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SDLRC - Scientific Articles all years by Author - Mi-Mn
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
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Texture measurements on highly strained aggregates of olivine and silicate perovskite and the application for the study of seismic anisotropy in themantle.
American Geophysical Union, EOS, supplement Abstract Volume, October, Vol. 74, No. 43, October 26, abstract p. 551.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 474, pp. 215-225.
Africa, Algeria
diamond inclusions
Abstract: Diamond-bearing UHP metamorphic rocks witness for subduction of lithospheric slabs into the mantle and their return to shallow levels. In this study we present U-Pb and trace elements analyses of zircon and rutile inclusions from a diamond-bearing garnet megacryst collected in a mélange unit exposed on the northern margin of Africa (Edough Massif, NE Algeria). Large rutile crystals (up to 300 ?m in size) analyzed in situ provide a U-Pb age of 32.4 ± 3.3 Ma interpreted as dating the prograde to peak subduction stage of the mafic protolith. Trace element analyses of minute zircons (?30 ?m) indicate that they formed in equilibrium with the garnet megacryst at a temperature of 740-810 °C, most likely during HP retrograde metamorphism. U-Pb analyses provide a significantly younger age of 20.7 ± 2.3 Ma attributed to exhumation of the UHP units. This study allows bracketing the age of UHP metamorphism in the Western Mediterranean Orogen to the Oligocene/early Miocene, thus unambiguously relating UHP metamorphism to the Alpine history. Exhumation of these UHP units is coeval with the counterclockwise rotation of the Corsica-Sardinia block and most likely resulted from subduction rollback that was driven by slab pull.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 171, 45p.
Mantle
Magmatism
Abstract: The origin and source rocks of alkali-rich and SiO2-undersatured magmas in the Earth’s upper mantle are still under debate. The garnet signature in rare earth element patterns of such magmas suggests a garnet-bearing source rock, which could be garnet lherzolite or garnet pyroxenite. Partial melting experiments were performed at 2.8 GPa and 1345-1445 °C in a piston-cylinder using mixtures of natural lherzolite with either 0.4 wt% H2O and 0.4 wt% CO2 or 0.7 wt% H2O and 0.7 wt% CO2. Different designs of AuPd capsules were used for melt extraction. The most successful design included a pentagonally shaped disc placed in the top part of the capsule for sufficient melt extraction. The degrees of partial melting range from 0.2 to 0.04 and decrease with decreasing temperature and volatile content. All samples contain olivine and orthopyroxene. The amounts of garnet and clinopyroxene decrease with increasing degree of partial melting until both minerals disappear from the residue. Depending on the capsule design, the melts quenched to a mixture of quench crystals and residual glass or to glass, allowing measurement of the volatile concentrations by Raman spectroscopy. The compositions of the partial melts range from basalts through picrobasalts to foidites. Compared to literature data for melting of dry lherzolites, the presence of H2O and CO2 reduces the SiO2 concentration and increases the MgO concentration of partial melts, but it has no observable effect on the enrichment of Na2O in the partial melts. The partial melts have compositions similar to natural melilitites from intraplate settings, which shows that SiO2-undersaturated intraplate magmas can be generated by melting of garnet lherzolite in the Earth’s upper mantle in the presence of H2O and CO2.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 171, pp. 95-121.
Technology
Melting - peridotite
Abstract: Melting experiments have been performed at 3 GPa, between 1150 and 1450 °C, on a phlogopite-peridotite source in the garnet stability field. We succeeded to extract and determine the melt compositions of both phlogopite-bearing lherzolite and harzburgite from low to high degrees of melting (? = 0.008-0.256). Accounting for the presence of small amounts of F in the mantle, we determined that phlogopite coexists with melt >150 °C above the solidus position (1150-1200 °C). Fluorine content of phlogopite continuously increases during partial melting from 0.2 to 0.9 wt% between 1000 and 1150 °C and 0.5 to 0.6 wt% between 1150 and 1300 °C at 1 and 3 GPa, respectively. The phlogopite continuous breakdown in the lherzolite follows the reaction: 0.59 phlogopite + 0.52 clinopyroxene + 0.18 garnet = 0.06 olivine + 0.23 orthopyroxene + 1.00 melt. In the phlogopite-harzburgite, the reaction is: 0.93 phlogopite + 0.46 garnet = 0.25 olivine + 0.14 orthopyroxene + 1.00 melt. Melts from phlogopite-peridotite sources at 3 GPa are silica-undersaturated and are foiditic to trachybasaltic in composition from very low (0.8 wt%) to high (25.6 wt%) degrees of melting. As observed at 1 GPa, the potassium content of primary mantle melts is buffered by the presence of phlogopite, but the buffering values are higher, from 6.0 to 8.0 wt% depending on the source fertility. We finally show that phlogopite garnet-peridotite melts are very close to the composition of the most primitive post-collisional lavas described worldwide.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 171, pp. 95-106.
Mantle
Melting
Abstract: Melting experiments have been performed at 3 GPa, between 1150 and 1450 °C, on a phlogopite-peridotite source in the garnet stability field. We succeeded to extract and determine the melt compositions of both phlogopite-bearing lherzolite and harzburgite from low to high degrees of melting (? = 0.008-0.256). Accounting for the presence of small amounts of F in the mantle, we determined that phlogopite coexists with melt >150 °C above the solidus position (1150-1200 °C). Fluorine content of phlogopite continuously increases during partial melting from 0.2 to 0.9 wt% between 1000 and 1150 °C and 0.5 to 0.6 wt% between 1150 and 1300 °C at 1 and 3 GPa, respectively. The phlogopite continuous breakdown in the lherzolite follows the reaction: 0.59 phlogopite + 0.52 clinopyroxene + 0.18 garnet = 0.06 olivine + 0.23 orthopyroxene + 1.00 melt. In the phlogopite-harzburgite, the reaction is: 0.93 phlogopite + 0.46 garnet = 0.25 olivine + 0.14 orthopyroxene + 1.00 melt. Melts from phlogopite-peridotite sources at 3 GPa are silica-undersaturated and are foiditic to trachybasaltic in composition from very low (0.8 wt%) to high (25.6 wt%) degrees of melting. As observed at 1 GPa, the potassium content of primary mantle melts is buffered by the presence of phlogopite, but the buffering values are higher, from 6.0 to 8.0 wt% depending on the source fertility. We finally show that phlogopite garnet-peridotite melts are very close to the composition of the most primitive post-collisional lavas described worldwide.
Mantle derived UHP garnet pyroxenite and eclogite in the Moldanubian Gfohl Nappe, Bohemian Massif: a geochemical review, New PT and tectonic interpretations
International Geology Review, Vol. 48, 9, pp. 765-777.
Abstract: In the present work, we report the chemical composition of representative emerald crystals from some of the most important worldwide deposits. Major and trace elements were investigated using Electron Microprobe Analysis (EMPA) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) techniques. Binary, ternary and spider diagrams along with statistical analysis, i.e., Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were used to discriminate each deposit with high reliability. PCA of SiO2, Al2O3, V, Sc, B, Li content identified distinct groups. The use of binary and ternary diagrams contributed to discriminate among emerald crystals from various deposits, which are included in the same clusters of the PCA analysis. In addition, the geochemical features of each group were linked to the geological environment and genetic processes which leaded to emerald formation. In particular, the emeralds related to granitic-pegmatitic intrusions (Type-1) or those occurring in environments controlled by tectonic events (Type-2) were distinguished using the concentrations of major and trace elements. The results of this study can contribute to improve the existing genetic models and classification schemes as well as to identify useful geochemical fingerprints for provenance purposes.-
International Journal of Mineral Processing, Vol. 144, pp. 1-10.
South America, Brazil
Carbonatite
Abstract: The rare earth elements (REE) are essential for a wide range of applications, from strategic assets (e.g. petroleum cracking, magnets for wind turbines) to popular merchandise, as smartphones. Since 2010, when China, the worlds close to exclusive REE supplier, imposed export quotas, several old and new deposits have been evaluated to compensate market shortage, taking advantage of significant price rises. The Araxá rare earth elements prospect boast a large reserve (6.34Mt @ 5.01% REO), as well as phosphate and niobium, in a deeply weathered ore of carbonatitic origin. The mineralogy and the ore properties are unconventional for rare earth elements, and require a detailed mineralogical and technological characterisation as starting point to develop a feasible processing route. Rare earths are predominantly carried by monazite (over 70%), and by a solid solution of the plumbogummite group minerals where the barium-rich term gorceixite predominates, while cerianite and bastnaesite account for less than 1% each. Minerals of the pyrochlore supergroup are the main Nb carriers, but phosphate is also due to monazite and the plumbogummite group minerals, as apatite has barely been detected. Goethite, high-Al hematite and quartz are the main gangue minerals, and goethite is thoroughly intergrown with the other phases. Fine particle size (P50 close to 45?m) and 47.4% of the REE in the ?20?m size fraction is another feature typical of this kind of ore. The mineralogical and textural complexity of the ore required a comprehensive technological characterisation in order to evaluate processing options. Based on textural measurements, the concentration of monazite, the concentration of the REE carrying minerals and the reverse removal of quartz, as processing option for this ore, have been simulated. Incomplete liberation of monazite does limit its grade in an ideal concentrate to 80%, and its recovery to 70%. The low monazite recovery must be added to the loss of REE carried by other phases, reducing the overall REE recovery to below 45%. Monazite has also a very limited exposition of the mineral on the particle's surfaces, supposed to impair process efficiency enough to keep experimental results significantly far from the simulated ones. The concentration of the REE-bearing minerals might be efficient from the liberation point of view, and over 90% of the REE carriers can be recovered to a 97% grade concentrate. Due to the low REE grade of predominant gorceixite (3.3%), however, the concentrate's grade of 14% REE is just slightly above the double of the ore's grade. For the REE-bearing minerals taken together, the process efficiency might be hampered by selectivity due to the complex mineralogy. The major gangue minerals, goethite and hematite, are strongly intergrown with the other minerals of the assemblage, to an extent that evaluating reverse processing considering these phases was not feasible. The removal of quartz by reverse processing is quite straightforward, and 95% of the mineral might be removed to a high-grade quartz concentrate of 93%, with loss of REE of only 0.14%. The mass discharge of 8.7%, however, rises the grade of the concentrate only to 7.3% REE. Complex mineralogy and the fine crystals and particles with strong intergrowth that characterise the ore hamper efficient concentration for the Araxá REE ore, and direct hydrometallurgical processing of the whole was adopted. The results are in agreement with the few other published attempts to concentrate the rare earth minerals from residual lateritic ores related to carbonatites
Deep-seated magmatism, its sources and plumes, Proceedings of XIII International Workshop held 2014., Vol. 2014, pp. 5-21.
Russia, Siberia
Deposit - Murun
Abstract: Vladykinite, ideally Na3Sr4(Fe2+Fe3+)Si8O24, is a new complex sheet silicate occurring as abundant prismatic crystals in a dike of coarse-grained peralkaline feldspathoid syenite in the north-central part of the Murun complex in eastern Siberia, Russia (Lat. 58° 22? 48? N; Long. 119° 03? 44? E). The new mineral is an early magmatic phase associated with aegirine, potassium feldspar, eudialyte, lamprophyllite, and nepheline; strontianite (as pseudomorphs after vladykinite) and K-rich vishnevite are found in the same assemblage, but represent products of late hydrothermal reworking. Vladykinite is brittle, has a Mohs hardness of 5, and distinct cleavage on {100}. In thin section, it is colorless, biaxial negative [a = 1.624(2), b = 1.652(2), g = 1.657(2), 2Vmeas = 44(1)°, 2Vcalc = 45(1)°] and shows an optic orientation consistent with its structural characteristics (X^a = 5.1° in b obtuse, Z^c = 4.7° in b acute, Y = b). The Raman spectrum of vladykinite consists of the following vibration modes (listed in order of decreasing intensity): 401, 203, 465, 991, 968, 915, 348, 167, 129, 264, 1039, and 681 cm–1; O-H signals were not detected. The Mössbauer spectrum indicates that both Fe2+ and Fe3+ are present in the mineral (Fe3+/FeS = 0.47), and that both cations occur in a tetrahedral coordination. The mean chemical composition of vladykinite (acquired by wavelength-dispersive X?ray spectrometry and laser-ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass-spectrometry), with FeS recast into Fe2+ and Fe3+ in accord with the Mössbauer data, gives the following empirical formula calculated to 24 O atoms: (Na2.45Ca0.56)S3.01(Sr3.81 K0.04Ba0.02La0.02Ce0.01)S3.90(Fe2+0.75Fe3+0.66Mn0.26Zn0.16Al0.12Mg0.05Ti0.01)S2.01(Si7.81Al0.19)S8.00O24. The mineral is monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 5.21381(13), b = 7.9143(2), c = 26.0888(7) Å, b = 90.3556(7)°, V = 1076.50(5) Å3, Z = 2. The ten strongest lines in the powder X?ray diffraction pattern are [dobs in Å (I) (hkl)]: 2.957 (100) (123, 123); 2.826 (100) (117, 117); 3.612 (58) (114, 114); 3.146 (37) (120); 2.470 (32) (210, 01.10); 4.290 (30) (111, 111); 3.339 (30) (106, 115, 106); 2.604 (28) (200); 2.437 (25) (034); 1.785 (25) (21.10, 234). The structure of vladykinite, refined by single-crystal techniques on the basis of 3032 reflections with Fo > 4sFo to R1 = 1.6%, consists of tetrahedral sheets parallel to (100) and consisting of (Si8O24)16– units incorporating four-membered silicate rings and joined into five- and eight-membered rings by sharing vertices with larger tetrahedra hosting Fe2+, Fe3+, Mn, Zn, Al, Mg, and Ti. Larger cations (predominantly Na, Sr, and Ca) are accommodated in octahedral and square-antiprismatic interlayer sites sandwiched between the tetrahedral sheets. Structural relations between vladykinite and other sheet silicates incorporating four-, five-, and eight-membered rings are discussed. The name vladykinite is in honor of Nikolay V. Vladykin (Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Russia), in recognition of his contribution to the study of alkaline rocks. Holotype and co-type specimens of the mineral were deposited in the Robert B. Ferguson Museum of Mineralogy in Winnipeg, Canada.
Mineralogical Magazine, Vol. 79, 5, pp. 1231-1244.
Russia
Carbonatite
Abstract: Anzaite-(Ce), ideally Formula Fe2+Ti6O18(OH)2, is a new, structurally complex mineral occurring as scarce minute crystals in hydrothermally altered silicocarbonatites in the Afrikanda alkali-ultramafic complex of the Kola Peninsula, Russia. The mineral is a late hydrothermal phase associated with titanite, hibschite, clinochlore and calcite replacing the primary magmatic paragenesis. The rare-earth elements (REE) (dominated by Ce), Ti and Fe incorporated in anzaite-(Ce) were derived from primary Ti oxides abundant in the host rock. Anzaite-(Ce) is brittle and lacks cleavage; the density calculated on the basis of structural data is 5.054(6) g cm?3. The mineral is opaque and grey with a bluish hue in reflected light; its reflectance values range from 15-16% at 440 nm to 13-14% at 700 nm. Its infrared spectrum shows a prominent absorption band at 3475 cm?1 indicative of OH? groups. The average chemical composition of anzaite-(Ce) gives the following empirical formula calculated on the basis of 18 oxygen atoms and two OH? groups: (Ce2.18Nd0.85La0.41Pr0.26Sm0.08Ca0.36Th0.01)?4.15Fe0.97(Ti5.68Nb0.22Si0.04)?5.94O18(OH)2. The mineral is monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 5.290(2), b = 14.575(6), c = 5.234(2) Å, ? = 97.233(7)°, V = 400.4(5) Å3, Z = 1. The ten strongest lines in the X-ray micro-diffraction pattern are [dobs in Å (I) hkl]: 2.596 (100) 002; 1.935 (18) 170; 1.506 (14) 133; 1.286 (13) 1.11.0; 2.046 (12) 2?41; 1.730 (12) 003; 1.272 (12) 0.10.2; 3.814 (11) 1?11; 2.206 (9) 061; 1.518 (9) 172. The structure of anzaite-(Ce), refined by single-crystal techniques to R1 = 2.1%, consists of alternating layers of type 1, populated by REE (+ minor Ca) in a square antiprismatic coordination and octahedrally coordinated Fe2+, and type 2, built of five-coordinate and octahedral Ti, stacked parallel to (001). This atomic arrangement is complicated by significant disorder affecting the Fe2+, five-coordinate Ti and two of the four anion sites. The order-disorder pattern is such that only one half of these positions in total occupy any given (010) plane, and the disordered (010) planes are separated by ordered domains comprising REE, octahedral Ti and two anion sites occupied by O2?. Structural and stoichiometric relations between anzaite-(Ce) and other REE-Ti (±Nb, Ta) oxides are discussed. The name anzaite-(Ce) is in honour of Anatoly N. Zaitsev of St Petersburg State University (Russia) and The Natural History Museum (UK), in recognition of his contribution to the study of carbonatites and REE minerals. The modifier reflects the prevalence of Ce over other REE in the composition of the new mineral.
Minerals, Vol. 10, 9, 740 10.3390/ min10090755 29p. Pdf
Russia, Yakutia
deposit - Zapplyarnaya
Abstract: Minerals from mantle xenoliths in the Zapolyarnaya pipe in the Upper Muna field, Russia and from mineral separates from other large diamondiferous kimberlite pipes in this field (Deimos, Novinka and Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya) were studied with EPMA and LA-ICP-MS. All pipes contain very high proportions of sub-calcic garnets. Zapolyarnaya contains mainly dunitic xenoliths with veinlets of garnets, phlogopites and Fe-rich pyroxenes similar in composition to those from sheared peridotites. PT estimates for the clinopyroxenes trace the convective inflection of the geotherm (40-45 mW•m?2) to 8 GPa, inflected at 6 GPa and overlapping with PT estimates for ilmenites derived from protokimberlites. The Upper Muna mantle lithosphere includes dunite channels from 8 to 2 GPa, which were favorable for melt movement. The primary layering deduced from the fluctuations of CaO in garnets was smoothed by the refertilization events, which formed additional pyroxenes. Clinopyroxenes from the Novinka and Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya pipes show a more linear geotherm and three branches in the P-Fe# plot from the lithosphere base to the Moho, suggesting several episodes of pervasive melt percolation. Clinopyroxenes from Zapolyarnaya are divided into four groups according to thermobarometry and trace element patterns, which show a stepwise increase of REE and incompatible elements. Lower pressure groups including dunitic garnets have elevated REE with peaks in Rb, Th, Nb, Sr, Zr, and U, suggesting mixing of the parental protokimberlitic melts with partially melted metasomatic veins of ancient subduction origin. At least two stages of melt percolation formed the inclined PT paths: (1) an ancient garnet semi-advective geotherm (35-45 mW•m?2) formed by volatile-rich melts during the major late Archean event of lithosphere growth; and (2) a hotter megacrystic PT path (Cpx-Ilm) formed by feeding systems for kimberlite eruptions (40-45 mW•m?2). Ilmenite PT estimates trace three separate PT trajectories, suggesting a multistage process associated with metasomatism and formation of the Cpx-Phl veinlets in dunites. Heating associated with intrusions of protokimberlite caused reactivation of the mantle metasomatites rich in H2O and alkali metals and possibly favored the growth of large megacrystalline diamonds.
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Vol. 213, 104756, 22p.pdf
Russia, Siberia
deposit - Zarnitsa
Abstract: Zarnitsa kimberlite pipe in Central Yakutia contains pyrope garnets with Cr2O3 ranging from 9 to 19.3 wt% derived from the asthenospheric mantle. They show mostly S-shaped, inflected rare earth element (REE) patterns for dunitic and harzburgitic, lherzolitic and harzburgitic varieties and all are rich in high field strength elements (HFSE) due to reaction with protokimberlite melts. Lithospheric garnets (<9 wt% Cr2O3) show a similar division into four groups but have more symmetric trace element patterns. Cr-diopsides suggest reactions with hydrous alkaline, protokimberlitic and primary (hydrous) partial melts. Cr-diopsides of metasomatic origin have inclined REE patterns and high LILE, U, Th and Zr concentrations. Four groups in REE of Ti-rich Cr-diopsides, and augites have asymmetric bell-like REE patterns and are HFSE-rich. Mg-ilmenites low in REE were formed within dunite conduits. Ilmenite derived from differentiated melts have inclined REE patterns with LREE ~ 100 × chondrite levels. Thermobarometry for dunites shows a 34 mWm?2 geotherm with a HT branch (>50 mWm?2) at 6-9 GPa, and a stepped HT geotherm with heated pyroxenite lenses at four levels from 6.5 to 3.5 GPa. Parental melts calculated with KDs suggest that augites and high-Cr garnets in the lithosphere base reacted with essentially carbonatitic melts while garnets from lower pressure show subduction peaks in U, Ba and Pb. The roots of the Zarnitsa pipe served to transfer large portions of deep (>9 GPa) protokimberlite melts to the lithosphere. Smaller diamonds were dissolved due to the elevated oxidation state but in peripheral zones large diamonds could grow.
Abstract: Mineral data from Yakutian kimberlites allow reconstruction of the history of lithospheric mantle. Differences occur in compositions of mantle pyropes and clinopyroxenes from large kimberlite pipes in the Alakit and Daldyn fields. In the Alakit field, Cr-diopsides are alkaline, and Stykanskaya and some other pipes contain more sub-calcic pyropes and dunitic-type diamond inclusions, while in the Daldyn field harzburgitic pyropes are frequent. The eclogitic diamond inclusions in the Alakit field are sharply divided in types and conditions, while in the Daldyn field they show varying compositions and often continuous Pressure-Temperature (P-T) ranges with increasing Fe# with decreasing pressures. In Alakit, Cr-pargasites to richterites were found in all pipes, while in Daldyn, pargasites are rare Dalnyaya and Zarnitsa pipes. Cr-diopsides from the Alakit region show higher levels of light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) and stronger REE-slopes, and enrichment in light Rare Earth Elements (LREE), sometimes Th-U, and small troughs in Nb-Ta-Zr. In the Daldyn field, the High Field Strength Elements HFSE troughs are more common in clinopyroxenes with low REE abundances, while those from sheared and refertilized peridotites have smooth patterns. Garnets from Alakit show HREE minima, but those from Daldyn often have a trough at Y and high U and Pb. PTXfO2 diagrams from both regions show similarities, suggesting similar layering and structures. The degree of metasomatism is often higher for pipes which show dispersion in P-Fe# trends for garnets. In the mantle beneath Udachnaya and Aykhal, pipes show 6-7 linear arrays of P-Fe# in the lower part of the mantle section at 7.5-3.0 GPa, probably reflecting primary subduction horizons. Beneath the Sytykanskaya pipe, there are several horizons with opposite inclinations which reflect metasomatic processes. The high dispersion of the P-Fe# trend indicating widespread metasomatism is associated with decreased diamond grades. Possible explanation of the differences in mineralogy and geochemistry of the mantle sections may relate to their tectonic positions during growth of the lithospheric keel. Enrichment in volatiles and alkalis possibly corresponds to interaction with subduction-related fluids and melts in the craton margins. Incorporation of island arc peridotites from an eroded arc is a possible scenario.
