystallization of K-rich phases in the mantle, which produced a veined network variously enriched in LILE and LREE. The newly formed veins (enriched component) and peridotite matrix (depleted component) underwent a different isotopic evolution with time as reflected by the carbonatites. These conclusions may be extended to the whole Paraná-Etendeka system, where isotopically distinct parent magmas were generated following two main enrichment events of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle at 2.0-1.4 and 1.0-0.5?Ga, respectively, as also supported by Re-Os systematics. The mantle sources preserved the isotopic heterogeneities over a long time, suggesting a nonconvective lithospheric mantle beneath different cratons or intercratonic regions. Overall, the data indicate that the alkaline-carbonatitic magmatism originated from a locally heterogeneous subcontinental mantle.
Journal of South American Earth Sciences, Vol. 58, March pp. 72-81.
South America, Paraguay, Brazil
Geochronology
Abstract: The magmatic rocks from Alto Paraguay (High Paraguay River extensional lineament), western Apa craton, mainly consist of several major circular alkaline complexes and some rhyolitic domes and ignimbrites. The former are characterized by intrusive Na-alkaline rock-types (nepheline syenites and syenites and effusive equivalents) topped by lava flows and ignimbrites. Two main evolved suites were defined using petrochemical and Sr- isotope data: an agpaitic suite in the north and a miaskitic suite in the south. The domes of subalkaline rhyolitic lavas and ignimbrites occur to the north of the alkaline complexes, along the Paraguay River, near the town of Fuerte Olimpo. The emplacement ages of the alkaline complexes were constrained using the K-Ar, Ar-Ar, Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd dating methods on whole rocks and/or mineral separates (amphibole, alkali feldspar and biotite). Ages are quite variable (Upper Permian to Middle Triassic), with average K-Ar and Ar-Ar ages of 248.8 ± 4.8 and 241.8 ± 1.1 Ma, respectively, and Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd age data giving best values from 248 ± 4 to 244 ± 27 Ma and from 256 ± 3 to 257 ± 3 Ma, respectively. In contrast, the Fuerte Olimpo volcanics show a Mesoproterozoic age (1.3 Ga, K-Ar and Ar-Ar radiometric methods; and 1.42 ± 0.24 to 1.30 ± 0.03 Ga, Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd methods, respectively). Rb-Sr systematics (87Sr/86Sr initial ratios ? 0.7038) highlight a relatively "primitive" character of the Na-alkaline magmatic source(s), in contrast with the "crustal" values (87Sr/86Sr initial ratio ? 0.7105) of the Fuerte Olimpo rhyolites. Thus, magmatism in the Alto Paraguay area is related to two extensional events: a younger event corresponding to the Permian-Triassic alkaline rocks, and an older event connected to the Precambrian volcanic acidic rocks.
Journal of South American Earth Sciences, Vol. 71, pp. 248-261.
South America, Paraguay
Carbonatite
Abstract: This work describes rare accessory minerals in volcanic and subvolcanic silica-undersaturated peralkaline and agpaitic rocks from the Permo-Triassic Cerro Boggiani complex (Eastern Paraguay) in the Alto Paraguay Alkaline Province. These accessory phases consist of various minerals including Th-U oxides/silicates, Nb-oxide, REE-Sr-Ba bearing carbonates-fluorcarbonates-phosphates-silicates and Zr-Na rich silicates. They form a late-stage magmatic to deuteric/metasomatic assemblage in agpaitic nepheline syenites and phonolite dykes/lava flows made of sodalite, analcime, albite, fluorite, calcite, ilmenite-pyrophanite, titanite and zircon. It is inferred that carbonatitic fluids rich in F, Na and REE percolated into the subvolcanic system and metasomatically interacted with the Cerro Boggiani peralkaline and agpaitic silicate melts at the thermal boundary layers of the magma chamber, during and shortly after their late-stage magmatic crystallization and hydrothermal deuteric alteration.
Boletin del Museo Nacional de Historia Narural del Paraguay, Vol. 20, 2, pp. 188-204. pdf available in * Port
South America, Paraguay
Geochemistry - indicator minerals
Abstract: Many diamondiferous kimberlites in the Lac de Gras region of the Northwest Territories are concealed by glacial drift, rendering them challenging to detect by traditional exploration techniques that exploit residual surface chemistry. Much research has been aimed at the development of deep penetrating geochemical exploration technologies to increase the rate of discovery whilst reducing risk and exploration cost. However, results from a detailed study of soil geochemistry above the DO-18 kimberlite (Peregrine Diamonds) demonstrate the potential to apply conventional surface geochemical techniques coupled with surface material mapping and landscape evolution models to the evaluation of discrete targets. 50 soil samples from the oxidized upper B-horizon in a detailed grid crossing the concealed kimberlite were collected. Samples, screened to -180 microns, were analysed by multi-element ICP-MS following 4-acid, aqua-regia and deionized water extractions. Fp-XRF was utilised as an equivalent total method to evaluate its applicability. Sequential leach on selected samples was undertaken to understand the deportment of the elements of interest within the soils. Surficial mapping included soil type, topographic variation, landforms, environment and vegetation. This allows an assessment of surface controls on the geochemistry, in particular the generation of false anomalies from chemical traps such as swamps; and allows the generation of a landscape development model. Hydrocarbons, analysed using the SGH and Gore-sorber techniques, were evaluated to characterize the type and abundance of complex hydrocarbons above the kimberlite relative to above the host granitic gneiss. Geochemical data is subject to landform generation processes. The northern half of the grid comprises till with numerous frost boils. The southern half, at lower topography below a distinct break, is dominated by sand-rich material and fine clay. Results from the 4-acid and aqua regia extraction show a dispersion of Nb, Ni, Mg, Ce, Cr and Cs from directly above the northern part of the kimberlite to the edge of the sampling grid, approximately 500 metres to the northwest, following glacial dispersion. SGH-hydrocarbon results exhibit a similar pattern in light-alkyl benzenes. Fp-XRF data repeats the pattern in all elements except Mg, where the concentrations are too low for reliable detection. In the southern half of the grid, at a lower topographic level, geochemical responses are considerably more subtle. It is hypothesised that anomaly formation in the till followed standard glacial dispersion in the down ice trend. Material was entrained to the surface from deeper in the till, locally above the kimberlite, by frost boil action. The southern part of the area is considered to have been inundated with water, the remains of which comprise the current lake over the DO-27 kimberlite approximately 400m to the south. Sediments in this area are clay rich - comprising material deposited by the lake, or re-worked sandy material along the palaeo-lake margin and subsequent erosional channels. These later processes acted to further disperse, conceal and dilute the signal of the underlying body.
Bol. Mus. Nac. Hist. Parag. *** ENG, Vol. 20, 2, pp. 188-204. pdf
South America, Paraguay
geochemistry
Abstract: After some works of Jaime Baez-Presse that quoted the presence of diamonds in Eastern Paraguay, we have perfprmed a whole sampling a study relative to the indicator mineral for diamonds. Indicator minerals are mineral species that, when appearing as transported grains in clastic sediments, indicate the presence in bedrock of a specific type of mineralization, hydrothermal alteration or lithology. Their physical and chemical characteristics, including a relatively high density (heavy minerals), facilitate their preservation and identification. The heavy minerals represent an important exploration method for detecting a variety of ore deposit types including diamond, gold, Ni-Cu, PGE, and so on.. One of the most significant events in the application of indicator mineral methods in the past was the diamond exploration. This paper provides an overview of indicator mineral methods, i.e. presence of Cr-diopside, Pyrope-rich garnet and Picroilmenite, for diamond exploration along the Eastern Paraguay river. Unfortunately the above heavy mineraks, generally associated to the diamonds, do not appear in Eastern Paraguay, excluding this Country as a potential source for the diamond as economic potential source.
Bol. Mus. Nac. Hist. Paraguay, , Vol. 20, 2, pp. 188-204. pdf
South America, Paraguay
geochemistry
Abstract: After some works of Jaime Baez-Presse that quoted the presence of diamonds in Eastern Paraguay, we have perfprmed a whole sampling a study relative to the indicator mineral for diamonds. Indicator minerals are mineral species that, when appearing as transported grains in clastic sediments, indicate the presence in bedrock of a specific type of mineralization, hydrothermal alteration or lithology. Their physical and chemical characteristics, including a relatively high density (heavy minerals), facilitate their preservation and identification. The heavy minerals represent an important exploration method for detecting a variety of ore deposit types including diamond, gold, Ni-Cu, PGE, and so on.. One of the most significant events in the application of indicator mineral methods in the past was the diamond exploration. This paper provides an overview of indicator mineral methods, i.e. presence of Cr-diopside, Pyrope-rich garnet and Picroilmenite, for diamond exploration along the Eastern Paraguay river. Unfortunately the above heavy mineraks, generally associated to the diamonds, do not appear in Eastern Paraguay, excluding this Country as a potential source for the diamond as economic potential source.
Brazil Journal of Geology, Vol. 44, 1, pp. 91-103.
South America, Brazil
Coromandel district
Abstract: The diamond bearing district of Coromandel is located in the northwestern part of Minas Gerais, within the Alto Paranaíba Arch, famous for the discovery of most of Brazil's large diamonds above 100 ct. Detailed mapping, aimed at characterizing the Mata da Corda Group of Upper Cretaceous age of Coromandel, has been carried out. This Group was divided into the Patos Formation, composed of kimberlitic and kamafugitic rocks, and the Capacete Formation, presented by conglomerates, pyroclastic rocks, arenite and tuffs. Exposures of the latter Formation have been studied in detail at the small abandoned mine called Canastrel, as well as in the headwater of Santo Antônio do Bonito River. The results have been compared to studies of the kimberlite bodies in the nearby Douradinho River. Kimberlite indicator minerals from these localities show the same compositional trend. Moreover, in the basal conglomerate of the Garimpo Canastrel two diamonds diamonds have been recovered and described. The Garimpo Wilson, situated in the headwater of the river Santo Antônio do Bonito in paleo-alluvium, is composed of material exclusively derived from the erosion of the Capacete Formation and Precambrian (sterile) Canastra quartzites and schists. These detailed investigations suggest that the basal conglomerates of the Capacete Formation represent the main source rock of the alluvial diamond deposits in the Coromandel region.
REM: Revista Escola de Minas, Vol. 68, 3, pp. 279-285.
Africa
Kimberley Process
Abstract: After more than a decade since its creation, the KPCS is undergoing questioning as to efficiency in combating the irregular trade of diamonds, among the countries with significant production for the global market, mainly Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe. Governments and institutions are considering it to be conducive to serious violations of human rights. In Brazil all activities of the sector have been reduced drastically. It is estimated that there has been a loss in Brazilian production, after implementation of the KPCS rules, in the order of 8.1 million Kts, valued at more than $ 2.0 billion.
Fadil, A., Vernant, P., McClusky, S., Reilinger, R., Gomez, F., Ben Sari, D., Mourabit, Feigl, Barazangi
Active tectonics of the western Mediterranean: geodetic evidence for rollback of a delaminated subcontinental lithospheric slab beneath the Rif Mountains, Morocco.
Journal of Geochemical Exploration, Vol. 224, 106757, 13p. Pdf
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Palabora
Abstract: A detailed characterization of alkaline tailing ponds and waste rock dumps from Phalaborwa Igneous Complex (PIC) South Africa, has been accomplished. The study goes beyond the environmental characterization of mining wastes, offering the first insight towards the recycling of the wastes as alkaline reagent to neutralize acid industrial wastewater. To achieve these aims, tailings and waste rocks were characterized using a combination of conventional, novel and modified Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) prediction methodologies, as well as South African leachate tests, sequential extractions and pseudo-total digestions. The scarcity of Fe-sulphide minerals and the abundance of alkaline minerals indicated that PIC wastes are not ARD producers. The highest neutralization potential was found in the carbonatite rocks and East tailing samples (range between 289 and 801 kg CaCO3 eq/t). According to the National Environmental Management Waste Act (59/2008) of South Africa, tailing ponds and waste rock dumps from PIC classify as non-hazardous (Type 3 waste). The sequential extractions showed that the different fractions from most of the samples would mostly release sulphate and non-toxic elements, such as Ca, Mg, Na and K, which might be a concern if leached in high concentration. In addition, relatively high concentrations of radionuclides, such as U and Th (average of 6.7 and 36.3 mg/kg, respectively) are present in the non-labile fraction of PIC wastes, while the leachable concentrations were always below 0.006 mg/L. Among PIC wastes, East tailing would be the best option as alkaline reagent to neutralize acid wastewater because of its high neutralization potential and non-harmful leachate composition. In general, this study exposes the shortcomings in mine waste characterization, particularly for alkaline mine wastes, and introduces the assessment of potential revalorization as a novel practice in mine waste characterization that, if extended as a regular practice, would facilitate a circular economy approach to the mining industry with its consequent economic and environmental benefits.
Abstract: A set of small volcanic edifices with tuff ring and maar morphologies occur in the Catanda area, which is the only locality with extrusive carbonatites reported in Angola. Four outcrops of carbonatite lavas have been identified in this region and considering the mineralogical, textural and compositional features, we classify them as: silicocarbonatites (1), calciocarbonatites (2) and secondary calciocarbonatites produced by the alteration of primary natrocarbonatites (3). Even with their differences, we interpret these lava types as having been a single carbonatite suite related to the same parental magma. We have also estimated the composition of the parental magma from a study of melt inclusions hosted in magnetite microphenocrysts from all of these lavas. Melt inclusions revealed the presence of 13 different alkali-rich phases (e.g., nyerereite, shortite, halite and sylvite) that argues for an alkaline composition of the Catanda parental melts. Mineralogical, textural, compositional and isotopic features of some Catanda lavas are also similar to those described in altered natrocarbonatite localities worldwide such as Tinderet or Kerimasi, leading to our conclusion that the formation of some Catanda calciocarbonatite lavas was related to the occurrence of natrocarbonatite volcanism in this area. On the other hand, silicocarbonatite lavas, which are enriched in periclase, present very different mineralogical, compositional and isotopic features in comparison to the rest of Catanda lavas. We conclude that its formation was probably related to the decarbonation of primary dolomite bearing carbonatites.
Abstract: Magnesian ilmenite is a common kimberlite indicator mineral, although its use in diamond exploration is still controversial. Complex crystallisation and replacement processes have been invoked to explain the wide compositional and textural ranges of ilmenite found in kimberlites. This work aims to shed light on these processes, as well as their implications for diamond exploration. Petrographic studies were combined for the first time with both major- and trace-element analyses to characterise the ilmenite populations found in xenoliths and xenocrysts in two Angolan kimberlites (Congo-Kasai craton). A multi-stage model describes the evolution of ilmenite in these pipes involving: i) crystallisation of ferric and Mg-rich ilmenite either as metasomatic phases or as megacrysts, both in crustal and in metasomatised mantle domains; ii) kimberlite entrainment and xenolith disaggregation producing at least two populations of ilmenite nodules differing in composition; iii) interaction of both types with the kimberlitic magma during eruption, leading to widespread replacement by Mg-rich ilmenite along grain boundaries and fractures. This process produced similar major-element compositions in ilmenites regardless of their primary (i.e., pre-kimberlitic) origin, although the original enrichment in HFSE (Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb) observed in Fe3 +-rich xenocrysts is preserved. Finally (iv) formation of secondary Mn-ilmenite by interaction with a fluid of carbonatitic affinity or by infiltration of a late hydrothermal fluid, followed in some cases by subsolidus alteration in an oxidising environment. The complexities of ilmenite genesis may lead to misinterpretation of the diamond potential of a kimberlite during the exploration stage if textural and trace-element information is disregarded. Secondary Mg-enrichment of ilmenite xenocrysts is common and is unrelated to reducing conditions that could favour diamond formation/preservation in the mantle. Similarly, Mn-rich ilmenite should be disregarded as a diamond indicator mineral, unless textural studies can prove its primary origin.
Abstract: The origin of intraplate carbonatitic to alkaline volcanism in Africa is controversial. A tectonic control, i.e., decompression melting associated with far-field stress, is suggested by correlation with lithospheric sutures, repeated magmatic cycles in the same areas over several million years, synchronicity across the plate, and lack of clear age progression patterns. Conversely, a dominant role for mantle convection is supported by the coincidence of Cenozoic volcanism with regions of lithospheric uplift, positive free-air gravity anomalies, and slow seismic velocities. To improve constraints on the genesis of African volcanism, here we report the first radiometric and isotopic results for the Catanda complex, which hosts the only extrusive carbonatites in Angola. Apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He and phlogopite 40Ar/39Ar ages of Catanda aillikite lavas indicate eruption at ca. 500-800 ka, more than 100 m.y. after emplacement of abundant kimberlites and carbonatites in this region. The lavas share similar high-? (HIMU)-like Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotope compositions with other young mantle-derived volcanics from Africa (e.g., Northern Kenya Rift; Cameroon Line). The position of the Catanda complex in the Lucapa corridor, a long-lived extensional structure, suggests a possible tectonic control for the volcanism. The complex is also located on the Bié Dome, a broad region of fast Pleistocene uplift attributed to mantle upwelling. Seismic tomography models indicate convection of deep hot material beneath regions of active volcanism in Africa, including a large area encompassing Angola and northern Namibia. This is strong evidence that intraplate late Cenozoic volcanism, including the Catanda complex, resulted from the interplay between mantle convection and preexisting lithospheric heterogeneities.
International Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 108, pp. 89-113.
Africa, Angola
thermochronology
Abstract: There are two main points of view regarding how continental margins evolve. The first one argues that the present-day margins have been developed by long-term denudation since a major exhumation episode, probably driven by rifting or another relevant tectonic event. The second one argues that continental margins underwent alternating burial and exhumation episodes related to crustal tectonic and surface uplift and subsidence. To demonstrate that the proximal domain of the southwestern Angolan margin has evolved in a polycyclic pattern, we present a review of geological and thermochronological information and integrate it with new combined apatite fission-track and (U-Th)/He data from Early Cretaceous volcanic and Precambrian basement samples. We also provide hypotheses on the possible mechanisms able to support the vertical crustal movements of this margin segment, which are also discussed based on some modern rifting models proposed for Central South Atlantic. The central apatite fission-track ages range from 120.6?±?8.9 to 272.9?±?21.6 Ma, with the mean track lengths of approximately 12 µm. The single-grain apatite (U-Th)/He ages vary between 52.2?±?1 and 177.2?±?2.6 Ma. The integration of the thermochronological data set with published geological constraints supports the following time-temperature evolution: (1) heating since the Carboniferous-Permian, (2) cooling onset in the Early Jurassic, (3) heating onset in the Early Cretaceous, (4) cooling onset in the Mid- to Late Cretaceous, (5) heating onset in the Late Cretaceous, and (6) cooling onset in the Oligocene-Miocene. The thermochronological data and the geological constraints, support that the proximal domain of the southwestern Angolan margin was covered in the past by pre-, syn-, and post-rift sediments, which were eroded during succeeding exhumation events. For this margin segment, we show that a development based on long-term denudation is less realistic than one based on burial and exhumation episodes during the last 130 Myr.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 578, 9p. Pdf
Mantle
bridgmanite
Abstract: The Earth has been releasing vast amounts of heat from deep Earth's interior to the surface since its formation, which primarily drives mantle convection and a number of tectonic activities. In this heat transport process the core-mantle boundary where hot molten core is in direct contact with solid-state mantle minerals has played an essential role to transfer thermal energies of the core to the overlying mantle. Although the dominant heat transfer mechanisms at the lowermost mantle is believed to be both conduction and radiation of the primary lowermost mantle mineral, bridgmanite, the radiative thermal conductivity of bridgmanite has so far been poorly constrained. Here we revealed the radiative thermal conductivity of bridgmanite at core-mantle boundary is substantially high approaching to ?5.3±1.2 W/mK based on newly established optical absorption measurement of single-crystal bridgmanite performed in-situ under corresponding deep lower mantle conditions. We found the bulk thermal conductivity at core-mantle boundary becomes ?1.5 times higher than the conventionally assumed value, which supports higher heat flow from core, hence more vigorous mantle convection than expected. Results suggest the mantle is much more efficiently cooled, which would ultimately weaken many tectonic activities driven by the mantle convection more rapidly than expected from conventionally believed thermal conduction behavior.
Nimis, P., Goncharov, A., Ionov, D.A., McCammon, C.
Fe3 partitioning systematics between orthopyroxene and garnet in mantle peridotite xenoliths and implications for thermobarometry of oxidized and reduced mantle rocks.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 169, 6p.