Abstract: Variations of the structure and composition of mantle terranes in the terminology of the Siberian craton were studied using database (>60000) EPMA of kimberlite xenocrysts from the pipes of Yakutian kimberlite province (YKP) by a team of investigators from IGM, IGH, IEC and IGBM SB RAS and ALROSA company. The monomineral thermobarometry (Ashchepkov et al., 2010, 2014, 2017) Geochemistry of minerals obtained LA ICP MS was used to determine the protolith, melting degree, Type of the metasomatism . The mantle stratification commonly was formed by 6-7 paleosubduction slabs, separated by pyroxenite, eclogite, and metasomatic horizons and dunite lenses beneath kemberltes . We built mantle sections across the kimberlite field and transects of craton. Within the established tectonic terrains strengthening to thousands km (Gladkochub et al, 2006), the collage of microplates was determined at the mantle level. Under the shields of Anabar and Aldan lower SCLM consist of 3 -4 dunites dunites with Gar-Px-Ilm- Phl nests. Terranes framing protocratons like suture Khapchanskyare are saturated in eclogites and pyroxenites, sometimes dominated probably represent the ascending bodies of igneous eclogites intruding mantle lithosphere (ML). The ubiquitous pyroxenite layer at the level of 3.5-4.5 GPa originated in the early Archaean when melted eclogites stoped stoped subdction. Beneath the Early Archaean granite-greenstone terranes - Tunguskaya, Markhinskaya, Birektinskaya, Shary-Zhalgaiskaya (age to~3.8-3.0 GA) (Gladkochub et al., 2018) the SCLM is less depleted and often metasomatized having flat structures in some subterrains. Daldyn and Magan granulite-orthogneisic terranes have a layered and folded ML seen in N-S sections from Udachnaya to Krasnopresnenskaya less pronounced in latitudinal direction. From Daldyn to Alakit field increases the degree of Phl metasomatism and Cpx alkalinity. The most productive Aykhal and Yubleynaya pipes confined to the dunite core. Within the Magan terrane, the thin-layered SCLM have depleted base horizon. Granite-greenstone Markha terrane contains pelitic eclogites. Central and Northern craton parts show slight inclination of paleoslabs to West. The formation of SCLM in Hadean accompanied by submelting (Perchuk et al., 2018, Gerya, 2014.) had no deep roots. Ultrafine craton nuclei like Anabar shield was framed by steeper slab. During 3.8-3.0 GA craton keel growth in superplume periods (Condie, 2004) when melted eclogites and peridotites acquiring buoyancy of the sinking plate melted. For peridotites, the melting lines calculated from the experimental data (Herzberg, 2004) mainly lie near 5-6 GPA (Ionov et al., 2010; 2015). In classical works all geotherms are conductive (Boyd, 1973), but this is quite rare. The garnet pyroxene geotherms for (Ashchepkov et al., 2017) calculated with most reliable methods (Nimis, Taylor, 2000; McGregor , 1974; Brey Kohler, Nickel Green, 1985; Ashchepkov et al., 2010; 2017) give are sub-adiabatic and are formed during the melt percolation superplume vent often in presence of volatiles (Wyllie, Ryabchikov, 2000) and therefore, after superplumes trends P-Fe# of garnet are smoothed and change the tilts.
International Geology Review, in press available 24p. Pdf
Europe, Ukraine
deposit - Priazovie
Abstract:
Major, minor and trace element compositions of mantle xenocrysts from Devonian kimberlite pipes in the Priazovie give an insight into the mantle structure beneath the SE Ukranian Shield and its evolution. Garnets yield low temperature conditions as determined by monomineral thermobarometry. The mantle lithosphere is sharply divided at 4.2 GPa, marked by a high temperature Cpx-Ilm-Phl trend, eclogites and changes in pyrope geochemistry. Seven layers are detected: Ist layer at 2.5-1 GPa is enriched mantle (Fe#Ol ~ 0.11 ? 0.14) with Gar- pyroxenites and Sp peridotites; IInd at 2.5-3.2 GPa - Gar-Sp (Fe#Ol 0.08 ? 0.10) peridotite. IIId at 4.3-3.2 GPa is formed of Archaean- Proterozoic peridotites with Fe#Ol ~0.07 ? 0.095. IVth at 3.2-5 GPa- contains pyroxenitic Gar with higher Ca, eclogites, Chr and Cpx (Fe#Ol ~0.10 ? 0.125); Vth at 5.8 ? 5 GPa is marked by sub-Ca garnets, Cr-rich chromites and Mg-Cr ilmenites; VIth layer at 5.8-6.8 GPa contains Fe-enriched pyropes, almandines and Cr-Mg ilmenites near the lithosphere base; VIIth layer > 6.8 GPa consists of ‘hot’ Fe-rich garnets. Garnets show increasing enrichment in LREE, LILE, Hf, Zr with decreasing pressure. Primitive garnets have round REE patterns; depleted ones have S-type patterns inflected at Nd. Garnets from 6.5 to 3 GPa show increasing La/Ybn, Zr-Hf, LILE. Peridotitic clinopyroxenes have inclined linear trace element patterns rounded from La to Pr with high LILE and HFSE levels. The Fe-rich group (reacted with eclogites) shows bell-shaped irregular patterns with LILE close to the LREE levels. A possible reason for LILE (HFSE and) enrichment of the upper part of the mantle is subduction metasomatsm in Archaean times (with participation of mature continental sediments) activated by plumes at 1.8 Ga and earlier which produced pervasive focused melt flow with remelting of mica-amphibole metasomatites giving continuous REE and LILE enrichment in mantle lithologies from 5.8 to 2.5 GPa.
International Geology Review, Vol. 63, 10, pp. 1288-1309.
Europe, Ukraine
deposit - Priazovie
Abstract: Major, minor and trace element compositions of mantle xenocrysts from Devonian kimberlite pipes in the Priazovie give an insight into the mantle structure beneath the SE Ukranian Shield and its evolution. Garnets yield low temperature conditions as determined by monomineral thermobarometry. The mantle lithosphere is sharply divided at 4.2 GPa, marked by a high temperature Cpx-Ilm-Phl trend, eclogites and changes in pyrope geochemistry. Seven layers are detected: Ist layer at 2.5-1 GPa is enriched mantle (Fe#Ol ~ 0.11 ? 0.14) with Gar- pyroxenites and Sp peridotites; IInd at 2.5-3.2 GPa - Gar-Sp (Fe#Ol 0.08 ? 0.10) peridotite. IIId at 4.3-3.2 GPa is formed of Archaean- Proterozoic peridotites with Fe#Ol ~0.07 ? 0.095. IVth at 3.2-5 GPa- contains pyroxenitic Gar with higher Ca, eclogites, Chr and Cpx (Fe#Ol ~0.10 ? 0.125); Vth at 5.8 ? 5 GPa is marked by sub-Ca garnets, Cr-rich chromites and Mg-Cr ilmenites; VIth layer at 5.8-6.8 GPa contains Fe-enriched pyropes, almandines and Cr-Mg ilmenites near the lithosphere base; VIIth layer > 6.8 GPa consists of ‘hot’ Fe-rich garnets. Garnets show increasing enrichment in LREE, LILE, Hf, Zr with decreasing pressure. Primitive garnets have round REE patterns; depleted ones have S-type patterns inflected at Nd. Garnets from 6.5 to 3 GPa show increasing La/Ybn, Zr-Hf, LILE. Peridotitic clinopyroxenes have inclined linear trace element patterns rounded from La to Pr with high LILE and HFSE levels. The Fe-rich group (reacted with eclogites) shows bell-shaped irregular patterns with LILE close to the LREE levels. A possible reason for LILE (HFSE and) enrichment of the upper part of the mantle is subduction metasomatsm in Archaean times (with participation of mature continental sediments) activated by plumes at 1.8 Ga and earlier which produced pervasive focused melt flow with remelting of mica-amphibole metasomatites giving continuous REE and LILE enrichment in mantle lithologies from 5.8 to 2.5 GPa.
Jounral of Earth System Science, Vol. 131 81 doi.org/10/1007/s12040-022-01814-3 19p. Pdf
Russia
deposit - Kayla
Abstract: Origin of abundant alkaline and related lamproite massifs and dykes in Aldan shield have no explanation and the geochemistry of rocks and their xenocrysts is used for the explanation. Bulk-rock geochemistry, mineral chemistry data of the Kayla lamproites of Russia and mineral chemical data (trace and rare elements) of the mantle xenocrysts found in these lamproites was studied using ICP MS and electron microprobe analyses (EPMA). The trace element spectrum of Kayla tuffs and breccias show the similarity with the olivine lamproites and belong to the orogenic type according to Th-U-Nb systematics. Primitive mantle normalized trace element (TRE) spider diagrams show right-leaning patterns with the peaks in large ion lithophile elements Sr, Pb, U, and troughs in Ta, Nb suggesting melting of original peridotites mixed with the ancient EMI (according to Nd, Sr isotopes) source probably belonging to eclogites or lower crust. The age of the emplacement is 132-134 Ma, similar to the Chompolo lamprophyres and many other alkaline Aldan complexes. Thermo-barometric estimation from Cr-diopsides and chromites xenocrysts suggest the origin from the spinel-garnet transition in the lithospheric mantle region. The P-T estimates derived from low-Cr-clinopyroxene xenocrysts, and related to lamproites show a high heat flow of 90 mW/m2 due to interaction with the plume-related magma. The Cr-diopsides and chromites give 45 mW/m2 geotherm similar to regional heat flow. The chondrite normalized rare earth element (REE) pattern for chrome-diopsides is steeper, compared to the low-chrome varieties. Primitive mantle normalized spidergram of Cr-diopsides displays peaks for Sr, U, and Th, and deep troughs of Nd, Nb, Ta. REE. The trace element spider diagrams of both types of xenocrysts show that they were equilibrated with the lamproitic melts and reconstructed parental melts of low-Cr-clinopyroxene coincides with the lamproite spectrums.
The stability of Zirconium and Phosphorus bearing minerals in peridotite coexisting with alkaline melts. Implications for the storage of Uranium and Thorium in the mantle
Geological Association of Canada (GAC) Annual Meeting, Vol. 11, p. 101. (abstract.)
Cryptic metasomatism and creation of melts with depleted contents of the high field strength elements:coupled effects due to infiltration of melt intoharz
New Mexico Bureau of Mines Bulletin., Continental Magmatism Abstract Volume, Held, Bulletin. No. 131, p. 185. Abstract
A model of mantle metasom. by carb. alkaline melts:trace element and isotopic compositions of mantle source regions of carbonatite and cont. igneousrocks
Carbonatites -Genesis and Evolution, Ed. K. Bell Unwin Hyman Publ, pp. 464-499
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 496, 1, pp. 142-158.
Asia, Borneo
convection
Abstract: Most, but not all, geodynamic models predict 1-2 km of mantle convective draw-down of the Earth's surface in a region centered on Borneo within southeast Asia. Nevertheless, there is geomorphic, geologic and geophysical evidence which suggests that convective uplift might have played some role in sculpting Bornean physiography. For example, a long wavelength free-air gravity anomaly of +60 mGal centered on Borneo coincides with the distribution of Neogene basaltic magmatism and with the locus of sub-plate slow shear wave velocity anomalies. Global positioning system measurements, an estimate of elastic thickness, and crustal isostatic considerations suggest that regional shortening does not entirely account for kilometer-scale regional elevation. Here, we explore the possible evolution of the Bornean landscape by extracting and modeling an inventory of 90 longitudinal river profiles. Misfit between observed and calculated river profiles is minimized by smoothly varying uplift rate as a function of space and time. Erosional parameters are chosen by assuming that regional uplift post-dates Eocene deposition of marine carbonate rocks. The robustness of this calibration is tested against independent geologic observations such as thermochronometric measurements, offshore sedimentary flux calculations, and the history of volcanism. A calculated cumulative uplift history suggests that kilometer-scale Bornean topography grew rapidly during Neogene times. This suggestion is corroborated by an offshore Miocene transition from carbonate to clastic deposition. Co-location of regional uplift and slow shear wave velocity anomalies immediately beneath the lithospheric plate implies that regional uplift could have been at least partly generated and maintained by temperature anomalies within an asthenospheric channel.
India's changing place in global Proterozoic reconstructions: a review of geochronologic constraints and paleomagnetic poles from the Dharwar Bundelk hand and Marwar
Journal of Geodynamics, Vol. 50, 3-4, pp. 224-242.
Paleomagnetic and geochronological studies of the mafic dyke swarms of Bundelk hand craton, central India: implications for the tectonic evolution and paleogeographic reconstructions.
Abstract: The controversial late Ediacaran to Cambrian paleogeography is largely due to the paucity and low reliability of available paleomagnetic poles. Baltica is a prime example of these issues. Previously published paleomagnetic results from a thick clastic sedimentary pile in the White Sea region (northern Russia) provided valuable Ediacaran paleontological and paleomagnetic data. Until recently, Cambrian-age rocks in northern Russia were known mostly from boreholes or a few small outcrops. A recent mining operation in the Winter Coast region exposed >60 m of red sandstone and siltstone of the Cambrian Brusov Formation from the walls of a diamond pit. Paleomagnetic data from these rocks yield two major components. (1) A single-polarity A component is isolated in ?90% of samples between 200 and 650 °C. The corresponding pole (Pole Latitutde, Plat = 20°S; Pole Longitude, Plong = 227°E, ?95 = 7°) agrees with the Early Ordovician reference pole for Baltica. (2) A dual-polarity B component is identified in ?33% of samples, mostly via remagnetization circles, isolated from samples above 650 °C. The corresponding pole (Plat = 12°S; Plong = 108°E, ?95 = 5°) is close to other late Ediacaran data but far from all younger reference poles for Baltica. We argue for a primary magnetization for the B component and the secondary origin of the other Cambrian poles from Baltica. This in turn requires a major reshuffling of all continents and blocks around the North Atlantic. The early stages of Eurasia amalgamation and models for the evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt require revision.
Abstract: Just over 15 years ago, a proposal forwarded by Rogers and Santosh (2002) posited the existence of a pre-Rodinia supercontinent which they called Columbia. The conjecture invigorated research into the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic interval that was; in our opinion, inappropriately dubbed ‘the boring billion’. Given the wealth of new information about the supercontinent, this review paper takes a careful look at the paleomagnetic evidence that is used to reconstruct Columbia. Our contribution represents a status report and indicates that; despite the exponential increase in available data, knowledge of the assembly, duration and breakup history of the supercontinent are contentious. The commonality of ~ 1.7–2.1 Ga orogenic systems around the globe are indicative of major changes in paleogeography and growth of larger landmasses. There is continued discussion about the interconnectedness of those orogenic systems in a global picture. Arguments for Columbia posit a ~ 1500–1400 Ma age for maximum packing. Paleomagnetic data from many of the constituent cratons during the 1500–1400 Ma interval can be interpreted to support a large landmass, but the consistency of the proposal cannot be reliably demonstrated for earlier or later times. One of the more intriguing advances are the apparent long-lived connections between Laurentia, Siberia and Baltica that may have formed the core of both Columbia and Rodinia.
Geological Society of London Special Publication, Vol. 457, pp. 339-351.
India
Tectonics
Abstract: In this short paper, we outline the potential links between India and the East Antarctica region from Enderby Land to Princess Elizabeth Land using the Mesozoic East Gondwana configuration as a starting point. Palaeomagnetic data indicate that East Gondwana did not exist prior to the Ediacaran-Cambrian. Early Neoproterozoic (1050-950 Ma) deformation in East Antarctica and along the Eastern Ghats Province in India marks the initial contact between the two regions. Volcanism in the Kerguelen hotspot led to final break-up of India and East Antarctica in the Cretaceous. Although connections between the Archaean and Proterozoic provinces of India and East Antarctica have been proposed, the current record of large igneous provinces (or dyke swarms), palaeomagnetic data and geochronology do not show a consistently good match between the two regions.
Gondwana Research, doi.org/10.1016 /j.gr.2013.03.013 21p. Pdf
Africa, Mozambique
tectonics
Abstract: The birth of modern life on Earth can be linked to the adequate supply of nutrients into the oceans. In this paper, we evaluate the relative supply of nutrients into the ocean. These nutrients entered the ocean through myriad passageways, but primarily through accelerated erosion due to uplift. In the ‘second ecosystem’, uplift is associated with plume-generation during the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. Although the evidence is somewhat cryptic, it appears that the second ecosystem included the demospongia back into the Cryogenian (~ 750 Ma). During the Ediacaran-Cambrian interval, convergent margin magmatism, arc volcanism and the closure of ocean basins provided a second pulse of nutrient delivery into the marine environment. A major radiation of life forms begins around 580 Ma and is represented by the diverse and somewhat enigmatic Ediacaran fauna followed by the Cambrian Explosion of modern phyla during the 540-520 Ma interval. Tectonically, the Ediacaran-Cambrian time interval is dominated by the formation of ultra-high pressure (UHP), high pressure (HP) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) orogenic belts during Gondwana orogenesis. Erosion of this extensive mountainous region delivered vast nutrients into the ocean and enhanced the explosiveness of the Cambrian radiation. The timing of final collisional orogeny and construction of the mountain belts in many of the Gondwana-forming orogens, particularly some of those in the central and eastern belts, post-date the first appearance of modern life forms. We therefore postulate that a more effective nutrient supply for the Cambrian radiation was facilitated by plume-driven uplift of TTG crust, subsequent rifting, and subduction-related nutrient systems prior to the assembly of Gondwana. In the outlined scenario, we propose that the birth of the ‘second ecosystem’ on our planet is plume-driven.
Abstract: The rare earth element (REE) mineralization of Gakara (Burundi) has first been discovered in 1936 and has periodically been the subject of geological studies, at times when the exploitation of bastnäsite-(Ce) and monazite-(Ce) was economically interesting. This study focuses on the establishment of a mineral paragenesis for Gakara, with special attention to the REE-bearing phases, to understand the formation history of the deposit. The paragenesis can be subdivided into 3 stages: primary ore deposition, brecciation stage and supergene alteration. Evidence for fenitization processes (i.e. pinkish-red cathodoluminescence of K-feldpar, brecciation stage) and the strong enrichment of light REEs in bastnäsite and monazite substantiate the hypothesis of a structurally controlled hydrothermal mineralization with a strong carbonatitic affinity. This likely confirms the association of the Gakara REE deposit with the Neoproterozoic alignment of alkaline complexes and carbonatites along the present-day Western Rift. It suggests a direct link with a - currently unidentified - carbonatitic body at depth, possibly derived from a predominantly metasomatized lithospheric mantle.
Abstract: Mantle-derived carbonatites provide a unique window in the understanding of mantle characteristics and dynamics, as well as insight into the assembly and breakup of supercontinents. As a petrological indicator of extensional tectonic regimes, Archean/Proterozoic carbonatites provide important constraints on the timing of the breakup of ancient supercontinents. The majority of the carbonatites reported worldwide are Phanerozoic, in part because of the difficulty in recognizing Archean/Proterozoic carbonatites, which are characterized by strong foliation and recrystallization, and share broad petrologic similarities with metamorphosed sedimentary lithologies. Here, we report the recognition of a ~1.85?Ga carbonatite in Chaihulanzi area of Chifeng in north China based on systematic geological, petrological, geochemical, and baddeleyite U-Pb geochronological results. The carbonatite occurs as dikes or sills emplaced in Archean metasedimentary rocks and underwent intense deformation. Petrological and SEM/EDS results show that calcite and dolomite are the dominant carbonate minerals along with minor and varied amounts of Mg-rich mafic minerals, including forsterite (with Fo?>?98), phlogopite, diopside, and an accessory amount of apatite, baddeleyite, spinel, monazite, and ilmenite. The relatively high silica content together with the non-arc and OIB-like trace element signatures of the carbonatite indicates a hot mantle plume as the likely magma source. The depleted Nd isotopic signatures suggest that plume upwelling might be triggered by the accumulation of recycled crust in the deep mantle. As a part of the global-scale Columbia supercontinent, the Proterozoic tectonic evolution of the North China Craton (NCC) provides important insights into the geodynamics governing amalgamation and fragmentation of the supercontinent. The Paleo-Mesoproterozoic boundary is the key point of tectonic transition from compressional to extensional settings in the NCC. The newly identified ~1.85?Ga carbonatite provides a direct link between the long-lasting supercontinental breakup and plume activity, which might be sourced from the “slab graveyard,” continental crustal slabs subducted into asthenosphere, beneath the supercontinent. The carbonatite provides a precise constraint of the initiation of the continental breakup at ~1.85?Ga.
Abstract: Mantle-derived carbonatites provide a unique window in the understanding of mantle characteristics and dynamics, as well as insight into the assembly and breakup of supercontinents. As a petrological indicator of extensional tectonic regimes, Precambrian carbonatites provide important constraints on the timing of the breakup of ancient supercontinents. The majority of the carbonatites reported worldwide are Phanerozoic, in part because of the difficulty in recognizing Precambrian carbonatites, which are characterized by strong foliation and recrystallization, and share broad petrologic similarities with metamorphosed sedimentary lithologies. Here we report the recognition of a ~1.85?Ga carbonatite in Chaihulanzi area of Chifeng in north China based on systematic geological, petrological, geochemical, and baddeleyite U-Pb geochronological results. The carbonatite occurs as dikes or sills emplaced in Archean metasedimentary rocks and underwent intense deformation. Petrological and SEM/EDS results show that calcite and dolomite are the dominant carbonate minerals along with minor and varied amounts of Mg-rich mafic minerals, including forsterite (with Fo?>?98), phlogopite, diopside, and an accessory amount of apatite, baddeleyite, spinel, monazite, and ilmenite. The relatively high silica content together with the non-arc and OIB-like trace element signatures of the carbonatite indicates a hot mantle plume as the likely magma source. The depleted Nd isotopic signatures suggest that plume upwelling might be triggered by the accumulation of recycled crust in the deep mantle. As a part of the global-scale Columbia supercontinent, the Proteozoic tectonic evolution of the North China Craton (NCC) provides important insights into the geodynamics governing amalgamation and fragmentation of the supercontinent. The Paleo-Mesoproterozoic boundary is the key point of tectonic transition from compressional to extensional settings in the NCC. The newly-identified ~1.85?Ga carbonatite provides a direct link between the long-lasting supercontinental breakup and plume activity, which might be sourced from the “slab graveyard”, continental crustal slabs subducted into asthenosphere, beneath the supercontinent. The carbonatite provides a precise constraint of the initiation of the continental breakup at ~1.85?Ga.
Abstract: Mantle-derived carbonatites provide a unique window in the understanding of mantle characteristics and dynamics, as well as insight into the assembly and breakup of supercontinents. As a petrological indicator of extensional tectonic regimes, Precambrian carbonatites provide important constraints on the timing of the breakup of ancient supercontinents. The majority of the carbonatites reported worldwide are Phanerozoic, in part because of the difficulty in recognizing Precambrian carbonatites, which are characterized by strong foliation and recrystallization, and share broad petrologic similarities with metamorphosed sedimentary lithologies. Here we report the recognition of a ~1.85?Ga carbonatite in Chaihulanzi area of Chifeng in north China based on systematic geological, petrological, geochemical, and baddeleyite U-Pb geochronological results. The carbonatite occurs as dikes or sills emplaced in Archean metasedimentary rocks and underwent intense deformation. Petrological and SEM/EDS results show that calcite and dolomite are the dominant carbonate minerals along with minor and varied amounts of Mg-rich mafic minerals, including forsterite (with Fo?>?98), phlogopite, diopside, and an accessory amount of apatite, baddeleyite, spinel, monazite, and ilmenite. The relatively high silica content together with the non-arc and OIB-like trace element signatures of the carbonatite indicates a hot mantle plume as the likely magma source. The depleted Nd isotopic signatures suggest that plume upwelling might be triggered by the accumulation of recycled crust in the deep mantle. As a part of the global-scale Columbia supercontinent, the Proteozoic tectonic evolution of the North China Craton (NCC) provides important insights into the geodynamics governing amalgamation and fragmentation of the supercontinent. The Paleo-Mesoproterozoic boundary is the key point of tectonic transition from compressional to extensional settings in the NCC. The newly-identified ~1.85?Ga carbonatite provides a direct link between the long-lasting supercontinental breakup and plume activity, which might be sourced from the “slab graveyard”, continental crustal slabs subducted into asthenosphere, beneath the supercontinent. The carbonatite provides a precise constraint of the initiation of the continental breakup at ~1.85?Ga.
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.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 149, pp. 207-214.
Global
geophysics - gravity
Abstract: In this article, the probability tomography imaging method is applied to airborne vertical gravity gradient data to detect anomalies and estimate their depths and locations. First, the subsurface is divided into a 3D regular grid. Then, the probability tomography function is calculated at each grid node, and the obtained grid values are plotted. The zones of the highest values are the most probable areas for the buried bodies. It is noted that the results fall in the range [-1, +1] that represents the mass excess or mass deficit of density relative to the density of the host volume. The approach is applied to a sphere model and a cube model at certain flight altitudes. The results demonstrate that the approximate mass distribution and depth estimation derived from the approach are reliable up to a certain flight altitude.
Distinct mantle sources of low Ti and high Ti basalts from the western Emeishan large igneous province, SW China: implications for plume?? lithosphere interaction
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 228, 3-4, pp. 525-546.
Journal of Materials Research and Technology, Vol. 12, pp. 1473-1485.
China
nanodiamonds
Abstract: In this work, Ni/diamond composite coatings have been synthesized by electrodeposition in direct current mode. The effects of mechanical and ultrasonic agitations on the microstructural, surface characteristics and electrochemical properties have been comparatively investigated by various methods. Results show that diamond nanoparticles have been evenly dispersed in Ni metallic matrix, which could reinforce their performances. The coatings prepared under ultrasonic and mechanical agitation both exhibit compact, dense and hill-valley like morphology with pyramid-like nickel crystallite grains. The relative texture coefficient (RTC) values show that the preferred orientation of the Ni/diamond coating was (200) texture. From 3 to 5 A dm?2, the crystallite sizes of ultrasonic conditions were 59.2-81.7 nm, which were smaller than 76.3-83.2 nm of magnetic agitations. The average roughness (Ra = 78.9-133 nm) of ultrasonic-assisted coatings were lower than 103-139 nm of magnetic conditions. The mechanism of the co-electrodeposition process was proposed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results illustrate that the ultrasonic-assisted electrodeposited Ni/diamond coating has better corrosion resistance than that prepared under mechanical stirring conditions. The Ni/diamond composite coatings could be applied as protective materials in harsh mediums.
Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 46, 16, pp. 9509-9518.
Africa, South Africa
geophysics - seismics
Abstract: P and S waves travel times from large, distant earthquakes recorded on seismic stations in Botswana and South Africa have been combined with existing data from the region to construct velocity models of the upper mantle beneath southern Africa. The models show a region of higher velocities beneath the Rehoboth Province and parts of the northern Okwa Terrane and the Magondi Belt, which can be attributed to thicker cratonic lithosphere, and a region of lower velocities beneath the Damara?Ghanzi?Chobe Belt and Okavango Rift, which can be attributed a region of thinner off?craton lithosphere. This finding suggests that the spatial extent of thick cratonic lithosphere in southern Africa is greater than previously known. In addition, within the cratonic lithosphere an area of lower velocities is imaged, revealing parts of the cratonic lithosphere that may have been modified by younger magmatic events.
Abstract: Palaeogeography is the cartographic representation of the past distribution of geographic features such as deep oceans, shallow seas, lowlands, rivers, lakes and mountain belts on palinspastically restored plate tectonic base maps. It is closely connected with plate tectonics which grew from an earlier theory of continental drift and is largely responsible for creating and structuring the Earth's lithosphere. Today, palaeogeography is an integral part of the Earth sciences curriculum. Commonly, with some exceptions, only the most recent state of research is presented; the historical aspects of how we actually came to the insights which we take for granted are rarely discussed, if at all. It is remarkable how much was already known about the changing face of the Earth more than three centuries before the theory of plate tectonics, despite the fact that most of our present analytical tools or our models were unavailable then. Here, we aim to present a general conspectus from the dawn of ‘palaeogeography’ in the 16th century onwards. Special emphasis is given to innovative ideas and scientific milestones, supplemented by memorable anecdotes, which helped to advance the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics, and finally led to the establishment of palaeogeography as a recognized discipline of the Earth sciences.
Abstract: Garnet chemistry provides a well-established tool in the discrimination and interpretation of sediment provenance. Current discrimination approaches, however, (i) suffer from using less variables than available, (ii) subjective determination of discrimination fields with strict boundaries suggesting clear separations where in fact probabilities are converging, and (iii) significant overlap of compositional fields of garnet from different host-rock groups. The new multivariate discrimination scheme is based on a large database, a hierarchical discrimination approach involving three steps, linear discriminant analysis at each step, and the five major host-rock groups to be discriminated: eclogite- (A), amphibolite- (B) and granulite- (C) facies metamorphic rocks as well as ultramafic (D) and igneous rocks (E). The successful application of statistical discrimination approaches requires consideration of the a priori knowledge of the respective geologic setting. This is accounted for by the use of prior probabilities. Three sets of prior probabilities (priors) are introduced and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The user is free to choose among these priors, which can be further modified according to the specific geologic problem and the level of a priori knowledge. The discrimination results are provided as integrated probabilities of belonging to the five major host-rock groups. For performing calculations and results a supplementary Excel® spreadsheet is provided. The discrimination scheme has been tested for a large variety of examples of crystalline rocks covering all of the five major groups and several subgroups from various geologic settings. In most cases, garnets are assigned correctly to the respective group. Exceptions typically reflect the peculiarities of the regional geologic situation. Evaluation of detrital garnets from modern and ancient sedimentary settings of the Western Gneiss Region (Norway), Eastern Alps (Austria) and Albertine Rift (Uganda) demonstrates the power to reflect the respective geologic situations and corroborates previous results. As most garnet is derived from metamorphic rocks and many provenance studies aim at reconstructing the tectonic and geodynamic evolution in the source area, the approach and the examples emphasize discrimination of metamorphic facies (i.e., temperature-pressure conditions) rather than protolith composition.
Abstract: Palaeogeography is the cartographic representation of the past distribution of geographic features such as deep oceans, shallow seas, lowlands, rivers, lakes and mountain belts on palinspastically restored plate tectonic base maps. It is closely connected with plate tectonics which grew from an earlier theory of continental drift and is largely responsible for creating and structuring the Earth's lithosphere. Today, palaeogeography is an integral part of the Earth sciences curriculum. Commonly, with some exceptions, only the most recent state of research is presented; the historical aspects of how we actually came to the insights which we take for granted are rarely discussed, if at all. It is remarkable how much was already known about the changing face of the Earth more than three centuries before the theory of plate tectonics, despite the fact that most of our present analytical tools or our models were unavailable then. Here, we aim to present a general conspectus from the dawn of ‘palaeogeography’ in the 16th century onwards. Special emphasis is given to innovative ideas and scientific milestones, supplemented by memorable anecdotes, which helped to advance the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics, and finally led to the establishment of palaeogeography as a recognized discipline of the Earth sciences.
Abstract: Local occurrences of coesite- and diamond-bearing rocks in the central Erzgebirge (northwestern Bohemian Massif, Germany) reveal ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic conditions during the Variscan orogeny. Although UHP metamorphism supposedly affected a wider area, implying that rocks that equilibrated under UHP conditions occur dispersed in large volumes of high-pressure country-rock gneisses, mineralogical evidence is scarce. Here we have applied the new concept of capturing the distribution and characteristics of UHP rocks by analyzing inclusions in detrital garnet. Out of 700 inclusion-bearing garnets from seven modern sand samples from creeks draining the UHP area around the Saidenbach reservoir, we detected 26 garnets containing 46 mainly monomineralic coesite inclusions and 22 garnets containing 41 diamond inclusions. Combining these results with geochemical classification of the host garnets, we show (1) that coesite-bearing rocks are common and comprise eclogites as well as felsic gneisses, (2) that small inclusion size is a necessary precondition for the preservation of monomineralic coesite, and (3) for the first time, that diamond-bearing crustal rocks can be detected by analyzing the detrital record. Our results highlight the potential of this novel application of sedimentary provenance tools to UHP research, and the necessity of looking at the micrometer scale to find evidence in the form of preserved UHP minerals.
Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 21p. Open access
Global
GeoPT
Abstract: Data submitted over the past 25?years to GeoPT, the highly successful proficiency-testing programme for the geochemical analysis of geological materials, organised by the International Association of Geoanalysts, provide a valuable resource that permits detailed investigation of contrasting results associated with different sample preparation and measurement principles. Highlighted issues include the following: recurring problems with the dissolution of the refractory minerals zircon and chromite, which produce a large dispersion in data obtained when acid digestion is involved; issues related to different XRF sample preparation methods, whereby a significant divergence of pressed powder pellet results compared with those from fused glass discs is observed; high relative dispersion of data both at low mass fractions, and those higher than normally found in silicate rocks, due to incomplete method validation, in particular due to an overconfidence in estimating reporting limits and to the employment of limited working ranges. In addition, an example for Sr in an ancient pegmatite with extremely high Rb abundance is presented, where ICP-MS results amount to only to a third of the XRF results, severely underestimated due to the disregard of the radiogenic ingrowth from 87Rb decay. Recommendations are made both for improving data quality and the selection of test materials for future GeoPT rounds.
Abstract: Everyday international political economy (EIPE) offers an opportunity to rethink the role of individuals and citizenry in shaping governance of natural resources. In South Africa, significant progress has been made by government in re-shaping water governance since the end of apartheid in the early 1990s. The role of government in water governance and water politics has thus been emphasised to a large degree. This study looks at historical material to assess the role that water politics and EIPE has played in shaping the use and management of water resources in the country. Case studies are analysed of two quaternary catchments, A63E and A71L in the Limpopo River Basin, to show how everyday actions by different actors has shaped the current waterscape in the basin. Four events, namely, the politics of the Middle Iron Age State at Mapungubwe; the development of the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site; the management of water for the De Beers Venetia Diamond Mine; and the establishment of the Coal of Africa Limited colliery are discussed in terms of the agential power at play during each event. The conclusions of the study are that EIPE and reflexive agential power are important factors in water governance that can sometimes be ignored through neoliberal institutionalism. In the current and future governance of water in South Africa they can offer an alternative view of the role and importance of actors and pathways for development.
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: In the present study, four samples of natural melilites were characterized using electron microprobe analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, and their thermodynamic properties were measured with a high-temperature heat-flux Tian-Calvet microcalorimeter. The enthalpies of formation from the elements were determined to be: -3796.3 ± 4.1 kJ/mol for Ca1.8Na0.2(Mg0.7Al0.2Fe2+0.1?)Si2O7, -3753.6 ± 5.2 kJ/mol for Ca1.6Na0.4(Mg0.5Al0.4Fe2+0.1?)Si2O7, -3736.4 ± 3.7 kJ/mol for Ca1.6Na0.4(Mg0.4Al0.4Fe2+0.2?)Si2O7, and -3929.2 ± 3.8 kJ/mol for Ca2(Mg0.4Al0.6)[Si1.4Al0.6O7]. Using the obtained formation enthalpies and estimated entropies, the standard Gibbs free energies of formation of these melilites were calculated. Finally, the enthalpies of the formation of the end-members of the isomorphic åkermanite-gehlenite and åkermanite-alumoåkermanite series were derived. The obtained thermodynamic properties of melilites of different compositions can be used for quantitative modeling of formation conditions of these minerals in related geological and industrial processes.
Midende, G., Boulais, P., Tack, L., Melcher, F., Gerdes,A., Dewaele, S., Demaiffe, D., Decree, S.
Petrography, geochemistry and U Pb zircon age of the Matongo carbonatite Massif ( Burundi): implication for the Neoproterozoic geodynamic evolution of Central Africa.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 100, pp. 656-674.
Midende, G., Boulvais, P., Tack, L., Melcher, F., Gerdes, A., Dewaele, S., Demaiffe, D., Decree, S.
Petrography, geochemistry and U-Pb zircon age of the Matongo carbonatite Massif ( Burundi): implication for the Neoproterozoic geodynamic evolution of Central Africa.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 100, pp. 656-674.
European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017, Vienna April 23-28, 1p. 5374 Abstract
Russia
Deposit - Udachnaya
Abstract: The study of diamonds and the mineral inclusions trapped in them is of great interest for Earth science, since they can provide insight about deep mantle conditions and its evolution. The conventional techniques commonly used are destructive and thus do not allow the employment of different methods used simultaneously to obtain integrated and complementary results. Significant information about the growth conditions of diamonds and their inclusions still trapped within them can be preferably obtained by in situ investigation. In this study, we propose a multi-analytical approach, using a set of non-destructive techniques with conventional sources, to investigate one diamond from Udachnaya kimberlite (Siberia, Russia). The combined use of micro-X-ray Tomography, micro-X-ray Fluorescence, X-Ray Powder Diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy, allowed us to determine the spatial distribution of the inclusions, their chemical and mineralogical composition and, finally, the paragenetic suite, totally preserving the diamond host. The sample was also studied by means of X-ray Diffraction Topography to characterize the structural defects and to obtain genetic information about the growth history of the diamond. The combination of the different data provided a sort of «mapping» of a diamond. The X-Ray Topographic images show that the sample investigated exhibits plastic deformation. Actually, one set of {111} slip lamellae, corresponding to polysynthetic twinning, affect the whole sample. The tomographic images reveal that the primary inclusions, not observable optically, show a poly-faceted shape corresponding to an assemblage of tiny crystals. The chemical data display that the trapped minerals are mono-sulphides of Fe, Ni. The diagrams obtained by the X-Ray diffraction reveal that the inclusions mainly consist of an assemblage of tiny crystals of pentlandite and pyrrothite. Nevertheless, a thorough analysis of the diffraction data suggests the presence of another mono-sulphide of Fe,Ni: mackinawite. Raman spectra taken on these inclusions confirm, for the first time, the presence of this metastable phase as inclusion in diamond. The genetic implications of these results are discussed.
Abstract: A single gem lithospheric diamond with five sulfide inclusions from the Udachnaya kimberlite (Siberia, Russia) has been analyzed non-destructively to track the growth conditions of the diamond. Sulfides are the most abundant mineral inclusions in many lithospheric diamond crystals and are the most favorable minerals to date diamond crystals by Re-Os isotope systematics. Our investigation used non-destructive, micro-techniques, combining X-ray tomography, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray powder diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. This approach allowed us to determine the spatial distribution of the inclusions, their chemical and mineralogical composition on the microscale, and, finally, the paragenetic association, leaving the diamond host completely unaffected. The sample was also studied by X-ray diffraction topography to characterize the structural defects of the diamond and to obtain genetic information about its growth history. The X-ray topographic images show that the sample investigated exhibits plastic deformation. One set of {111} slip lamellae, corresponding to polysynthetic twinning, affects the entire sample. Chemical data on the inclusions still trapped within the diamond show they are monosulfide solid solutions of Fe, Ni and indicate a peridotitic paragenesis. Micro-X-ray diffraction reveals that the inclusions mainly consist of a polycrystalline aggregate of pentlandite and pyrrothite. A thorough analysis of the Raman data suggests the presence of a further Fe, Ni sulfide, never reported so far in diamonds: mackinawite. The total absence of any oxides in the sulfide assemblage clearly indicates that mackinawite is not simply a “late” alteration of pyrrhotite and pentlandite due to secondary oxidizing fluids entering diamond fractures after the diamond transport to the surface. Instead, it is likely formed as a low-temperature phase that grew in a closed system within the diamond host. It is possible that mackinawite is a more common phase in sulfide assemblages within diamond crystals than has previously been presumed, and that the percentage of mackinawite within a given sulfide assemblage could vary from diamond to diamond and from locality to locality.
Abstract: At the core of many Earth-scale processes is the question of what the deep mantle is made of. The only direct samples from such extreme depths are diamonds and their inclusions. It is commonly assumed that these inclusions reflect ambient mantle or are syngenetic with diamond, but these assumptions are rarely tested. We have studied inclusion-host growth relationships in two potentially superdeep diamonds from Juina (Brazil) containing nine inclusions of Fe-rich (XFe ?0.33 to ?0.64) ferropericlase-magnesiowüstite (FM) by X-ray diffractometry, X-ray tomography, cathodoluminescence, electron backscatter diffraction, and electron microprobe analysis. The inclusions share a common [112] zone axis with their diamonds and have their major crystallographic axes within 3°-8° of those of their hosts. This suggests a specific crystallographic orientation relationship (COR) resulting from interfacial energy minimization, disturbed by minor post-entrapment rotation around [112] due to plastic deformation. The observed COR and the relationships between inclusions and diamond growth zones imply that FM nucleated during the growth history of the diamond. Therefore, these inclusions may not provide direct information on the ambient mantle prior to diamond formation. Consequently, a “non-pyrolitic” composition of the lower mantle is not required to explain the occurrence of Fe-rich FM inclusions in diamonds. By identifying examples of mineral inclusions that reflect the local environment of diamond formation and not ambient mantle, we provide both a cautionary tale and a means to test diamond-inclusion time relationships for proper application of inclusion studies to whole-mantle questions.
Agrosi, G., Tempesta, G., Mele, D., Caggiani, MC., Mangone, A., Della Ventura, G., Cestelli-Guidi, M., Allegretta, I., Hutchison, M.T., Nimis, P., Nestola, F.
Abstract: Super-deep diamonds and their mineral inclusions preserve very precious information about Earth’s deep mantle. In this study, we examined multiphase inclusions entrapped within a diamond from the Rio Vinte e um de Abril, São Luiz area (Juina, Brazil), using a combination of non-destructive methods. Micro-Computed X-ray Tomography (?-CXRT) was used to investigate the size, shape, distribution and X-Ray absorption of inclusions and mapping by micro X-ray Fluorescence (?-XRF), ?-Raman Spectroscopy and micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (?-FTIR) were used to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition of the inclusions. Four large inclusions enclosed in the N-rich diamond core consist of dominant ferropericlase-magnesiowüstite and locally exsolved magnesioferrite. FTIR maps, obtained integrating the band at 1430 cm?1, show also the presence of carbonates. A fifth large inclusion (ca 100 ?m) was remarkable because it showed a very unusual flask shape, resembling a fluid/melt inclusion. Based on ?CXRT tomography and ?-Raman mapping, the flask-shaped inclusion is polyphase and consists of magnetite and hematite partly replacing a magnesiowüstite core and small-volume of gas/vacuum. ?-Raman spectra on the same inclusion revealed local features that are ascribed to post-spinel polymorphs, such as maohokite or xieite, which are stable at P ? 18 GPa, and to huntite, a carbonate with formula CaMg3(CO3)4. This represents the first finding of maohokite and huntite in diamond. We interpret the composition of the inclusions as evidence of formation of ferropericlase-magnesiowüstite and diamond in a carbonate-rich environment at depths corresponding at least to the Transition Zone, followed by oxidation of ferropericlase-magnesiowüstite by reaction with relatively large-volume entrapped melt during diamond ascent.
Abstract: We performed laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments on bulk compositions in the systems MgO-SiO2-H2O (MSH) and MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O (MASH) that constrain the stability of hydrous phases in Earth’s lower mantle. Phase identification by synchrotron powder diffraction reveals a consistent set of stability relations for the high-pressure, dense hydrous silicate phases D and H. In the MSH system phase D is stable to ~ 50 GPa, independent of temperature from ~ 1300 to 1700 K. Phase H becomes stable between 35 and 40 GPa, and the phase H out reaction occurs at ~ 55 GPa at 1600 K with a negative dT/dP slope of ~ -75 K/GPa. Between ~ 30 and 50 GPa dehydration melting occurs at ~ 1800K with a flat dT/dP slope. A cusp along the solidus at ~ 50 GPa corresponds with the intersection of the subsolidus phase H out reaction, and the dT/dP melting slope steepens to ~ 15 K/GPa up to ~ 85 GPa.
Marker, A., Friedrich, G., Carvalho, A., Melfi, A.
Control of the distribution of Manganese, Cobalt, Zinc, Zrirconium, Titanium and REEs during the evolution of lateritic covers above ultramafic complexes
Journal of Geochemical Exploration, Special Publications Geochemical, Vol. 40, No. 1-3, pp. 361-384
Geochemical behaviour of rare earth elements in alterites of phosphate and titanium ore deposits in Tapira (Minas Gerais, Brasil):importance ofphosphates
Chemical Geology ( Geochem. of the Earth's surface and of min. formation, 2nd., Vol. 84, No. 1-4, July 5, pp. 377. Abstract
Brazil
Alkaline rocks, rare earth elements (REE) -phosphates
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: Perovskite (CaTiO3) has become a very useful mineral for dating kimberlite eruptions, as well as for constraining the compositional evolution of a kimberlitic magma and its source. Despite the undeniable potential of such an approach, no similar study had been done in Angola, the fourth largest diamond producer in Africa. Here we present the first work of in situ U-Pb geochronology and Sr-Nd isotope analyses of perovskite in six Angolan kimberlites, supported by a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of their perovskite populations. Four types of perovskite were identified, differing in texture, major- and trace-element composition, zoning patterns, type of alteration and the presence or absence of inclusions. Primary groundmass perovskite is classified either as anhedral, Na-, Nb- and LREE-poor perovskite (Ia); or euhedral, strongly zoned, Na-, Nb- and LREE-rich perovskite (Ib). Secondary perovskite occurs as reaction rims on ilmenite (IIa) or as high Nb (up to 10.6 wt% Nb2O5) perovskite rims on primary perovskite (IIb). The occurrence of these four types within the Mulepe kimberlites is interpreted as an evidence of a complex, multi-stage process that involved mingling of compositionally different melts. U-Pb dating of these perovskites yielded Lower Cretaceous ages for four of the studied kimberlites: Mulepe 1 (116.2 ± 6.5 Ma), Mulepe 2 (123.0 ± 3.6 Ma), Calonda (119.5 ± 4.3 Ma) and Cat115 (133 ± 10 Ma). Kimberlite magmatism occurred in NE Angola likely due to reactivation of deep-seated translithospheric faults (> 300 km) during the break-up of Gondwana. Sr-Nd isotope analyses of four of these kimberlites indicate that they are Group I kimberlites, which is consistent with the petrological observations.
Abstract: Perovskite (CaTiO3) has become a very usefulmineral for dating kimberlite eruptions, aswell as for constraining the compositional evolution of a kimberlitic magma and its source. Despite the undeniable potential of such an approach, no similar study had been done in Angola, the fourth largest diamond producer in Africa. Here we present the firstwork of in situ U-Pb geochronology and Sr-Ndisotope analyses of perovskite in six Angolan kimberlites, supported by a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of their perovskite populations. Four types of perovskitewere identified, differing in texture,major- and trace-element composition, zoning patterns, type of alteration and the presence or absence of inclusions. Primary groundmass perovskite is classified either as anhedral, Na-, Nb- and LREE-poor perovskite (Ia); or euhedral, strongly zoned, Na-, Nb- and LREE-rich perovskite (Ib). Secondary perovskite occurs as reaction rims on ilmenite (IIa) or as high Nb (up to 10.6 wt% Nb2O5) perovskite rims on primary perovskite (IIb). The occurrence of these four types within the Mulepe kimberlites is interpreted as an evidence of a complex, multi-stage process that involved mingling of compositionally different melts. U-Pb dating of these perovskites yielded Lower Cretaceous ages for four of the studied kimberlites: Mulepe 1 (116.2±6.5Ma),Mulepe 2 (123.0±3.6Ma), Calonda (119.5±4.3 Ma) and Cat115 (133±10Ma). Kimberlite magmatism occurred in NE Angola likely due to reactivation of deep-seated translithospheric faults (N300 km) during the break-up of Gondwana. Sr-Nd isotope analyses of four of these kimberlites indicate that they are Group I kimberlites, which is consistent with the petrological observations.
deposits - Tchiuzo, Anomaly 116, Catoca, Alt Cuilo-4, Cuilo-63, Cucumbi-79.
Abstract: In this study, we compare the major- and trace-element compositions of olivine, garnet, and clinopyroxene that occur as single crystals (142 grains), with those derived from xenoliths (51 samples) from six kimberlites in the Lucapa area, northeastern Angola: Tchiuzo, Anomaly 116, Catoca, Alto Cuilo-4, Alto Cuilo-63 and Cucumbi-79. The samples were analyzed using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The results suggest different paragenetic associations for these kimberlites in the Lucapa area. Compositional overlap in some of the macrocryst and mantle xenolith samples indicates a xenocrystic origin for some of those macrocrysts. The presence of mantle xenocrysts suggests the possibility of finding diamond. Geothermobarometric calculations were carried out using EPMA data from xenoliths by applying the program PTEXL.XLT. Additional well calibrated single-clinopyroxene thermobarometric calculations were also applied. Results indicate the underlying mantle experienced different equilibration conditions. Subsequent metasomatic enrichment events also support a hypothesis of different sources for the kimberlites. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the petrogenetic evolution of the kimberlites in northeastern Angola and have important implications for diamond exploration.
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.
Abstract: In this study, we compare the major- and trace-element compositions of olivine, garnet, and clinopyroxene that occur as single crystals (142 grains), with those derived from xenoliths (51 samples) from six kimberlites in the Lucapa area, northeastern Angola: Tchiuzo, Anomaly 116, Catoca, Alto Cuilo-4, Alto Cuilo-63 and Cucumbi-79. The samples were analyzed using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The results suggest different paragenetic associations for these kimberlites in the Lucapa area. Compositional overlap in some of the macrocryst and mantle xenolith samples indicates a xenocrystic origin for some of those macrocrysts. The presence of mantle xenocrysts suggests the possibility of finding diamond. Geothermobarometric calculations were carried out using EPMA data from xenoliths by applying the program PTEXL.XLT. Additional well calibrated single-clinopyroxene thermobarometric calculations were also applied. Results indicate the underlying mantle experienced different equilibration conditions. Subsequent metasomatic enrichment events also support a hypothesis of different sources for the kimberlites. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the petrogenetic evolution of the kimberlites in northeastern Angola and have important implications for diamond exploration.