Abstract: We reconstructed the spatial distribution of eclogites in the cratonic mantle based on thermobarometry for ~ 240 xenoliths in 4 kimberlite pipes from different parts of the Slave craton (Canada). The accuracy of depth estimates is ensured by the use of a recently calibrated thermometer, projection of temperatures onto well-constrained local peridotitic geotherms, petrological screening for unrealistic temperature estimates, and internal consistency of all data. The depth estimates are based on new data on mineral chemistry and petrography of 148 eclogite xenoliths from the Jericho and Muskox kimberlites of the northern Slave craton and previously reported analyses of 95 eclogites from Diavik and Ekati kimberlites (Central Slave). The majority of Northern Slave eclogites of the crustal, subduction origin occurs at 110-170 km, shallower than in the majority of the Central Slave crustal eclogites (120-210 km). The identical geochronological history of these eclogite populations and the absence of steep suture boundaries between the central and northern Slave craton suggest the lateral continuity of the mantle layer relatively rich in eclogites. We explain the distribution of eclogites by partial preservation of an imbricated and plastically dispersed oceanic slab formed by easterly dipping Proterozoic subduction. The depths of eclogite localization do not correlate with geophysically mapped discontinuities. The base of the depleted lithosphere of the Slave craton constrained by thermobarometry of peridotite xenoliths coincides with the base of the thickened lithospheric slab, which supports contribution of the recycled oceanic lithosphere to formation of the cratonic root. Its architecture may have been protected by circum-cratonic subduction and shielding of the shallow Archean lithosphere from the destructive asthenospheric metasomatism.
Journal of Petrology, 10.1093/petrology /egab070 98p. Pdf
Africa, Angola
deposit - Catoca
Abstract: Reconstructed whole-rock and mineral major- and trace-element compositions, as well as new oxygen isotope data, for 22 mantle eclogite xenoliths from the Catoca pipe (Kasai Craton) were used to constrain their genesis and evolution. On the basis of mineralogical and major-element compositions, the Catoca eclogites can be divided into three groups: high-alumina (high-Al) (kyanite-bearing), low-magnesian (low-Mg#), and high-magnesian (high-Mg#) eclogites. The high-Al Catoca eclogites contain kyanite and corundum; high Al2O3 contents in rock-forming minerals; rare earth element (REE) patterns in garnets showing depleted LREEs, positive Eu anomalies (1.03-1.66), and near-flat HREEs; and high Sr contents in garnets and whole-rock REE compositions. All of these features point to a plagioclase-rich protolith (probably gabbro). Reconstructed whole-rock compositions (major elements, MREEs, HREEs, Li, V, Hf, Y, Zr, and Pb) and ?18O of 5.5-7.4‰ of the low-Mg# Catoca eclogites are in good agreement with the compositions of picrite basalts and average mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). The depleted LREEs and NMORB-normalised Nd/Yb values of 0.07-0.41 indicate that the degree of partial melting for the majority of the low-Mg# eclogites protolith was ?30%. The narrow ?18O range of 5.5-7.4‰ near the ‘gabbro-basalt’ boundary (6‰) obtained for the high-Al and low-Mg# Catoca eclogites reflects the influence of subduction-related processes. This case shows that mantle eclogites represented by two different lithologies and originating from different protoliths — plagioclase-rich precursor, presumably gabbro (for high-Al eclogites), and basalt (low-Mg# eclogites) — can provide similar and overlapping ?18O signatures on account of the influence of subduction-related processes. Chemical compositions of the high-Mg# eclogites indicate a complicated petrogenesis, and textural signatures reveal recrystallisation. The presence of Nb-rich rutile (8-12 wt% of Nb2O5) enriched with HFSE (Zr/Hf of 72.6-75.6) and multiple trace-element signatures (including reconstructed whole-rock NMORB-normalised Ce/Yb of 3.9-10.6 and Sr/Y of 5.8-9.6, MgO contents of 15.7-17.9 wt%, and high Ba and Sr) provide strong evidence for deep metasomatic alteration. High Cr contents in clinopyroxene (800-3740 ppm), garnet (430-1400 ppm), and accessory rutile (700-2530 ppm), together with extremely low Li contents of 1.0-2.4 ppm in clinopyroxene, may indicate hybridisation of the eclogites with peridotite. Comparison of the chemical compositions (major and trace elements) of (1) unaltered fresh cores of coarse-grained garnets from the low-Mg# eclogites, (2) secondary garnet rims (ubiquitous in the low-Mg# eclogites), (3) proto-cores in the coarse-grained garnet (high-Mg# eclogites), and (4) homogeneous recrystallised fine-grained garnets (high-Mg# eclogites) suggests that the high-Mg# eclogites formed through recrystallisation of low-Mg# eclogite in the presence of an external fluid in the mantle. Four of the five high-Mg# samples show that mantle metasomatism inside the Kasai craton mantle beneath the Catoca pipe occurred at a depth range of 145-160 km (4.5-4.8 GPa).
Abstract: Reconstructed whole-rock (RWR) and mineral major- and trace-element compositions, as well as new oxygen isotope data, for 22 mantle eclogite xenoliths from the Catoca pipe (Kasai Craton) were used to constrain their genesis and evolution. On the basis of mineralogical and major-element compositions, the Catoca eclogites can be divided into three groups: high-alumina (high-Al) (kyanite-bearing), low-magnesian (low-Mg#), and high-magnesian (high-Mg#) eclogites. The high-Al Catoca eclogites contain kyanite and corundum; high Al2O3 contents in rock-forming minerals; rare earth element (REE) patterns in garnets showing depleted LREEs, positive Eu anomalies (1.03-1.66), and near-flat HREEs; and high Sr contents in garnets and whole-rock REE compositions. All of these features point to a plagioclase-rich protolith (probably gabbro). RWR compositions (major elements, MREEs, HREEs, Li, V, Hf, Y, Zr, and Pb) and ?18O of 5.5-7.4‰ of the low-Mg# Catoca eclogites are in good agreement with the compositions of picrite basalts and average mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). The depleted LREEs and NMORB-normalised Nd/Yb values of 0.07-0.41 indicate that the degree of partial melting for the majority of the low-Mg# eclogites protolith was ?30%. The narrow ?18O range of 5.5-7.4‰ near the ‘gabbro-basalt’ boundary (6‰) obtained for the high-Al and low-Mg# Catoca eclogites reflects the influence of subduction-related processes. This case shows that mantle eclogites represented by two different lithologies and originating from different protoliths—plagioclase-rich precursor, presumably gabbro (for high-Al eclogites), and basalt (low-Mg# eclogites)—can provide similar and overlapping ?18O signatures on account of the influence of subduction-related processes. Chemical compositions of the high-Mg# eclogites indicate a complicated petrogenesis, and textural signatures reveal recrystallisation. The presence of Nb-rich rutile (8-12 wt% of Nb2O5) enriched with high field strength elements (HFSE) (Zr/Hf of 72.6-75.6) and multiple trace-element signatures (including RWR, NMORB-normalised Ce/Yb of 3.9-10.6 and Sr/Y of 5.8-9.6, MgO contents of 15.7-17.9 wt%, and high Ba and Sr) provide strong evidence for deep metasomatic alteration. High Cr contents in clinopyroxene (800-3740 ppm), garnet (430-1400 ppm), and accessory rutile (700-2530 ppm), together with extremely low Li contents of 1.0-2.4 ppm in clinopyroxene, may indicate hybridisation of the eclogites with peridotite. Comparison of the chemical compositions (major and trace elements) of (1) unaltered fresh cores of coarse-grained garnets from the low-Mg# eclogites, (2) secondary garnet rims (ubiquitous in the low-Mg# eclogites), (3) proto-cores in the coarse-grained garnet (high-Mg# eclogites), and (4) homogeneous recrystallised fine-grained garnets (high-Mg# eclogites) suggests that the high-Mg# eclogites formed through recrystallisation of low-Mg# eclogite in the presence of an external fluid in the mantle. Four of the five high-Mg# samples show that mantle metasomatism inside the Kasai craton mantle beneath the Catoca pipe occurred at a depth range of 145-160 km (4.5-4.8 GPa).
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, Vol. 247, pp. 11-16.
Mantle
Experimental Petrology
Abstract: Lattice thermal conductivity of ferropericlase and radiative thermal conductivity of iron bearing magnesium silicate perovskite (bridgmanite) - the major mineral of Earth’s lower mantle- have been measured at room temperature up to 30 and 46 GPa, respectively, using time-domain thermoreflectance and optical spectroscopy techniques in diamond anvil cells. The results provide new constraints for the pressure dependencies of the thermal conductivities of Fe bearing minerals. The lattice thermal conductivity of ferropericlase Mg0.9Fe0.1O is 5.7(6) W/(m * K) at ambient conditions, which is almost 10 times smaller than that of pure MgO; however, it increases with pressure much faster (6.1(7)%/GPa vs 3.6(1)%/GPa). The radiative conductivity of a Mg0.94Fe0.06SiO3 bridgmanite single crystal agrees with previously determined values for powder samples at ambient pressure; it is almost pressure-independent in the investigated pressure range. Our results confirm the reduced radiative conductivity scenario for the Earth’s lower mantle, while the assessment of the heat flow through the core-mantle boundary still requires in situ measurements at the relevant pressure-temperature conditions.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 479, pp. 43-49.
Mantle
perovskite
Abstract: Thermal conductivity of the lowermost mantle governs the heat flow out of the core energizing planetary-scale geological processes. Yet, there are no direct experimental measurements of thermal conductivity at relevant pressure-temperature conditions of Earth's core-mantle boundary. Here we determine the radiative conductivity of post-perovskite at near core-mantle boundary conditions by optical absorption measurements in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell. Our results show that the radiative conductivity of Mg0.9Fe0.1SiO3 post-perovskite (?1.1 W/m/K) is almost two times smaller than that of bridgmanite (?2.0 W/m/K) at the base of the mantle. By combining this result with the present-day core-mantle heat flow and available estimations on the lattice thermal conductivity we conclude that post-perovskite is at least as abundant as bridgmanite in the lowermost mantle which has profound implications for the dynamics of the deep Earth.
Abstract: The fate of subducted carbonates in the lower mantle and at the core-mantle boundary was modelled via experiments in the MgCO3-Fe0 system at 70-150 GPa and 800-2600 K in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell. Using in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and ex situ transmission electron microscopy we show that the reduction of Mg-carbonate can be exemplified by: 6MgCO3 + 19Fe = 8FeO +10(Mg0.6Fe0.4)O + Fe7C3 + 3C. The presented results suggest that the interaction of carbonates with Fe0 or Fe0-bearing rocks can produce Fe-carbide and diamond, which can accumulate in the D’’ region, depending on its carbon to Fe ratio. Due to the sluggish kinetics of the transformation, diamond can remain metastable at the core-mantle boundary (CMB) unless it is in a direct contact with Fe-metal. In addition, it can be remobilized by redox melting accompanying the generation of mantle plumes.
Abstract: The heat flux across the core-mantle boundary (QCMB) is the key parameter to understand the Earth/s thermal history and evolution. Mineralogical constraints of the QCMB require deciphering contributions of the lattice and radiative components to the thermal conductivity at high pressure and temperature in lower mantle phases with depth-dependent composition. Here we determine the radiative conductivity (krad) of a realistic lower mantle (pyrolite) in situ using an ultra-bright light probe and fast time-resolved spectroscopic techniques in laser-heated diamond anvil cells. We find that the mantle opacity increases critically upon heating to ~3000 K at 40-135 GPa, resulting in an unexpectedly low radiative conductivity decreasing with depth from ~0.8 W/m/K at 1000 km to ~0.35 W/m/K at the CMB, the latter being ~30 times smaller than the estimated lattice thermal conductivity at such conditions. Thus, radiative heat transport is blocked due to an increased optical absorption in the hot lower mantle resulting in a moderate CMB heat flow of ~8.5 TW, at odds with present estimates based on the mantle and core dynamics. This moderate rate of core cooling implies an inner core age of about 1 Gy and is compatible with both thermally- and compositionally-driven ancient geodynamo.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 536, 116161, 11p. Pdf
Mantle
geothermometry
Abstract: Knowledge of thermal conductivity of mantle minerals is crucial for understanding heat transport from the Earth's core to mantle. At the pressure-temperature conditions of the Earth's core-mantle boundary, calculations of lattice thermal conductivity based on atomistic models have determined values ranging from 1 to 14 W/m/K for bridgmanite and bridgmanite-rich mineral assemblages. Previous studies have been performed at room temperature up to the pressures of the core-mantle boundary, but correcting these to geotherm temperatures may introduce large errors. Here we present the first measurements of lattice thermal conductivity of mantle minerals up to pressures and temperatures near the base of the mantle, 120 GPa and 2500 K. We use a combination of continuous and pulsed laser heating in a diamond anvil cell to measure the lattice thermal conductivity of pyrolite, the assemblage of minerals expected to make up the lower mantle. We find a value of W/m/K at 80 GPa and 2000 to 2500 K and 5.9 W/m/K at 124 GPa and 2000 to 3000 K. These values rule out the highest calculations of thermal conductivity of the Earth's mid-lower mantle (i.e. W/m/K at 80 GPa), and are consistent with both the high and low calculations of thermal conductivity near the base of the lower mantle.
Earth and planetary Science Letters, Vol. 578, 117328, 9p. Pdf
Mantle
bridgmanite
Abstract: The Earth has been releasing vast amounts of heat from deep Earth's interior to the surface since its formation, which primarily drives mantle convection and a number of tectonic activities. In this heat transport process the core-mantle boundary where hot molten core is in direct contact with solid-state mantle minerals has played an essential role to transfer thermal energies of the core to the overlying mantle. Although the dominant heat transfer mechanisms at the lowermost mantle is believed to be both conduction and radiation of the primary lowermost mantle mineral, bridgmanite, the radiative thermal conductivity of bridgmanite has so far been poorly constrained. Here we revealed the radiative thermal conductivity of bridgmanite at core-mantle boundary is substantially high approaching to ?5.3±1.2 W/mK based on newly established optical absorption measurement of single-crystal bridgmanite performed in-situ under corresponding deep lower mantle conditions. We found the bulk thermal conductivity at core-mantle boundary becomes ?1.5 times higher than the conventionally assumed value, which supports higher heat flow from core, hence more vigorous mantle convection than expected. Results suggest the mantle is much more efficiently cooled, which would ultimately weaken many tectonic activities driven by the mantle convection more rapidly than expected from conventionally believed thermal conduction behavior.
Thermal stress, oxygen fugacity and C O H fluid appreciation in cratonic lithospheric mantle: new dat a on peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite, Siberia.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 357-358, pp. 99-110.
Abstract: Using IR-Fourier spectrometry (FTIR) and simultaneous thermal analysis combined with quadrupole mass spectrometry of thermal decomposition products (STA + QMS), olivines and clinopyroxene from xenolites of spinel and garnet lherzolites contained in kimberlites and alkaline basalts were studied to confirm the occurrence of hydrogen and carbon within the structure of the minerals, as well as to specify the forms of H and C. The presence of hydroxyl ions (OH-) and molecules of crystal hydrate water (H2Ocryst) along with CO2, CH, CH2, and CH3 groups was detected, which remained within the structures of mantle minerals up to 1300°C (by the data of both techniques). The total water (OH-and H2Ocryst) was the prevailing component of the C-O-H system.
Abstract: Mantle xenoliths were found in alkaline basalts of Tokinsky Stanovik (TSt) in the Dzhugdzhur-Stanovoy superterrane (DS) and Vitim plateau (VP) in the Barguzin-Vitim superterrane (BV) (Stanovoy suture area) at junction of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and the Siberian craton (SC). Xenoliths from TSt basalts are represented by spinel lherzolites, harzburgites, wehrlites; while VP basalts frequently contain spinel-garnet and garnet peridotites lherzolites, and pyroxenites. Xenoliths in kimberlites of the Siberian craton are mainly represented by garnet-bearing lherzolites with abundant eclogite xenoliths (age of 2.7-3.1 Ga), which were not found in mantle of superterranes. The Re-Os determinations point to the Early Archean age of peridotites and eclogites from mantle beneath the Siberian craton. The major and trace (rare-earth and high-filed strength) elements and Nd-Sr-Os composition were analyzed in the peridotites (predominant rocks) of lithospheric mantle at junction of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and Siberian Craton. The degree of rock depletion in CaO and Al2O3 and enrichment in MgO relative to the primitive mantle in the peridotites of the Dzhugdzhur-Stanovoy superterrane is close to that of the Siberian craton. The peridotites of the Barguzin-Vitim superterrane are characterized by much lower degree of depletion and have mainly a primitive composition. Mantle melting degree reaches up to 45-50% in the Siberian Craton and Dzhugdzhur-Stanovoy superterrane, and is less than 25% in the Barguzin-Vitim terrane. The mantle peridotites of the craton as compared to those of adjacent superterranes are enriched in Ba, Rb, Th, Nb, and Ta and depleted in Y and REE from Sm to Lu. However, all studied peridotites are characterized by mainly superchondritic values of Nb/Ta (>17.4), Zr/Hf (>36.1), Nb/Y (>0.158), and Zr/Y (>2.474). The Nb/Y ratio is predominantly >1.0 in SC peridotites and < 1.0 in the superterrane peridotites. The Nd and Sr isotopic compositions in the latter correspond to those of oceanic basalts. The 187Os/188Os ratio is low (0.108-0.115) in the peridotites of the Siberian Craton and > 0.115 but usually lower than 0.1296 (primitive upper mantle value) in the peridotites of the Dzhugdzhur-Stanovoy and Barguzin-Vitim superterranes. Thus, the geochemical and isotopic composition of peridotites indicates different compositions and types of mantle beneath the Siberian craton and adjacent superterranes of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in the Early Archean, prior to the formation of 2.7-3.1 Ga eclogites in the cratonic mantle.
Two episodes of zircon growth due to fluid availablility during subduction and exhumation of continental crust: U Pb age, Hf and O isotope evidence from ultrahigh pressure eclogite
Frontiers in Mineral Sciences 2007, Joint Meeting of Mineralogical societies Held June 26-28, Cambridge, Abstract Volume p. 259-260.
Two episodes of zircon growth due to fluid availablility during subduction and exhumation of continental crust: U Pb age, Hf and O isotope evidence from ultrahigh pressure eclogite
Frontiers in Mineral Sciences 2007, Joint Meeting of Mineralogical societies Held June 26-28, Cambridge, Abstract Volume p. 259-260.
Deep subduction of continental crust in accretionary orogen: evidence from U-Pb dating on diamond-bearing zircons from the Qinling orogen, central China.
ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Vol. 146, pp. 91-107.
Mantle
remote sensing
Abstract: Since Google Earth was first released in 2005, it has attracted hundreds of millions of users worldwide and made a profound impact on both academia and industry. It can be said that Google Earth epitomized the first-generation of Digital Earth prototypes. The functionalities and merits that have sustained Google Earth’s lasting influence are worth a retrospective review. In this paper, we take the liberty to conduct a bibliometric study of the applications of Google Earth during 2006-2016. We aim first to quantify the multifaceted impacts, and then to develop a structured understanding of the influence and contribution associated with Google Earth. To accomplish these objectives, we analyzed a total of 2115 Scopus publication records using scientometric methods and then proceed to discussion with a selected set of applications. The findings and conclusions can be summarized as follows: (1) the impact of Google Earth has been profound and persistent over the past decade. Google Earth was mentioned in an average of 229 publications per year since 2009. (2) Broadly, the impact of Google Earth has touched upon most scientific disciplines. Specifically, during 2006-2016, Google Earth has been mentioned in 2115 publications covering all of Scopus’s 26 subject areas; (3) the influence of Google Earth has largely concentrated in GIScience, remote sensing and geosciences. The extended influence of Google Earth has reached a wider range of audiences with a concentration in fields such as human geography, geoscience education and archaeology.