Abstract: The sequence of replacement in groundmass perovskite and spinel from SK-1 and SK-2 kimberlites (Eastern Dharwar craton, India) has been established. Two types of perovskite occur in the studied Indian kimberlites. Type 1 perovskite is found in the groundmass, crystallized directly from the kimberlite magma, it is light rare-earth elements (LREE)-rich and Fe-poor and its ?NNO calculated value is from ?3.82 to ?0.73. The second generation of perovskite (type 2 perovskite) is found replacing groundmass atoll spinel, it was formed from hydrothermal fluids, it is LREE-free and Fe-rich and has very high ?NNO value (from 1.03 to 10.52). Type 1 groundmass perovskite may be either replaced by anatase or kassite along with aeschynite-(Ce). These differences in the alteration are related to different f(CO2) and f(H2O) conditions. Furthermore, primary perovskite may be strongly altered to secondary minerals, resulting in redistribution of rare-earth elements (REE) and, potentially, U, Pb and Th. Therefore, accurate petrographic and chemical analyses are necessary in order to demonstrate that perovskite is magmatic before proceeding to sort geochronological data by using perovskite. Ti-rich hydrogarnets (12.9 wt %-26.3 wt % TiO2) were produced during spinel replacement by late hydrothermal processes. Therefore, attention must be paid to the position of Ca-Ti-garnets in the mineral sequence and their water content before using them to classify the rock based on their occurrence.
Mineralogy and Petrology, 10.1007/s00710-018-0616-5 13p.
India
ilmentite
Abstract: Indian kimberlites occur in the Bastar craton (Central India) and in the Eastern Dharwar craton (EDC) Southern India. Nearly 100 kimberlite pipes have been discovered in the Eastern Dharwar craton of southern India, and they are distributed in three distinct fields: 1) the southern Wajrakarur kimberlite field (WKF); 2) the northern Narayanpet kimberlite field (NKF); and 3) the Raichur kimberlite field (RKF) (Chalapathi Rao et al, 2013). Nine kimberlites have been selected for this study: three came from the Siddanpalli cluster of RKF (SK-1, SK-2 and SK-3); other six kimberlites came from WKF, from Chigicherla (CC-4 and CC-5), Kalyandurg (KL-3 and KL-4), Lattavaram (P-3) and Mulligripally (P-5). The kimberlite emplacement took place during the Mesoproterozoic, around 1.1 Ga (Chalapathi Rao et al., 2013). Ilmenite is one of the classic diamond indicator minerals (DIMs) and for long it has been used as a guide for kimberlite exploration. The aim of this study is to evaluate the petrogenetic information that can be provided from the textural and geochemical study of the different ilmenite generations present in the Indian kimberlites studied in this work.
Abstract: A complex mineral sequence in a kimberlite from the Banankoro Cluster (Guinea Conakry) has been interpreted as the result of magma mixing processes. The composition of the early generations of phlogopite and spinel suggest direct crystallisation of a kimberlitic magma. However, the compositional trends found in the late generations of phlogopite and spinels could suggest magma mixing. In this context, four ilmenite generations formed. The first generations (types 1 and 2) are geikielitic and are associated with spinel and phlogopite which follow the kimberlitic compositional trends. They are interpreted as produced by crystallization from the kimberlite magma. A third generation of euhedral tabular Mg-rich ilmenite (type 3) formed during the interval between two generations of serpentine. Finally, a late generation of Mn-rich ilmenite (type 4) replaces all the Ti-rich minerals and is contemporaneous with the last generation of serpophitic non-replacing serpentine. Therefore, the formation of type 3 and type 4 ilmenite took place after the crystallization of the groundmass, during late hydrothermal process. Our results suggest a detailed textural study is necessary when use Mg-rich and Mn-rich ilmenites as KIMs.
Abstract: The tectonic setting of northeastern Angola was influenced by the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean, which reactivated deep NE-SW-trending faults during the early Cretaceous. The new interpretation of a kimberlitic pulse during the middle of the Aptian and the Albian, which provides precise data on the age of a significant diamond-bearing kimberlite pulse in Angola, will be an important guide in future diamond exploration. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the petrogenetic evolution of the kimberlites in northeastern Angola and have important implications for diamond exploration. Six kimberlite pipes within the Lucapa structure in northeastern Angola have been investigated using major and trace element geochemistry of mantle xenoliths, macro- and megacrysts. Geothermobarometric calculations were carried out using xenoliths and well-calibrated single crystals of clinopyroxene. Geochronological and isotopic studies were also performed where there were samples available of sufficient quality. Results indicate that the underlying mantle experienced variable conditions of equilibration among the six sites. Subsequent metasomatic enrichment events also support a hypothesis of different sources for these kimberlites. The U/Th values suggest at least two different sources of zircon crystals from the Catoca suite. These different populations may reflect different sources of kimberlitic magma, with some of the grains produced in U- and Th-enriched metasomatized mantle units, an idea consistent with the two populations of zircon identified on the basis of their trace element compositions. This research shows the absence of fresh Mg-rich ilmenite in the Catoca kimberlite (one of the largest bodies of kimberlite in the world), as well as the occurrence of Fe3+-rich ilmenite, do not exclude the presence of diamond in the kimberlite. This is a new insight into the concept of ilmenite and diamond exploration and leads to the conclusion that compositional attributes must be evaluated in light of textural attributes.
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.
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 7 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: Carbonatite and alkaline magma constitute one of the principal resources of rare metals (REE, Nb, Ti, Zr). Carbonatite rare metals enrichment is mainly considered as the result of hydrothermal or supergen processes. However, the magmatic processes linked to carbonatites genesis and differentiation are still debated and whether these processes can significantly impact on the rare metal concentrations remains unclear. Experimental studies have shown that immiscibility processes between carbonate and silicate melts can lead to both REE enrichments and depletions in carbonatites. Anionic species (F, Cl, P or S) and water may impact both melt compositions and expand the immiscibility gap. Morever, anionic species are assumed to play an important role in REE behaviour in carbonate melts [1]. Indeed, halogens may occur in carbonatites as immiscible salt melts in melt inclusions [2] and primary REE- fluoride minerals have been identified as magmatic phases in carbonatites. Such occurrences thus question on the role of salt (carbonate, phosphate, fluoride and chloride) melts in REE and other rare metals partitioning. F, Cl, P and also H2O may all significantly increase the window of primary REE enrichment in carbonatites. Here we present high pressure and high temperature experiments made in piston-cylinder (850 to 1050°C, 8kb) simulating the immiscibility between carbonate and differentiated alkaline melts. We added F, Cl, P and H2O in order to assess the effect of salts and water on the immiscibility gap and on the rare metals partitoning between carbonatite and evolved silicate melts. The partitioning data are analysed using LA-ICP-MS, nano-SIMS, FTIR and RAMAN. The characterization of rare metal partition coefficients allow to determine the relative importance of F, Cl, P and H2O on carbonatites rare metal enrichments at evolved magmatic stage.
Abstract: uncommon type of magmatic rocks dominates by carbonate, are broadly enriched in rare earth elements (REE) relative to the majority of igneous silicate rocks. While more than 500 carbonatites are referenced worldwide [1], only a few contain economic REE concentrations that are widely considered as resulting from late magmatic-hydrothermal or supergene processes. Magmatic pre-enrichment, linked to the igneous processes at the origin of carbonatites, are, however, likely to contribute to the REE fertilisation. Field observations [1] and experimental surveys [2, 3] suggest that a large part of the carbonatite melts can be produced as immiscible liquids with silicate magmas. Experimental constraints reveals that such immiscibility processes can lead to both REE enrichments and depletions in carbonatites [2, 3], making the magmatic processes controlling REE enrichments unclear. Here we present results of high-pressure and hightemperature experiments, simultaneously addressing crystal fractionation of alkaline magmas and immiscibility between carbonate and silicate melts. The experimental data reveal that the degree of differentiation, controlling the chemical composition of alkaline melts is a key factor ruling the REE concentration of the coexisting immiscible carbonatites. The parameterization of the experimental data together with the compilation of geochemical data from various alkaline provinces show that REE concentrations similar to those of highly REE enriched carbonatites (?REE > 30000 ppm) can be produced by immiscibility with phono-trachytic melt compositions, while more primitive alkaline magma can only be immiscible with carbonatites that are not significantly enriched in REE.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available 57p. Pdf
Mantle
carbonatite
Abstract: Rare earth element (REE) enrichments in carbonatites are often described as resulting from late magmatic-hydrothermal or supergene processes. However, magmatic pre-enrichment linked to the igneous processes at the origin of carbonatites are likely to contribute to the REE fertilisation. Experimental constraints reveals that immiscibility processes between carbonate and silicate melts can lead to both REE enrichments and depletions in carbonatites making the magmatic processes controlling REE enrichments unclear.
We link REE contents of carbonatites to the magmatic stage at which carbonatites are separated from silicate magma in their course of differentiation. We present results of experiments made at pressure and temperature conditions of alkaline magmas and associated carbonatites differentiation (0.2-1.5 GPa; 725-975?°C; FMQ to FMQ?+?2.5), simultaneously addressing crystal fractionation of alkaline magmas and immiscibility between carbonate (calcio-carbonate type) and silicate melts (nephelinite to phonolite type). The experimental data shows that the degree of differentiation, controlling the chemical composition of alkaline melts, is a key factor ruling the REE concentration of the coexisting immiscible carbonate melts. In order to predict carbonate melt REE enrichments during alkaline magma differentiation, we performed a parameterisation of experimental data on immiscible silicate and carbonate melts, based exclusively on the silica content, the alumina saturation index and the alkali/alkaline-earth elements ratio of silicate melts. This parameterisation is applied to more than 1600 geochemical data of silicate magmas from various alkaline provinces (East African Rift, Canary and Cape Verde Islands) and show that REE concentrations of their potential coeval carbonatite melts can reach concentration ranges similar to those of highly REE enriched carbonatites (?REE?>?30 000?ppm) by immiscibility with phonolitic/phono-trachytic melt compositions, while more primitive alkaline magmas can only be immiscible with carbonatites that are not significantly enriched in REE.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 282, pp. 297-323.
Africa, East Africa
carbonatites
Abstract: Rare earth element (REE) enrichments in carbonatites are often described as resulting from late magmatic-hydrothermal or supergene processes. However, magmatic pre-enrichment linked to the igneous processes at the origin of carbonatites are likely to contribute to the REE fertilisation. Experimental constraints reveals that immiscibility processes between carbonate and silicate melts can lead to both REE enrichments and depletions in carbonatites making the magmatic processes controlling REE enrichments unclear.
We link REE contents of carbonatites to the magmatic stage at which carbonatites are separated from silicate magma in their course of differentiation. We present results of experiments made at pressure and temperature conditions of alkaline magmas and associated carbonatites differentiation (0.2-1.5 GPa; 725-975?°C; FMQ to FMQ?+?2.5), simultaneously addressing crystal fractionation of alkaline magmas and immiscibility between carbonate (calcio-carbonate type) and silicate melts (nephelinite to phonolite type). The experimental data shows that the degree of differentiation, controlling the chemical composition of alkaline melts, is a key factor ruling the REE concentration of the coexisting immiscible carbonate melts. In order to predict carbonate melt REE enrichments during alkaline magma differentiation, we performed a parameterisation of experimental data on immiscible silicate and carbonate melts, based exclusively on the silica content, the alumina saturation index and the alkali/alkaline-earth elements ratio of silicate melts. This parameterisation is applied to more than 1600 geochemical data of silicate magmas from various alkaline provinces (East African Rift, Canary and Cape Verde Islands) and show that REE concentrations of their potential coeval carbonatite melts can reach concentration ranges similar to those of highly REE enriched carbonatites (?REE?>?30 000?ppm) by immiscibility with phonolitic/phono-trachytic melt compositions, while more primitive alkaline magmas can only be immiscible with carbonatites that are not significantly enriched in REE.
Melluso, L., Lustrino, M., Ruberti, E., Brotzu, P., Barros Gomes, C., Morbidelli, Morra, Svisero, Amelio
Major and trace element composition of olivine perovskite, clinopyroxene, Cr Fe Ti oxides, phlogopite and host kamafugites and kimberlites, Alto Paranaiba,
Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 46, no. 2 Feb. pp. 19-40.
Guarino, V., Wu, F-Y., Lustrino, M., Melluso, L.,Brotzu, P., De Barros Gomes, C., Ruberti, E., Tassarini, C.C.G., Svisero, D.P.
U Pb ages, Sr Nd isotope geochemistry, and petrogenesis of kimberlites, kamafugites and phlogopite picrites of the Alto Paranaiba Igneous Province, Brazil.
Guarino, V., Wu, F-Y., Lustrino, M., Melluso, L., Brotzu, P., Barros Gomes, C.de, Ruberti, E., Tassarini, C.C.G., Svisero, D.P.
U-Pb ages, Sr, Nd isotope geochemistry, and petrogenesis of kimberlites, kamafugites and phlogopte-picrites of the Alto Paranaiba Igneous Province, Brazil.
Abstract: The Ampasindava alkaline province consists of a series of circular and elliptical intrusions, lava flows, dyke swarms and plugs of Cenozoic age emplaced into the Mesozoic-Cenozoic sedimentary rocks of the Antsiranana basin (NW Madagascar) and above the crystalline basement. The magmatism in the Ampasindava region is linked to a NW-SE trending extensional tectonic setting. New 40Ar/39Ar age determinations on feldspar separate of alkali granites and basaltic dykes yielded ages of 18.01?±?0.36 Ma and 26?±?7 Ma, respectively. Alkali basalts and basanites, nepheline syenites and phonolites, and silica saturated-to-oversaturated syenites, trachytes, granites and rhyolites are the main outcropping lithologies. These rocks have sodic affinity. The felsic rocks are dominant, and range from peraluminous to peralkaline. The mantle-normalized incompatible element patterns of the mafic lavas match those of Na-alkaline lavas in within-plate rift settings. The patterns are identical in shape and absolute concentrations to those of the Bobaomby (Cap d’Ambre) and Massif d’Ambre primitive volcanic rocks. These geochemical features are broadly compatible with variable degrees of partial melting of incompatible element-enriched mantle sources. The mineralogical and geochemical variations are consistent with fractional crystallization processes involving removal of olivine, feldspar, clinopyroxene, amphibole, Fe-Ti oxides and apatite. Removal of small amount of titanite explains the concave upward lanthanide pattern in the evolved nepheline syenites and phonolites, which are additionally rich in exotic silicates typical of agpaitic magmas (eudialyte, F-disilicates).
Abstract: The Late Cretaceous Itatiaia complex is made up of nepheline syenite grading to peralkaline varieties, quartz syenite and granite, emplaced in the metamorphic rocks of the Serra do Mar, SE Brazil. The nepheline syenites are characterized by assemblages with alkali feldspar, nepheline, Fe-Ti oxides, clinopyroxene, amphibole, apatite and titanite, while the peralkaline nepheline syenites have F-disilicates (rinkite, wöhlerite, hiortdahlite, låvenite), britholite and pyrophanite as the accessory phases. The silica-oversaturated rocks have alkali feldspar, plagioclase, quartz, amphibole, clinopyroxene and Fe-Ti oxides; the chevkinite-group minerals are the featured accessory phases and are found with allanite, fluorapatite, fluorite, zircon, thorite, yttrialite, zirconolite, pyrochlore and yttrocolumbite. The major- and trace-element composition of the Itatiaia rocks have variations linked to the amount of accessory phases, have smooth, enriched chondrite-normalized rare-earth element (REE) distribution patterns in the least-evolved nepheline syenites and convex patterns in the most-evolved nepheline syenites. The REE distribution patterns of the quartz syenites and granites show a typical pattern caused by fractional crystallization of feldspar and amphibole, in an environment characterized by relatively high oxygen fugacity (>NiNiO buffer) and high concentrations of H2O and F, supporting the crystallization of hydrous phases, fluorite and F-disilicates. The removal of small amounts of titanite in the transition from the least-evolved to the most-evolved nepheline syenites stems from petrogenetic models involving REE, and is shown to be a common feature of the magmatic evolution of many other syenitic/ trachytic/ phonolitic complexes of the Serra do Mar and elsewhere.
Abstract: Mantle xenoliths hosted in Cenozoic alkaline rocks of northern Madagascar (Massif d'Ambre and Bobaomby volcanic fields) are spinel lherzolites, harzburgites and rare websterites. Petrography, electron microprobe, LA-ICP-MS and thermal ionization mass spectrometry techniques allowed to recognize domains characterized by variable degree of partial melting and extent of re-enrichment processes: 1) refractory spinel-to-spinel + plagioclase-lherzolites, with clinopyroxenes having marked LREE (Light Rare Earth Elements) depletion ((La/Yb)N ~ 0.2) and very high 143Nd/144Nd (0.513594), which represent a limited and shallow portion of old mantle that suffered low degree partial melting (2–3%) and was later accreted to the lithosphere. These lherzolites acted as a low-porosity region, being, in places, percolated by small volumes of melts shortly before eruption; 2) lherzolites and harzburgites that suffered variable degrees of partial melt extraction (up to 15%), assisted and/or followed by pervasive, porous flow infiltration of alkaline melts in a relatively large porosity region, leading to the creation of a wide area rich in secondary mineral phases (i.e. olivine, clinopyroxene and pargasitic amphibole), enriched in incompatible elements (e.g., LaN/YbN in clinopyroxene up to 15) and having radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd; 3) websterites and wehrlite-bearing samples that record differentiation processes of alkaline melts highly enriched in Th, U and LREE, not yet documented in the erupted volcanics of northern Madagascar. The mantle xenoliths of northern Madagascar show a regional decrease of the equilibration temperature from to SW (up to 1180 °C, Nosy Be Archipelago) to the NE (up to 900 °C, Bobaomby district). A significant lithologic and geochemical variation of the shallow lithospheric mantle beneath northern Madagascar is noted, in contrast with the relatively uniform geochemical and isotopic composition of the host alkali basalt and basanite lavas.
International Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 106, 6, pp. 1963-1989.
South America, Brazil
carbonatite - Catalao II
Abstract: The Catalão II carbonatitic complex is part of the Alto Paranaíba Igneous Province (APIP), central Brazil, close to the Catalão I complex. Drill-hole sampling and detailed mineralogical and geochemical study point out the existence of ultramafic lamprophyres (phlogopite-picrites), calciocarbonatites, ferrocarbonatites, magnetitites, apatitites, phlogopitites and fenites, most of them of cumulitic origin. U–Pb data have constrained the age of Catalão I carbonatitic complex between 78 ± 1 and 81 ± 4 Ma. The initial strontium, neodymium and hafnium isotopic data of Catalão II (87Sr/86Sri= 0.70503–0.70599; ?Ndi= ?6.8 to ?4.7; 176Hf/177Hf = 0.28248–0.28249; ?Hfi= ?10.33 to ?10.8) are similar to the isotopic composition of the Catalão I complex and fall within the field of APIP kimberlites, kamafugites and phlogopite-picrites, indicating the provenance from an old lithospheric mantle source. Carbon isotopic data for Catalão II carbonatites (?13C = ?6.35 to ?5.68 ‰) confirm the mantle origin of the carbon for these rocks. The origin of Catalão II cumulitic rocks is thought to be caused by differential settling of the heavy phases (magnetite, apatite, pyrochlore and sulphides) in a magma chamber repeatedly filled by carbonatitic/ferrocarbonatitic liquids (s.l.). The Sr–Nd isotopic composition of the Catalão II rocks matches those of APIP rocks and is markedly different from the isotopic features of alkaline-carbonatitic complexes in the southernmost Brazil. The differences are also observed in the lithologies and the magmatic affinity of the igneous rocks found in the two areas, thus demonstrating the existence of regional-scale heterogeneity in the mantle sources underneath the Brazilian platform.
Abstract: New in-situ U-Pb ages and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data on mineral phases of the Sung Valley and Jasra ultramafic-alkaline-(carbonatite) intrusions (Shillong Plateau, India) shed new light on the petrogenetic processes of volcanism in north-eastern India during the Cretaceous. Perovskites of Sung Valley dunite, ijolite and uncompahgrite yielded U-Pb ages of 109.1?±?1.6, 104.0?±?1.3 and 101.7?±?3.6?Ma, respectively. A U-Pb age of 106.8?±?1.5?Ma was obtained on zircons of a Sung Valley nepheline syenite. Perovskite of a Jasra clinopyroxenite yielded an age of 101.6?±?1.2?Ma, different from the U-Pb age of 106.8?±?0.8?Ma on zircon of Jasra syenites. The variation in Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions [initial 87Sr/86Sr?=?0.70472 to 0.71080; ?Nd i?=??10.85 to +0.86; ?Hf i?=??7.43 to +1.52] matches the bulk-rock isotopic composition of the different rock units of Sung Valley and Jasra. Calcite and apatite in the carbonatites, the perovskite in a dunite, and the bulk-rock carbonatites of Sung Valley intrusion have the lowest initial 87Sr/86Sr and ?Nd, taken to be the best proxies of the mantle source composition, which is dominated by components derived from the lithospheric mantle. The alkaline intrusions of north-eastern India are significantly younger than the Sylhet tholeiitic magmatism. The silicate rocks of both intrusions have isotopic composition trending to that of the underlying Shillong crust, indicating the effects of fractional crystallization and low-pressure crustal contamination during the emplacement of the various intrusive magma pulses.
First occurrence of melilite, potassic richterite and tetraferriphlogopite in Deccan Trap- related alkaline rocks, and its petrogenetic significance: the Rajpuri ijolitenephlinite intrusion, Murud, Mumbai area, India.
Journal of Mineralogy and Geochemistry, https://doi.org/ 10.1127/njma/2020/0236
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 174, 104059, 17p. Pdf
Africa, Madagascar
melilitites
Abstract: The olivine melilitites from the southern part of the 6.8 Ma-old Takarindiona volcanic field (Eastern Madagascar) are olivine ± chromite -phyric lavas, with zoned titanaugite, perovskite, melilite, nepheline, monticellite, Ba-Ti-mica and Fe-Ti oxides as microphenocrysts and groundmass phases. The rocks are very primitive, rich in incompatible trace elements (e.g., Ba = 1049 ± 153 ppm, Sr = 1050 ± 167 ppm, Nb = 98 ± 13 ppm; La/Ybn = 41 ± 5; La/Nb = 0.88 ± 0.05), and have restricted ranges of initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.70391-0.70410) and 143Nd/144Nd (0.51272-0.51282). The rocks follow a differentiation trend controlled by ab. 20% removal/addition of phenocryst olivine ± chromite. The olivine melilititic magmas are the product of small degrees of partial melting (1-3%) of a peridotitic source, enriched in highly incompatible trace elements by CO2-, F-, and H2O-rich melts, located within the garnet stability field (3-3.5 GPa and ~100 km depth) of sub-continental lithospheric mantle, where carbonates (dolomite) and possibly phlogopite were stable phases. Mantle xenoliths within the volcanics are mostly spinel harzburgites having mineral modes and chemical compositions suggesting variable degrees of "basalt" melt extraction. Based on textural and chemical evidence, and quantitative thermobarometric estimates, the xenoliths were incorporated at a pressure of ~1.1 GPa (~35-40 km depth), far shallower than the source of the melilititic magmas, and along a predictably cool geotherm beneath Archean continental lithosphere. Highly resorbed orthopyroxene xenocrysts mantled by augite indicate that the melilitites may have also entrained lower crustal materials or underplated subalkaline rocks. The mantle sources of the lavas and mantle xenoliths of the Takarindiona district indicate stratification of the lithospheric mantle, and help constraining the lithospheric features and the magmatic history of the Eastern Madagascar craton.