Abstract: Large peridotite massifs are scattered along the 1500?km length of the Yarlung-Zangbo Suture Zone (southern Tibet, China), the major suture between Asia and Greater India. Diamonds occur in the peridotites and chromitites of several massifs, together with an extensive suite of trace phases that indicate extremely low fO2 (SiC, nitrides, carbides, native elements) and/or ultrahigh pressures (UHP) (diamond, TiO2 II, coesite, possible stishovite). New physical and isotopic (C, N) studies of the diamonds indicate that they are natural, crystallized in a disequilibrium, high-T environment, and spent only a short time at mantle temperatures before exhumation and cooling. These constraints are difficult to reconcile with previous models for the history of the diamond-bearing rocks. Possible evidence for metamorphism in or near the upper part of the Transition Zone includes the following: (1) chromite (in disseminated, nodular and massive chromitites) containing exsolved pyroxenes and coesite, suggesting inversion from a high-P polymorph of chromite; (2) microstructural studies suggesting that the chromitites recrystallized from fine-grained, highly deformed mixtures of wadsleyite and an octahedral polymorph of chromite; (3) a new cubic Mg-silicate, with the space group of ringwoodite but an inverse-spinel structure (all Si in octahedral coordination); (4) harzburgites with coarsely vermicular symplectites of opx + Cr-Al spinel ± cpx; reconstructions suggest that these are the breakdown products of majoritic garnets, with estimated minimum pressures to?>?13?GPa. Evidence for a shallow pre-metamorphic origin for the chromitites and peridotites includes the following: (1) trace-element data showing that the chromitites are typical of suprasubduction-zone (SSZ) chromitites formed by magma mixing or mingling, consistent with Hf-isotope data from magmatic (375?Ma) zircons in the chromitites; (2) the composition of the new cubic Mg-silicate, which suggests a low-P origin as antigorite, subsequently dehydrated; (3) the peridotites themselves, which carry the trace element signature of metasomatism in an SSZ environment, a signature that must have been imposed before the incorporation of the UHP and low-fO2 phases. A proposed P-T-t path involves the original formation of chromitites in mantle-wedge harzburgites, subduction of these harzburgites at c. 375?Ma, residence in the upper Transition Zone for >200 Myr, and rapid exhumation at c. 170-150?Ma or 130-120?Ma. Os-isotope data suggest that the subducted mantle consisted of previously depleted subcontinental lithosphere, dragged down by a subducting oceanic slab. Thermomechanical modeling shows that roll-back of a (much later) subducting slab would produce a high-velocity channelized upwelling that could exhume the buoyant harzburgites (and their chromitites) from the Transition Zone in?10 Myr. This rapid upwelling, which may explain some characteristics of the diamonds, appears to have brought some massifs to the surface in forearc or back-arc basins, where they provided a basement for oceanic crust. This model can reconcile many apparently contradictory petrological and geological datasets. It also defines an important, previously unrecognized geodynamic process that may have operated along other large suture zones such as the Urals.
Abstract: A geometrically quantitative plate-kinematic model, based on paleomagnetism, for the initial assembly of Laurentia has taken form in the past few decades. Within this framework, there remains but one problematic interval of data predominantly from the Slave craton, which is the 1.96-1.87?Ga Coronation apparent polar wander path (APWP). The Coronation APWP shows large (?110°) back-and-forth oscillations that are difficult to explain in terms of plate motion. Nonetheless, poles from the Coronation APWP have been incorporated in various paleogeographic reconstructions of Laurentia and the supercontinent Nuna, pointing to the importance of testing its veracity. In this study, we conducted a detailed paleomagnetic and rock magnetic study of the ca. 1.87?Ga Pearson Formation, East Arm of Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, Canada. Our results show that Pearson Formation yields a characteristic remanent magnetization carried by single-domain or small pseudo-single-domain magnetite. The age of the magnetization is constrained to be older than Paleoproterozoic deformation and is interpreted as primary. Paleomagnetic declinations reveal a one-to-one correlation with local structural attitudes, indicating that some small blocks in the fold belt likely experienced significant (?60°) vertical-axis rotations, presumably related to large dextral displacements along the McDonald Fault system. Alternative explanations, such as true polar wander or a non-dipole magnetic field, are considered less parsimonious for the data presented here. It is suspected that some existing Christie Bay Group poles (the Stark and Tochatwi Formations), which were sampled in areas with anomalous structural attitudes and differ from time-equivalent poles obtained from areas of the Slave craton far from major transcurrent faults, may similarly suffer from vertical-axis rotation. We suggest further study before using possibly rotated Christie Bay Group poles for paleogeographic reconstructions.
Abstract: Mobilistic plate-tectonic interpretation of Precambrian orogens requires that two conjoined crustal blocks may derive from distant portions of the globe. Nonetheless, many proposed Precambrian cratonic juxtapositions are broadly similar to those of younger times (so-called “strange attractors”), raising the specter of bias in their construction. We evaluated the possibility that the Congo and Kalahari cratons (Africa) were joined together prior to their amalgamation along the Damara-Lufilian-Zambezi orogen in Cambrian time by studying diabase dikes of the Huila-Epembe swarm and sills in the southern part of the Congo craton in Angola and in Namibia. We present geologic, U-Pb geochronologic, and paleomagnetic evidence showing that these two cratons were directly juxtaposed at ca. 1.1 Ga, but in a slightly modified relative orientation compared to today. Recurring persistence in cratonic connections, with slight variations from one supercontinent to the next, may signify a style of supercontinental transition similar to the northward motion of Gondwana fragments across the Tethys-Indian oceanic tract, reuniting in Eurasia.
Abstract: Mobilistic plate-tectonic interpretation of Precambrian orogens requires that two conjoined crustal blocks may derive from distant portions of the globe. Nonetheless, many proposed Precambrian cratonic juxtapositions are broadly similar to those of younger times (so-called “strange attractors”), raising the specter of bias in their construction. We evaluated the possibility that the Congo and Kalahari cratons (Africa) were joined together prior to their amalgamation along the Damara-Lufilian-Zambezi orogen in Cambrian time by studying diabase dikes of the Huila-Epembe swarm and sills in the southern part of the Congo craton in Angola and in Namibia. We present geologic, U-Pb geochronologic, and paleomagnetic evidence showing that these two cratons were directly juxtaposed at ca. 1.1 Ga, but in a slightly modified relative orientation compared to today. Recurring persistence in cratonic connections, with slight variations from one supercontinent to the next, may signify a style of supercontinental transition similar to the northward motion of Gondwana fragments across the Tethys-Indian oceanic tract, reuniting in Eurasia.
Abstract: The location of the West African craton (WAC) has been poorly constrained in the Paleoproterozoic-Mesoproterozoic supercontinent Nuna (also known as Columbia). Previous Nuna reconstruction models suggested that the WAC was connected to Amazonia in a way similar to their relative position in Gondwana. By an integrated paleomagnetic and geochronological study of the Proterozoic mafic dikes in the Anti-Atlas Belt, Morocco, we provide two reliable paleomagnetic poles to test this connection. Incorporating our new poles with quality-filtered poles from the neighboring cratons of the WAC, we propose an inverted WAC-Amazonia connection, with the northern WAC attached to northeastern Amazonia, as well as a refined configuration of Nuna. Global large igneous province records also conform to our new reconstruction. The inverted WAC-Amazonia connection suggests a substantial change in their relative orientation from Nuna to Gondwana, providing an additional example of large-magnitude cumulative azimuthal rotations between adjacent continental blocks over supercontinental cycles.
Abstract: The Orosirian paleopoles from the three circum-Slave basins (i.e., the Great Slave, Coronation, and Kilohigok Basins) of the Slave craton show large (?110°) and back-and-forth swings at 1.96-1.87 Ga, known as the Coronation loops. The Coronation loops, taken at face value, would imply rapid and substantial spin motions of the Slave craton, which is at odds with modern plate tectonics. Alternatively, the Coronation loops have been interpreted as a product of basin-scale rotations, local-scale vertical-axis rotations, or inertial interchange true polar wander (IITPW). One way to differentiate these models is to take advantage of the well-correlated stratigraphy in three circum-Slave basins and directly compare the time-equivalent paleomagnetic results. In this study, we collected ?300 samples from nine formations from the Goulburn Supergroup of the Kilohigok Basin, in shallowly dipping autochthonous sections east of the Bathurst Fault. We provide seven new reconnaissance-level paleopoles of the Slave craton, namely from the Kenyon, Hackett, Rifle, Beechey, Link, Kuuvik, and Brown Sound Formations of the Goulburn Supergroup. Our results and the compiled Orosirian paleomagnetic data of the Slave craton suggest that although basin-scale rotation or local vertical-axis rotation in fault zones are able to explain some of the disagreements among time-correlative paleopoles, they could not account for the large declination variation within the homoclinal sections in individual basins. Notably, our results from the ?1963 Ma Rifle Formation show progressive changes in declination through the stratigraphy, which cannot be explained by either basin-scale or local vertical-axis rotations. Selective remagnetization is also considered unlikely to be the cause. Instead, we suggest that IITPW could potentially be responsible for the Coronation loops, which could also provide an explanation for some discrepant paleomagnetic data observed globally during the Orosirian time.
Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Vol. 43, pp. 431-458.
Mantle
Magmatism
Abstract: Magma fragmentation is the breakup of a continuous volume of molten rock into discrete pieces, called pyroclasts. Because magma contains bubbles of compressible magmatic volatiles, decompression of low-viscosity magma leads to rapid expansion. The magma is torn into fragments, as it is stretched into hydrodynamically unstable sheets and filaments. If the magma is highly viscous, resistance to bubble growth will instead lead to excess gas pressure and the magma will deform viscoelastically by fracturing like a glassy solid, resulting in the formation of a violently expanding gas-pyroclast mixture. In either case, fragmentation represents the conversion of potential energy into the surface energy of the newly created fragments and the kinetic energy of the expanding gas-pyroclast mixture. If magma comes into contact with external water, the conversion of thermal energy will vaporize water and quench magma at the melt-water interface, thus creating dynamic stresses that cause fragmentation and the release of kinetic energy. Lastly, shear deformation of highly viscous magma may cause brittle fractures and release seismic energy.
Comparative charcteristics of specific morphological features of diamonds from northern and northeastern European Russia ( Urals, Timan, and Arkhangelsk).
Moscow University Geology Bulletin, Vol. 56, 6, pp. 26-30.
Abstract: Subduction of heterogeneous lithologies (sediments and altered basalts) carries a mixture of volatile components (H2O ± CO2) into the mantle, which are later mobilized during episodes of devolatilization and flux melting. Several petrologic and thermodynamic studies investigated CO2 decarbonation to better understand carbon cycling at convergent margins. A paradox arose when investigations showed little to no decarbonation along present day subduction geotherms at subarc depths despite field based observations. Sediment diapirism is invoked as one of several methods for carbon transfer from the subducting slab. We employ high-resolution 2D petrological-thermomechanical modeling to elucidate the role subduction dynamics has with respect to slab decarbonation and the sediment diapirism hypothesis. Our thermodynamic database is modified to account for H2O-CO2 binary fluids via the following lithologies: GLOSS average sediments (H2O: 7.29 wt.% & CO2: 3.01 wt.%), carbonated altered basalts (H2O: 2.63 wt.% & CO2: 2.90 wt.%), and carbonated peridotites (H2O: 1.98 wt.% & CO2: 1.50 wt.%). We include a CO2 solubility P-x[H2O wt.%] parameterization for sediment melts. We parameterize our model by varying two components: slab age (20, 40, 60, 80 Ma) and convergence velocity (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 cm year? 1). 59 numerical models were run and show excellent agreement with the original code base. Three geodynamic regimes showed significant decarbonation. 1) Sedimentary diapirism acts as an efficient physical mechanism for CO2 removal from the slab as it advects into the hotter mantle wedge. 2) If subduction rates are slow, frictional coupling between the subducting and overriding plate occurs. Mafic crust is mechanically incorporated into a section of the lower crust and undergoes decarbonation. 3) During extension and slab rollback, interaction between hot asthenosphere and sediments at shallow depths result in a small window (~ 12.5 Ma) of high integrated CO2 fluxes (205 kg m? 3 Ma? 1).
Abstract: Recent findings of diamonds in ophiolitic peridotites and chromitites challenge our traditional notion of Earth mantle dynamics. Models attempting to explain these findings involve incorporation of diamonds into chromite near the mantle transition zone. However, the occurrence of metastable diamonds in this context has not been considered. Here, we report for the first time in situ microdiamonds in chromite from ophiolitic chromitite pods hosted in the Tehuitzingo serpentinite (southern Mexico). Here, diamonds occur as fracture-filling inclusions along with quartz, clinochlore, serpentine, and amorphous carbon, thus indicating a secondary origin during the shallow hydration of chromitite. Chromite chemical variations across the diamond-bearing healed fractures indicate formation during the retrograde evolution of chromitite at temperatures between 670 °C and 515 °C. During this stage, diamond precipitated metastably at low pressure from reduced C-O-H fluids that infiltrated from the host peridotite at the onset of serpentinization processes. Diamond was preserved as a result of fracture healing at the same temperature interval in which the chromite alteration began. These mechanisms of diamond formation challenge the idea that the occurrence of diamond in ophiolitic rocks constitutes an unequivocal indicator of ultrahigh-pressure conditions.
Abstract: The highly siderophile elements (HSE: Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd, Re, Au) exist in solid solution in accessory base-metal sulfides (BMS) as well as nano-to-micron scale minerals in rocks of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). The latter include platinum-group minerals (PGM) and gold minerals, which may vary widely in morphology, composition and distribution. The PGM form isolated grains often associated with larger BMS hosted in residual olivine, located at interstices in between peridotite-forming minerals or more commonly in association with metasomatic minerals (pyroxenes, carbonates, phosphates) and silicate glasses in some peridotite xenoliths. The PGM found inside residual olivine are mainly Os-, Ir- and Ru-rich sulfides and alloys. In contrast, those associated with metasomatic minerals or silicate glasses of peridotite xenoliths consist of Pt, Pd, and Rh bonded with semimetals like As, Te, Bi, and Sn. Nanoscale observations on natural samples along with the results of recent experiments indicate that nucleation of PGM is mainly related with the uptake of HSE by nanoparticles, nanominerals or nanomelts at high temperature (> 900?°C) in both silicate and/or sulfide melts, regardless of the residual or metasomatic origin of their host minerals. A similar interpretation can be assumed for gold minerals. Our observations highlight that nanoscale processes play an important role on the ore-forming potential of primitive mantle-derived magmas parental to magmatic-hydrothermal deposits enriched in noble metals. The metal inventory in these magmas could be related with the physical incorporation of HSE-bearing nanoparticles or nanomelts during processes of partial melting of mantle peridotite and melt migration from the mantle to overlying continental crust.
Nature Communications, doi.org/10.1038/ s41467-020-18157-6 11p. Pdf
Mantle
carbon
Abstract: Magmatic systems play a crucial role in enriching the crust with volatiles and elements that reside primarily within the Earth’s mantle, including economically important metals like nickel, copper and platinum-group elements. However, transport of these metals within silicate magmas primarily occurs within dense sulfide liquids, which tend to coalesce, settle and not be efficiently transported in ascending magmas. Here we show textural observations, backed up with carbon and oxygen isotope data, which indicate an intimate association between mantle-derived carbonates and sulfides in some mafic-ultramafic magmatic systems emplaced at the base of the continental crust. We propose that carbon, as a buoyant supercritical CO2 fluid, might be a covert agent aiding and promoting the physical transport of sulfides across the mantle-crust transition. This may be a common but cryptic mechanism that facilitates cycling of volatiles and metals from the mantle to the lower-to-mid continental crust, which leaves little footprint behind by the time magmas reach the Earth’s surface.
Abstract: The Neoproterozoic Bou Azzer ophiolite in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas Panafrican belt hosts numerous chromitite orebodies within the peridotite section of the oceanic mantle. The chromitites are strongly affected by serpentinization and metamorphism, although they still preserve igneous relicts amenable for petrogenetic interpretation. The major, minor and trace element composition of unaltered chromite cores reveal two compositional groups: intermediate-Cr (Cr# = 0.60 - 0.74) and high-Cr (Cr# = 0.79 - 0.84) and estimates of parental melt compositions suggest crystallization from pulses of fore-arc basalts (FAB) and boninitic melts, respectively, that infiltrated the oceanic supra-subduction zone (SSZ) mantle. A platinum group elements (PGE) mineralization dominated by Ir-Ru-Os is recognized in the chromitites, which has its mineralogical expression in abundant inclusions of Os-Ir alloys and coexisting magmatic laurite (RuS2) and their products of metamorphic alteration. Unusual mineral phases in chromite, not previously reported in this ophiolite, include super-reduced and/or nominally ultra-high pressure minerals moissanite (SiC), native Cu and silicates (oriented clinopyroxene lamellae), but “exotic” zircon and diaspore have also been identified. We interpret that clinopyroxene lamellae have a magmatic origin, whereas super-reduced phases originated during serpentinization processes and diaspore is linked to late circulation of low-silica fluids related to rodingitization. Zircon grains, on the other hand, with apatite and serpentine inclusions, could either have formed after the interaction of chromitite with mantle-derived melts or could represent subducted detrital sediments later incorporated into the chromitites. We offer a comparison of the Bou Azzer chromitites with other Precambrian ophiolitic chromitites worldwide, which are rather scarce in the geological record. The studied chromitites are very similar to the Neoproterozoic chromitites reported in the Arabian-Nubian shield, which are also related to the Panafrican orogeny. Thus, we conclude that the Bou Azzer chromitites formed in a subduction-initiation geodynamic setting with two-stages of evolution, with formation of FAB-derived intermediate-Cr chromitites in the early stage and formation of boninite-derived high-Cr chromitites in the late stage.
Journal of Applied Crystallography, Vol. 49, pp. 1377-1382.
Technology
analyses
Abstract: EosFit7-GUI is a full graphical user interface designed to simplify the analysis of thermal expansion and equations of state (EoSs). The software allows users to easily perform least-squares fitting of EoS parameters to diffraction data collected as a function of varying pressure, temperature or both. It has been especially designed to allow rapid graphical evaluation of both parametric data and the EoS fitted to the data, making it useful both for data analysis and for teaching.
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems: G3, Vol. 16, 11, Nov. pp. 3924-3945.
Mantle
Convection
Abstract: Numerical models show that small-scale convection (SSC) occurring atop a mantle plume is a plausible mechanism to rejuvenate the lithosphere. The triggering of SSC depends on the density contrast and on the rheology of the unstable layer underlying the stagnant upper part of the thermal boundary layer (TBL). Partial melting may change both properties. We analyze, using 2-D numerical simulations, how partial melting influences the dynamics of time-dependent SSC instabilities and the resulting thermo-mechanical rejuvenation of an oceanic plate moving atop of a plume. Our simulations show a complex behavior, with acceleration, no change, or delay of the SSC onset, due to competing effects of the latent heat of partial melting, which cools the plume material, and of the buoyancy increase associated with both melt retention and depletion of residue following melt extraction. The melt-induced viscosity reduction is too localized to affect significantly SSC dynamics. Faster SSC triggering is promoted for low melting degrees (low plume temperature anomalies, thick lithosphere, or fast moving plates), which limit both the temperature reduction due to latent heat of melting and the accumulation of depleted buoyant residue in the upper part of the unstable layer. In contrast, high partial melting degrees lead to a strong temperate decrease due to latent heat of melting and development of a thick depleted layer within the sublithospheric convecting layer, which delay the development of gravitational instabilities. Despite differences in SSC dynamics, the thinning of the lithosphere is not significantly enhanced relatively to simulations that neglect partial melting.
Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, Vol. 122, 8, pp. 5992-6013.
Mantle
geothermometry
Abstract: Cratons form the stable core roots of the continental crust. Despite long-term stability, cratons have failed in the past. Cratonic destruction (e.g., North Atlantic Craton) due to chemical rejuvenation at the base of the lithosphere remains poorly constrained numerically. We use 2-D petrological-thermomechanical models to assess cratonic rifting characteristics and mantle CO2 degassing in the presence of a carbonated subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). We test two tectonothermal SCLM compositions: Archon (depleted) and Tecton (fertilized) using 2 CO2 wt % in the bulk composition to represent a metasomatized SCLM. We parameterize cratonic breakup via extensional duration (7-12 Ma; full breakup), tectonothermal age, TMoho (300-600°C), and crustal rheology. The two compositions with metasomatized SCLMs share similar rifting features and decarbonation trends during initial extension. However, we show long-term (>67 Ma) stability differences due to lithospheric density contrasts between SCLM compositions. The Tecton model shows convective removal and thinning of the metasomatized SCLM during failed rifting. The Archon composition remained stable, highlighting the primary role for SCLM density even when metasomatized at its base. In the short-term, three failed rifting characteristics emerge: failed rifting without decarbonation, failed rifting with decarbonation, and semifailed rifting with dry asthenospheric melting and decarbonation. Decarbonation trends were greatest in the failed rifts, reaching peak fluxes of 94 × 104 kg m?3. Increased TMoho did not alter the effects of rifting or decarbonation. Lastly, we show mantle regions where decarbonation, mantle melting in the presence of carbonate, and preservation of carbonated mantle occur during rifting.
Barry, P.H., de Moor, J.M., Giovannelli, D., Schrenk, M., Hummer, D.R., Lopez, T., Pratt, C.A., Alpizar Segua, Y., Battaglia, A., Beaudry, A., Bini, G., Cascante, M., d'Errico, G., di Carlo, M., Fattorini, D., Fullerton, K., H+Gazel, E., Gonzalez, G., Hal
Abstract: Carbon and other volatiles in the form of gases, fluids or mineral phases are transported from Earth’s surface into the mantle at convergent margins, where the oceanic crust subducts beneath the continental crust. The efficiency of this transfer has profound implications for the nature and scale of geochemical heterogeneities in Earth’s deep mantle and shallow crustal reservoirs, as well as Earth’s oxidation state. However, the proportions of volatiles released from the forearc and backarc are not well constrained compared to fluxes from the volcanic arc front. Here we use helium and carbon isotope data from deeply sourced springs along two cross-arc transects to show that about 91 per cent of carbon released from the slab and mantle beneath the Costa Rican forearc is sequestered within the crust by calcite deposition. Around an additional three per cent is incorporated into the biomass through microbial chemolithoautotrophy, whereby microbes assimilate inorganic carbon into biomass. We estimate that between 1.2 × 108 and 1.3 × 1010 moles of carbon dioxide per year are released from the slab beneath the forearc, and thus up to about 19 per cent less carbon is being transferred into Earth’s deep mantle than previously estimated.
Abstract: Population growth and technological progress in the last 50 years have resulted in the global demand for mineral resources increasing by 400% since 1970, and it is further expected to almost double by 2050. This context forecasts a never-seen-before market for some specific mineral commodities, termed critical metals. The resource and supply flow of critical metals would be decisive for the economic well-being of economies in near future. Carbonatites are the most prospective host rocks for Rare Earth Elements (REEs), which constitute some of the most important critical elements. This special issue aims to contribute to the debate on understanding the genesis of carbonatites and their prospectivity for REEs (including exploration strategies), by presenting a wide variety of studies on carbonatites from around the globe.
Abstract: Harzburgites and dunites forming the base of the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene Papuan Ultramafic Belt (PUB) and Marum ophiolites of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are amongst the most refractory mantle peridotites on Earth. We present a new integrated dataset of major element, bulk plus mineral trace element and Re-Os isotopic analyses aimed at better understanding the genesis of these peridotites. The PUB harzburgites contain olivine (Fo92-93), low-Al enstatite (less than or equal to 0.5 wt. % Al2O3 and CaO), and Cr-rich spinel (Cr# = 0.90-0.95). The Marum harzburgites are less refractory with olivine (Fo91.9-92.7), enstatite (~0.5-1.0 wt. % Al2O3 and CaO), minor clinopyroxene (diopside), and spinel (Cr# = 0.71-0.77). These major element characteristics reflect equivalent or greater levels of melt depletion than that experienced by Archean cratonic peridotites. Whereas bulk-rock heavy rare earth element (HREE) abundances mirror the refractory character indicated by the mineral chemistry and major elements, large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) indicate a more complex melting and metasomatic history. In-situ olivine and orthopyroxene REE measurements show that harzburgites and dunites have experienced distinct melt-rock interaction processes, with dunite channels/lenses, specifically, showing higher abundances of HREE in olivine. Distinctive severe inter-element fraction of platinum group elements and Re result in complex patterns that we refer to as “M-shaped”. These fractionated highly siderophile element (HSE) patterns likely reflect the dissolution of HSE-rich phases in highly depleted peridotites by interaction with subduction-related melts/fluids, possibly high-temperature boninites. Osmium isotope compositions of the PNG peridotites are variable (187Os/188Os = 0.1204 to 0.1611), but fall within the range of peridotites derived from Phanerozoic oceanic mantle, providing no support for ancient melt depletion, despite their refractory character. This provides further evidence that highly depleted peridotites can be produced in the modern Earth, in subduction zone environments. The complex geochemistry indicates a multi-stage process for the formation of the PNG mantle peridotites in a modern geodynamic environment. The first stage involves partial melting at low-pressure (<2 GPa) and high-temperature (~1250-1350 0C) to form low-K, low-Ti tholeiitic magmas that formed the overlying cumulate peridotite-gabbro and basalt (PUB only) sequences of the ophiolites. This is inferred to have occurred in a fore-arc setting at the initiation of subduction. Later stages involved fluxing of the residual harzburgites with hydrous fluids and melts to form replacive dunites and enstatite dykes, and interaction of the residual peridotites in the overlying mantle wedge with high-temperature hydrous melts from the subducting slab to generate the extremely refractory harzburgites. This latter stage can be linked to the eruption of low-Ca boninites at Cape Vogel, and other arc-related volcanics, in a nascent oceanic island arc. Both ophiolites were emplaced shortly after when the embryonic oceanic island arc collided with the Australian continent.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 233, pp. 95-114.
Europe, Italy
shoshonites
Abstract: The diffusive exchange of 30 trace elements (Cs, Rb, Ba, Sr, Co, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Ta, V, Cr, Pb, Th, U, Zr, Hf, Sn and Nb) during the interaction of natural mafic and silicic alkaline melts was experimentally studied at conditions relevant to shallow magmatic systems. In detail, a set of 12 diffusion couple experiments have been performed between natural shoshonitic and rhyolitic melts from the Vulcano Island (Aeolian archipelago, Italy) at a temperature of 1200?°C, pressures from 50 to 500?MPa, and water contents ranging from nominally dry to ca. 2 wt.%. Concentration-distance profiles, measured by Laser Ablation ICP-MS, highlight different behaviours, and trace elements were divided into two groups: (1) elements with normal diffusion profiles (13 elements, mainly low field strength and transition elements), and (2) elements showing uphill diffusion (17 elements including Y, Zr, Nb, Pb and rare earth elements, except Eu). For the elements showing normal diffusion profiles, chemical diffusion coefficients were estimated using a concentration-dependent evaluation method, and values are given at four intermediate compositions (SiO2 equal to 58, 62, 66 and 70 wt.%, respectively). A general coupling of diffusion coefficients to silica diffusivity is observed, and variations in systematics are observed between mafic and silicic compositions. Results show that water plays a decisive role on diffusive rates in the studied conditions, producing an enhancement between 0.4 and 0.7 log units per 1 wt.% of added H2O. Particularly notable is the behaviour of the trivalent-only REEs (La to Nd and Gd to Lu), with strong uphill diffusion minima, diminishing from light to heavy REEs. Modelling of REE profiles by a modified effective binary diffusion model indicates that activity gradients induced by the SiO2 concentration contrast are responsible for their development, inducing a transient partitioning of REEs towards the shoshonitic melt. These results indicate that diffusive fractionation of trace elements is possible during magma mixing events, especially in the more silicic melts, and that the presence of water in such events can lead to enhanced chemical diffusive mixing efficiency, affecting also the estimation of mixing to eruption timescales.
Abstract: Podiform chromitites occur in mantle peridotites of the Late Triassic Puerto Nuevo Ophiolite, Baja California Sur State, Mexico. These are high-Cr chromitites [Cr# (Cr/Cr + Al atomic ratio = 0.61-0.69)] that contain a range of minor- and trace-elements and show whole-rock enrichment in IPGE (Os, Ir, Ru). That are similar to those of high-Cr ophiolitic chromitites crystallised from melts similar to high-Mg island-arc tholeiites (IAT) and boninites in supra-subduction-zone mantle wedges. Crystallisation of these chromitites from S-undersaturated melts is consistent with the presence of abundant inclusions of platinum-group minerals (PGM) such as laurite (RuS2)-erlichmanite (OsS2), osmium and irarsite (IrAsS) in chromite, that yield TMA ? TRD model ages peaking at ~ 325 Ma. Thirty-three xenocrystic zircons recovered from mineral concentrates of these chromitites yield ages (2263 ± 44 Ma to 278 ± 4 Ma) and Hf-O compositions [?Hf(t) = ? 18.7 to + 9.1 and 18O values < 12.4‰] that broadly match those of zircons reported in nearby exposed crustal blocks of southwestern North America. We interpret these chromitite zircons as remnants of partly digested continental crust or continent-derived sediments on oceanic crust delivered into the mantle via subduction. They were captured by the parental melts of the chromitites when the latter formed in a supra-subduction zone mantle wedge polluted with crustal material. In addition, the Puerto Nuevo chromites have clinopyroxene lamellae with preferred crystallographic orientation, which we interpret as evidence that chromitites have experienced high-temperature and ultra high-pressure conditions (< 12 GPa and ~ 1600 °C). We propose a tectonic scenario that involves the formation of chromitite in the supra-subduction zone mantle wedge underlying the Vizcaino intra-oceanic arc ca. 250 Ma ago, deep-mantle recycling, and subsequent diapiric exhumation in the intra-oceanic basin (the San Hipólito marginal sea) generated during an extensional stage of the Vizcaino intra-oceanic arc ca. 221 Ma ago. The TRD ages at ~ 325 Ma record a partial melting event in the mantle prior to the construction of the Vizcaino intra-oceanic arc, which is probably related to the Permian continental subduction, dated at ~ 311 Ma.
Geochemical Perspectives Letters, Vol. 7, pp. 1-2.
Mantle
moissanite
Abstract: Ballhaus et al. (2017) use electric-discharge experiments to argue that lightning strikes could produce ultra-high pressure (UHP) and super-reduced (SuR) phases "identical to those found in 'high-pressure' ophiolites" and that thus there is "not sufficient evidence to challenge long-established models of ophiolite genesis", specifically for the UHP processing of Tibetan ophiolites. However, the authors produced no evidence for UHP phases in their experiments. There are pertinent observations, relevant to the authors’ assertions, in the literature regarding the relationship between the UHP and SuR assemblages in the Tibetan peridotites. Their conclusions are not consistent with this evidence.
Gonzalez-Jimienez, J.M., Marchesi, C., Griffin, W.L., Gutierrez-Narbona, R., Lorand, J-P., O'Reilly, S.Y., Garrido, C.J., Gervilla, F., Pearson, N.J., Hidas, K.
Transfer of Os isotopic signatures from peridotite to chromitite in the subcontinental mantle: insights from in situ analysis of platinum-group and base metal minerals (Ojen peridotite massif, southern Spain.
Abstract: Large peridotite massifs are scattered along the 1500?km length of the Yarlung-Zangbo Suture Zone (southern Tibet, China), the major suture between Asia and Greater India. Diamonds occur in the peridotites and chromitites of several massifs, together with an extensive suite of trace phases that indicate extremely low fO2 (SiC, nitrides, carbides, native elements) and/or ultrahigh pressures (UHP) (diamond, TiO2 II, coesite, possible stishovite). New physical and isotopic (C, N) studies of the diamonds indicate that they are natural, crystallized in a disequilibrium, high-T environment, and spent only a short time at mantle temperatures before exhumation and cooling. These constraints are difficult to reconcile with previous models for the history of the diamond-bearing rocks. Possible evidence for metamorphism in or near the upper part of the Transition Zone includes the following: (1) chromite (in disseminated, nodular and massive chromitites) containing exsolved pyroxenes and coesite, suggesting inversion from a high-P polymorph of chromite; (2) microstructural studies suggesting that the chromitites recrystallized from fine-grained, highly deformed mixtures of wadsleyite and an octahedral polymorph of chromite; (3) a new cubic Mg-silicate, with the space group of ringwoodite but an inverse-spinel structure (all Si in octahedral coordination); (4) harzburgites with coarsely vermicular symplectites of opx + Cr-Al spinel ± cpx; reconstructions suggest that these are the breakdown products of majoritic garnets, with estimated minimum pressures to?>?13?GPa. Evidence for a shallow pre-metamorphic origin for the chromitites and peridotites includes the following: (1) trace-element data showing that the chromitites are typical of suprasubduction-zone (SSZ) chromitites formed by magma mixing or mingling, consistent with Hf-isotope data from magmatic (375?Ma) zircons in the chromitites; (2) the composition of the new cubic Mg-silicate, which suggests a low-P origin as antigorite, subsequently dehydrated; (3) the peridotites themselves, which carry the trace element signature of metasomatism in an SSZ environment, a signature that must have been imposed before the incorporation of the UHP and low-fO2 phases. A proposed P-T-t path involves the original formation of chromitites in mantle-wedge harzburgites, subduction of these harzburgites at c. 375?Ma, residence in the upper Transition Zone for >200 Myr, and rapid exhumation at c. 170-150?Ma or 130-120?Ma. Os-isotope data suggest that the subducted mantle consisted of previously depleted subcontinental lithosphere, dragged down by a subducting oceanic slab. Thermomechanical modeling shows that roll-back of a (much later) subducting slab would produce a high-velocity channelized upwelling that could exhume the buoyant harzburgites (and their chromitites) from the Transition Zone in?10 Myr. This rapid upwelling, which may explain some characteristics of the diamonds, appears to have brought some massifs to the surface in forearc or back-arc basins, where they provided a basement for oceanic crust. This model can reconcile many apparently contradictory petrological and geological datasets. It also defines an important, previously unrecognized geodynamic process that may have operated along other large suture zones such as the Urals.
Abstract: Recent findings of diamonds in ophiolitic peridotites and chromitites challenge our traditional notion of Earth mantle dynamics. Models attempting to explain these findings involve incorporation of diamonds into chromite near the mantle transition zone. However, the occurrence of metastable diamonds in this context has not been considered. Here, we report for the first time in situ microdiamonds in chromite from ophiolitic chromitite pods hosted in the Tehuitzingo serpentinite (southern Mexico). Here, diamonds occur as fracture-filling inclusions along with quartz, clinochlore, serpentine, and amorphous carbon, thus indicating a secondary origin during the shallow hydration of chromitite. Chromite chemical variations across the diamond-bearing healed fractures indicate formation during the retrograde evolution of chromitite at temperatures between 670 °C and 515 °C. During this stage, diamond precipitated metastably at low pressure from reduced C-O-H fluids that infiltrated from the host peridotite at the onset of serpentinization processes. Diamond was preserved as a result of fracture healing at the same temperature interval in which the chromite alteration began. These mechanisms of diamond formation challenge the idea that the occurrence of diamond in ophiolitic rocks constitutes an unequivocal indicator of ultrahigh-pressure conditions.
Abstract: Diamond is commonly regarded as an indicator of ultra-high pressure conditions in Earth System Science. This canonical view is challenged by recent data and interpretations that suggest metastable growth of diamond in low pressure environments. One such environment is serpentinisation of oceanic lithosphere, which produces highly reduced CH4-bearing fluids after olivine alteration by reaction with infiltrating fluids. Here we report the first ever observed in situ diamond within olivine-hosted, CH4-rich fluid inclusions from low pressure oceanic gabbro and chromitite samples from the Moa-Baracoa ophiolitic massif, eastern Cuba. Diamond is encapsulated in voids below the polished mineral surface forming a typical serpentinisation array, with methane, serpentine and magnetite, providing definitive evidence for its metastable growth upon low temperature and low pressure alteration of oceanic lithosphere and super-reduction of infiltrated fluids. Thermodynamic modelling of the observed solid and fluid assemblage at a reference P-T point appropriate for serpentinisation (350 °C and 100 MPa) is consistent with extreme reduction of the fluid to logfO2 (MPa) = ?45.3 (?logfO2[Iron-Magnetite] = ?6.5). These findings imply that the formation of metastable diamond at low pressure in serpentinised olivine is a widespread process in modern and ancient oceanic lithosphere, questioning a generalised ultra-high pressure origin for ophiolitic diamond.
Journal of Petrology, 10.1093/petrology/egac014 99p. pdf
Asia, Papua New Guinea
tectonites
Abstract: Harzburgites and dunites forming the base of the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene Papuan Ultramafic Belt (PUB) and Marum ophiolites of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are among the most refractory mantle peridotites on Earth. We present a new integrated dataset of major element, bulk plus mineral trace element and Re-Os isotopic analyses aimed at better understanding the genesis of these peridotites. The PUB harzburgites contain olivine (Fo92-93), low-Al enstatite (less than or equal to 0.5 wt. % Al2O3 and CaO), and Cr-rich spinel (Cr#?=?0.90-0.95). The Marum harzburgites are less refractory with olivine (Fo91.9-92.7), enstatite (~0.5-1.0 wt. % Al2O3 and CaO), minor clinopyroxene (diopside), and spinel (Cr#?=?0.71-0.77). These major element characteristics reflect equivalent or greater levels of melt depletion than that experienced by Archean cratonic peridotites. Whereas bulk-rock heavy rare earth element (HREE) abundances mirror the refractory character indicated by the mineral chemistry and major elements, large-ion lithophile elements indicate a more complex melting and metasomatic history. In situ olivine and orthopyroxene REE measurements show that harzburgites and dunites have experienced distinct melt-rock interaction processes, with dunite channels/lenses, specifically, showing higher abundances of HREE in olivine. Distinctive severe inter-element fraction of platinum group elements and Re result in complex patterns that we refer to as ‘M-shaped’. These fractionated highly siderophile element (HSE) patterns likely reflect the dissolution of HSE-rich phases in highly depleted peridotites by interaction with subduction-related melts/fluids, possibly high-temperature boninites. Osmium isotope compositions of the PNG peridotites are variable (187Os/188Os?=?0.1204 to 0.1611), but fall within the range of peridotites derived from Phanerozoic oceanic mantle, providing no support for ancient melt depletion, despite their refractory character. This provides further evidence that highly depleted peridotites can be produced in the modern Earth, in subduction zone environments. The complex geochemistry indicates a multi-stage process for the formation of the PNG mantle peridotites in a modern geodynamic environment. The first stage involves partial melting at low-pressure (<2 GPa) and high-temperature (~1250°C-1350°C) to form low-K, low-Ti tholeiitic magmas that formed the overlying cumulate peridotite-gabbro and basalt (PUB only) sequences of the ophiolites. This is inferred to have occurred in a fore-arc setting at the initiation of subduction. Later stages involved fluxing of the residual harzburgites with hydrous fluids and melts to form replacive dunites and enstatite dykes and interaction of the residual peridotites in the overlying mantle wedge with high-temperature hydrous melts from the subducting slab to generate the extremely refractory harzburgites. This latter stage can be linked to the eruption of low-Ca boninites at Cape Vogel, and other arc-related volcanics, in a nascent oceanic island arc. Both ophiolites were emplaced shortly after when the embryonic oceanic island arc collided with the Australian continent.
Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, Vol. 16, 3-4, pp. 193-212.
Canada, Ontario
Alkalic
Abstract: Mineral exploration is increasingly taking advantage of real time techniques that dramatically reduce the costs and time taken to obtain results compared to traditional analytical methods. Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) is now a well-established technique that is used to acquire lithogeochemical data. To date, however, benchtop scanning electron microscopes, equipped with energy dispersive systems (bSEM-EDS) have received little attention as a possible mineral exploration tool. This study examines the utility of combining pXRF and bSEM-EDS to characterize the igneous stratigraphy and its relationship to Cu-Pd mineralization in a drill hole at the Four Dams occurrence, located within the Eastern Gabbro assemblage of the Coldwell Alkaline Complex, Canada. The first part of this study compares field portable and laboratory techniques. Seventy-two powdered samples analysed by pXRF are compared with traditional major elements analysed by inductively coupled atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and trace elements by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the compositions of 128 olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase grains analysed by bSEM-EDS are compared with traditional electron microprobe data. Our results show that each portable technique yields results similar to their lab-based counterparts within the analytical capabilities and precisions of the respective instruments. The second part presents a case study for the application of pXRF and bSEM-EDS to resolve questions related to igneous stratigraphy as an aid to mineral exploration in a complicated geological setting. A major problem for Cu-Pd exploration in the Coldwell Complex of NW Ontario is that the oxide-rich units that host Cu-Pd mineralization in the Marathon Series are petrographically similar to the barren oxide-rich units in the Layered Series. However, the mineralized units are geochemically distinctive. Our results show that the mineralized Marathon Series can be distinguished from the barren Layered Series, including oxide-rich units of both, by combinations of P2O5, Ba, Zr and V/Ti values, determined by pXRF, combined with plagioclase, olivine or clinopyroxene compositions measured by bSEM-EDS. The combination of pXRF and bSEM-EDS thus shows considerable promise as an exploration technique.