Mineralogy and Petrology, 10.1007/s00710-022-00777-z 20p. Pdf
India
deposit - Shilong Plateau
Abstract: A comprehensive mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic review of six ultramafic-alkaline-carbonatite magmatic intrusions of the Shillong Plateau (Sung Valley, Jasra, Swangkre-Rongjeng, and Mawpyut) and Mikir Hills (Samchampi-Samteran and Barpung) is presented here, using the published data. These intrusions emplaced ca. 115-102 Ma ago, thus are significantly younger than the tholeiitic flood basalts erupted in Rajmahal-Sylhet province (ca. 118-115 Ma). The intrusive lithologies vary from ultramafic (dunites, clinopyroxenites, melilitolites) to mafic (ijolites, gabbros sensu lato, shonkinites), to felsic (syenites, nepheline syenites) and carbonatites (mostly calcite-rich varieties). The volcanic-subvolcanic facies (lamprophyres, phonolites) are not abundant. The range of chemical compositions of the magmatic phases in the various assemblages is notable; the intrusive rocks are thus the result of crystallization of magmas from variably evolved, independent liquid-lines-of descent, generally of alkaline/strongly alkaline lineages and sodic-to-potassic in affinity. The large variations of the Sr-Nd isotopic ratios of the silicate intrusive rocks (sensu lato) suggest a role of shallow-level crustal contamination during their formation. The carbonatites of the Sung Valley and Samchampi-Samteran have different isotope ratios than the associated silicate rocks, have some isotopic affinity with the Group I tholeiitic basalts of Rajmahal Traps and have an ultimate genesis in a carbonate-bearing lithospheric mantle.
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).
Abstract: Zircon from Tomtor syenites and kamaphorites was dated following the U-Pb method (SHRIMP-II), and the distribution of trace and rare-earth elements (REE) was studied at the same zircon point using an ion microprobe. The main zircon population from syenites was dated at 402?±?7 Ma, while the age range of single zircon grains was 700-660 M?. Different-aged zircon groups from syenites exhibited the characteristics of magmatic zircon, but their concentrations of REE and other trace elements differed markedly. The REE distribution in 700-660-M? zircon is consistent with that of the typical zircon from syenites (Belousova et al., 2002), while the heavy rare-earth elements (HREE), P, Ti, and Y concentrations of ca. 400-Ma zircon differ from those of older zircon. This is the first isotope-geochemical study of zircon from kamaphorites, and the U-Pb age of ca. 400 M? is within the error limits with of the main zircon population from syenites. The considerable enrichment of REE, C?, Ti, Sr, Y, Nb, and Ba in zircon from kamaphorites may be partly due to the presence of burbankite microinclusions. The trace-element distribution pattern of zircon from kamaphorites is very similar to the geochemical characteristics of zircon from Tiksheozero carbonatites (Tichomirowa et al., 2013). The new age dates for Tomtor syenites and kamaphorites, consistent with 700-660 M? and ca. 400 M? events, support the zircon (Vladykin et al., 2014) and pyrochlore (Antonov et al., 2017) age dates determined following the U-Pb method and those of biotite obtained following the 40Ar-39Ar method (Vladykin et al., 2014).
Abstract: Zircon from Tomtor syenites and kamaphorites was dated following the U-Pb method (SHRIMP-II), and the distribution of trace and rare-earth elements (REE) was studied at the same zircon point using an ion microprobe. The main zircon population from syenites was dated at 402?±?7 Ma, while the age range of single zircon grains was 700-660 M?. Different-aged zircon groups from syenites exhibited the characteristics of magmatic zircon, but their concentrations of REE and other trace elements differed markedly. The REE distribution in 700-660-M? zircon is consistent with that of the typical zircon from syenites (Belousova et al., 2002), while the heavy rare-earth elements (HREE), P, Ti, and Y concentrations of ca. 400-Ma zircon differ from those of older zircon. This is the first isotope-geochemical study of zircon from kamaphorites, and the U-Pb age of ca. 400 M? is within the error limits with of the main zircon population from syenites. The considerable enrichment of REE, C?, Ti, Sr, Y, Nb, and Ba in zircon from kamaphorites may be partly due to the presence of burbankite microinclusions. The trace-element distribution pattern of zircon from kamaphorites is very similar to the geochemical characteristics of zircon from Tiksheozero carbonatites (Tichomirowa et al., 2013). The new age dates for Tomtor syenites and kamaphorites, consistent with 700-660 M? and ca. 400 M? events, support the zircon (Vladykin et al., 2014) and pyrochlore (Antonov et al., 2017) age dates determined following the U-Pb method and those of biotite obtained following the 40Ar-39Ar method (Vladykin et al., 2014).
Abstract: Very few zircon-bearing, kimberlite-hosted mantle eclogite xenoliths have been identified to date; however, the zircon they contain is crucial for our understanding of subcratonic lithospheric mantle evolution and eclogite genesis. In this study, we constrain the characteristics of zircon from mantle eclogite xenoliths based on existing mineralogical and geochemical data from zircons from different geological settings, and on the inferred origin of mantle eclogites. Given the likely origin and subsequent evolution of mantle eclogites, we infer that the xenoliths can contain zircons with magmatic, metamorphic and xenogenic (i.e. kimberlitic zircon) origins. Magmatic zircon can be inherited from low-pressure mafic oceanic crust precursors, or might form during direct crystallization of eclogites from primary mantle-derived melts at mantle pressures. Metamorphic zircon within mantle eclogites has a number of possible origins, ranging from low-pressure hydrothermal alteration of oceanic crustal protoliths to metasomatism related to kimberlite magmatism. This study outlines a possible approach for the identification of inherited magmatic zircon within subduction-related mantle eclogites as well as xenogenic kimberlitic zircon within all types of mantle eclogites. We demonstrate this approach using zircon grains from kimberlite-hosted eclogite xenoliths from the Kasai Craton, which reveals that most, if not all, of these zircons were most likely incorporated as a result of laboratory-based contamination.
Geochemistry, Vol. 80, doi.org/10.1016 /j.chemer. 2019.04.001 11p. Pdf
Russia
deposit - Tomtor
Abstract: Zircon from Tomtor syenites and kamaphorites was dated following the U-Pb method (SHRIMP-II), and the distribution of trace and rare-earth elements (REE) was studied at the same zircon point using an ion microprobe. The main zircon population from syenites was dated at 402?±?7 Ma, while the age range of single zircon grains was 700-660 M?. Different-aged zircon groups from syenites exhibited the characteristics of magmatic zircon, but their concentrations of REE and other trace elements differed markedly. The REE distribution in 700-660-M? zircon is consistent with that of the typical zircon from syenites (Belousova et al., 2002), while the heavy rare-earth elements (HREE), P, Ti, and Y concentrations of ca. 400-Ma zircon differ from those of older zircon. This is the first isotope-geochemical study of zircon from kamaphorites, and the U-Pb age of ca. 400 M? is within the error limits with of the main zircon population from syenites. The considerable enrichment of REE, C?, Ti, Sr, Y, Nb, and Ba in zircon from kamaphorites may be partly due to the presence of burbankite microinclusions. The trace-element distribution pattern of zircon from kamaphorites is very similar to the geochemical characteristics of zircon from Tiksheozero carbonatites (Tichomirowa et al., 2013).The new age dates for Tomtor syenites and kamaphorites, consistent with 700-660 M? and ca. 400 M? events, support the zircon (Vladykin et al., 2014) and pyrochlore (Antonov et al., 2017) age dates determined following the U-Pb method and those of biotite obtained following the 40Ar-39Ar method (Vladykin et al., 2014).
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: Samples of gilsonite from Adzharia, anthraxolite and graphite of coal from Taimyr, shungite from Karelia, and anthracite from Donbass are studied using Raman spectroscopy. Peaks at 1600 cm?1, indicating the presence of nanographite, are recorded in all samples. The anthracite sample from Donbass, 1330 cm?1, corresponds to the sp3-line of carbon hybridization conforming to a nanodiamond. It is concluded that in nature diamonds can be formed at late stages of lithogenesis (catagensis, metagenesis), and for coals, it can occur at the zeolite stage of regional metamorphism of rocks, before the green schist stage.
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.
American Mineralogist, Vol. 105, pp. 1662-1671. pdf
Mantle
melting
Abstract: Zircon is the most frequently used mineral for dating terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks. However, the system of zircon in mafic/ultramafic melts has been rarely explored experimentally and most existing models based on the felsic, intermediate and/or synthetic systems are probably not applicable for prediction of zircon survival in terrestrial shallow asthenosphere. In order to determine the zircon stability in such natural systems, we have performed high-temperature experiments of zircon dissolution in natural mid-ocean ridge basaltic and synthetic haplobasaltic melts coupled with in situ electron probe microanalyses of the experimental products at high current.
Taking into account the secondary fluorescence effect in zircon glass pairs during electron microprobe analysis, we have calculated zirconium diffusion coefficient necessary to predict zircon survival in asthenospheric melts of tholeiitic basalt composition. The data imply that typical 100 micron zircons dissolve rapidly (in 10 hours) and congruently upon the reaction with basaltic melt at mantle pressures. We observed incongruent (to crystal ZrO2 and SiO2 in melt) dissolution of zircon in natural mid-ocean ridge basaltic melt at low pressures and in haplobasaltic melt at elevated pressure. Our experimental data raise questions about the origin of zircons in mafic and ultramafic rocks, in particular, in shallow oceanic asthenosphere and deep lithosphere, as well as the meaning of the zircon-based ages estimated from the composition of these minerals. Large size zircon megacrysts in kimberlites, peridotites, alkali basalts and other magmas suggest the fast transport and short interaction between zircon and melt.The origin of zircon megacrysts is likely related to metasomatic addition of Zr into mantle as any mantle melting episode should obliterate them.
Diamond & Related Materials, Vol. 88, pp. 110-117.
Mantle
diamond morphology
Abstract: Dislocation nucleation plays a key role in plastic deformation of diamond crystal. In this paper, homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation nature for diamond glide set dislocation and shuffle set dislocation is studied by combining molecular dynamics method and continuum mechanics models. Our results show that although heterogeneous dislocation nucleation can decrease its activation energy, the activation energy at 0?GPa for diamond heterogeneous nucleation is still in the range of 100?eV. For glide set and shuffle set homogeneous nucleation, their critical nucleation shear stress approaches to diamond's ideal shear strength which implies that those dislocations do not nucleate before diamond structural instability only by a purely shearing manner. While for glide set and shuffle set heterogeneous nucleation, their critical nucleation shear stresses are 28.9?GPa and 48.2?GPa, these values are less than diamond's ideal shear strength which implies that these dislocations may be nucleated heterogeneously under certain shear stress condition. In addition, our results also indicate there exists a deformation mode transformation for diamond deformation behavior at strain rate of 10?3/s. Our results provide a new insight into diamond dislocation nucleation and deformation.
Progress in Earth and Planetary Science, Vol. 3, 7p.
Mantle
Melting
Abstract: Because of the high energies involved, giant impacts that occur during planetary accretion cause large degrees of melting. The depth of melting in the target body after each collision determines the pressure and temperature conditions of metal-silicate equilibration and thus geochemical fractionation that results from core-mantle differentiation. The accretional collisions involved in forming the terrestrial planets of the inner Solar System have been calculated by previous studies using N-body accretion simulations. Here we use the output from such simulations to determine the volumes of melt produced and thus the pressure and temperature conditions of metal-silicate equilibration, after each impact, as Earth-like planets accrete. For these calculations a parameterised melting model is used that takes impact velocity, impact angle and the respective masses of the impacting bodies into account. The evolution of metal-silicate equilibration pressures (as defined by evolving magma ocean depths) during Earth’s accretion depends strongly on the lifetime of impact-generated magma oceans compared to the time interval between large impacts. In addition, such results depend on starting parameters in the N-body simulations, such as the number and initial mass of embryos. Thus, there is the potential for combining the results, such as those presented here, with multistage core formation models to better constrain the accretional history of the Earth.
Journal of Geochemical Exploration, Vol. 204, pp. 270-288.
Europe, Spain
REE
Abstract: Gran Canaria is a hotspot-derived, intraplate, oceanic island, comprising a variety of alkaline felsic magmatic rocks (i.e. phonolites, trachytes, rhyolites and syenites). These rocks are enriched in rare-earth elements (REE) in relation to the mean concentration in the Earth's crust and they are subsequently mobilised and redistributed in the soil profile. From a set of 57 samples of felsic rocks and 12 samples from three paleosol profiles, we assess the concentration and mobility of REE. In the saprolite that developed over the rhyolites, we identified REE-bearing minerals such as primary monazite-(Ce), as well as secondary phases associated with the edaphic weathering, such as rhabdophane-(Ce) and LREE oxides. The averaged concentration of REE in the alkaline bedrock varies from trachytes (449?mg?kg?1), to rhyolites (588?mg?kg?1) and to phonolites (1036?mg?kg?1). REE are slightly enriched in saprolites developed on trachyte (498?mg?kg?1), rhyolite (601?mg?kg?1) and phonolite (1171?mg?kg?1) bedrocks. However, B-horizons of paleosols from trachytes and phonolites showed REE depletion (436 and 994?mg?kg?1, respectively), whereas a marked enrichment was found in soils developed on rhyolites (1584?mg?kg?1). According to our results, REE resources on Gran Canaria are significant, especially in Miocene alkaline felsic magmatic rocks (declining stage) and their associated paleosols. We estimate a total material volume of approximately 1000?km3 with REE concentrations of 672?±?296?mg?kg?1, yttrium contents of 57?±?30?mg?kg?1, and light and heavy REE ratios (LREE/HREE) of 17?±?6. This mineralisation can be considered as bulk tonnage and low-grade ore REE deposits but it remains necessary to develop detailed mineral exploration on selected insular zones in the future, without undermining environmental and socioeconomic interests.
Abstract: Dike swarms are igneous structures of continental expression accounting for major episodes of magmatism in igneous provinces, mantle plume heads, and continental breakup. In regional magnetic maps, dike swarms are recognized by high-amplitude lineaments indicative of lengthy and juxtaposed magnetized bodies. High-anomaly amplitudes from such tabular (2D) bodies tend to obscure lower amplitude contributions from localized 3D sources, representative of magmatic structures that once served as magma plumbing and storage. The recognition of such subtle signals with conventional filtering techniques is prevented due to spectral overlapping of individual contributions. We have developed a processing scheme to remove contributions from elongated, homogeneous sources to make clear contributions from 3D sources located below, in the middle of, or above a framework of elongated homogeneous sources. The canceling of 2D fields is accomplished by evaluating the horizontal component of the magnetic anomaly along the lineament strike, which for true elongated and homogeneous sources gives a null response. The gradient intensity of the transformed field is then evaluated to enhance residual fields over 3D sources. Lineaments thus removed identify tabular bodies with homogeneous magnetization, interpreted as being indicative of the uniform distribution (mineral type, concentration, and grain-size distribution) of magnetic carrier content in the rock. We evaluated our technique with synthetic data from multiple 2D-3D interfering sources and then applied it to interpret airborne data from the Ponta Grossa Dike Swarm of the Paraná-Etendeka Magmatic Province in Southeastern Brazil.
Journal of Geochemical Exploration, Vol. 204, pp. 270-288.
Europe, Spain
REE
Abstract: Gran Canaria is a hotspot-derived, intraplate, oceanic island, comprising a variety of alkaline felsic magmatic rocks (i.e. phonolites, trachytes, rhyolites and syenites). These rocks are enriched in rare-earth elements (REE) in relation to the mean concentration in the Earth's crust and they are subsequently mobilised and redistributed in the soil profile. From a set of 57 samples of felsic rocks and 12 samples from three paleosol profiles, we assess the concentration and mobility of REE. In the saprolite that developed over the rhyolites, we identified REE-bearing minerals such as primary monazite-(Ce), as well as secondary phases associated with the edaphic weathering, such as rhabdophane-(Ce) and LREE oxides. The averaged concentration of REE in the alkaline bedrock varies from trachytes (449?mg?kg?1), to rhyolites (588?mg?kg?1) and to phonolites (1036?mg?kg?1). REE are slightly enriched in saprolites developed on trachyte (498?mg?kg?1), rhyolite (601?mg?kg?1) and phonolite (1171?mg?kg?1) bedrocks. However, B-horizons of paleosols from trachytes and phonolites showed REE depletion (436 and 994?mg?kg?1, respectively), whereas a marked enrichment was found in soils developed on rhyolites (1584?mg?kg?1). According to our results, REE resources on Gran Canaria are significant, especially in Miocene alkaline felsic magmatic rocks (declining stage) and their associated paleosols. We estimate a total material volume of approximately 1000?km3 with REE concentrations of 672?±?296?mg?kg?1, yttrium contents of 57?±?30?mg?kg?1, and light and heavy REE ratios (LREE/HREE) of 17?±?6. This mineralisation can be considered as bulk tonnage and low-grade ore REE deposits but it remains necessary to develop detailed mineral exploration on selected insular zones in the future, without undermining environmental and socioeconomic interests.
Abstract: The Geological and Geodiversity Mapping binational program along the Brazil?Guyana border zone allowed reviewing and in? tegrating the stratigraphy and nomenclature of the Roraima Supergroup along the Pakaraima Sedimentary Block present in northeastern Brazil and western Guyana. The area mapped corresponds to a buffer zone of approximately 25 km in width on both sides of the border, of a region extending along the Maú?Ireng River between Mount Roraima (the tri? ple?border region) and Mutum Village in Brazil and Monkey Mountain in Guyana. The south border of the Roraima basin is overlain exclusively by effusive and volcaniclastic rocks of the Surumu Group of Brazil and its correlated equivalent the Burro?Burro Group of Guyana.
Brazilian Journal of Geology, Vol. 41, 1, pp. 43-57.
South America, Brazil, Guyana
Guiana shield
Abstract: The Geological and Geodiversity Mapping binational program along the Brazil-Guyana border zone allowed reviewing and integrating the stratigraphy and nomenclature of the Roraima Supergroup along the Pakaraima Sedimentary Block present in northeastern Brazil and western Guyana. The area mapped corresponds to a buffer zone of approximately 25 km in width on both sides of the border, of a region extending along the Maú-Ireng River between Mount Roraima (the triple-border region) and Mutum Village in Brazil and Monkey Mountain in Guyana. The south border of the Roraima basin is overlain exclusively by effusive and volcaniclastic rocks of the Surumu Group of Brazil and its correlated equivalent the Burro-Burro Group of Guyana.
International Geology Review, Vol. 58, 15, pp. 1940-1950.
China
Rare earths
Abstract: Carbonatites are characterized by the highest concentration of rare earth elements (REEs) of any igneous rock and are therefore good targets for REE exploration. Supergene, hydrothermal, and magmatic REE deposits associated with carbonatites have been widely studied. REE enrichment related to fluorapatite metasomatism in Fengzhen carbonatites in the North China block is reported in this study. REE minerals (monazite, britholite, and Ca-REE-fluorocarbonates) associated with barite and quartz formed as inclusions within the fluorapatite and externally on its surface. Monazite, allanite, barite, and quartz occur as rim grains on the edges of the fluorapatite. Zoned fluorapatite was observed and showed varying chemical composition. Based on back-scattered electron imaging, the dark domains with mineral inclusions contain lower Si (0.3-0.6 wt.% SiO2) and light REE (LREE) [0.36-1.54 wt.% (Y+LREE)2O3] contents than inclusion-poor areas [0.7-1 wt.% SiO2; 2.16-4.51 wt.% (Y + LREE)2O3]. This indicates a dissolution-re-precipitation texture. Different types of monazites were distinguished by their chemical compositions. Monazite inclusions have lower La2O3contents (~13 wt.%) and La/Ndcn (~3) ratios than those (18-26 wt.% and 10-14 for La2O3 and La/Ndcn, respectively) growing externally on the fluorapatite. REE enrichment in the metasomatic fluorapatites is related to different stages of carbonatitic liquids. The early carbonatite-exsolved fluids metasomatized the fluorapatites to form REE mineral inclusions. The late carbonatitic fluids from carbonatite magmas that underwent strong fractional crystallization were enriched in REEs, Al, and Fe and metasomatized the fluorapatites to produce allanite and monazite rim grains.
U-Pb zircon geochronology of coesite bearing eclogites from the southern Dulan areas of the North Qaidam UHP terrane, northwestern China: spatially and temporally
Journal of Metamorphic Geology, Vol. 28, 9, pp. 955-978.
Yang, J.S., Wirth, R., Wiedenbeck, M., Griffin, W.L., Meng, F.C., Chen, S.Y., Bai, W.J., Xu, X.X., Makeeyev, A.B., Bryanchaniniova, N.I.
Diamonds and highly reduced minerals from chromitite of the Ray-Iz ophiolite of the Polar Urals: deep origin of podiform chromitites and ophiolitic diamonds.
International Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 106, 7, pp. 2233-2257.
China
craton
Abstract: Craton destruction is a dynamic event that plays an important role in Earth’s evolution. Based on comprehensive observations of many studies on the North China Craton (NCC) and correlations with the evolution histories of other cratons around the world, craton destruction has be defined as a geological process that results in the total loss of craton stability due to changes in the physical and chemical properties of the involved craton. The mechanisms responsible for craton destruction would be as the follows: (1) oceanic plate subduction; (2) rollback and retreat of a subducting oceanic plate; (3) stagnation and dehydration of a subducting plate in the mantle transition zone; (4) melting of the mantle above the mantle transition zone caused by dehydration of a stagnant slab; (5) non-steady flow in the upper mantle induced by melting, and/or (6) changes in the nature of the lithospheric mantle and consequent craton destruction caused by non-steady flow. Oceanic plate subduction itself does not result in craton destruction. For the NCC, it is documented that westward subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate should have initiated at the transition from the Middle-to-Late Jurassic, and resulted in the change of tectonic regime of eastern China. We propose that subduction, rollback and retreat of oceanic plates and dehydration of stagnant slabs are the main dynamic factors responsible for both craton destruction and concentration of mineral deposits, such as gold, in the overriding continental plate. Based on global distribution of gold deposits, we suggest that convergent plate margins are the most important setting for large gold concentrations. Therefore, decratonic gold deposits appear to occur preferentially in regions with oceanic subduction and overlying continental lithospheric destruction/modification/growth.
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, Vol. 20, 1, pp. 5667-5690.
Mantle
subduction
Abstract: The amount of H2O and CO2 that is carried into deep mantle by subduction beyond subarc depths is of fundamental importance to the deep volatile cycle but remains debated. Given the large uncertainties surrounding the spatio?temporal pattern of fluid flow and the equilibrium state within subducting slabs, a model of H2O and CO2 transport in slabs should be balanced between model simplicity and capability. We construct such a model in a two?part contribution. In this Part I of our contribution, thermodynamic parameterization is performed for the devolatilization of representative subducting materials—sediments, basalts, gabbros, peridotites. The parameterization avoids reproducing the details of specific devolatilization reactions, but instead captures the overall behaviors of coupled (de)hydration and (de)carbonation. Two general, leading?order features of devolatilization are captured: (1) the released volatiles are H2O?rich near the onset of devolatilization; (2) increase of the ratio of bulk CO2 over H2O inhibits overall devolatilization and thus lessens decarbonation. These two features play an important role in simulation of volatile fractionation and infiltration in thermodynamically open systems. When constructing the reactive fluid flow model of slab H2O and CO2 transport in the companion paper Part II, this parameterization can be incorporated to efficiently account for the open?system effects of H2O and CO2 transport.
Journal of Geophysical Research,, Vol. 120, 12, pp. 8259-8280.
Mantle
Ringwoodite
Abstract: Review of recent mineral physics literature shows consistent trends for the influence of Fe and H2O on the bulk modulus (K0) of wadsleyite and ringwoodite, the major phases of Earth's mantle transition zone (410-660?km). However, there is little consensus on the first pressure derivative, K0??=?(dK/dP)P=0, which ranges from about 4 to >5 across experimental studies and compositions. Here we demonstrate the importance of K0? in evaluating the bulk sound velocity of the transition zone in terms of water content and provide new constraints on the effect of H2O on K0? for wadsleyite and ringwoodite by conducting a comparative compressibility study. In the experiment, multiple crystals of hydrous Fo90 wadsleyite containing 2.0 and 0.25?wt?% H2O were loaded into the same diamond anvil cell, along with hydrous ringwoodite containing 1.4?wt?% H2O. By measuring their pressure-volume evolution simultaneously up to 32?GPa, we constrain the difference in K0? independent of the pressure scale, finding that H2O has no effect on K0?, whereas the effect of H2O on K0 is significant. The fitted K0? values of hydrous wadsleyite (0.25 and 2.0?wt?% H2O) and hydrous ringwoodite (1.4?wt?% H2O) examined in this study were found to be identical within uncertainty, with K0? ~3.7(2). New secondary-ion mass spectrometry measurements of the H2O content of these and previously investigated wadsleyite samples shows the bulk modulus of wadsleyite is reduced by 7.0(5)?GPa/wt?% H2O, independent of Fe content for upper mantle compositions. Because K0? is unaffected by H2O, the reduction of bulk sound velocity in very hydrous regions of transition zone is expected to be on the order of 1.6%, which is potentially detectible in high-resolution, regional seismology studies.