Abstract: Accurate characterization of the platinum group mineral (PGM) assemblages for Cu-Ni-PGE deposits are typically constrained by sample size and the difficulty of finding statistically significant numbers of grains, which is expected given the low concentrations of platinum group elements (<2 ppm), the great variety of PGM, and the likelihood that a few large grains (>75 µm) can account for large fractions of total mass. Despite these limitations, an accurate survey of PGM from different deposit types would have significant value towards developing deposit models and respective exploration strategies. In this study, we present results for a comprehensive evaluation of PGM at four copper-PGE occurrences hosted within separate but co-genetic gabbro or troctolite intrusions in the Coldwell Alkaline Complex and confirm that accurate surveys are possible with sufficient sample material and efficient PGM concentration methods. The PGM concentration methods used include: (1) hydroseparation of sieved size fractions of pulverized material, and (2) panning of grain separates produced by electric pulse disaggregation of drill core specimens. A favourable comparison of the results has verified the reliability of each method and added confidence that the PGM assemblages identified at three of the four locations are fully characterized. Precious metal mineral (PMM) assemblages are determined for the Main zone and W Horizon at the Marathon deposit, and the main zones at each of the Geordie Lake deposit and Area 41 occurrence. A total of 10,824 PMM grains (PGE and Au-Ag) and 68 mineral species, including 16 unknown minerals, were identified, of which 768 grains and 31 species occur at the Main zone, 523 grains and 41 species at Area 41,9485 grains and 43 species at W horizon, and 56 grains and 12 species at Geordie Lake. The PMM are grouped as follows: Pd-Ge, PGE-S-As, Pt-Fe alloy, Pd-Cu-Pb-Au, Pd-Ni-S, Pd-Pt-Sn, Pt-As, Pd-As, Pd-Pt-Sb-As, Pd-Pt-Bi-Te, and Au-Ag. All of the deposits were found to contain similar proportions of Pd-Pt-Sb-As, Pd-Pt-Bi-Te and Au-Ag minerals. But the W Horizon and Area 41 are distinguished from the Marathon Main zone and Geordie Lake deposits by the presence of minerals in the PGE-S-As, Pt-Fe alloy, Pd ± Cu ± Pb ± Au and Pd-Ge groups. Taken together, the PMM assemblages for deposits in the Coldwell exhibit a strong correlation to PGE enrichment relative to the range for mantle Cu/Pd values (1000-10,000). And there is no relationship between the abundances of Pd-Pt-Bi-Te and Pd-Pt-Sb-As minerals that are commonly associated with hydrous phases, and the intensity of hydrothermal alteration. Thus minerals found only at the W Horizon and Area 41, where significant PGE upgrading has occurred, including Pt-Fe alloys, rustenburgite, marathonite, palladogermanide, unknown Rh-Ni-Fe-sulfide, Au-Pd-Cu alloy, braggite, coldwellite, laurite, zvyagintsevite, laflammeite, and unknown phases Pd5As2, Pd3As, Pd3(As,Pb,Bi) might be considered as index minerals for PGE enriched types of mineralization in the Coldwell.
Abstract: The W Horizon, Marathon Cu-Pd deposit in the Mesoproterozoic Midcontinent rift is one of the highest grade PGE repositories in magmatic ore deposits world-wide. The textural relationships and compositions of diverse platinum-group mineral (PGM) and sulfide assemblages in the extremely enriched ores (>100 ppm Pd-Pt-Au over 2 m) of the W Horizon have been investigated in mineral concentrates with ?10,000 PGM grains and in situ using scanning electron microprobe and microprobe analyses. Here we show, from ore samples with concentrations up to 23.1 Pd ppm, 8.9 Pt ppm, 1.4 Au ppm and 0.73 Rh ppm, the diversity of minerals (n = 52) including several significant unknown minerals and three new mineral species marathonite (Pd25Ge9; McDonald et al., 2016), palladogermanide (Pd2Ge; IMA 2016-086, McDonald et al., 2017), kravtsovite (PdAg2S, IMA No 2016-092, Vymazalová et al., 2017). The PGM are distributed as PG-, sulfides (52 vol%), -arsenides (34 vol%), -intermetallics of Au-Ag-Pd-Cu and Pd-Ge(10 vol%) and -bismuthides and tellurides (4 vol%). The discovery of abundant (>330 grains) large unknown sulfide minerals with Rh allows us to present analyses three significant potentially new minerals (WUK-1, WUK-2, WUK-3) that are all clearly enriched in Rh (averaging 4.2, 8.5 and 28.21 wt% Rh respectively). Several examples of paragenetic sequences and mineral chemical changes for enrichment of Cu, Pd and Rh with time are revealed in the PGM and base-metal sulfides. We suggest this enhanced metal enrichment formed in response to increasing fO2 causing the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ and to a lesser extent, S. Phase relations in the Ag-Pd-S, Rh-Ni-Fe-S, Pd-Ge, Au-Pd-Cu-Ag, Pd-Ag-Te systems help constrain the crystallization temperatures of the majority of ore minerals in the W Horizon at ?500 °C or moderate to high subsolidus temperatures (400–600 °C). Local transport by aqueous fluids becomes evident as minerals recrystallize down to <300 °C. The PGE-enriched W Horizon ores exhibit a complex post-magmatic history dominated by the effects of oxidation during cooling of a Cu-PGE enriched magma source from a deep reservoir.
Abstract: Magnetite (mag)-ilmenite (ilm) intergrowths are more common than mag-ulvöspinel (usp) intergrowths in mafic-ultramafic Ni-Cu-PGE systems, yet the former has no known solid solution. The most accepted model for the formation of mag-ilm intergrowths in terrestrial environments is fluid-induced oxidation of mag-usp assemblages by oxygen in water. In this study, we re-examine this model in light of the fact that crustal fluids have very low pO2 and that mag-ilm intergrowths commonly occur in rocks that show little or no evidence of hydrothermal alteration. We also characterize the chemical changes that occurred during the formation of mag-ilm intergrowths and how they affect the use of Fe-Ti oxide chemistry for petrogenesis and mineral exploration. In the Eastern Gabbro, Coldwell Complex, a continuum of Fe-Ti oxide intergrowths occur ranging from cloth (mag-usp) to trellis (mag-ilm) types. Trellis-textured intergrowths have higher bulk Fe3+:Fe2+ ratios and are predominantly enriched not only in some multivalent (Ge, Mo, W, Sn) elements, but also in Cu and Ga, consistent with their formation via oxidation by a metal-rich fluid. These compositional changes are significant relative to typical elemental abundances in Fe-Ti oxides and could potentially lead to erroneous interpretations regarding primary magmatic processes if they are not taken into consideration. The irregular distribution of the intergrowths throughout the Eastern Gabbro suggests that different rock series and mineralized zones experienced variable degrees of fluid-induced oxidation. It is proposed that C in CO2 rather than O2 in water could potentially be an important oxidizing agent in mafic systems:
9Fe2+2TiO4+0.75CO2+1.5H2O?9Fe2+TiO3+3Fe3+2Fe2+O4+0.75CH4. The applicability of this model is supported by the common occurrence of CO2 and CH4 in fluid inclusions in mafic rocks.
Abstract: The Eastern Gabbro of the alkaline Coldwell Complex, Canada, represents a Ni-poor conduit-type system that comprises two rock series, the Layered Series and Marathon Series, which intruded into a metabasalt package. Based on distinct variations in magnetite compatible (e.g., Ni, Cr) and incompatible (e.g., Sn, Nb) elements in Fe-Ti oxide intergrowths, the metabasalts, Layered Series, and Marathon Series must have crystallized from magmas that originated from compositionally distinct sources. Of these rock units, the metabasalts crystallized from a more primitive melt than the Layered Series as Fe-Ti oxides in the former have higher concentrations of magnetite-compatible elements. Unlike the metabasalts and Layered Series, the Marathon Series crystallized from multiple, compositionally distinct magmas as Fe-Ti oxides in this series exhibit large variations in both magnetite compatible and incompatible elements. Accordingly, the various rock types of the Marathon Series cannot be related by fractional crystallization of a single batch of magma. Rather, the magmas from which the rock types crystallized had to have interacted to variable degrees with a late input of more primitive melt. The degree of this magma interaction was likely controlled by the geometry of the conduit and the location of emplacement given that Fe-Ti oxides in the oxide-rich rocks occur in pod-like bodies and exhibit no compositional evidence for magma mixing. Mirrored variations in magnetite compatible and incompatible elements in Fe-Ti oxides in the Footwall Zone, Main Zone, and W Horizon of the Marathon Cu-PGE deposit indicate that these zones could not have formed from a single, evolving magma, but rather multiple batches of compositionally distinct magmas. Fe-Ti oxides exhibit no compositional difference between those hosted by barren and mineralized rock. This is likely because sulfide liquated at depth in all of the magmas from which the Marathon Series crystallized. The composition of Fe-Ti oxides in the Eastern Gabbro fall outside of the compositional fields for Ni-Cu mineralization defined by Dupuis and Beaudoin (Mineral Deposita 46:319-335, 2011) and Ward et al. (J Geochem Explor 188:172-184, 2018) demonstrating that their discrimination diagrams can distinguish between Ni-rich and Ni-poor systems that contain disseminated and massive sulfides.
Journal of Petrology, Vol. 62, 7, 10.1093/petrology/ega036
Canada
deposit - Coldwell
Abstract: Mafic intrusions on the NE shoulder of the Midcontinent Rift (Keweenawan LIP), including Cu-PGE mineralized gabbros within the Coldwell Complex (CC), and rift parallel or radial dykes outside the CC are correlated based on characteristic trace element patterns. In the Coldwell Complex, mafic rocks are subdivided into four groups: (1) early metabasalt; (2) Marathon Series; (3) Layered Series; (4) Geordie-Wolfcamp Series. The Marathon Series are correlated with the rift radial Abitibi dykes (1140?Ma), and the Geordie-Wolfcamp Series with the rift parallel Pukaskwa and Copper Island dykes. U-Pb ages determined for five gabbros from the Layered and Marathon Series are between 1107•7 and 1106•0?Ma. Radiogenic isotope ratios show near chondritic (CHUR) ?Nd(1106?Ma) and 87Sr/86Sri values that range from -0•38 to +1•13 and 0•702537 to 0•703944, respectively. Distinctive geochemical properties of the Marathon Series and Abitibi dykes, such as Ba/La (14-37), Th/Nb (0•06-0•12), La/Sm (3•8-7•7), Sr/Nd (21-96) and Zr/Sm (9-19), are very different from those of the Geordie-Wolfcamp Series and a subset of Copper Island and Pukaskwa dykes with Ba/La (8•7-11), Th/Nb (0•12-0•13), La/Sm (6•7-7•9), Sr/Nd (5-7•8) and Zr/Sm (18-24). Each unit exhibits covariation between incompatible element ratios such as Zr/Sm and Nb/La or Gd/Yb, Sr/Nd and Ba/La, and Nb/Y and Zr/Y, which are consistent with mixing relationship between two or more mantle domains. These characteristics are unlike those of intrusions on the NW shoulder of the MCR, but resemble those of mafic rocks occurring in the East Kenya Rift. The results imply that an unusual and long-lived mantle source was present in the NE MCR for at least 34?Myr (spanning the 1140?Ma Abitibi dykes and the 1106?Ma Marathon series) and indicate potential for Cu-PGE mineralization in an area much larger than was previously recognized.
Abstract: Metasomatism by fluid or melt is commonly attributed as the cause of chemical and modal heterogeneity observed in peridotite xenoliths from the sub-continental lithospheric mantle. Documented manifestations are (1) perturbation of the oxygen fugacity (fO2), which may affect the stability of carbon-bearing phases, and (2) trace-element enrichment, typified by the shape of REEN patterns. Garnet, which contains Fe2+ and Fe3+ in measurable quantities, and exhibits prominent variation in REEN patterns between samples, may record the metasomatic history of the mantle. Here we report variations of fO2 and trace element concentrations for a suite of 22 garnet-bearing peridotite xenoliths from the Louwrensia kimberlite, south-central Namibia. The xenoliths span an estimated pressure range between 2.7 and 4.5 GPa. Fe3+/?Fe of garnet was determined by Fe K-edge XANES spectroscopy. Concomitant fO2 was calculated using the oxybarometer calibration of Miller et al. [1]. The trace element concentrations of all phases were determined by LA-ICP-MS. A global dataset comprising 454 garnet REEN patterns from 19 kimberlites has been compiled. The REEN pattern of each sample was fit to orthogonal polynomial functions that parameterise the abundance, slope, quadratic curvature, and cubic curvature [2]. Quadratic and cubic curvature correlate with abundance, albeit with considerable scatter. There is, however, an absence of correlation between REEN patterns and fO2, depth, or modal abundance. This is in contrast to correlations and trends observed for basaltic melts that clearly identify petrogenetic trends. The partitioning of REEs between garnet and co-existing phases in these samples highlights pronounced trace-element disequilibrium and hence question the validity of considering garnet REEN in isolation as a means of discerning metasomatic history
Long term memory of subduction processes in the lithospheric mantle: evidence from geochemistry of basic dykes in the Gardar Province of South Greenland.
Journal of the Geological Society of London, Vol. 159, 6, pp. 705-714.
Long tern memory of subduction processes in the lithospheric mantle: evidence from the geochemistry of basic dykes in the Gardar Province of South Greenland.
Journal of the Geological Society, Vol. 159, 6, pp. 705-714.
Abstract: The rare earth elements (REE) are critical metals that have been the subject of considerable recent research. In the published literature, REE deposits are typically divided into classes, which commonly include ‘alkaline igneous rocks’ and ‘carbonatites’ [1]. However, our recent work, carried out as part of the EURARE and HiTech AlkCarb projects, suggests that many deposits of the REE and other critical metals may be formed where late-stage carbonatites and associated fluids interact with alkaline igneous rocks. A key question is whether these carbonatites are formed by liquid immiscibility from the host alkaline magmas, or whether they are introduced from other sources. A classic example of a mineral deposit formed in this way is at Ivigtut in Greenland, where late-stage F and CO2 rich fluids interacted with alkali granitic melts to form a cryolite (Na3AlF6) deposit, with associated metasomatism and REE mobilisation. Isotopic evidence indicates that these late-stage fluids may have been carbonatite-derived [2]. Our more recent work indicates that REE enrichment in many alkaline igneous complexes may be generated by a similar mechanism. In the alkaline igneous province of NW Scotland, late-stage metasomatism by CO2-rich fluids has generated metasomatised veins with TREO up to 2 wt% [3]. Similar features are observed in the Ditra? Alkaline Igneous complex in Romania, where REE mineralisation is represented by monazite- and carbonate-rich veins cutting syenitic host rocks [4]; and at the Kizilcaören REE deposit in Turkey. This talk will provide an overview of the formation of REE mineralisation in this type of magmatic-hydrothermal system and consider future research questions.
Natural Resources Research, in press available, 16p.
Global
rare earths
Abstract: The rare earth elements (REE) have attracted much attention in recent years, being viewed as critical metals because of China’s domination of their supply chain. This is despite the fact that REE enrichments are known to exist in a wide range of settings, and have been the subject of much recent exploration. Although the REE are often referred to as a single group, in practice each individual element has a specific set of end-uses, and so demand varies between them. Future demand growth to 2026 is likely to be mainly linked to the use of NdFeB magnets, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles and wind turbines, and in erbium-doped glass fiber for communications. Supply of lanthanum and cerium is forecast to exceed demand. There are several different types of natural (primary) REE resources, including those formed by high-temperature geological processes (carbonatites, alkaline rocks, vein and skarn deposits) and those formed by low-temperature processes (placers, laterites, bauxites and ion-adsorption clays). In this paper, we consider the balance of the individual REE in each deposit type and how that matches demand, and look at some of the issues associated with developing these deposits. This assessment and overview indicate that while each type of REE deposit has different advantages and disadvantages, light rare earth-enriched ion adsorption types appear to have the best match to future REE needs. Production of REE as by-products from, for example, bauxite or phosphate, is potentially the most rapid way to produce additional REE. There are still significant technical and economic challenges to be overcome to create substantial REE supply chains outside China.
Abstract: Many of the world's largest known REE deposits are associated with post-collisional alkaline-carbonatite magmatic complexes (e.g., the Minanning-Dechang belt, China). These systems are potassic to ultrapotassic in composition and contain LREE-dominated mineralisation associated with F and Ba-rich carbonatite breccias, carbonatite dykes and carbo-hydrothermal veins. They are typically emplaced through major shear zones during a period of 'relaxation' that postdates continental collision by up to 75 Ma. The subduction of sediment during continental collision is potentially a key control on the 'fertility' of the mantle source, and understanding the role of sediment is a crucial step towards better exploration models. However, the identification of sediment source components to alkaline systems has not been straightforward because their petrological complexity precludes traditional methods such as trace-element ratios and major-element modelling of crystal fractionation. We use a global database of Sr, Nd and Hf isotope compositions for alkaline and carbonatite systems, alongside geodynamic reconstructions to identify favourable source components for mineralisation and to provide direct information about the origin of the metals of interest. Subduction of shale and carbonate sequences is likely to introduce REE + HFSE and potentially mineralising ligands (F-, CO3 2-) into the mantle source for post-collisional alkaline systems; clastic sediments are poorer in these vital components. This research provides a framework through which the mineral exploration industry can identify tectonic environments that are predisposed to form REE mineralisation, providing regional-scale (100-1000 km) guidance especially for systems hidden beneath sedimentary cover.
Seismic identification of basement reflectors: the Bagdad reflection sequence in the Basin and Range Province- Colorado Plateau transition zone, Arizona
Journal of Earth System Science, Vol. 128, 1, 7p. Pdf
India
minette
Abstract: Lamprophyre dykes within the granitoid and charnockite are reported for the first time from the Western Bastar Craton, Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. It shows porphyritic-panidiomorphic texture under a microscope, characterised by the predominance of biotite phenocrysts with less abundance of amphibole and clinopyroxene microphenocryst. The groundmass is composed more of K-feldspars over plagioclase, amphiboles, clinopyroxene, biotite, chlorite, apatite, sphene and magnetite. The mineral chemistry of biotite and magnesio-hornblende is indicative of minette variety of calc-alkaline lamprophyre (CAL), which is further supported by preliminary major oxides and trace element geochemistry. This unique association of CAL with granitoid provides an opportunity to study the spatio-temporal evolution of the lamprophyric magma in relation to the geodynamic perspective of the Bastar Craton.
Abstract: Analysis of petrochemical and geochemical information of the same levels, which characterize rocks and primary melt inclusions in olivines of heterochronic meimechite-picrite associations in Siberia (Maimecha-Kotui province), Primorye (Sikhote-Alin), and Kamchatka demonstrated that, besides the similar appearance and identical structural patterns, they are considerably discrepant in the concentration and distribution of incompatible and rare earth elements. Those differences are also observed for the compositions and evolutionary trends of parental high-temperature magnesium-rich melts. This, in turn, was assumed to be a consequence of a variable degree of melting of the mantle protoliths in the mentioned regions, which is supported by geochemical modeling.
Russian Geology and Geophysics, Vol. 58, pp. 659-673.
Russia, Siberia
alkaline - Maimecha
Abstract: Comparative analysis of ultramafic meymechites of the Maimecha Suite and alkaline volcanics of the Ary-Dzhang Suite (foidites (nephelinites, analcimites, limburgites, etc.) and melilitites) has shown their consanguinity, which indicates their relationship with the same magmatic system periodically producing large amounts of alkaline ultramafic melts. We have studied the petrogeochemical and mineralogical compositions of rocks and melt inclusions in the hosted olivines. The rocks of the Maimecha and Ary-Dzhang Suite differ considerably in MgO content, which is well explained by the accumulation of olivine. The inclusions in olivines from the meymechites and the rocks of the Ary-Dzhang Suite correspond in composition to foidites. The trace and rare-earth element patterns are similar both in the foidites and meymechites and in the melt inclusions: They show negative anomalies of Rb and K and positive anomalies of Nb and Ta. The ratios of indicator elements (Nb/Ta, Ba/La, Ta/La, etc.) in the rocks of the Maimecha and Ary-Dzhang Suite are constant and almost independent of their Mg# values. The La/Yb ratio in the foidites is significantly higher than that in the meymechites and in the melt inclusions from their olivines, which indicates that the rocks of the Ary-Dzhang Suite resulted from the fractionation of highly magnesian alkaline picritoid melt.
Abstract: For the Permian-Triassic foidite and meimechite lavas of Polar Siberia, both the whole-rock petrochemistry and geochemistry and that of melt inclusions in olivine phenocrysts from the same rocks have been demonstrated to be similar. In addition, their isotope characteristics imply the possibility of their generation from an abyssal parental melt compositionally resembling a high-Mg alkaline picrite.
Abstract: The petrochemistry of carbonatites of three formation types were studied: (1) ultrahigh-pressure garnet-containing carbonatites (UHPC) of the Caledonian sheet (Tromsö, Norway); (2) rocks of the carbonatite-lkaline-ultrabasic Kovdor massif (the Kola Peninsula); and (3) rocks of the carbonatite-alkaline-gabbroid Tikshozero massif (north of Karelia). The samples of carbonatites were examined and tested with a microprobe; the microelements were determined using the ICP-MS technique at the Institute of Microelectronics Technology and High Purity Materials (Chernogolovka). The carbonatites of the Kovdor and Tikshozero massifs are characterized by similar negative REE trends, with a degree of REE enrichment of the Tikshozero carbonatites. The UHPC from Tromsö are different from those of the Kovdor and Tikshozero massifs in the negative trend along with lower concentrations of light REEs. The Tromsö UHPC are similar to the carbonatites of the Kovdor and Tikshozero massifs in the trend and concentrations of heavy REEs. The carbonatites of the Fennoscandian shield of various formation times and types are characterized by the geochemical similarity to those in different regions of the world with the sources associated to mantle plumes. This similarity might be caused by the formation of the mantle carbonated magmas of carbonatite-containing igneous complexes from a mantle source enriched under either mantle metasomatism or plume-lithosphere interaction, with similar mechanisms of formation. The appearance of the formations as such within a wide time interval points to the long-term occurrence of a superplume at the Fennoscandian shield and to permanent activation of the related processes of magma formation.
Abstract: This study presents geochemical data on organic-rich rock samples collected from Riphean—Lower Paleozoic strata (potential source rocks) of the southern Siberian Platform and compositional data on hydrocarbon biomarkers (steranes, terpanes, n-alkanes, 12- and 13-methylalkanes, isoprenanes) and diamondoid hyrocarbons from core samples collected from the Kulindinskaya-1 well, which was drilled by RN-Exploration in 2012 within the Katanga saddle.
Geochemistry International, Vol. 59, 8, pp. 801-812. pdf
Europe, Norway
deposit - Tromso Nappe
Abstract: The paper presents data on phase relations in garnet-bearing carbonatite from the Tromsø Nappe, Norway. The carbonatite matrix consists of calcite-dolomite carbonate with three generations of garnet inclusions (up to 15-20%). The relics of the primary garnets (Grt1) are depleted (<10-2 wt %) in the rare earth elements (REE). The garnet of the second and third generations (Grt2-3) is anomalously enriched (up to 10-15 wt %) in the light REE (LREE), and the carbonates are depleted in these elements. The distribution of REE between the garnet and carbonate indicates the absence of equilibrium. The melting of the carbonatite at T = 950-1400°C, P = 4.0 GPa showed that the “dry” solidus temperature is 1150°C, and the liquidus temperature is >1300°C. In the experiment with H2O + CO2 fluid, the solidus and liquidus temperatures are ?950 and 1250°C, respectively. The subsolidus association is calcite, garnet, clinopyroxene, biotite, and accessory minerals: apatite, ilmenite, rutile, and titanite. The garnet and carbonatite melt occur in reaction relationships, as is evident from the garnet zoning with a decrease in the FeO and increase in the MgO, CaO, TiO2, and LREE concentrations. The geological setting, phase relationships, and experimental data indicate that the garnet-bearing carbonatites in the Tromsø area were formed in relation to the carbonatization and melting of upper mantle material at high pressures during the collision of the Baltica and Laurentia plates in the course of the Caledonian orogenesis, with subsequent intrusion and crystallization of silicate-carbonate magmas.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 519, pp. 213-222.
Mantle
carbon cycle
Abstract: The breakdown of carbonate minerals at high pressure is frequently cited as an important mechanism that leads to carbon release from subducted rocks. However, carbonate minerals in the subducting slab are predicted to be stable to depths that are greater than arc-generating magma depths of approximately 150 km, implying that breakdown of carbonate phases in dehydrated MORB may not be a major contributor to arc volcano carbon budgets. To account for this discrepancy, previous studies have suggested that addition of H2O-rich fluids promotes the breakdown of carbonate-rich lithologies, thus generating volatile C species that could be incorporated into arc magmas. Here, we explore the feasibility of H2O-mediated decarbonation with a simple thermodynamic model. We calculate equilibrium mineral assemblages and accompanying fluid H2O/CO2 ratios for typical subducted lithologies, assuming a range of subduction zone geotherms, and explore the implications of addition of external fluids that are generated from deserpentinization of ultramafic lithologies at various stages. Results suggest that the liberation of C along volcanic arcs is facilitated by either the breakdown of carbonate minerals due to thermodynamically favorable conditions in hotter subduction systems, or by the breakdown of carbonate minerals during periods of higher fluid productivity associated with deserpentinization at appropriate depths along colder subduction geotherms. A comparison of C fluxes measured at volcanic arcs shows that colder subduction zones generate higher C fluxes, implying that the depth at which deserpentinization reactions occur strongly controls the availability of aqueous fluids for slab decarbonation, and that fluid availability represents the dominant control on carbon volatility during subduction.
Earth and planetary Science Letters, Vol. 579, 117343, 11p. Pdf
Australia
geophysics- seismics
Abstract: Plate tectonics, including rifting, subduction, and collision processes, was likely to have been different in the past due to the secular cooling of the Earth. The northeastern part of the West Australian Craton (WAC) has a complex Archean and Paleoproterozoic tectonic history; therefore, it provides an opportunity to study how subduction and collision processes evolved during the emergence of plate tectonics, particularly regarding the assembly of Earth's first supercontinent, Columbia. Because the northeastern boundary of the WAC and the southwestern boundary of the North Australian Craton (NAC) are covered by the Phanerozoic Canning Basin, the regional tectonic evolution has remained enigmatic, including how many tectonic elements were assembled and what may have driven rifting and subsequent collision events. Here, we use new passive-source seismic modeling to identify a seismically distinct segment of the lithosphere, the Percival Lakes Province, which lies east of the Pilbara Craton and is separated by two previously unknown southeast-trending lithosphere scale Paleoproterozoic sutures. We interpret that the northeastern suture, separates the Percival Lakes Province from the NAC, records the amalgamation of the WAC with the NAC. The southwestern suture separates the PLP from the reworked northeastern margin of the Pilbara Craton, including the East Pilbara Terrane and the Rudall Province. A significant upper mantle dipping structure was identified in the southwestern suture, and we interpret it to be a relic of subduction that records a previously unknown Paleoproterozoic collision that pre-dated the amalgamation of the WAC and NAC. By comparing our findings with previously documented dipping features, we show that the Paleoproterozoic collisions are seismically distinguishable from their Phanerozoic counterparts.
Abstract: Subduction of heterogeneous lithologies (sediments and altered basalts) carries a mixture of volatile components (H2O ± CO2) into the mantle, which are later mobilized during episodes of devolatilization and flux melting. Several petrologic and thermodynamic studies investigated CO2 decarbonation to better understand carbon cycling at convergent margins. A paradox arose when investigations showed little to no decarbonation along present day subduction geotherms at subarc depths despite field based observations. Sediment diapirism is invoked as one of several methods for carbon transfer from the subducting slab. We employ high-resolution 2D petrological-thermomechanical modeling to elucidate the role subduction dynamics has with respect to slab decarbonation and the sediment diapirism hypothesis. Our thermodynamic database is modified to account for H2O-CO2 binary fluids via the following lithologies: GLOSS average sediments (H2O: 7.29 wt.% & CO2: 3.01 wt.%), carbonated altered basalts (H2O: 2.63 wt.% & CO2: 2.90 wt.%), and carbonated peridotites (H2O: 1.98 wt.% & CO2: 1.50 wt.%). We include a CO2 solubility P-x[H2O wt.%] parameterization for sediment melts. We parameterize our model by varying two components: slab age (20, 40, 60, 80 Ma) and convergence velocity (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 cm year? 1). 59 numerical models were run and show excellent agreement with the original code base. Three geodynamic regimes showed significant decarbonation. 1) Sedimentary diapirism acts as an efficient physical mechanism for CO2 removal from the slab as it advects into the hotter mantle wedge. 2) If subduction rates are slow, frictional coupling between the subducting and overriding plate occurs. Mafic crust is mechanically incorporated into a section of the lower crust and undergoes decarbonation. 3) During extension and slab rollback, interaction between hot asthenosphere and sediments at shallow depths result in a small window (~ 12.5 Ma) of high integrated CO2 fluxes (205 kg m? 3 Ma? 1).
Abstract: Intraplate continental magmatism represents a fundamental mechanism in Earth's magmatic, thermal, chemical and environmental evolution. It is a process intimately linked with crustal development, large-igneous provinces, metallogeny and major global environmental catastrophes. As a result, understanding the interactions of continental magmas through time is vital in understanding their effect on the planet. The interaction of mantle plumes with the lithosphere has been shown to significantly affect the location and form of continental magmatism, but only at modern mantle conditions. In this study, we perform numerical modelling for Late Archean (1600 °C), Paleoproterozoic (1550 °C), Meso-Neoproteroic (1500 °C) and Phanerozoic (1450 °C) mantle potential temperatures (Tp) to assess the time-space magmatic effects of ambient-mantle- and plume- lithosphere interaction over Earth's thermal history. Within these experiments, we impinge a mantle plume, with a time-appropriate Tp, onto a ‘step-like’ lithosphere, to evaluate the effect of craton margins on continental magmatism through time. The results of this modelling demonstrate that lithospheric architecture controls the volume and location of continental magmatism throughout Earth history, irrespective of ambient mantle or plume Tp. In all plume models, mantle starting plumes (diameter 300 km) impinge on the base of the lithosphere, and spread laterally over > 1600 km, flowing into the shallowest mantle, and producing the highest volume magmas. In ambient-mantle only models, Archean and Paleoproterozoic Tp values yield significant sub-lithospheric melt volumes, resulting in ‘passive’ geodynamic emplacement of basaltic magmatic provinces, whereas no melts are extracted at > 100 km for Meso-Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic Tp. This indicates a major transition in non-subduction related continental magmatism from plume and ambient mantle to a plume-dominated source around the Mesoproterozoic. While the experiments presented here show the variation in plume-lithosphere interaction through time, the consistency in melt localisation indicates the lithosphere has been a first-order control on continental magmatism since its establishment in the Mesoarchean.
Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, Vol. 122, 8, pp. 5992-6013.
Mantle
geothermometry
Abstract: Cratons form the stable core roots of the continental crust. Despite long-term stability, cratons have failed in the past. Cratonic destruction (e.g., North Atlantic Craton) due to chemical rejuvenation at the base of the lithosphere remains poorly constrained numerically. We use 2-D petrological-thermomechanical models to assess cratonic rifting characteristics and mantle CO2 degassing in the presence of a carbonated subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). We test two tectonothermal SCLM compositions: Archon (depleted) and Tecton (fertilized) using 2 CO2 wt % in the bulk composition to represent a metasomatized SCLM. We parameterize cratonic breakup via extensional duration (7-12 Ma; full breakup), tectonothermal age, TMoho (300-600°C), and crustal rheology. The two compositions with metasomatized SCLMs share similar rifting features and decarbonation trends during initial extension. However, we show long-term (>67 Ma) stability differences due to lithospheric density contrasts between SCLM compositions. The Tecton model shows convective removal and thinning of the metasomatized SCLM during failed rifting. The Archon composition remained stable, highlighting the primary role for SCLM density even when metasomatized at its base. In the short-term, three failed rifting characteristics emerge: failed rifting without decarbonation, failed rifting with decarbonation, and semifailed rifting with dry asthenospheric melting and decarbonation. Decarbonation trends were greatest in the failed rifts, reaching peak fluxes of 94 × 104 kg m?3. Increased TMoho did not alter the effects of rifting or decarbonation. Lastly, we show mantle regions where decarbonation, mantle melting in the presence of carbonate, and preservation of carbonated mantle occur during rifting.
Abstract: Intraplate continental magmatism represents a fundamental mechanism in Earth's magmatic, thermal, chemical and environmental evolution. It is a process intimately linked with crustal development, large-igneous provinces, metallogeny and major global environmental catastrophes. As a result, understanding the interactions of continental magmas through time is vital in understanding their effect on the planet. The interaction of mantle plumes with the lithosphere has been shown to significantly affect the location and form of continental magmatism, but only at modern mantle conditions. In this study, we perform numerical modelling for Late Archean (1600 °C), Paleoproterozoic (1550 °C), Meso-Neoproteroic (1500 °C) and Phanerozoic (1450 °C) mantle potential temperatures (Tp) to assess the time-space magmatic effects of ambient-mantle- and plume- lithosphere interaction over Earth's thermal history. Within these experiments, we impinge a mantle plume, with a time-appropriate Tp, onto a ‘step-like’ lithosphere, to evaluate the effect of craton margins on continental magmatism through time. The results of this modelling demonstrate that lithospheric architecture controls the volume and location of continental magmatism throughout Earth history, irrespective of ambient mantle or plume Tp. In all plume models, mantle starting plumes (diameter 300 km) impinge on the base of the lithosphere, and spread laterally over > 1600 km, flowing into the shallowest mantle, and producing the highest volume magmas. In ambient-mantle only models, Archean and Paleoproterozoic Tp values yield significant sub-lithospheric melt volumes, resulting in ‘passive’ geodynamic emplacement of basaltic magmatic provinces, whereas no melts are extracted at > 100 km for Meso-Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic Tp. This indicates a major transition in non-subduction related continental magmatism from plume and ambient mantle to a plume-dominated source around the Mesoproterozoic. While the experiments presented here show the variation in plume-lithosphere interaction through time, the consistency in melt localisation indicates the lithosphere has been a first-order control on continental magmatism since its establishment in the Mesoarchean.
Abstract: Intraplate continental magmatism represents a fundamental mechanism in Earth's magmatic, thermal, chemical and environmental evolution. It is a process intimately linked with crustal development, large-igneous provinces, metallogeny and major global environmental catastrophes. As a result, understanding the interactions of continental magmas through time is vital in understanding their effect on the planet. The interaction of mantle plumes with the lithosphere has been shown to significantly affect the location and form of continental magmatism, but only at modern mantle conditions. In this study, we perform numerical modelling for Late Archean (1600 °C), Paleoproterozoic (1550 °C), Meso-Neoproteroic (1500 °C) and Phanerozoic (1450 °C) mantle potential temperatures (Tp) to assess the time-space magmatic effects of ambient-mantle- and plume- lithosphere interaction over Earth's thermal history. Within these experiments, we impinge a mantle plume, with a time-appropriate Tp, onto a ‘step-like’ lithosphere, to evaluate the effect of craton margins on continental magmatism through time. The results of this modelling demonstrate that lithospheric architecture controls the volume and location of continental magmatism throughout Earth history, irrespective of ambient mantle or plume Tp. In all plume models, mantle starting plumes (diameter 300 km) impinge on the base of the lithosphere, and spread laterally over > 1600 km, flowing into the shallowest mantle, and producing the highest volume magmas. In ambient-mantle only models, Archean and Paleoproterozoic Tp values yield significant sub-lithospheric melt volumes, resulting in ‘passive’ geodynamic emplacement of basaltic magmatic provinces, whereas no melts are extracted at > 100 km for Meso-Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic Tp. This indicates a major transition in non-subduction related continental magmatism from plume and ambient mantle to a plume-dominated source around the Mesoproterozoic. While the experiments presented here show the variation in plume-lithosphere interaction through time, the consistency in melt localisation indicates the lithosphere has been a first-order control on continental magmatism since its establishment in the Mesoarchean.
Geochemistry International, Vol. 55, 4, pp. 360-366.
Russia, Siberia
diamondoid
Abstract: A broad suite of geological materials were studied a using a handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument. Because LIBS is simultaneously sensitive to all elements, the full broadband emission spectrum recorded from a single laser shot provides a ‘chemical fingerprint’ of any material - solid, liquid or gas. The distinguishing chemical characteristics of the samples analysed were identified through principal component analysis (PCA), which demonstrates how this technique for statistical analysis can be used to identify spectral differences between similar sample types based on minor and trace constituents. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) was used to distinguish and classify the materials, with excellent discrimination achieved for all sample types. This study illustrates through four selected examples involving carbonate minerals and rocks, the oxide mineral pair columbite-tantalite, the silicate mineral garnet and native gold how portable, handheld LIBS analysers can be used as a tool for real-time chemical analysis under simulated field conditions for element or mineral identification plus such applications as stratigraphic correlation, provenance determination and natural resources exploration.
Abstract: Nickel is a strongly compatible element in olivine, and thus fractional crystallization of olivine typically results in a concave-up trend on a Fo-Ni diagram. "Ni-enriched" olivine compositions are considered those that fall above such a crystallization trend. To explain Ni-enriched olivine crystals, we develop a set of theoretical and computational models to describe how primitive olivine phenocrysts from a parent (high-Mg, high-Ni) basalt re-equilibrate with an evolved (low-Mg, low-Ni) melt through diffusion. These models describe the progressive loss of Fo and Ni in olivine cores during protracted diffusion for various crystal shapes and different relative diffusivities for Ni and Fe-Mg. In the case when the diffusivity of Ni is lower than that for Fe-Mg interdiffusion, then olivine phenocrysts affected by protracted diffusion form a concave-down trend that contrasts with the concave-up crystallization trend. Models for different simple geometries show that the concavity of the diffusion trend does not depend on the size of the crystals and only weakly depends on their shape. We also find that the effect of diffusion anisotropy on trend concavity is in the same magnitude as the effect of crystal shape. Thus, both diffusion anisotropy and crystal shape do not significantly change the concave-down diffusion trend. Three-dimensional numerical diffusion models using a range of more complex, realistic olivine morphologies with anisotropy corroborate this conclusion. Thus, the curvature of the concave-down diffusion trend is mainly determined by the ratio of Ni and Fe-Mg diffusion coefficients. The initial and final points of the diffusion trend are in turn determined by the compositional contrast between mafic and more evolved melts that have mixed to cause disequilibrium between olivine cores and surrounding melt. We present several examples of measurements on olivine from arc basalts from Kamchatka, and several published olivine datasets from mafic magmas from non-subduction settings (lamproites and kimberlites) that are consistent with diffusion-controlled Fo-Ni behaviour. In each case the ratio of Ni and Fe-Mg diffusion coefficients is indicated to be?1. These examples show that crystallization and diffusion can be distinguished by concave-up and concave-down trends in Fo-Ni diagrams.
Crustal structure of the Zimbabwe craton and the Limpopo belt of southern Africa: new constraints from seismic dat a and implications for its evolution.
South African Journal of Geology, Vol. 112, pp. 213-228.
American Mineralogist, doi:10.2138/am-2022-8186 in press
Mantle
perovskite
Abstract: Perovskite, CaTiO3, originally described as a cubic mineral, is known to have a distorted (orthorhombic) crystal structure. We herein report on the discovery of natural cubic perovskite. This was identified in gehlenite rocks occurring in a pyrometamorphic complex of the Hatrurim Formation (the Mottled Zone), in the vicinity of the Dead Sea, Negev Desert, Israel. The mineral is associated with native ?-(Fe,Ni) metal, schreibersite (Fe3P) and Si-rich fluorapatite. The crystals of this perovskite reach 50 ?m in size and contain many micron sized inclusions of melilite glass. The mineral contains significant amounts of Si substituting for Ti (up to 9.6 wt.% SiO2) corresponding to 21 mol.% of the davemaoite component (cubic perovskite-type CaSiO3), in addition to up to 6.6 wt.% Cr2O3. Incorporation of trivalent elements results in the occurrence of oxygen vacancies in the crystal structure; this being the first example of natural oxygen-vacant ABO3 perovskite with the chemical formula Ca(Ti,Si,Cr)O3-? (? ~ 0.1). Stabilization of cubic symmetry (space group Pm?3m) is achieved via the mechanism not reported so far for CaTiO3, namely displacement of an oxygen atom from its ideal structural position (site splitting). The mineral is stable at atmospheric pressure to 1250±50 °C; above this temperature its crystals fuse with the embedded melilite glass, yielding a mixture of titanite and anorthite upon melt solidification. The mineral is stable upon compression to at least 50 GPa. The a lattice parameter exhibits continuous contraction from 3.808(1) Å at atmospheric pressure to 3.551(6) Å at 50 GPa. The second-order truncation of the Birch-Murnaghan equation of state gives the initial volume V0 equal to 55.5(2) Å3 and room temperature isothermal bulk modulus K0 of 153(11) GPa. The discovery of oxygen-deficient single perovskite suggests previously unaccounted ways for incorporation of almost any element into the perovskite framework up to pressures corresponding to those of the Earth’s mantle.
Mineral Thermometry of Diamonds. In: Kimberlite Volcanism And Prospects for Primary Diamond Content in the Northeast Part of the Siberian Platform, Rabkin, M.i.
Milashev, V.A., Tabunov, S.M., Gorina, M.A., et al.