Abstract: Carbonates are common rock-forming minerals in the Earth’s crust and act as sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Subduction of hydrothermally altered oceanic lithosphere returns carbon to the interior, where more than three quarters of Earth’s carbon is stored. The contribution of subducted carbonates to the Earth's long-term deep carbon cycle is uncertain and has recently emerged as a topic of intense debate [1]. Moreover, mantle-slab interaction has been proposed as a mechanism to produce super-deep diamonds, thus questioning the use of certain mineral inclusions to infer lower-mantle origin [2]. Here we report new data on the chemical stability and reaction kinetics of carbonates in the mantle from multianvil and diamond-anvil-cell experiments. Our results suggest that carbon can be sequestered into deep Earth through reaction freezing and that the index minerals for super-deep diamonds are not reliable indicators for their formation depths.
Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 46, 4, pp. 1984-1992.
Mantle
diamond genesis
Abstract: Superdeep diamonds originate from great depths inside Earth, carrying samples from inaccessible mantle to the surface. The reaction between carbonate and iron may be an important mechanism to form diamond through interactions between subducting slabs and surrounding mantle. Interestingly, most superdeep diamonds formed in two narrow zones, at 250-450 and 600-800 km depths within the ~2,700?km?deep mantle. No satisfactory hypothesis explains these preferred depths of diamond formation. We measured the rate of a diamond forming reaction between magnesite and iron. Our data show that high temperature promotes the reaction, while high pressure does the opposite. Particularly, the reaction slows down drastically at about 475(±55) km depth, which may explain the rarity of diamond formation below 450 km depth. The only exception is the second zone at 600-800 km, where carbonate accumulates and warms up due to the stagnation of subducting slabs at the top of lower mantle, providing more reactants and higher temperature for diamond formation. Our study demonstrates that the depth distribution of superdeep diamonds may be controlled by reaction rates.
Abstract: A drastically altered chemistry was recently discovered in the Fe-O-H system under deep Earth conditions, involving the formation of iron superoxide (FeO2Hx with x?=?0 to 1), but the puzzling crystal chemistry of this system at high pressures is largely unknown. Here we present evidence that despite the high O/Fe ratio in FeO2Hx, iron remains in the ferrous, spin-paired and non-magnetic state at 60-133?GPa, while the presence of hydrogen has minimal effects on the valence of iron. The reduced iron is accompanied by oxidized oxygen due to oxygen-oxygen interactions. The valence of oxygen is not -2 as in all other major mantle minerals, instead it varies around -1. This result indicates that like iron, oxygen may have multiple valence states in our planet’s interior. Our study suggests a possible change in the chemical paradigm of how oxygen, iron, and hydrogen behave under deep Earth conditions.
Abstract: Mg2GeO4 is important as an analog for the ultrahigh-pressure behavior of Mg2SiO4, a major component of planetary interiors. In this study, we have investigated magnesium germanate to 275 GPa and over 2,000 K using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell combined with in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and density functional theory (DFT) computations. The experimental results are consistent with the formation of a phase with disordered Mg and Ge, in which germanium adopts eightfold coordination with oxygen: the cubic, Th3P4-type structure. DFT computations suggest partial Mg-Ge order, resulting in a tetragonal I4¯2d structure indistinguishable from I4¯3d Th3P4 in our experiments. If applicable to silicates, the formation of this highly coordinated and intrinsically disordered phase may have important implications for the interior mineralogy of large, rocky extrasolar planets.
Decompressiong reactions and P=T conditions in high grade rocks, northernLabrador; P-T paths individual samples and implications for early Prot. tectonicevol
Journal of Petrology, Vol. 32, No. 1, February pp. 139-168
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.
Geological Society of America, SPE 526 pp. 107-132.
United States
craton
Abstract: The North American continent consists of a set of Archean cratons, Proterozoic orogenic belts, and a sequence of Phanerozoic accreted terranes. We present an ~1250-km-long seismological profile that crosses the Superior craton, Grenville Province, and Appalachian domains, with the goal of documenting the thickness, internal properties, and the nature of the lower boundary of the North American crust using uniform procedures for data selection, preparation, and analysis to ensure compatibility of the constraints we derive. Crustal properties show systematic differences between the three major tectonic domains. The Archean Superior Province is characterized by thin crust, sharp Moho, and low values of Vp/Vs ratio. The Proterozoic Grenville Province has some crustal thickness variation, near-uniform values of Vp/Vs, and consistently small values of Moho thickness. Of the three tectonic domains in the region, the Grenville Province has the thickest crust. Vp/Vs ratios are systematically higher than in the Superior Province. Within the Paleozoic Appalachian orogen, all parameters (crustal thickness, Moho thickness, Vp/Vs ratio) vary broadly over distances of 100 km or less, both across the strike and along it. Internal tectonic boundaries of the Appalachians do not appear to have clear signatures in crustal properties. Of the three major tectonic boundaries crossed by our transect, two have clear manifestations in the crustal structure. The Grenville front is associated with a change in crustal thickness and crustal composition (as reflected in Vp/Vs ratios). The Norumbega fault zone is at the apex of the regional thinning of the Appalachian crust. The Appalachian front is not associated with a major change in crustal properties; rather, it coincides with a zone of complex structure resulting from prior tectonic episodes, and thus presents a clear example of tectonic inheritance over successive Wilson cycles.
Geological Society of London, Chapter 6, pp. 107-132.
United States, Canada
tectonics
Abstract: The North American continent consists of a set of Archean cratons, Proterozoic orogenic belts, and a Sequence of Phanerozoic accreted terranes. We present an ~1250-km-long seismological profile that crosses the Superior craton, Grenville Province, and Appalachian domains, with the goal of documenting the thickness, internal properties, and the nature of the lower boundary of the North American crust using uniform procedures for data selection, preparation, and analysis to ensure compatibility of the constraints we derive. Crustal properties show systematic differences between the three major tectonic domains. The Archean Superior Province is characterized by thin crust, sharp Moho, and low values of Vp/Vs ratio. The Proterozoic Grenville Province has some crustal thickness variation, near-uniform values of Vp/Vs, and consistently small values of Moho thickness. Of the three tectonic domains in the region, the Grenville Province has the thickest crust. Vp/Vs ratios are systematically higher than in the Superior Province. Within the Paleozoic Appalachian orogen, all parameters (crustal thickness, Moho thickness, Vp/Vs ratio) vary broadly over distances of 100 km or less, both across the strike and along it. Internal tectonic boundaries of the Appalachians do not appear to have clear signatures in crustal properties. Of the three major tectonic boundaries crossed by our transect, two have clear manifestations in the crustal structure. The Grenville front is associated with a change in crustal thickness and crustal composition (as reflected in Vp/Vs ratios). The Norumbega fault zone is at the apex of the regional thinning of the Appalachian crust. The Appalachian front is not associated with a major change in crustal properties; rather, it coincides with a zone of complex structure resulting from prior tectonic episodes, and thus presents a clear example of tectonic inheritance over successive Wilson cycles.
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.
Yin, A., Manning, C.E., Lovera, O., Menold, C.A., Chen, X., Gehrels, G.
Early Paleozoic tectonic and thermomechanical evolution of ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks in the northern Tibetan Plateau, northwest China.
International Geology Review, Vol. 49, 8, pp. 681-716.
Yellowknife Forum NWTgeoscience.ca, abstract volume p. 70.
Canada, Northwest Territories
deposit - Snap Lake
Abstract: The Snap Lake Mine is a former underground diamond mine operated by De Beers Canada Inc. (De Beers), located about 220 km northeast of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. The Snap Lake mine operated from 2008 to 2015, and entered a Care and Maintenance mode in December 2015. The mine is currently entering its fourth year of being managed in this Extended Care and Maintenance phase. In order to ensure continual remote monitoring of certain key geotechnical, meteorological and air quality instrumentation and to enable visual observation of key infrastructure, work was done in 2018 to integrate new and existing monitoring instrumentation into the existing Campbell Scientific PakBus network. In this presentation De Beers will share a summary of this work, with the emphasis on the type of technology, detail of installation and integration of systems between the various pieces of instrumentation. First we will discuss installation of the 5 data collection stations that relay geotechnical instrumentation information. The data collection system at each of the 5 stations consists of a solar panel, battery, data logger, multiplexor and short-wave radio. To enable redundancy, a manual data collection via USB was added, in the event that remote communication with the stations is lost. Second, an overview of the installation of camera monitoring stations as well as the communications protocol used for the integration of the weather and ambient air quality data transmitted via satellite will be presented. While the focus will be on the technology and systems used for remote monitoring, and not the actual monitoring results per se, it is our intention to share this and some of the successes and challenges experienced during the first year of remote monitoring during zero occupancy conditions.
Sr Na REE titanates of the crichtonite group from a fenitized megaxenolith, Khibin a alkaline complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia: first occurrence and implications.
European Journal of Mineralogy, Vol. 18, 4, August pp. 493-502.
Abstract: Zirconolite, its Ce-, Nd-, and Y-analogs, and laachite, another member of the zirconolite group, are typomorphic minerals of the fenitized xenoliths in nepheline syenite and foidolite of the Khibiny-Lovozero Complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia. All these minerals are formed at the late stage of fenitization as products of ilmentie alteration under the effect of Zr-bearing fluids. The diversity of these minerals is caused by the chemical substitutions of Na and Ca for REE, Th, and U compensated by substitution of Ti and Zr for Nb, Fe and Ta, as well as by the redistribution of REE between varieties enriched in Ti (HREE) or Nb (LREE). The results obtained can be used in the synthesis of Synroc-type titanate ceramics assigned for the immobilization of actinides.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 171, 7, 25p.
Canada, Northwest Territories
Deposit - Lac de Gras arena
Abstract: Megacrystic (>1 cm) clinopyroxene (Cr-diopside) and garnet (Cr-pyrope) xenocrysts within kimberlites from Lac de Gras (Northwest Territories, Canada) contain fully crystallized melt inclusions. These ‘polymineralic inclusions’ have previously been interpreted to form by necking down of melts at mantle depths. We present a detailed petrographical and geochemical investigation of polymineralic inclusions and their host crystals to better understand how they form and what they reveal about the evolution of kimberlite melt. Genetically, the megacrysts are mantle xenocrysts with peridotitic chemical signatures indicating an origin within the lithospheric mantle (for the Cr-diopsides studied here ~4.6 GPa, 1015 °C). Textural evidence for disequilibrium between the host crystals and their polymineralic inclusions (spongy rims in Cr-diopside, kelyphite in Cr-pyrope) is consistent with measured Sr isotopic disequilibrium. The preservation of disequilibrium establishes a temporal link to kimberlite eruption. In Cr-diopsides, polymineralic inclusions contain phlogopite, olivine, chromite, serpentine, and calcite. Abundant fluid inclusion trails surround the inclusions. In Cr-pyropes, the inclusions additionally contain Al-spinel, clinopyroxene, and dolomite. The major and trace element compositions of the inclusion phases are generally consistent with the early stages of kimberlite differentiation trends. Extensive chemical exchange between the host phases and the inclusions is indicated by enrichment of the inclusions in major components of the host crystals, such as Cr2O3 and Al2O3. This chemical evidence, along with phase equilibria constraints, supports the proposal that the inclusions within Cr-diopside record the decarbonation reaction: dolomitic melt + diopside ? forsterite + calcite + CO2, yielding the observed inclusion mineralogy and producing associated (CO2-rich) fluid inclusions. Our study of polymineralic inclusions in megacrysts provides clear mineralogical and chemical evidence for an origin of kimberlite that involves the reaction of high-pressure dolomitic melt with diopside-bearing mantle assemblages producing a lower-pressure melt that crystallizes a calcite-dominated assemblage in the crust.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, in press available 25p.
Canada, Northwest Territories
Deposit - Lac de Gras
Abstract: Megacrystic (>1 cm) clinopyroxene (Cr-diopside) and garnet (Cr-pyrope) xenocrysts within kimberlites from Lac de Gras (Northwest Territories, Canada) contain fully crystallized melt inclusions. These ‘polymineralic inclusions’ have previously been interpreted to form by necking down of melts at mantle depths. We present a detailed petrographical and geochemical investigation of polymineralic inclusions and their host crystals to better understand how they form and what they reveal about the evolution of kimberlite melt. Genetically, the megacrysts are mantle xenocrysts with peridotitic chemical signatures indicating an origin within the lithospheric mantle (for the Cr-diopsides studied here ~4.6 GPa, 1015 °C). Textural evidence for disequilibrium between the host crystals and their polymineralic inclusions (spongy rims in Cr-diopside, kelyphite in Cr-pyrope) is consistent with measured Sr isotopic disequilibrium. The preservation of disequilibrium establishes a temporal link to kimberlite eruption. In Cr-diopsides, polymineralic inclusions contain phlogopite, olivine, chromite, serpentine, and calcite. Abundant fluid inclusion trails surround the inclusions. In Cr-pyropes, the inclusions additionally contain Al-spinel, clinopyroxene, and dolomite. The major and trace element compositions of the inclusion phases are generally consistent with the early stages of kimberlite differentiation trends. Extensive chemical exchange between the host phases and the inclusions is indicated by enrichment of the inclusions in major components of the host crystals, such as Cr2O3 and Al2O3. This chemical evidence, along with phase equilibria constraints, supports the proposal that the inclusions within Cr-diopside record the decarbonation reaction: dolomitic melt + diopside ? forsterite + calcite + CO2, yielding the observed inclusion mineralogy and producing associated (CO2-rich) fluid inclusions. Our study of polymineralic inclusions in megacrysts provides clear mineralogical and chemical evidence for an origin of kimberlite that involves the reaction of high-pressure dolomitic melt with diopside-bearing mantle assemblages producing a lower-pressure melt that crystallizes a calcite-dominated assemblage in the crust.
Lithos, doi.org/10.1016/ j.lithos.2020.105889 13p. Pdf
Canada, Northwest Territories
deposit - Diavik A-154
Abstract: Ambient Moho temperatures and lower crustal heat production are surprisingly poorly constrained in cratons. Here we address these problems using 15 lower crustal xenoliths from the Diavik A-154 kimberlite, Slave craton, Canada. Iron?magnesium exchange geothermometry on small biotite and amphibole inclusions in garnet indicates that the Slave craton lower crust was at a temperature of ?500 °C at the time of kimberlite eruption (~55 Ma). The ambient lower crustal temperature was likely lower than 500 °C because the thermometers record the closure temperature of diffusional Fe2+-Mg exchange between touching mineral pairs. New measurements of K, U and Th concentrations in the constituent minerals, together with xenolith modes, allow reconstruction of the heat-producing element (HPE) K, U, and Th budget of the Slave craton lower crust. Metasedimentary granulites have an average heat production of 0.29 ± 0.01 ?W/m3 (n = 3) whereas mafic granulites have an average heat production of 0.13 ± 0.03 ?W/m3 (n = 12). Our new data clearly show that plagioclase abundance in both lithologies has a major influence on overall lower crustal heat production, being an important reservoir of all three HPE. Combining the heat production of mafic and metasedimentary granulites in their observed 80:20 proportions results in an average heat production value for the Slave craton lower crust of 0.16 ± 0.03 ?W/m3. Using these heat production estimates, modeled Moho temperatures beneath Diavik of ~450-470 °C are broadly consistent with maximum lower crustal temperatures indicated by geothermometry. The low HPE contents predicted for cratonic lower crust must result in lower temperatures in the deep crust and mantle lithosphere, and in turn higher estimates for the thickness of mantle lithosphere. This effect becomes larger as the thickness of the low-HPE lower crustal layer increases. In the specific case of the central Slave craton, we find that model estimates of the diamond potential of the mantle lithosphere, as judged by the proportion of lithospheric mantle in the diamond stability field, are not strongly affected by small variations in lower crustal heat production and Moho temperature.
Metasomatism and Chemical Heterogeneity in the Sub-continental Mantle: Sr and Nd Isotopic Analysis of Apatite Rich Xenoliths and Alkaline Magmas from Eastern Australia.
Proceedings of Third International Kimberlite Conference, TERRA COGNITA, ABSTRACT VOLUME., Vol. 2, No. 3, P. 231, (abstract.).
lead, neodymium, and Strontium isotopic investigations of kaersutite and clinopyroxene from ultramafic nodules and their host basalts: the nature of the subcontinental mantle
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 54, pp. 3449-3460
Baker, J., Chazot, G., Menzies, M.A., Thirlwall, M.
Lithospheric mantle beneath Arabia: a Pan-African protolith modified by the Afar and older plumes, rather than a source for continental flood volcanism?
Geological Society of America Special Paper, No. 362, pp. 65-80.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 175, 34 31p. Pdf
Africa, South Africa
carbonatite
Abstract: The Phalaborwa world-class phosphate deposit (South Africa) is hosted by a Paleoproterozoic alkaline complex mainly composed of phoscorite, carbonatite, pyroxenitic rocks, and subordinate fenite. In addition, syenite and trachyte occur in numerous satellite bodies. New petrological and in-situ geochemical data along with O and Sr isotope data obtained on apatite demonstrate that apatite is in the principal host rocks (pyroxenitic rocks, phoscorite and carbonatite) formed primarily by igneous processes from mantle-derived carbonatitic magmas. Early-formed magmatic apatite is particularly enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE), with a decrease in the REE content ascribed to magma differentiation and early apatite fractionation in isolated interstitial melt pockets. Rayleigh fractionation favored a slight increase in ?18O (below 1%) at a constant Sr isotopic composition. Intrusion of fresh carbonatitic magma into earlier-formed carbonatite bodies locally induced re-equilibration of early apatite with REE enrichment but at constant O and Sr isotopic compositions. In fenite, syenite and trachyte, apatite displays alteration textures and LREE depletion, reflecting interaction with fluids. A marked decrease in ?18O in apatite from syenite and trachyte indicates a contribution from ?18O-depleted meteoric fluids. This is consistent with the epizonal emplacement of the satellite bodies. The general increase of the Sr isotope ratios in apatite in these rocks reflects progressive interaction with the country rocks over time. This study made it possible to decipher, with unmatched precision, the succession of geological processes that led to one of the most important phosphate deposits worldwide.
Abstract: The Siilinjärvi phosphate deposit (Finland) is hosted by an Archean carbonatite complex. The main body is composed of glimmerite, carbonatite and combinations thereof. It is surrounded by a well-developed fenitization zone. Almost all the rocks pertaining to the glimmerite-carbonatite series are considered for exploitation of phosphate. New petrological and in-situ geochemical as well as spectroscopic data obtained by cathodoluminescence, Raman and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy make it possible to constrain the genesis and evolution of apatite through time. Apatite in the glimmerite-carbonatite series formed by igneous processes. An increase in rare earth elements (REE) content during apatite deposition can be explained by re-equilibration of early apatite (via sub-solidus diffusion at the magmatic stage) with a fresh carbonatitic magma enriched in these elements. This late carbonatite emplacement has been known as a major contributor to the overall P and REE endowment of the system and is likely connected to fenitization and alkali-rich fluids. These fluids - enriched in REE - would have interacted with apatite in the fenite, resulting in an increase in REE content through coupled dissolution-reprecipitation processes. Finally, a marked decrease in LREE is observed in apatite hosted by fenite. It highlights the alteration of apatite by a REE-poor fluid during a late-magmatic/hydrothermal stage. Regarding the potential for REE exploitation, geochemical data combined with an estimation of the reserves indicate a sub-economic potential of REE to be exploited as by-products of phosphate mining. Spectroscopic analyses further provide helpful data for exploration, by determining the P and REE distribution and the enrichment in carbonatite and within apatite.
Health and safety in mineral exploration - the role of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada. Freely available as part of E3 Plus Initiative.
Yellowknife Geoscience Forum Abstracts for 2011, abstract p. 62-63.
Global
Manual for health and safety - not specific to diamond
Abstract: Neoproterozoic tectonic geography was dominated by the formation of the supercontinent Rodinia, its break-up and the subsequent amalgamation of Gondwana. The Neoproterozoic was a tumultuous time of Earth history, with large climatic variations, the emergence of complex life and a series of continent-building orogenies of a scale not repeated until the Cenozoic. Here we synthesise available geological and palaeomagnetic data and build the first full-plate, topological model of the Neoproterozoic that maps the evolution of the tectonic plate configurations during this time. Topological models trace evolving plate boundaries and facilitate the evaluation of “plate tectonic rules” such as subduction zone migration through time when building plate models. There is a rich history of subduction zone proxies preserved in the Neoproterozoic geological record, providing good evidence for the existence of continent-margin and intra-oceanic subduction zones through time. These are preserved either as volcanic arc protoliths accreted in continent-continent, or continent-arc collisions, or as the detritus of these volcanic arcs preserved in successor basins. Despite this, we find that the model presented here still predicts less subduction (ca. 90%) than on the modern earth, suggesting that we have produced a conservative model and are likely underestimating the amount of subduction, either due to a simplification of tectonically complex areas, or because of the absence of preservation in the geological record (e.g. ocean-ocean convergence). Furthermore, the reconstruction of plate boundary geometries provides constraints for global-scale earth system parameters, such as the role of volcanism or ridge production on the planet's icehouse climatic excursion during the Cryogenian. Besides modelling plate boundaries, our model presents some notable departures from previous Rodinia models. We omit India and South China from Rodinia completely, due to long-lived subduction preserved on margins of India and conflicting palaeomagnetic data for the Cryogenian, such that these two cratons act as ‘lonely wanderers’ for much of the Neoproterozoic. We also introduce a Tonian-Cryogenian aged rotation of the Congo-São Francisco Craton relative to Rodinia to better fit palaeomagnetic data and account for thick passive margin sediments along its southern margin during the Tonian. The GPlates files of the model are released to the public and it is our expectation that this model can act as a foundation for future model refinements, the testing of alternative models, as well as providing constraints for both geodynamic and palaeoclimate models.
Abstract: Recent progress in plate tectonic reconstructions has seen models move beyond the classical idea of continental drift by attempting to reconstruct the full evolving configuration of tectonic plates and plate boundaries. A particular problem for the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian is that many existing interpretations of geological and palaeomagnetic data have remained disconnected from younger, better-constrained periods in Earth history. An important test of deep time reconstructions is therefore to demonstrate the continuous kinematic viability of tectonic motions across multiple supercontinent cycles. We present, for the first time, a continuous full-plate model spanning 1 Ga to the present-day, that includes a revised and improved model for the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian (1000-520 Ma) that connects with models of the Phanerozoic, thereby opening up pre-Gondwana times for quantitative analysis and further regional refinements. In this contribution, we first summarise methodological approaches to full-plate modelling and review the existing full-plate models in order to select appropriate models that produce a single continuous model. Our model is presented in a palaeomagnetic reference frame, with a newly-derived apparent polar wander path for Gondwana from 540 to 320 Ma, and a global apparent polar wander path from 320 to 0 Ma. We stress, though while we have used palaeomagnetic data when available, the model is also geologically constrained, based on preserved data from past-plate boundaries. This study is intended as a first step in the direction of a detailed and self-consistent tectonic reconstruction for the last billion years of Earth history, and our model files are released to facilitate community development.
Abstract: Neoproterozoic tectonic geography was dominated by the formation of the supercontinent Rodinia, its break-up and the subsequent amalgamation of Gondwana. The Neoproterozoic was a tumultuous time of Earth history, with large climatic variations, the emergence of complex life and a series of continent-building orogenies of a scale not repeated until the Cenozoic. Here we synthesise available geological and palaeomagnetic data and build the first full-plate, topological model of the Neoproterozoic that maps the evolution of the tectonic plate configurations during this time. Topological models trace evolving plate boundaries and facilitate the evaluation of “plate tectonic rules” such as subduction zone migration through time when building plate models. There is a rich history of subduction zone proxies preserved in the Neoproterozoic geological record, providing good evidence for the existence of continent-margin and intra-oceanic subduction zones through time. These are preserved either as volcanic arc protoliths accreted in continent-continent, or continent-arc collisions, or as the detritus of these volcanic arcs preserved in successor basins. Despite this, we find that the model presented here still predicts less subduction (ca. 90%) than on the modern earth, suggesting that we have produced a conservative model and are likely underestimating the amount of subduction, either due to a simplification of tectonically complex areas, or because of the absence of preservation in the geological record (e.g. ocean-ocean convergence). Furthermore, the reconstruction of plate boundary geometries provides constraints for global-scale earth system parameters, such as the role of volcanism or ridge production on the planet's icehouse climatic excursion during the Cryogenian. Besides modelling plate boundaries, our model presents some notable departures from previous Rodinia models. We omit India and South China from Rodinia completely, due to long-lived subduction preserved on margins of India and conflicting palaeomagnetic data for the Cryogenian, such that these two cratons act as ‘lonely wanderers’ for much of the Neoproterozoic. We also introduce a Tonian-Cryogenian aged rotation of the Congo-São Francisco Craton relative to Rodinia to better fit palaeomagnetic data and account for thick passive margin sediments along its southern margin during the Tonian. The GPlates files of the model are released to the public and it is our expectation that this model can act as a foundation for future model refinements, the testing of alternative models, as well as providing constraints for both geodynamic and palaeoclimate models.