Kimberlite Fields of Northeastern Siberian Platform In: Kimberlite Volcanism and Primary Diamond Content in the Northeast Part of the Siberian Platform
Abstract: The mineralogy of a new lamproitic diatreme 200-250 m in diameter and 3 ga in area is studied in detail. The chemical and 3-D mineralogical analysis identify the diatreme rocks as strongly altered olivine lamproites with a large volume (50-60%) of xenoliths of strongly altered spinel (garnet) lherzolites and harzburgites-dunites. Numerous grains-xenocrysts of indicator minerals of diamond have been extracted from the heavy concentrates (the weight of the initial product is 742 g and the size is 100-500 ?m) as a result of hydroseparation: (1) subcalcium (CaOav. 2.6 wt %) high-Cr (Cr2O3 av. 5.3 wt %) pyrope (50 grains); (2) chrome diopside (7 and 8 mol % of kosmochlor and jadeite components, respectively, >40 grains); (3) high-Cr chromite (Cr2O3 > 62 wt %); and (4) picroilmenite (MgO 12-13.8 wt %) and Cr-rutile (Cr2O3 1.1 wt %). Xenocrysts prove the mantle endogene (the level of garnet lherzolites) source of the magmatic center of lamproites and forecast the diamond potential of the new diatreme in the Kostomuksha ore district.
An investigation of upper mantle heterogeneity beneath the Archean and Proterozoic crust of western Canada from lithoprobe controlled source seismic experiments.
Tectonophysics, Vol. 416, 1-4, April 5, pp. 187-207.
Application of rare element composition of garnet and clinopyroxene from peridotite xenoliths ( Udachnaya kimberlite) for modeling of primitive mantle melting
Deep Seated Magmatism, magmatism sources and the problem of plumes., pp. 148-162.
Textures and geochemistry of the Saramta peridotites ( Siberian craton): melting and refertilization during early evolution of the continental lithospheric mantle.
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Vol. 62, pp. 4-17.
Abstract: Megacrysts are large (cm to >20?cm in size) mantle-derived crystals, which are commonly entrained by kimberlite magmas, comprising of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, phlogopite, garnet, ilmenite and zircon as common phases. Numerous studies have shown megacrysts to contain polymineralic inclusions, which have been interpreted to represent entrapped kimberlite melt. To constrain the origin of these inclusions in megacrysts and their relationship to kimberlite magmatism, we present a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of clinopyroxene and olivine megacrysts and their hosted inclusions from the Diavik, Jericho, Leslie (Slave Craton, Canada) and Udachnaya-East (Siberian Craton, Russia) kimberlites. The studied megacrysts are between 1 and 3?cm in size and representative of both the Cr-rich and Cr-poor suites. Megacrysts contain two types of inclusions: i. Large (<0.5-5?mm in size) round-to-irregular shaped polymineralic inclusions, which are composed of minerals similar to the host kimberlite groundmass, and consist of olivine, calcite, spinel, perovskite, phlogopite and apatite (± serpentine, alkali-carbonates, alkali-chlorides, barite). ii. Swarms/trails of ‘micro melt inclusions’ (MMI; <1-5??m in size), which surround polymineralic inclusions, veins and fractures, thereby forming a ‘spongy’ texture. MMIs generally contain multiphase assemblages similar to polymineralic inclusions as well as various additional phases, such as alkali-carbonates or alkali-chlorides, which are typically absent in polymineralic inclusions and the surrounding kimberlite groundmass. Textural and geochemical evidence suggests that polymineralic inclusions in megacrysts crystallised from kimberlite melt, which infiltrated along fracture/vein networks. The polymineralic inclusion assemblages resulted from disequilibria reactions between the host megacryst and infiltrating kimberlite melt, which was likely enhanced by rapidly changing conditions during magmatic ascent. The connectivity of polymineralic inclusions to the kimberlite groundmass via network veins/fractures suggests that they are susceptible to infiltrating post-emplacement fluids. Therefore, the vast majority of polymineralic inclusions are unlikely to represent ‘pristine’ entrapped kimberlite melt. In contrast, MMIs are isolated within megacrysts (i.e. not connected to fractures/veins and therefore shielded from post-magmatic fluids) and probably represent entrapped remnants of the variably differentiated kimberlite melt, which was more enriched in alkalis-Cl-S-CO2 than serpentinised polymineralic inclusions and the host rocks exposed at Earth's surface as kimberlites.
Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 10.1039/DOJA00308E 15p. Pdf
Global
geochronology
Abstract: The Rb-Sr isotopic system is widely used in geochronology. Conventionally burdened by the isobaric overlap of 87Rb and 87Sr, Rb/Sr dating in situ has only recently become achievable with the newly developed LA-ICP-MS/MS system. Simultaneous use of reactive gas (e.g. O2, N2O, or CH3F) during LA-ICP-MS/MS analysis has been shown to resolve the Rb and Sr overlap, thus now making available key spatial and temporal information that can only be accessed via in situ analytical techniques. The accuracy and precision of Rb/Sr ratios and ages are largely dependent on the laser and ICP-MS/MS parameters used. Rb/Sr isotopic analysis by LA-ICP-MS/MS is a recently developed technique and these parameters are yet to be fully explored. We investigate the effects of laser wavelength (213 nm and 193 nm), laser frequency (5 Hz and 10 Hz), laser carrier gas (He, H2, and N2), dwell time, and external standard calibration on the accuracy and precision of 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios and ages. These analytical conditions have been tested on the commercially available reference materials: NIST SRM 610, USGS BHVO-2G, and pressed nano-particulate powder tablet CRPG Mica-mg, as well as a Monastery phlogopite megacryst. Our results show that accuracy and precision for 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios are significantly affected by laser wavelength and frequency. Variation in these parameters can strongly magnify any matrix effects which directly influences the ability to apply effective external corrections. We obtain the best accuracy and precision when using a 193 nm laser wavelength, ablating at a frequency of 5 Hz (0.30 2s% and 0.15 2s% for 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios, respectively). Meanwhile we find that age accuracy is highly dependant on external reference materials. When these analytical settings are put to test on the Monastery phlogopite, we obtain an age of 90.0 ± 3.6 (0.24% accuracy) when using mica-mg (87Rb/86Sr) and NIST 610 (87Sr/86Sr) as external standards.
Coexiting potassium-rich alkaline and shoshonitic magmatism of arc affinities In the Proterozoic: a reassessment of syenitic stocks in the southwestern GrenvilleProvince
Contribution to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 113, pp. 262-279
Abstract: The Kovdor baddeleyite-apatite-magnetite deposit in the Kovdor phoscorite-carbonatite pipe is situated in the western part of the zoned alkali-ultrabasic Kovdor intrusion (NW part of the Fennoscandinavian shield; Murmansk Region, Russia). We describe major intrusive and metasomatic rocks of the pipe and its surroundings using a new classification of phoscorite-carbonatite series rocks, consistent with the IUGS recommendation. The gradual zonation of the pipe corresponds to the sequence of mineral crystallization (forsterite-hydroxylapatite-magnetite-calcite). Crystal morphology, grain size, characteristic inclusions, and composition of the rock-forming and accessory minerals display the same spatial zonation pattern, as do the three minerals of economic interest, i.e. magnetite, hydroxylapatite, and baddeleyite. The content of Sr, rare earth elements (REEs), and Ba in hydroxylapatite tends to increase gradually at the expense of Si, Fe, and Mg from early apatite-forsterite phoscorite (margins of the pipe) through carbonate-free, magnetite-rich phoscorite to carbonate-rich phoscorite and phoscorite-related carbonatite (inner part). Magnetite displays a trend of increasing V and Ca and decreasing Ti, Mn, Si, Cr, Sc, and Zn from the margins to the central part of the pipe; its grain size initially increases from the wall rocks to the inner part and then decreases towards the central part; characteristic inclusions in magnetite are geikielite within the marginal zone of the phoscorite-carbonatite pipe, spinel within the intermediate zone, and ilmenite within the inner zone. The zoning pattern seems to have formed due to both cooling and rapid degassing (pressure drop) of a fluid-rich magmatic column and subsequent pneumatolytic and hydrothermal processes.
Abstract: The comprehensive petrographical, petrochemical and mineralogical study of the Kovdor magnetite-apatite-baddeleyite deposit in the phoscorite-carbonatite complex (Murmansk Region, Russia) revealed a spatial distribution of grain size and chemical composition of three economically extractable minerals — magnetite, apatite, and baddeleyite, showing that zonal distribution of mineral properties mimics both concentric and vertical zonation of the carbonatite-phoscorite pipe. The marginal zone of the pipe consists of (apatite)-forsterite phoscorite carrying fine grains of Ti-Mn-Si-rich magnetite with ilmenite exsolution lamellae, fine grains of Fe-Mg-rich apatite and finest grains of baddeleyite, enriched in Mg, Fe, Si and Mn. The intermediate zone accommodates carbonate-free magnetite-rich phoscorites that carry medium to coarse grains of Mg-Al-rich magnetite with exsolution inclusions of spinel, medium-grained pure apatite and baddeleyite. The axial zone hosts carbonate-rich phoscorites and phoscorite-related carbonatites bearing medium-grained Ti-V-Ca-rich magnetite with exsolution inclusions of geikielite-ilmenite, fine grains of Ba-Sr-Ln-rich apatite and comparatively large grains of baddeleyite, enriched in Hf, Ta, Nb and Sc. The collected data enable us to predict such important mineralogical characteristics of the multicomponent ore as chemical composition and grain size of economic and associated minerals, presence of contaminating inclusions, etc. We have identified potential areas of maximum concentration of such by-products as scandium, niobium and hafnium in baddeleyite and REEs in apatite.
Abstract: The comprehensive petrographical, petrochemical and mineralogical study of the Kovdor magnetite-apatite-baddeleyite deposit in the phoscorite-carbonatite complex (Murmansk Region, Russia) revealed a spatial distribution of grain size and chemical composition of three economically extractable minerals — magnetite, apatite, and baddeleyite, showing that zonal distribution of mineral properties mimics both concentric and vertical zonation of the carbonatite-phoscorite pipe. The marginal zone of the pipe consists of (apatite)-forsterite phoscorite carrying fine grains of Ti-Mn-Si-rich magnetite with ilmenite exsolution lamellae, fine grains of Fe-Mg-rich apatite and finest grains of baddeleyite, enriched in Mg, Fe, Si and Mn. The intermediate zone accommodates carbonate-free magnetite-rich phoscorites that carry medium to coarse grains of Mg-Al-rich magnetite with exsolution inclusions of spinel, medium-grained pure apatite and baddeleyite. The axial zone hosts carbonate-rich phoscorites and phoscorite-related carbonatites bearing medium-grained Ti-V-Ca-rich magnetite with exsolution inclusions of geikielite-ilmenite, fine grains of Ba-Sr-Ln-rich apatite and comparatively large grains of baddeleyite, enriched in Hf, Ta, Nb and Sc. The collected data enable us to predict such important mineralogical characteristics of the multicomponent ore as chemical composition and grain size of economic and associated minerals, presence of contaminating inclusions, etc. We have identified potential areas of maximum concentration of such by-products as scandium, niobium and hafnium in baddeleyite and REEs in apatite.
Abstract: The comprehensive petrographical, petrochemical and mineralogical study of the Kovdor magnetite-apatite-baddeleyite deposit in the phoscorite-carbonatite complex (Murmansk Region, Russia) revealed a spatial distribution of grain size and chemical composition of three economically extractable minerals — magnetite, apatite, and baddeleyite, showing that zonal distribution of mineral properties mimics both concentric and vertical zonation of the carbonatite-phoscorite pipe.The marginal zone of the pipe consists of (apatite)-forsterite phoscorite carrying fine grains of Ti-Mn-Si-rich magnetite with ilmenite exsolution lamellae, fine grains of Fe-Mg-rich apatite and finest grains of baddeleyite, enriched in Mg, Fe, Si and Mn. The intermediate zone accommodates carbonate-free magnetite-rich phoscorites that carry medium to coarse grains of Mg-Al-rich magnetite with exsolution inclusions of spinel, medium-grained pure apatite and baddeleyite. The axial zone hosts carbonate-rich phoscorites and phoscorite-related carbonatites bearing medium-grained Ti-V-Ca-rich magnetite with exsolution inclusions of geikielite-ilmenite, fine grains of Ba-Sr-Ln-rich apatite and comparatively large grains of baddeleyite, enriched in Hf, Ta, Nb and Sc. The collected data enable us to predict such important mineralogical characteristics of the multicomponent ore as chemical composition and grain size of economic and associated minerals, presence of contaminating inclusions, etc. We have identified potential areas of maximum concentration of such by-products as scandium, niobium and hafnium in baddeleyite and REEs in apatite.
Abstract: Cesanite (Ca2Na3(OH)(SO4)3), a rare mineral, has been found in a few places restricted to a geothermal field and caves. We report the new occurrence of cesanite in quite different geological site—within sulfate-rich melt inclusions in chloride segregations from kimberlites of Udachnaya-East pipe (Siberia). Two halite generations: ?esanite free and ?esanite-bearing, were distinguished in concentrically zonal segregations according to the results of the mineral and sulfate melt inclusion study by micro-Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDS. We have applied the Raman spectroscopy and first principles calculations to understand structural and vibrational properties of cesanite daughter mineral in polyphase sulfate inclusions. Polarized spectra provided additional information on the overlapped components of the spectral profile. The Raman spectra of cesanite in the range of OH stretching vibrations are reported for the first time. The study aims to clarify the source of the Na-S-Cl-enrichment in the Udachnaya-East pipe, which is highly discussed.
Abstract: The results of morphological examination and the character of the structural orientation and estimation of residual pressure calculated from spectra of combination dispersion in olivine inclusions within diamonds of the Ebelyakh placer and kimberlite pipes of the Yakutian Diamondiferous Province are presented. The data analysis aimed at revealing indications of similarity and/or differences between diamonds from the pipes and the placer. Differences in the structural orientation and spectra of combination dispersion of the inclusions of olivine in dodecahedroids of placers of the northeastern part of the Siberian Platform support the assumption of their non-kimberlite nature.
Diamond & Related Materials, Vol. 91, pp. 207-212.
Russia, Siberia
Popigai
Abstract: We report the results of a study of the polycrystalline powder of the diamond-lonsdaleite from the Popigai crater (Siberia) using UV micro-Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction. By subtracting two experimental Raman spectra of diamond-lonsdaleite samples with close amounts of diamond and lonsdaleite, we were able to identify the polytypic composition of impact diamonds in contrast to the method of X-ray diffraction. We have managed to get for the first time the spectrum of “pure” lonsdaleite. Its deconvolution has allowed us to identify all the three Raman - active vibrational modes E2g, A1g, and E1g whose positions agree well with the results of ab initio calculations.
Abstract: Garnets from kimberlite-hosted mantle and a few xenoliths from the lower crust were investigated for water, major, minor, and trace elements. Xenoliths from the mantle comprise pyroxenite, eclogite, alkremite, and peridotite, and crustal xenoliths are mafic high-pressure granulites. Samples from South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia comprise two principal settings, Kaapvaal Craton (‘on craton’) and Rehoboth terrane (‘off craton’). The composition of garnet depends on rock type but is unrelated to the setting, except for Ti and Cr. In garnets from ‘off craton’ mantle xenoliths, Ti positively correlates with Cr whereas those from ‘on craton’ samples reveal a negative correlation between both elements. Rare earth element patterns indicative of a metasomatic overprint are observed in garnets from both settings, especially in eclogitic garnet. Water contents in garnet are low and range from <1 to about 40 ppm. No setting-related difference occurs, but a weak correlation between water and rock type exists. Water contents in garnets from eclogite and mafic granulite are lower than those in pyroxenite, alkremite, and peridotite. All garnets are water under-saturated, i.e. they do not contain the maximum amount of water that can be accommodated in the mineral structure. Cratonic and non-cratonic samples also show the same characteristics in the infrared (IR) absorption spectra. An absorption band at 3650 cm-1 is typical for most mantle garnets. Bands at 3520 and 3570 cm-1 are present only in TiO2-rich garnets from the Rehoboth terrane and are ascribed to a Ti-related hydrogen substitution. A number of garnets, especially from the Kaapvaal Craton, contain molecular water in addition to structural water. Molecular water is inhomogeneously distributed at grain scale pointing to local interaction with fluid and to disequilibrium at grain scale. These garnets consistently reveal either submicroscopic hydrous phases or additional IR bands at 3630 and 3610-3600 cm-1 caused by structural water. Both features do not occur in garnets in which molecular water is absent. The observations imply (i) relatively late introduction of fluid, at least in cases where hydrous phases formed, and (ii) a relatively dry environment because only water-deficient garnets are able to incorporate additional structural water. Most importantly, they imply (iii) that the low water contents are primary and not due to water loss during upward transport. This late water influx is not responsible for the metasomatic overprint indicated by garnet REE patterns. The results of this study suggest dry conditions in the lithosphere, including mantle and crustal sections of both the Kaapvaal Craton (‘on craton’) and the Rehoboth terrane (‘off craton’). If the low water contents contributed to the stabilization of the Kaapvaal cratonic root (Peslier et al., 2010) the same should apply to the Rehoboth lithosphere where the same variety of rock types occurs. The extremely low water contents in eclogite relative to pyroxenite may be explained by an oceanic crust origin of the eclogites. Subduction and partial melting would cause depletion of water and incompatible elements. The pyroxenites formed by crystal accumulation in the mantle and did not suffer melt depletion. Such a difference in origin can be reconciled with the low Ti contents in eclogitic garnet and the high Ti contents in pyroxenitic garnet.
European Journal of Mineralogy, Vol. 31, pp. 715-730.
Europe, Germany
water
Abstract: Data on water in nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs) of orogenic garnet-bearing ultramafic rocks (GBU) are extremely rare. In this study, garnet of peridotite and pyroxenite from Erzgebirge (EG), Germany, and two peridotite samples from Alpe Arami (AA), Switzerland, were analyzed by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Garnet from EG peridotite and pyroxenite yielded IR absorption bands at 3650 ± 10 cm?1 (type I) and in the wavenumber range of 3570-3630 cm?1 (type II) that are ascribed to structural hydroxyl (colloquially “water”). Additional broad band’s centered at <3460 cm?1, present in about half of the samples, are related to molecular water (MW). The content of structural H2O defined by band types I + II is low (3-68 ppm) in all EG samples. Structural water is negatively correlated to Mg and Ti and positively to Y and HREE in EG garnet. Including molecular water, a pronounced positive correlation between H2O and Li is observed. Because the intensity of the type II band is enhanced in domains with molecular water, the primary, peak metamorphic H2O content in EG garnet was probably as low as 0-11 ppm. Equally low contents of structural water are present in AA garnet (10-13 ppm) in which molecular water is negligible. Such concentrations are distinctly lower than the water storage capacity of garnet at the relevant pressure. Water loss upon decompression cannot serve as an explanation for the low contents because, on the contrary, post-peak-metamorphic influx of H2O led garnet to take up secondary structural water. Hence, the results are interpreted as an indication of severe water deficiency at peak metamorphism. Notably, the obtained data agree with the H2O content of 6 ppm reported in garnet from Cima di Gagnone peridotite, which originated as abyssal peridotite. It remains unknown if these low contents are typical for an abyssal, low-pressure protolith but, if the rocks were part of the lowermost, most hydrated portion of the mantle wedge, they are expected to contain much more water. Given that garnet in basaltic coesite eclogite from the Erzgebirge is equally water-deficient as the GBU samples from the same unit, it is at least a possibility that both rock types share a low-pressure origin in an oceanic setting.
Abstract: In July, Eos looks at the incredible capabilities scientists have developed to recreate the enormous pressures and temperatures that exist far below the planet’s surface.
Chemical Reviews, Vol. 120, 4, 10.1021/ acs.chemrev.9b00578 50p. Pdf
Global
HPHT, CVD, synthetics
Abstract: Nitrogen is ubiquitous in both natural and laboratory-grown diamond, but the number and nature of the nitrogen-containing defects can have a profound effect on the diamond material and its properties. An ever-growing fraction of the supply of diamond appearing on the world market is now lab-grown. Here, we survey recent progress in two complementary diamond synthesis methods: high pressure high temperature (HPHT) growth and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), how each is allowing ever more precise control of nitrogen incorporation in the resulting diamond, and how the diamond produced by either method can be further processed (e.g., by implantation or annealing) to achieve a particular outcome or property. The burgeoning availability of diamond samples grown under well-defined conditions has also enabled huge advances in the characterization and understanding of nitrogen-containing defects in diamond alone and in association with vacancies, hydrogen, and transition metal atoms. Among these, the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV-) defect in diamond is attracting particular current interest in account of the many new and exciting opportunities it offers for, for example, quantum technologies, nanoscale magnetometry, and biosensing.
Mechanisms to Explain the Loss of Heavy Minerals from Upper paleozoic Tillites of South Africa and Australia and the Late Precambrian Tillites of Australia.
Yellowknife Forum NWTgeoscience.ca, abstract volume p. 57.
Canada, Northwest Territories
deposit - Gahcho Kue
Abstract: Gahcho Kué Mine is owned as a joint venture between Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. and De Beers Canada Inc. Located about 280 km northeast of Yellowknife, it is Canada’s newest diamond mine and the world’s largest in the last 14 years. After two years of construction, commercial operations began in September 2016. As the mine enters into its fourth year of operation, De Beers is pleased to provide an update on the current mine operations, updated mine plan, safety, environment, and social performance.
Jadhav, G.N., Viladkar, S.G., Goswami, R., Badhe, K.
Fluid melt inclusions petrography of primary calcites from carbonatites of Amba Dongar, Gujarat India.
Carbonatite-alkaline rocks and associated mineral deposits , Dec. 8-11, abstract p. 15.
India
deposit - Amba Dongar
Abstract: The Amba Dongar Carbonatite complex consists of sovites which are dominantly composed of calcite along with pyrochlore, phlogopite, apatite, barite, ankerite and haematite and minor opaques such as magnetite, chalcopyrite and pyrite. Two distinct types of texture are present in these carbonatites- a mosaic of equigranular calcite crystals and porphyritic texture. Silicate melt inclusions are observed in primary minerals viz. apatite and calcites. These are small droplets of silicate melt entrapped during the growth of the minerals. In this case carbonatite-alkaline silicate melt inclusions are entrapped predominantly in calcite crystals. Dominantly these calcite host minerals are predominantly containing fluid inclusions along with halite, sylvite and minor nahcolite as daughter crystals. The presence of calcite with nahcolite indicates the coexistence of a Ca-rich, alkali-bearing carbonatite melt phase. The melt inclusions are heated upto 1100 °C and the carbonate melt inclusions appear to be homogenized around 950 °C. This fall within the range of melting temperature of a carbonatite melt. In addition to these, three types of fluid inclusions were also observed in host calcite they are i) monophase, ii) biphase and iii) polyphase types of fluid inclusions. The fluid inclusions contain CO2 gas, Li-K carbonate phases and fergusonite based on Micro-Laser- Raman. Carbon dioxide is the dominant gas phase in most of the fluid inclusions, indicating high temperature and deep mantle source(?). The fluid inclusions have formed from a primary mother liquor that has separated out from the early formed carbonatitic melt. This fluid was either formed just after the formation of melt inclusions or during simultaneous crystallization from a carbonatitic or to be more precise carbonatiticpegmatite melt(?).The presence of both melt and fluid inclusions in these primary calcite host minerals indicates the presence of a carbonatitic-pegmatitic fluid, which must have got separated out from the early formed carbonatite-alkaline silicate magma.
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Vol. 211, 104690, 23p. Pdf
Global
radiometric dating
Abstract: The discovery of radioactivity in the early 20th century led to the development of several radiometric dating methods (e.g., Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Re-Os, U-Pb, etc.). These radiometric dating methods are frequently used in earth science studies to constrain the deposition/formation timing of various natural archives (e.g., bulk rocks, minerals, carbonaceous materials, detrital clastic sedimentary materials, ore deposits, hydrocarbon deposits). The last few decades have witnessed significant improvements in overall accuracy and precision of these absolute radiometric dating methods due to continuous developments and refinements in sample processing and analytical techniques. In this contribution, we discuss some of the frequently used radiometric dating techniques for obtaining absolute ages in various natural archives and associated advancements in the instrumentation. The present attempt emphasizes on a multi-mineral and multi-isotopic approach with continuous developments in obtaining better precision and accuracy in the ages through improved analytical and measurement protocols that are the pre-requisite in absolute dating.
Abstract: Over the last few decades, significant advances in using geophysical techniques to image the structure of magma plumbing systems have enabled the identification of zones of melt accumulation, crystal mush development, and magma migration. Combining advanced geophysical observations with petrological and geochemical data has arguably revolutionised our understanding of, and afforded exciting new insights into, the development of entire magma plumbing systems. However, divisions between the scales and physical settings over which these geophysical, petrological, and geochemical methods are applied still remain. To characterise some of these differences and promote the benefits of further integration between these methodologies, we provide a review of geophysical techniques and discuss how they can be utilised to provide a structural context for and place physical limits on the chemical evolution of magma plumbing systems. For example, we examine how Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), coupled with Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data, and seismicity may be used to track magma migration in near real-time. We also discuss how seismic imaging, gravimetry, and electromagnetic data can identify contemporary melt zones, magma reservoirs, and, or, crystal mushes. These techniques complement seismic reflection data and rock magnetic analyses that delimit the structure and emplacement of ancient magma plumbing systems. For each of these techniques, with the addition of full-waveform inversion (FWI), the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and the integration of geophysics with numerical modelling, we discuss potential future directions. We show that approaching problems concerning magma plumbing systems from an integrated petrological, geochemical, and geophysical perspective will undoubtedly yield important scientific advances, providing exciting future opportunities for the volcanological community.
Tichomirowa, M., Grosche, G., Gotze, J., Belyatsky, B.V., Savva, E.V., Keller, J., Todt, W.
The mineral isotope composition of two Precambrian carbonatite complexes from the Kola Alkaline Province - alteration versus primary magmatic signatures.
Tichomirowa, M., Whitehouse, M., Gerdes, A., Gotze, J.
Carbonatite metasomatism: evidence from geochemistry and isotope composition ( U-Pb, Hf, O) on zircons from two Precambrian carbonatites of the Kola alkaline province.
Tichomirowa, M., Whitehouse, M.J., Gerdes, A., Gotze, J., Schulz, B., Belyatsky, B.V.
Different zircon recrystallization types in carbonatites caused by magma mixing: evidence from U-Pb dating, trace element and isotope composition ( Hf and O) of zircons from two Precambrian carbonatites from Fennoscandia.
Nature of the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle and tectonic decoupling beneath the Dabie Orogen, central China. Evidence from 40Ar 39Ar geochronology, Sr/Nd, Pb
Chemical Geology, Vol. 220, 3-4, pp. 165-189.
Asia, China
Geochronology - early Cretaceous mafic igneous rocks
Abstract: Although REE (lanthanides + Sc + Y) mineralization in alkaline silicate systems is commonly accompanied with Zr mineralization worldwide, our understanding of the relationship between Zr and REE mineralization is still incomplete. The Baerzhe deposit in Northeastern China is a reservoir of REE, Nb, Zr, and Be linked to the formation of an Early Cretaceous, silica-saturated, alkaline intrusive complex. In this study, we use in situ laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of zircon and monazite crystals to constrain the relationship between Zr and REE mineralization at Baerzhe. Three groups of zircon are identified and are differentiated based upon textural observations and compositional characteristics. Type Ia zircons display well-developed oscillatory zoning. Type Ib zircons are darker in cathodoluminescence images and have more irregular zoning and resorption features than type Ia zircons. In addition, type Ib zircons can locally occur as overgrowths on type Ia zircons. Type II zircons contain irregular but translucent cores and rims with oscillatory zoning that are murky brown in color and occur in aggregates. Textural features and compositional data suggest that types Ia and Ib zircon crystallized at the magmatic stage, with type Ia being least-altered and type Ib being strongly altered. Type II zircons, on the other hand, precipitated during the magmatic to magmatichydrothermal transition. Whereas the magnitude of the Eu anomaly is moderate in the barren alkaline granite, both magmatic and deuteric zircon exhibit pronounced negative anomalies. Such features are difficult to explain exclusively by feldspar fractionation and could indicate the presence of fluid induced modification of the rocks. Monazite crystals occur mostly through replacement of zircon and sodic amphibole; monazite clusters are also present. Textural and compositional evidence suggests that monazite at Baerzhe is hydrothermal. Types Ia and Ib magmatic zircon yield 207Pb-corrected 206Pb/238U ages of 127.2 ± 1.3 and 125.4 ± 0.7 Ma, respectively. Type II deuteric zircon precipitated at 124.9 ± 0.6 Ma. The chronological data suggest that the magmatic stage of the highly evolved Baerzhe alkaline granite lasted less than two million years. Hydrothermal monazite records a REE mineralization event at 122.8 ± 0.6 Ma, approximately 1 or 2 million years after Zr mineralization. We therefore propose a model in which parental magmas of the Baerzhe pluton underwent extensive magmatic differentiation while residual melts interacted with aqueous hydrothermal fluids. Deuteric zircon precipitated from a hydrosilicate liquid, and subsequent REE mineralization, exemplified by hydrothermal monazite, correlates with hydrothermal metasomatic alteration that postdated the hydrosilicate liquid event. Such interplay between magmatic and hydrothermal processes resulted in the formation of discrete Zr and REE mineralization at Baerzhe.
Sharma, R., Muthry, Ch.V.V.S., Nagaraju, B.V., Gouda, H.C., Singh, R.K.
Interpretation of aeromagnetic dat a of Panna and adjoining areas for evaluating of structural patterns favourable for emplacement of KCRs and depth magnetics
Geological Society of India, Bangalore November Meeting Group Discussion on Kimberlites and Related Rocks India, Abstract p. 121-122.
India, Madhya Pradesh, Aravalli Bundelkhand Craton
Earth-Science Reviews, Vol. 213, doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103469 17p. Pdf
Global
geomorphology
Abstract: Ants are abundant in most of the world's terrestrial environments. They are energetic, strong for their size, numerous, and socially cooperative. They play many geomorphologically important roles. In particular, they construct mounds and subterranean galleries, create patterned ground, play a role in bioturbation, affect vegetation cover and soil properties (such as infiltration rate) and influence runoff and erosion. They also play roles in biogeochemical cycling and rock and mineral weathering. Here, we review and reanalyse data collected from over 80 studies on ant contributions to geomorphology from around the world. The clearest manifestation of the geomorphological role of ants is found in their various constructions, such as mounds. There can be hundreds or thousands of mounds per hectare, with a median density of 125 ha?1 recorded in the studies reviewed. The longevity of these features varies and some are stable while others are highly erodible. The construction of mounds and galleries causes bioturbation (pedoturbation), a role which ants share with termites, worms and many mammals. A median rate of 1.5 t ha?1 a?1 is derived from the studies reviewed. Ants also produce patterned ground through their effects on vegetation. The relationships between ant activity and runoff and erosion are complex and not consistent. Bioturbation of soil, tunnelling activity, the construction of underground chambers, galleries and macro-pores, the removal and/or accumulation of organic material, and changes in vegetation cover, are all mechanisms by which ants might modify soil infiltration characteristics. Because of their effect on soil infiltration rates, sediment provision and on vegetation cover, ants can have a profound influence on runoff and soil movement on slopes. Only a modest amount of work has been done to investigate the role that ants play in rock weathering. Ants are greatly affected by human activities (especially land cover changes), and some geomorphologically-active species have proved to be highly invasive. The response of ants to future climate changes needs further investigation.
Earth-Science Reviews, Vol. 213, doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103469 17p. Pdf
Global
geomorphology
Abstract: Ants are abundant in most of the world's terrestrial environments. They are energetic, strong for their size, numerous, and socially cooperative. They play many geomorphologically important roles. In particular, they construct mounds and subterranean galleries, create patterned ground, play a role in bioturbation, affect vegetation cover and soil properties (such as infiltration rate) and influence runoff and erosion. They also play roles in biogeochemical cycling and rock and mineral weathering. Here, we review and reanalyse data collected from over 80 studies on ant contributions to geomorphology from around the world. The clearest manifestation of the geomorphological role of ants is found in their various constructions, such as mounds. There can be hundreds or thousands of mounds per hectare, with a median density of 125 ha?1 recorded in the studies reviewed. The longevity of these features varies and some are stable while others are highly erodible. The construction of mounds and galleries causes bioturbation (pedoturbation), a role which ants share with termites, worms and many mammals. A median rate of 1.5 t ha?1 a?1 is derived from the studies reviewed. Ants also produce patterned ground through their effects on vegetation. The relationships between ant activity and runoff and erosion are complex and not consistent. Bioturbation of soil, tunnelling activity, the construction of underground chambers, galleries and macro-pores, the removal and/or accumulation of organic material, and changes in vegetation cover, are all mechanisms by which ants might modify soil infiltration characteristics. Because of their effect on soil infiltration rates, sediment provision and on vegetation cover, ants can have a profound influence on runoff and soil movement on slopes. Only a modest amount of work has been done to investigate the role that ants play in rock weathering. Ants are greatly affected by human activities (especially land cover changes), and some geomorphologically-active species have proved to be highly invasive. The response of ants to future climate changes needs further investigation.
Abstract: Using low?temperature thermochronology on apatite and zircon crystals, we show that the western Reguibat Shield, located in the northern part of the West African Craton, experienced significant cooling and heating events between Jurassic and present times. The obtained apatite fission track ages range between 49 and 102 Ma with mean track lengths varying between 11.6 and 13.3 ?m and Dpar values between 1.69 and 3.08 ?m. Zircon fission track analysis yielded two ages of 159 and 118 Ma. Apatite (U-Th)/He uncorrected single?grain ages range between 76 and 95 Ma. Thermal inverse modelling indicates that the Reguibat Shield was exhumed during the Early Cretaceous, Late Cretaceous, Palaeocene-Eocene and Quaternary. These exhumation events were coeval with regional tectonic and geodynamic events, and were probably driven by a combined effect of plate tectonics and mantle dynamics.
Depositional evolution of southwest Gondwana Neoproterozoic paleobasins based on Sr, C and O isotopic compositions of carbonatic rocks from the Sul-Riograndense shield, Brazil.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 129, pp. 94-107.
Africa, Cameroon
Craton, Congo
Abstract: We used the World Gravity Map (WGM 2012) data to investigate the Archean Congo craton and the Oubanguides orogenic belt in Cameroon. The Oubanguides orogenic belt constitutes, from northwest to southeast, the Neoproterozoic West Cameroon domain, the Paleoproterozoic-Neoproterozoic Adamawa-Yade domain, and the dominantly Neoproterozoic Yaoundé domain (the crustal expression of the suture zone between the Congo craton and the orogenic terranes). We analyzed the WGM 2012 data to identify different gravity anomalies. We also applied the two-dimensional (2D) radially-averaged power spectral analysis to the WGM 2012 data to estimate the Moho depth. Additionally, we developed a 2D forward gravity model along a Nsbnd S profile to image the lithospheric structure of the Precambrian entities. We found that: (1) the Congo craton, the Yaoundé domain, the southeastern part of the West Cameroon domain, and the northern part of the Adamawa-Yade domain are characterized by low gravity anomaly. (2) the southern part of the Adamawa-Yade domain is marked by a pronounced E-W trending high gravity anomaly. (3) the crust is thicker beneath the Congo craton, the Yaoundé domain and the southern part of the Adamawa-Yade domain. (4) the presence of a denser lower crust material beneath the southern part of the Adamawa-Yade domain. We propose that this denser crustal material is an under-thrusted portion of the Congo craton that has been densified through metacratonization processes that accompanied collision between the craton and the orogenic terranes. This is in good agreement with geological and geochemical observations indicating that the northern edge of the Congo craton and the Adamawa-Yade domain had undergone metacratonization during the Neoproterozoic. Our suggestion is also in good agreement with observations which show that the margins of many cratons worldwide have been decratonized due to subduction processes. Our work highlights the importance of potential field geophysical data in mapping the metacratonized margins of cratons.
Abstract: We present original results that contribute to the understanding of lithospheric structures modification of regions that have witnessed superimposition of multiple tectonic events throughout their geological history. We analyze satellite gravity data through two-dimensional radially-averaged power spectral analysis as well as passive seismic data through thermal modeling to image the depth to the Moho and the lithosphere - asthenosphere boundary (LAB beneath the Central Africa Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The CAOB is an ENE-trending deformation belt extending from Cameroon in the west to Sudan in the east. In Cameroon, it is found on the northern edge of the Congo craton represented by the Oubanguides orogenic belt (the Western Cameroon, the Adamawa - Yade, and the Yaoundé domains). It coincides with the Adamawa plateau and the Benue Trough, and it is spotted by the Cenozoic Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL). The CAOB was formed during the Precambrian Greater Gondwana assembly but was reactivated during the Mesozoic as a result of Gondwana breakup. We find deeper Moho and LAB) beneath Congo craton and the Yaoundé domain reaching ~50?km and ~200?km, respectively. We map shallower Moho and LAB beneath the CAOB (together with the Adamawa plateau and the Benue trough) reaching ~25?km and ~70?km, respectively. We interpret the shallower LAB beneath the CAOB as due to zonal sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) delamination along the northern edge of the Congo craton that occurred in association with collisional assembly of Greater Gondwana. This allowed for channelization of mantle flow during the Cenozoic resulting in the formation of the CVL and the uplift of the Adamawa plateau. Our approach can be used to understand the modification of lithospheric structures beneath other terrains that have long tectonic history.
Paleomagnetism, U Pb geochronology and geochemistry of Lac Esprit and other dyke swarms, James Bay area, Quebec: implications for Paleoproterozoic deformation
Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 44, 5, pp. 643-664.
Abstract: Solanum adamantium is described from Serra de Grão Mogol, located in the Espinhaço range, in northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The new species is ecologically and morphologically similar to the prickly species S. buddleiifolium and S. thomasiifolium, from which it differs in a series of vegetative and reproductive characters. We discuss the morphological similarities and differences among these species, as well as certain aspects of the new taxon's ecology and geographic distribution. Images of diagnostic characters, a map of geographical distribution, a preliminary conservation assessment, and full specimen citations are provided.
De Oliveire Cordeiro, P.F., Brod, J.A., Ventura Santos, R., Dantas, E.L., Gouveia de Oliveira, C., Soares Rochas Barbosa, E.
Stable (C,O) and radiogenic (Sr,Nd) isotopes of carbonates as indicators of magmatic and post-magmatic processes of phoscorite series rocks and carbonatites from Catalao 1, central Brazil.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 161, 3, pp. 451-464.
De Oliveira Cordeiro, P.F., Brod, J.A., Ventura Santos, R., Dantas, E.L., Gouvieia de Oliveira, C., Soares Rocha, Barbosa, E.
Stable ( C,O) and radiogenic (Sr, Nd) isotopes of carbonates as indicators of magmatic and post magmatic processes of phoscorite series rocks and carbonatites f
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, In press available, 14p.
Abstract: How the Earth's continental crust was formed in the Hadean eon is a subject of considerable debates [1-4]. For example, shallow hydrous peridotites [2,5], in particular the Hadean Earth's serpentinites [6], are potentially important ingredients in the creation of the continental ptoto-crust, but the mechanisms of this formation remain elusive. In this work, experiments to explore serpentinite-basalt interaction under conditions of the Hadean Earth were conducted. Kinetic runs lasting 0.5 to 48 hours at 0.2 to 1.0 GPa and 1250 to 1300°C reveal dehydration of serpentinite and release of a Si-Al-Na-K-rich aqueous fluid. For the first time, generation of heterogeneous hydrous silicic melts (56 to 67 wt% SiO2) in response to the fluid-assisted fertilisation and the subsequent partial melting of the dehydrated serpentinite has been discovered. The melts produced at 0.2 GPa have compositions similar to those of the bulk continental crust [2,3]. These new findings imply that the Earth's sialic proto-crust may be generated via fluid-assisted melting of serpentinized peridotite at shallow depths (?7 km) that do not require plate subduction during the Hadean eon. Shallow serpentinite dehydration and melting may be the principal physico-chemical processes affecting the earliest lithosphere.
Making Earth's continental crust from serpentinite and basalt.
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, Vol. 20, 4, pp. 1836-1853.
Mantle
magmatism
Abstract: During the final stage of continental rifting, stretching localizes in the future distal domain where lithospheric necking occurs resulting in continental breakup. In magma?poor margins, the lithospheric necking is accompanied by crustal hyperextension, serpentinization, and exhumation of mantle lithosphere in the continent?ocean transition domain. In magma?rich margins, the necking is accomplished by the emplacement of large amounts of volcanics in the continental?ocean transition, in the form of seaward dipping wedges of flood basalts (seaward dipping reflections). This study examines the factors controlling the final crustal architecture observed in rifted margins and the magmatic budget during continental breakup, using observations from the Labrador Sea. The latter shows magma?rich breakup with seaward dipping reflections documented in the north and magma?poor breakup with a wide domain of exhumed serpentinized mantle recorded in the south. The pre?rift strength of the lithosphere, defined by the inherited thermal structure, composition, and thickness of the lithospheric layers, controls the structural evolution during rifting. While variations in the magmatic budget associated with breakup are controlled primarily by the interaction between the pre?rift inheritance, the timing and the degree of mantle melting, in relation to lithospheric thinning and mantle hydration.
Reports of the Inspector of Mines Kimberley, Inspector of Claims Barkly west, Inspector of Mines Millwood, Manager for the Vooruitsigt Estate, Kimberley for the Year 1892.
Society of Economic Geology Geoscience and Exploration of the Argyle, Bunder, Diavik, and Murowa Diamond Deposits, Special Publication no. 20, pp. 359-378.