Abstract: The extent of continental rifts and subduction zones through deep geological time provides insights into the mechanisms behind supercontinent cycles and the long term evolution of the mantle. However, previous compilations have stopped short of mapping the locations of rifts and subduction zones continuously since the Neoproterozoic and within a self-consistent plate kinematic framework. Using recently published plate models with continuously closing boundaries for the Neoproterozoic and Phanerozoic, we estimate how rift and peri-continental subduction length vary from 1 Ga to present and test hypotheses pertaining to the supercontinent cycle and supercontinent breakup. We extract measures of continental perimeter-to-area ratio as a proxy for the existence of a supercontinent, where during times of supercontinent existence the perimeter-to-area ratio should be low, and during assembly and dispersal it should be high. The amalgamation of Gondwana is clearly represented by changes in the length of peri-continental subduction and the breakup of Rodinia and Pangea by changes in rift lengths. The assembly of Pangea is not clearly defined using plate boundary lengths, likely because its formation resulted from the collision of only two large continents. Instead the assembly of Gondwana (ca. 520 Ma) marks the most prominent change in arc length and perimeter-to-area ratio during the last billion years suggesting that Gondwana during the Early Palaeozoic could explicitly be considered part of a Phanerozoic supercontinent. Consequently, the traditional understanding of the supercontinent cycle, in terms of supercontinent existence for short periods of time before dispersal and re-accretion, may be inadequate to fully describe the cycle. Instead, either a two-stage supercontinent cycle could be a more appropriate concept, or alternatively the time period of 1 to 0 Ga has to be considered as being dominated by supercontinent existence, with brief periods of dispersal and amalgamation.
Earth Science Reviews , Vol. 214, 103477, 44p. Pdf
Mantle
plate tectonics, Rodinia, Gondwana
Abstract: Recent progress in plate tectonic reconstructions has seen models move beyond the classical idea of continental drift by attempting to reconstruct the full evolving configuration of tectonic plates and plate boundaries. A particular problem for the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian is that many existing interpretations of geological and palaeomagnetic data have remained disconnected from younger, better-constrained periods in Earth history. An important test of deep time reconstructions is therefore to demonstrate the continuous kinematic viability of tectonic motions across multiple supercontinent cycles. We present, for the first time, a continuous full-plate model spanning 1 Ga to the present-day, that includes a revised and improved model for the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian (1000-520 Ma) that connects with models of the Phanerozoic, thereby opening up pre-Gondwana times for quantitative analysis and further regional refinements. In this contribution, we first summarise methodological approaches to full-plate modelling and review the existing full-plate models in order to select appropriate models that produce a single continuous model. Our model is presented in a palaeomagnetic reference frame, with a newly-derived apparent polar wander path for Gondwana from 540 to 320 Ma, and a global apparent polar wander path from 320 to 0 Ma. We stress, though while we have used palaeomagnetic data when available, the model is also geologically constrained, based on preserved data from past-plate boundaries. This study is intended as a first step in the direction of a detailed and self-consistent tectonic reconstruction for the last billion years of Earth history, and our model files are released to facilitate community development.
Abstract: The ductile behavior of olivine-rich rocks is critical to constrain thermal convection in the Earth's upper mantle. Classical olivine flow laws for dislocation or diffusion creep fail to explain the fast post-seismic surface displacements observed by GPS, which requires a much weaker lithosphere than predicted by classical laws. Here we compare the plasticity of olivine aggregates deformed experimentally at mantle pressures and temperatures to that of single crystals and demonstrate that, depending on conditions of stress and temperature, strain accommodated through grain-to-grain interactions - here called intergranular strain - can be orders of magnitude larger than intracrystalline strain, which significantly weakens olivine strength. This result, extrapolated along mantle geotherms, suggests that intergranular plasticity could be dominant in most of the upper mantle. Consequently, the strength of olivine-rich aggregates in the upper mantle may be significantly lower than predicted by flow laws based on intracrystalline plasticity models.
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiora, 13p. Pdf
Mantle
melting
Abstract: Physical properties of silicate melts play a key role for global planetary dynamics, controlling for example volcanic eruption styles, mantle convection and elemental cycling in the deep Earth. They are significantly modified by structural changes at the atomic scale due to external parameters such as pressure and temperature or due to chemistry. Structural rearrangements such as 4- to 6-fold coordination change of Si with increasing depth may profoundly influence melt properties, but have so far mostly been studied at ambient temperature due to experimental difficulties. In order to investigate the structural properties of silicate melts and their densification mechanisms at conditions relevant to the deep Earth's interior, we studied haplo basaltic glasses and melts (albite-diopside composition) at high pressure and temperature conditions in resistively and laser-heated diamond anvil cells using X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Samples were doped with 10 wt of Ge, which is accessible with this experimental technique and which commonly serves as a structural analogue for the network forming cation Si. We acquired spectra on the Ge K edge up to 48 GPa and 5000 K and derived the average Ge-O coordination number , and bond distance as functions of pressure. Our results demonstrate a continuous transformation from tetrahedral to octahedral coordination between ca. 5 and 30 GPa at ambient temperature. Above 1600 K the data reveal a reduction of the pressure needed to complete conversion to octahedral coordination by ca. 30 . The results allow us to determine the influence of temperature on the Si coordination number changes in natural melts in the Earth's interior. We propose that the complete transition to octahedral coordination in basaltic melts is reached at about 40 GPa, corresponding to a depth of ca. 1200 km in the uppermost lower mantle. At the core-mantle boundary (2900 km, 130 GPa, 3000 K) the existence of non-buoyant melts has been proposed to explain observed low seismic wave velocity features. Our results highlight that the melt composition can affect the melt density at such extreme conditions and may strongly influence the structural response.
Abstract: Two areas with different types of hydration (serpentinization), which occurred in two settings distinct in temperatures, pressures, and stresses, are spatially individualized in the ophiolitic ultramafic massifs of the Polar Urals. The high-temperature hydration of ultramafic rocks occurred in the lithosphere of the mantle wedge directly above the subducted slab. The initial conditions of hydration are limited to 1.2-2 GPa and 650-700°C; a stable assemblage of olivine + antigorite + magnetite ? amphibole ? talc ? chlorite was formed at 0.9-1.2 GPa and 550-600°C. The low-temperature mesh lizardite-chrysotile serpentinization occurred in the crustal, near-surface conditions. Both types of hydration were accompanied by release of hydrogen, which participates in abiogenic CH4 synthesis in the presence of CO2 dissolved in water.
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.
Trace element distribution in peridotite xenoliths from Tok, SE Siberian craton: a record of pervasive, multi stage metasomatism in shallow refractory mantle.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 70, 5, pp. 1231-1260.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 173, pp. 304-318.
Mantle
Perovskite
Abstract: Partitioning of hydrogen (often referred to as H2O) between periclase (pe) and perovskite (pvk) at lower mantle conditions (24-80 GPa) was investigated using quantum mechanics, equilibrium reaction thermodynamics and by monitoring two H-incorporation models. One of these (MSWV) was based on replacements provided by Mg2+ ? 2H+ and Si4+ ? 4H+; while the other (MSWA) relied upon substitutions in 2Mg2+ ? Al3+ + H+ and Si4+ ? Al3+ + H+. H2O partitioning in these phases was considered in the light of homogeneous (Bulk Silicate Earth; pvk: 75%-pe:16% model contents) and heterogeneous (Layered Mantle; pvk:78%-pe:14% modal contents) mantle geochemical models, which were configured for lower and upper bulk water contents (BWC) at 800 and 1500 ppm, respectively. The equilibrium constant, BWCK(P,T), for the reactions controlling the H-exchange between pe and pvk exhibited an almost negligible dependence on P, whereas it was remarkably sensitive to T, BWC and the hydrogen incorporation scheme. Both MSWV and MSWA lead to BWCK(P,T) ? 1, which suggests a ubiquitous shift in the exchange reaction towards an H2O-hosting perovskite. This took place more markedly in the latter incorporation mechanism, indicating that H2O-partitioning is affected by the uptake mechanism. In general, the larger the BWC, the smaller the BWCK(P,T). Over the BWC reference range, MSWV led to BWCK(P,T)-grand average (?BWCK?) calculated along lower mantle P-T-paths of ?0.875. With regard to the MSWA mechanism, ?BWCK? was more sensitive to BWC (and LM over BSE), but its values remained within the rather narrow 0.61-0.78 range. The periclase-perovskite H2O concentration-based partition coefficient, View the MathML sourceKdH2Ope/pvk, was inferred using ?BWCK ?, assuming both hydrous and anhydrous-dominated systems. MSWV revealed a View the MathML sourceKdH2Ope/pvk-BWC linear interpolation slope which was close to 0 and View the MathML sourceKdH2Ope/pvk values of 0.36 and 0.56 (for anhydrous and hydrous system, respectively). MSWA, in turn, yielded a View the MathML sourceKdH2Ope/pvk trend with a slightly steeper negative BWC -slope, while it may also be considered nearly invariant with View the MathML sourceKdH2Ope/pvk values of 0.31-0.47 in the 800-1500 ppm interval. Combining the MSWV and MSWA results led to the supposition that View the MathML sourceKdH2Ope/pvk lies in the narrow 0.31-0.56 interval, as far as the P-T-BWC values of interest are concerned. This implies that water always prefers pvk to pe. Furthermore, it also suggests that even in lower mantle with low or very low bulk water content, periclase rarely becomes a pure anhydrous phase.
Melilite-type and melilite related compounds: structural variations along the join Sr2a, Bax, MgS2iO7 and high pressure behaviour of the two end members.
Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, Vol. 39, 3, pp.199-211.
Abstract: "Super-deep" diamonds are thought to crystallize between 300 and 800 km depth because some of the inclusions trapped within them are considered to be the products of retrograde transformation from lower mantle or transition zone precursors. In particular, single inclusion CaSiO3-walstromite is believed to derive from CaSiO3-perovskite, although its real depth of origin has never been proven. Our aim is therefore to determine for the first time the pressure of formation of the diamond-CaSiO3-walstromite pair by “single-inclusion elastic barometry” and to determine whether CaSiO3-walstromite derives from CaSiO3-perovskite or not. We investigated several single phases and assemblages of Ca-silicate inclusions still trapped in a diamond coming from Juina (Brazil) by in-situ analyses (single-crystal X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy) and we obtained a minimum entrapment pressure of ~ 5.7 GPa (? 180 km) at 1500 K. However, the observed coexistence of CaSiO3-walstromite, larnite (?-Ca2SiO4) and CaSi2O5-titanite in one multiphase inclusion within the same diamond indicates that the sample investigated is sub-lithospheric with entrapment pressure between ~ 9.5 and ~ 11.5 GPa at 1500 K, based on experimentally-determined phase equilibria. In addition, thermodynamic calculations suggested that, within a diamond, single inclusions of CaSiO3-walstromite cannot derive from CaSiO3-perovskite, unless the diamond around the inclusion expands by ~ 30% in volume.
Cerantola, V., Bykova, E., Kupenko, I., Merlini, M., Ismailova, L., McCammon, C., Bykov, M., Chumakov, A.I., Petitgirard, S., Kantor, I., Svityk, V., Jacobs, J., Hanfland, M., Mezouar, M., Prescher, C., Ruffer, R., Prakapenka, V.B., Duvbovinsky, L.
Abstract: Subduction of calcium carbonate, sequestered in the oceanic crust by hydrothermal metamorphism and biogenic action, accounts for a significant flux of carbon into the mantle, where it contributes to the genesis of carbonatitic and silica-undersaturated melts. However, the reported phase relations in the system CaCO3, notably the transition boundary from disordered calcite (calcite V, here ccv) to aragonite (ara), vary considerably among different studies. Moreover, the thermodynamic properties of ccv and of liquid CaCO3 (CaCO3L) remain to be determined. In order to address the dearth of experimental data on phase relations, and to determine a set of internally consistent thermodynamic properties for ara, ccv and CaCO3L, multi-anvil experiments were performed at 3-6?GPa and 1300-1750?°C. By re-evaluating all experimental data, the transformation of ccv-ara fits the equation Tccv-ara?=?397.6?+?320.17?×?P and the melting curve Tm?=?1578.9?+?139.65?×?P???11.646?×?P2, where pressure is in GPa and temperature in K. Thermodynamic properties retrieved for calcite V and liquid CaCO3 are used to compute phase diagrams of relevance for chemical compositions representative of eclogite heterogeneities of the astenospheric mantle, and compared with experimentally derived phase relationships. Aragonite represents a carbonate of major abundance in carbonated eclogites at high temperature, close to the solidus; its ability to fractionate REE and Ba-Sr contributes to the peculiar geochemical signatures of silica undersaturated magmas. The relatively refractory nature of aragonite impacts on our understanding of the deep carbon cycle.
Abstract: Subduction of calcium carbonate, sequestered in the oceanic crust by hydrothermal metamorphism and biogenic action, accounts for a significant flux of carbon into the mantle, where it contributes to the genesis of carbonatitic and silica-undersaturated melts. However, the reported phase relations in the system CaCO3, notably the transition boundary from disordered calcite (calcite V, here ccv) to aragonite (ara), vary considerably among different studies. Moreover, the thermodynamic properties of ccv and of liquid CaCO3 (CaCO3L) remain to be determined. In order to address the dearth of experimental data on phase relations, and to determine a set of internally consistent thermodynamic properties for ara, ccv and CaCO3L, multi-anvil experiments were performed at 3-6?GPa and 1300-1750?°C. By re-evaluating all experimental data, the transformation of ccv-ara fits the equation Tccv-ara?=?397.6?+?320.17?×?P and the melting curve Tm?=?1578.9?+?139.65?×?P???11.646?×?P2, where pressure is in GPa and temperature in K. Thermodynamic properties retrieved for calcite V and liquid CaCO3 are used to compute phase diagrams of relevance for chemical compositions representative of eclogite heterogeneities of the astenospheric mantle, and compared with experimentally derived phase relationships. Aragonite represents a carbonate of major abundance in carbonated eclogites at high temperature, close to the solidus; its ability to fractionate REE and Ba-Sr contributes to the peculiar geochemical signatures of silica undersaturated magmas. The relatively refractory nature of aragonite impacts on our understanding of the deep carbon cycle.
Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 64, 4, pp. 557-564.
Australia, New South Wales
deposit - Bingara
Abstract: A paleo-alluvial 0.21 ct yellow diamond (L058) from Bingara (NSW) has three inclusions of coesite (two subequant crystals and one thin plate), each under more than 3.1 GPa internal pressure as measured by Raman spectroscopy. These inclusions cause overlapping birefringent retardation stress/strain haloes in the host diamond, visible under cross-polarised light. The complicated retardation pattern is quantified by mapping targeted retardation contours (170 nm, 270 nm and 380 nm) onto a photo of the diamond. A mathematical model of retardation is developed for each inclusion, and then the combined light retardations (CLR) are calculated using radial and tangential components with spherical and elliptical geometries. The CLR model reproduces most features of the measured data, but remaining differences may be due to local release of stress/strain by two short fractures radiating from one inclusion.
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.
International Journal of earth Sciences, Vol. 110, pp. 1593-1609.
Canada, Ontario
carbonatite
Abstract: Igneous intrusions are important to the thermomechanical evolution of continents because they inject heat into their relatively cold host rocks, and potentially change the distribution of radiogenic heat production and thermal properties within the crust. To explore one aspect of the complex evolution of the continental crust, this paper investigates the local thermal effects of two intrusive rock types (carbonatites and anorthosites) on the Archean Superior Province of the Canadian shield. We provide new data on their contrasting properties: rock density near 298 K, thermal diffusivity, and heat capacity up to 800 K (which altogether yield thermal conductivity), plus radiogenic element contents. The volumetrically small carbonatites have widely varying radiogenic heat production (2–56 µW m?3) and moderate thermal conductivity at 298 K (~?1 to 4 W m?1 K?1) which decreases with temperature. The massive Shawmere anorthosite has nearly negligible radiogenic heat production (
Mertanen, S., Vuollo, J.I., Huhma, H., Arestova, N.A., Kovalenko, A.
Early Paleoproterozoic Archean dykes and gneisses in Russian Karelia of the Fennoscandian Shield - new paleomagnetic, isotope age, geochemical investigations.
Precambrian Research, Vol. 144, 3-4, Feb. 10, pp. 239-260.
Abstract: Self-consistent geodynamic modeling that includes melting is challenging as the chemistry of the source rocks continuously changes as a result of melt extraction. Here, we describe a new method to study the interaction between physical and chemical processes in an uprising heterogeneous mantle plume by combining a geodynamic code with a thermodynamic modeling approach for magma generation and evolution. We pre-computed hundreds of phase diagrams, each of them for a different chemical system. After melt is extracted, the phase diagram with the closest bulk rock chemistry to the depleted source rock is updated locally. The petrological evolution of rocks is tracked via evolving chemical compositions of source rocks and extracted melts using twelve oxide compositional parameters. As a result, a wide variety of newly generated magmatic rocks can in principle be produced from mantle rocks with different degrees of depletion. The results show that a variable geothermal gradient, the amount of extracted melt and plume excess temperature affect the magma production and chemistry by influencing decompression melting and the depletion of rocks. Decompression melting is facilitated by a shallower lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and an increase in the amount of extracted magma is induced by a lower critical melt fraction for melt extraction and/or higher plume temperatures. Increasing critical melt fractions activates the extraction of melts triggered by decompression at a later stage and slows down the depletion process from the metasomatized mantle. Melt compositional trends are used to determine melting related processes by focusing on K2O/Na2O ratio as indicator for the rock type that has been molten. Thus, a step-like-profile in K2O/Na2O might be explained by a transition between melting metasomatized and pyrolitic mantle components reproducible through numerical modeling of a heterogeneous asthenospheric mantle source. A potential application of the developed method is shown for the West Eifel volcanic field.
Abstract: Although the source rocks of alluvial sapphires in Montana have never been discovered, inclusions and geochemistry of material from this location may give clues to their original source. Mineral inclusions in alluvial Montana sapphires, mainly from Rock Creek, were identified and compared with existing data. Topaz was a remarkable find in one of these samples; other newly identified mineral inclusions in Montana sapphire were allanite, anatase, chalcopyrite, and monazite. Together with the presence of calcium-rich plagioclase, alkali-feldspar, apatite, barite, phlogopite, a pyrochlore-group mineral previously called uranpyrochlore, and chromite/spinel, these inclusions may reflect a metasomatic origin for the sapphires. This is supported by their chemical composition, which largely coincides with sapphires of plumasitic/metasomatic origin. The secondary Montana sapphires analyzed in this study are characterized by mean values of Fe (4686 ppmw), Ti (58 ppmw), Ga (51 ppmw), Mg (35 ppmw), and Cr (21 ppmw). Fe-Mg-Ga ratios help to distinguish them from sapphires with overlapping properties, such as those from Umba, Tanzania, and Rio Mayo, Colombia.
Abstract: Tectonically young, orogenic settings are commonly the sites of post-collisional silica-rich ultrapotassic magmas with extreme K2O-contents of up to 9 wt% and K2O/Na2O > 2. Many experimental studies investigating the generation of these melts have concentrated on melting of homogenous phlogopite bearing peridotites, whereas geochemical signatures indicate the involvement of at least two types of source rocks: ultra-depleted and K and trace elements-enriched ones. We report the results of melting experiments at 1–2 GPa of mixed glimmerite and harzburgite, in which these rock types make up two halves each capsule. Melting begins in the glimmerite, and its metasomatic effects on the harzburgite are apparent at 1100 °C even before melt pools are visible. The first melts are Na-rich, seen in zoning of olivines and as growth of clinopyroxene in the harzburgite, but change at higher degrees of melting to produce a typical lamproite-like melt with K2O > 10 wt%. A major advantage of this study is the preservation of distinct melts in different parts of the capsule, which reflect a process of dynamic metasomatism: within the harzburgite matrix, the infiltrating melt derived from melting of the glimmerite changes consistently with the distance of travel through the harzburgite, enabling quantification of the metasomatic effects as an increase in SiO2 and K2O. This results principally from assimilation of orthopyroxene, which increases the Ol/Opx ratio of the residual harzburgite. The effects of quench olivine growth are recognizable and can be quantified due to a step-change in composition at the glimmerite/harzburgite border: the large total surface area of olivine and small melt fraction mean that the amount of quench olivine is high within the harzburgite, but negligible in the almost completely molten glimmerite. Melts of the glimmerite contain up to 8–10 wt% K2O and 53 wt% SiO2, which increase to 55–56 wt% after interaction with the harzburgite. Mediterranean lamproites resemble melts of glimmerite, whereas melts that have interacted with harzburgite are more similar to less potassic, but more SiO2-rich shoshonites of the Mediterranean region.
Abstract: Carbonate-rich ultramafic lamprophyres (aillikites) and associated rocks characteristically occur during the early stages of thinning and rifting of cratonic mantle lithosphere, prior to the eruption of melilitites, nephelinites and alkali basalts. It is accepted that they require volatile-rich melting conditions, and the presence of phlogopite and carbonate in the source, but the exact source rock assemblages are debated. Melts similar to carbonate-rich ultramafic lamprophyres (aillikites) have been produced by melting of peridotites in the presence of CO2 and H2O, whereas isotopes and trace elements appear to favor distinct phlogopite-bearing rocks.
Olivine macrocrysts in aillikites are usually rounded and abraded, so that it is debated whether they are phenocrysts or mantle xenocrysts. We have analyzed minor and trace element composition in olivines from the type aillikites from Aillik Bay in Labrador, Canada. We characterize five groups of olivines: [1] mantle xenocrysts, [2] the main phenocryst population, and [3] reversely zoned crystals interpreted as phenocrysts from earlier, more fractionated, magma batches, [4] rims on the phenocrysts, which delineate aillikite melt fractionation trends, and [5] rims around the reversely zoned olivines. The main phenocryst population is characterized by mantle-like Ni (averaging 3400 ?g g? 1) and Ni/Mg at Mg# of 88-90, overlapping with phenocrysts in ocean island basalts and Mediterranean lamproites. However, they also have low 100 Mn/Fe of 0.9-1.3 and no correlation between Ni and other trace elements (Sc, Co, Li) that would indicate recycled oceanic or continental crust in their sources. The low Mn/Fe without high Ni/Mg, and the high V/Sc (2-5) are inherited from phlogopite in the source that originated by solidification of lamproitic melts at the base of the cratonic lithosphere in a previous stage of igneous activity. The olivine phenocryst compositions are interpreted to result from phlogopite and not high modal pyroxene in the source. The presence of kimberlites and ultramafic lamprophyres of Mesozoic age in Greenland indicates the persistence of a steep edge to the cratonic lithosphere at a time when this had been removed from the western flank in Labrador.
Abstract: In this study, we show how veined lithospheric mantle is involved in the genesis of ultrapotassic magmatism in cratonic settings. We conducted high pressure experiments to simulate vein + wall rock melting within the Earth's lithospheric mantle by reacting assemblages of harzburgite and phlogopite-rich hydrous mantle xenoliths. These comprised a mica-, amphibole-, rutile-, ilmenite-, diopside (MARID) assemblage at 3-5 GPa and 1325-1450 °C. Melting of the MARID assemblages results in infiltration of melt through the harzburgite, leading to its chemical alteration. At 3 and 4 GPa, melts are high in K2O (> 9 wt%) with K2O/Na2O > > 2 comparable to anorogenic lamproites. Higher pressures and temperatures (5 GPa/1450 °C) lead to increasing MgO contents of the melt and to some extent lower K2O contents (5-7 wt%) at equally high K2O/Na2O ratios. Our experiments provide insights into the role of alkalis in nickel-partitioning (DNi) between olivine and ultrapotassic melt. We observe that the high contents of Na, K, and Al are indicative of high DNi values, implying that the melt polymerization is the dominant factor influencing the olivine/melt nickel partitioning. The change of DNi as a function of melt composition results in a pressure independent, empirical geothermometer: Element oxides represent the composition of the glass (in wt%), and DNi is the liquid/olivine Ni-partitioning coefficient. We propose that this geothermometer is applicable to all natural silicate melts that crystallized olivine in a temperature interval between 1000 and 1600 °C. Application to glass-olivine pairs from calc-alkaline settings (Mexico), MORB (East Pacific Rise), and OIB (Hawaii) yielded reasonable values of 996-1199 °C, 1265 °C, and 1330 °C, respectively.
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Vol. 177, pp. 76-88.
Mantle
lamproite
Abstract: Potassium-rich lavas with K/Na of >2 are common in orogenic and anorogenic intraplate magmatic provinces. However, in the primitive mantle, the concentration of Na exceeds that of K by 10 times. The source of K-rich lavas thus needs to be either K-enriched or Na-depleted to account for high K/Na ratios. The geochemical and isotopic compositions of high 87Sr/86Sr post-collisional lavas show that their mantle source contains a recycled crustal component. These highly K-enriched lavas with crustal like trace element patterns are termed “orogenic lamproites” and are compositionally distinct from K-rich “anorogenic lamproites” that show lower 87Sr/86Sr and a trace element pattern that resembles that of primary mantle melts. For both groups the processes of K-enrichment within their source are uncertain and are thought to be linked to melts of sedimentary rocks for “orogenic lamproites” and low-degree melts of ultramafic mantle rocks for “anorogenic lamproites”. In both cases, metasomatism of the mantle lithosphere is the precursor to K-rich magmatism. In this study we experimentally determine the effects of mantle metasomatism by sediment- and hydrous mantle melts. The experiments simulate the interaction of refractory lithospheric mantle and metasomatizing melt in a 2-layer reaction experiment. The sediment/dunite reaction experiments lead to formation of a strongly K-enriched phlogopite-pyroxenite layer sandwiched between the two starting materials. The low temperature of the sediment/dunite reaction runs at <1000?°C simulates a fore-arc subduction environment, in which the melts of sediment are consumed during interaction with dunite as the temperature is below the solidus of the produced phlogopite-pyroxenites. The hydrous mantle melt/dunite reaction run is simulated by reacting a hydrated basanite with dunite. Since the temperature of the reaction is higher than the solidus of the resulting phlogopite-pyroxenites (1200?°C), the hydrous melt is not consumed but flows further, increasing in K2O and K/Na as it reacts with the refractory peridotite. In both cases, melts are enriched in K and K/Na increases by crystallizing a low K and low K/Na eclogitic residue. Compositions of glass and phlogopite from both types of reactions are comparable to glasses and phlogopites found within post-collisional lavas. Since the enrichment of K within the reaction zone is strongly controlled by the formation of low K/Na and low-K residues, metasomatic enrichment of the mantle lithosphere in K does not need a highly K-enriched metasomatic agent.
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Vol. 177, pp. 76-88.
Mantle
metasomatism
Abstract: Potassium-rich lavas with K/Na of >2 are common in orogenic and anorogenic intraplate magmatic provinces. However, in the primitive mantle, the concentration of Na exceeds that of K by 10 times. The source of K-rich lavas thus needs to be either K-enriched or Na-depleted to account for high K/Na ratios. The geochemical and isotopic compositions of high 87Sr/86Sr post-collisional lavas show that their mantle source contains a recycled crustal component. These highly K-enriched lavas with crustal like trace element patterns are termed “orogenic lamproites” and are compositionally distinct from K-rich “anorogenic lamproites” that show lower 87Sr/86Sr and a trace element pattern that resembles that of primary mantle melts. For both groups the processes of K-enrichment within their source are uncertain and are thought to be linked to melts of sedimentary rocks for “orogenic lamproites” and low-degree melts of ultramafic mantle rocks for “anorogenic lamproites”. In both cases, metasomatism of the mantle lithosphere is the precursor to K-rich magmatism. In this study we experimentally determine the effects of mantle metasomatism by sediment- and hydrous mantle melts. The experiments simulate the interaction of refractory lithospheric mantle and metasomatizing melt in a 2-layer reaction experiment. The sediment/dunite reaction experiments lead to formation of a strongly K-enriched phlogopite-pyroxenite layer sandwiched between the two starting materials. The low temperature of the sediment/dunite reaction runs at <1000?°C simulates a fore-arc subduction environment, in which the melts of sediment are consumed during interaction with dunite as the temperature is below the solidus of the produced phlogopite-pyroxenites. The hydrous mantle melt/dunite reaction run is simulated by reacting a hydrated basanite with dunite. Since the temperature of the reaction is higher than the solidus of the resulting phlogopite-pyroxenites (1200?°C), the hydrous melt is not consumed but flows further, increasing in K2O and K/Na as it reacts with the refractory peridotite. In both cases, melts are enriched in K and K/Na increases by crystallizing a low K and low K/Na eclogitic residue. Compositions of glass and phlogopite from both types of reactions are comparable to glasses and phlogopites found within post-collisional lavas. Since the enrichment of K within the reaction zone is strongly controlled by the formation of low K/Na and low-K residues, metasomatic enrichment of the mantle lithosphere in K does not need a highly K-enriched metasomatic agent.
MDPI Minerals, Vol. 10, 41;doe.10.3390/min10010041 21p. Pdf
Mantle
metasomatism
Abstract: The generation of strongly potassic melts in the mantle requires the presence of phlogopite in the melting assemblage, while isotopic and trace element analyses of ultrapotassic rocks frequently indicate the involvement of subducted crustal lithologies in the source. However, phlogopite-free experiments that focus on melting of sedimentary rocks and subsequent hybridization with mantle rocks at pressures of 1-3 GPa have not successfully produced melts with K2O >5 wt%-6 wt%, while ultrapotassic igneous rocks reach up to 12 wt% K2O. Accordingly, a two-stage process that enriches K2O and increases K/Na in intermediary assemblages in the source prior to ultrapotassic magmatism seems likely. Here, we simulate this two-stage formation of ultrapotassic magmas using an experimental approach that involves re-melting of parts of an experimental product in a second experiment. In the first stage, reaction experiments containing layered sediment and dunite produced a modally metasomatized reaction zone at the border of a depleted peridotite. For the second-stage experiment, the metasomatized dunite was separated from the residue of the sedimentary rock and transferred to a smaller capsule, and melts were produced with 8 wt%-8.5 wt% K2O and K/Na of 6-7. This is the first time that extremely K-enriched ultrapotassic melts have been generated experimentally from sediments at low pressure applicable to a post-collisional setting.
Abstract: Subduction of oceanic crust buries an average thickness of 300-500 m of sediment that eventually dehydrates or partially melts. Progressive release of fluid/melt metasomatizes the fore-arc mantle, forming serpentinite at low temperatures and phlogopite-bearing pyroxenite where slab surface reaches 700-900 °C. This is sufficiently high to partially melt subducted sediments before they approach the depths where arc magmas are formed. Here, we present experiments on reactions between melts of subducted sediments and peridotite at 2-6 GPa/750-1100 °C, which correspond to the surface of a subducting slab. The reaction of volatile-bearing partial melts derived from sediments with depleted peridotite leads to separation of elements and a layered arrangement of metasomatic phases, with layers consisting of orthopyroxene, mica-pyroxenite, and clinopyroxenite. The selective incorporation of elements in these metasomatic layers closely resembles chemical patterns found in K-rich magmas. Trace elements were imaged using LA-ICP-TOFMS, which is applied here to investigate the distribution of trace elements within the metasomatic layers. Experiments of different duration enabled estimates of the growth of the metasomatic front, which ranges from 1-5 m/ky. These experiments explain the low contents of high-field strength elements in arc magmas as being due to their loss during melting of sedimentary materials in the fore-arc.
Mineralogy and Petrology, 10.1007/ s00710-018- 0589-4, 14p.
Africa, South Africa, Canada, Northwest Territories, Ontario
deposit - Venetia, Voorspoed, Gahcho Kue, Victor, Snap Lake
Abstract: De Beers kimberlite mine operations in South Africa (Venetia and Voorspoed) and Canada (Gahcho Kué, Victor, and Snap Lake) have the potential to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) through weathering of kimberlite mine tailings, which can store carbon in secondary carbonate minerals (mineral carbonation). Carbonation of ca. 4.7 to 24.0 wt% (average?=?13.8 wt%) of annual processed kimberlite production could offset 100% of each mine site’s carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. Minerals of particular interest for reactivity with atmospheric or waste CO2 from energy production include serpentine minerals, olivine (forsterite), brucite, and smectite. The most abundant minerals, such as serpentine polymorphs, provide the bulk of the carbonation potential. However, the detection of minor amounts of highly reactive brucite in tailings from Victor, as well as the likely presence of brucite at Venetia, Gahcho Kué, and Snap Lake, is also important for the mineral carbonation potential of the mine sites.
Geological Society of London Special Publication 513, pp. 179-207.
India
minette
Abstract: The lamproites and kimberlites are well known from the Eastern Bastar Craton, Central India. However, a Proterozoic lamprophyre dyke is discussed here, from the Western Bastar Craton (WBC). The field geology, petrographic, mineralogical and whole-rock and in-situ trace element geochemistry of biotite are described to understand the petrogenesis and lithospheric evolution in the WBC. The Thanewasna lamprophyre (TL) is undeformed and unmetamorphosed, intruded into c. 2.5 Ga charnockite and metagabbro but closely associated with c. 1.62 Ga undeformed Mul granite. The TL has a characteristic porphyritic texture, dominated by phenocrysts of biotite, microphenocryst of amphibole, clinopyroxene and a groundmass controlled by feldspar. Mineral chemistry of biotite and amphibole suggest a calc-alkaline (CAL) type, and pyroxene chemistry reveals an orogenic setting. The TL is characterized by high SiO2 and low TiO2, MgO, Ni and Cr, consistent with its subcontinental lithospheric origin. The presence of crustal xenolith and ocelli texture followed by observed variations in Th/Yb, Hf/Sm, La/Nb, Ta/La, Nb/Yb, Ba/Nb indicate substantial crustal contamination. Whole-rock and in-situ biotite analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry show low concentrations of Ni (30-50 ppm) and Cr (70-150 ppm), pointing to the parental magma evolved nature. Enrichment in H2O, reflected in magmatic mica dominance, combined with high large ion lithophile element, Th/Yb ratios, and striking negative Nb-Ta anomalies in trace element patterns, is consistent with a source that was metasomatized by hydrous fluids corresponding to those generated by subduction-related processes. Significant Zr-Hf and Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle normalized multi-element plots and the rare earth element pattern of the TL, similar to the global CAL average trend, including Eastern Dharwar Craton lamprophyres. Our findings provide substantial petrological and geochemical constraints on petrogenesis and geodynamics. However, the geodynamic trigger that generated CAL magmatism and its role in Cu-Au metallogeny in the WBC, Central India, is presently indistinct in the absence of isotopic studies. Nevertheless, the lamprophyre dyke is emplaced close to the Cu-(Au) deposit at Thanewasna.
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.
Geological Society of London Special Publication 513, pp. 179-207.
India
minette
Abstract: The lamproites and kimberlites are well known from the Eastern Bastar Craton, Central India. However, a Proterozoic lamprophyre dyke is discussed here, from the Western Bastar Craton (WBC). The field geology, petrographic, mineralogical and whole-rock and in-situ trace element geochemistry of biotite are described to understand the petrogenesis and lithospheric evolution in the WBC. The Thanewasna lamprophyre (TL) is undeformed and unmetamorphosed, intruded into c. 2.5 Ga charnockite and metagabbro but closely associated with c. 1.62 Ga undeformed Mul granite. The TL has a characteristic porphyritic texture, dominated by phenocrysts of biotite, microphenocryst of amphibole, clinopyroxene and a groundmass controlled by feldspar. Mineral chemistry of biotite and amphibole suggest a calc-alkaline (CAL) type, and pyroxene chemistry reveals an orogenic setting. The TL is characterized by high SiO2 and low TiO2, MgO, Ni and Cr, consistent with its subcontinental lithospheric origin. The presence of crustal xenolith and ocelli texture followed by observed variations in Th/Yb, Hf/Sm, La/Nb, Ta/La, Nb/Yb, Ba/Nb indicate substantial crustal contamination. Whole-rock and in-situ biotite analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry show low concentrations of Ni (30-50 ppm) and Cr (70-150 ppm), pointing to the parental magma evolved nature. Enrichment in H2O, reflected in magmatic mica dominance, combined with high large ion lithophile element, Th/Yb ratios, and striking negative Nb-Ta anomalies in trace element patterns, is consistent with a source that was metasomatized by hydrous fluids corresponding to those generated by subduction-related processes. Significant Zr-Hf and Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle normalized multi-element plots and the rare earth element pattern of the TL, similar to the global CAL average trend, including Eastern Dharwar Craton lamprophyres. Our findings provide substantial petrological and geochemical constraints on petrogenesis and geodynamics. However, the geodynamic trigger that generated CAL magmatism and its role in Cu-Au metallogeny in the WBC, Central India, is presently indistinct in the absence of isotopic studies. Nevertheless, the lamprophyre dyke is emplaced close to the Cu-(Au) deposit at Thanewasna.
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM)
Resource and reserve definitions... the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) standards - definitions and guidelines. Diamonds p. 61.
The Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Bulletin (CIM Bulletin) ., Vol. 93, No. 1044, Oct. pp. 53-61.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, in press available
Africa, West Africa
Geophysics - magnetics
Abstract: Studies of mafic dyke swarms may simultaneously provide information on the mechanical, geochemical, geochronological and magnetic environments at the time of their formation. The mafic intrusive history of different cratons can also be potentially used to unravel their assembly into their current configuration. The identification and classification of dykes is a first step to all these studies. Fortunately, even in regions with poor outcrop, we can use the strong magnetic response of mafic dykes to identify and map their extent. In West Africa the first maps of mafic dyke distribution were made over 40 years ago, but there are still large areas where there are almost no published data. In this paper we present a significantly updated map of mafic dykes for the West Africa Craton based in large part on new interpretations of the regional airborne magnetic database. This map includes the locations of over three thousand dykes across the craton, which locally shows several orientation clusters that provide a minimum estimate for the total number of dyke swarms in this region. Whilst we will have to wait until systematic dating of the different swarms is completed, we can demonstrate that there is a long and complex history of mafic magmatism across the craton, with up to 26 distinct dyke swarms mapped based according to their orientation. The mapping and dating of these swarms will provide key constraints on the assembly of the fragments that make up the modern continents.
Dyke Swarms of the World: a modern perspective, Srivastava et al. eds. Springer , pp. 263-314.
Africa, West Africa, South America
geochronology
Abstract: Eight different generations of dolerite dykes crosscutting the Paleoproterozoic basement in West Africa and one in South America were dated using the high precision U-Pb TIMS method on baddeleyite. Some of the individual dykes reach over 300 km in length and they are considered parts of much larger systems of mafic dyke swarms representing the plumbing systems for large igneous provinces (LIPs). The new U-Pb ages obtained for the investigated swarms in the southern West African Craton (WAC) are the following (oldest to youngest): 1791?±?3 Ma for the N010° Libiri swarm, 1764?±?4 Ma for the N035° Kédougou swarm, 1575?±?5 for the N100° Korsimoro swarm, ~1525-1529 Ma for the N130° Essakane swarm, 1521?±?3 Ma for the N90° Sambarabougou swarm, 915?±?7 Ma for the N070° Oda swarm, 867?±?16 Ma for the N355° Manso swarm, 202?±?5 Ma and 198?±?16 Ma for the N040° Hounde swarm, and 200?±?3 Ma for the sills in the Taoudeni basin. The last ones are related to the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) event. The Hounde swarm is oblique to the dominant radiating CAMP swarm and may be linked with the similar-trending elongate Kakoulima intrusion in Guinea. In addition, the N150° Käyser swarm (Amazonian craton, South America) is dated at 1528?±?2 Ma, providing a robust match with the Essakane swarm in a standard Amazonia-West African craton reconstruction, and resulting in a combined linear swarm >1500 km by >1500 km in extent. The Precambrian LIP barcode ages of c. 1790, 1765-1750, 1575, 1520, 915. 870 Ma for the WAC are compared with the global LIP record to identify possible matches on other crustal blocks, with reconstruction implications. These results contribute to the refinement of the magmatic ‘barcode’ for the West African and Amazonian cratons, representing the first steps towards plausible global paleogeographic reconstructions involving the West African and Amazonian cratons.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 453, pp. 146-156.
Canada, Ontario
Gravity
Abstract: The Earth's surface was depressed under the weight of ice during the last glaciations. Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) induces the slow recession of the trough that is left after deglaciation and is responsible for a contemporary uplift rate of more than 1 cm/yr around Hudson Bay. The present-day residual depression, an indicator of still-ongoing GIA, is difficult to identify in the observed topography, which is predominantly sensitive to crustal heterogeneities. According to the most widespread GIA models, which feature a viscosity of on top of the lower mantle, the trough is approximately 100 m deep and cannot explain the observed gravity anomalies across North America. These large anomalies are therefore usually attributed to subcontinental density heterogeneities in the tectosphere or to slab downwelling in the deep mantle.
The origin and evolution of the lithospheric mantle beneath the Makondi fold belt in Botswana: an extensive geochemical study of peridotite xenoliths from the Lethlakane diamond mine.
10th. International Kimberlite Conference Held Bangalore India Feb. 6-11, Poster abstract
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 232 pp. 206-224.
Technology
diamond - inclusions DFT
Abstract: Diffusivities of helium, deuterium and hydrogen have been characterized in diamond. Polished CVD diamond was implanted with either 3He, 2H, or 1H. Implanted samples were sealed under vacuum in silica glass capsules, and annealed in 1-atm furnaces. 3He, 2H and 1H distributions were measured with Nuclear Reaction Analysis. We obtain these Arrhenius relations: DHe = 4.00?×?10?15 exp(?138?±?14?kJ?mol?1/RT) m2?s?1. D2H = 1.02?×?10?4 exp(?262?±?17?kJ?mol?1/RT) m2?s?1. D1H = 2.60?×?10?4 exp(?267?±?15?kJ?mol?1/RT) m2?s?1. Diffusivities of 1H and 2H agree within experimental uncertainties, indicating little diffusive mass fractionation of hydrogen in diamond. To complement the experimental measurements, we performed calculations using a first-principles quantum mechanical description of diffusion in diamond within the Density Functional Theory (DFT). Differences in 1H and 2H diffusivities from calculations are found to be ?4.5%, reflected in differences in the pre-exponential factor. This small difference in diffusivities, despite the large relative mass difference between these isotopes, is due to the fact that the atomistic process involved in the transition along the diffusion pathway is dictated by local changes to the diamond structures rather than to vibrations involving 1H/2H. This finding is consistent with the experimental results given experimental uncertainties. In contrast, calculations for helium diffusion in diamond indicate a difference of 15% between diffusivities of 3He and 4He. Calculations of diffusion distances for hydrogen using our data yield a distance of 50??m in diamond in 300,000?years at 500?°C and ?30?min at 1400?°C. Diffusion distances for He in diamond are shorter than for H at all temperatures above ?350?°C, but differences increase dramatically with temperature because of the higher activation energy for H diffusion. For example, a 50??m diffusion distance for He would be attained in ?40 Myr at 500?°C and 400?yr at 1400?°C. For comparison, a 50??m diffusion distance for N in diamond would require nearly 1 billion years at 1400?°C. The experimental data indicate that diamonds equilibrate with ambient H and He in the mantle on timescales brief relative to most geological processes and events. However, He diffusion in diamond is slower than in any other mineral measured to date, including other kimberlite-hosted minerals. Under some circumstances, diamond may provide information about mantle He not recoverable from other minerals. One possibility is diamonds entrained in kimberlites. Since the ascent of kimberlite from the mantle to near-surface is very rapid, entrained diamonds may retain most or all of the H and He acquired in mantle environments. Calculations using reasonable ascent rates and T-t paths indicate that He diffusive loss from kimberlite-hosted diamonds is negligible for grains of 1.0-0.2?mm radius, with fractional losses <0.15% for all ascent rates considered. If the host kimberlite magma is effectively quenched in the near-surface (or is erupted), diamonds should contain a faithful record of [He] and He isotopes from the mantle source region. Preservation of H in kimberlite-hosted diamonds is less clear-cut, with model outcomes depending critically upon rates of ascent and cooling.
Abstract: Mantle xenolith from Komsomolskya and Zarnitsa pie were used for the reconstryctions of mantle columns beneath theses kimberlite pipes. Relatively fresh mantle xenolith from Zarnitsa and Komsomolskaya pipes we used for PTX reconstructions of mantle sections. In Zarnitsa dunites - harburgites with richterite, Phl-Ilm veins, sheared lherzolites, pyroxenites (with amphibole) and eclogites and deformed peridotites. Mg -rich Gar and Opx formed stepped P-Fe# trend, Fe- enriched Cpx with Ilm were created mostly by protkimberlites. Sub Ca garnets rarely show U spikes while Ti rich show Th, U, Ta, Nb, Zr and peaks Many minerals demonstrate Th enrichment due to carbonitites. In mantle of Komsomolskaya pipe Phl is wide spreadin periditites from lherzolites ti dunites and in eclogites. There are 6 intervals with sharp division at 5 GPa.Mg eclogites prevae in lower part while fe- enriched in middle part. The Fe# rise is detevcted in lower and upper parts of mantle section. The TRE spiderdiagrams of grnets shows U -pb subduction peaks But Cpx mainly show n Th- peak. The ages of eclogites ogive 500-600 Ma (one 1525 MA) which is much less than in Zarnitsa or Udachnaya having Proterozoic - Archean ages.
Abstract: How is hydrogen distributed among minerals and how is it bonded in their crystal structures? These are important questions, because the amount of hydrogen and the bonding configuration of hydrogen in crystalline materials governs many of that material’s properties: its thermal and compressional behavior, P-T phase stability, rheology, and electrical conductivity. A reliable reconstruction of the Earth’s interior, or the prediction of mineral transformations in complex industrial processes, must account for these parameters. Neutron diffraction can locate hydrogen sites in mineral structures, reveal any static or dynamic hydrogen disorder, help define the libration regime of hydrogen, and elucidate hydrogen-bonding configurations. Thus, that most elusive element for X-ray probes is perfectly detectable using neutrons.
Abstract: Manganilmenite is found to be associated with the magnetite ore body of Pokphur area in the Nagaland ophiolites, North East India. There is perhaps no earlier description of the mineral from the Indian subcontinent. It occurs as an accessory mineral with magnetite and Fe-chlorite (chamosite). Electron probe micro-analytical data reveal that the mineral contains 5.6–8.5 wt% MnO and traces of MgO, ZnO and Cr2O3, while the TiO2 content remains within narrow limits of 50–53 wt%. The calculated pyrophanite end-member varies from 13% to 18%. Although the magnetite body of Pokphur has been reasonably proved to be a hydrothermally altered product of basic and ultrabasic igneous rocks, and most of the minerals in the magnetite body are supergene in nature, different end-member compositions of mangan–ilmenite indicate that it has originally crystallized with the basic suite of rocks and has survived the alteration process with only marginal effects. Since manganilmenite has been considered as a diamond indicator mineral and ophiolites are a newly documented host of microdiamonds elsewhere in the world, the presence of manganilmenite in the Pokphur magnetite hints towards occurrence of microdiamonds in the ophiolite suite of rocks of the Indo-Myanmar ranges.
Buikin, A.I., Trieloff, M., Korochantseeva, E.V., Hopp, J., Kaliwood, M., Meyer, H-P.,Altherr, R.
Distribution of mantle and atmospheric argon in mantle xenoliths from western Arabian Peninsula: constraints on timing and composition of metasomatizing agents....
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.
Abstract: The Koffiefontein kimberlite is one of the classic locales on the Kaapvaal Craton and best known for being the first locality where very deep diamonds were recovered. Koffiefontein diamonds were last studied in 1980s and, based on major advances in micro-analytical techniques, here we revisit the mine to provide improved inclusion-based geothermobarometry. Currently, ~70 peridotitic diamonds have been studied with ~150 olivine, Cr-rich pyrope garnet, enstatite, and diopside inclusions liberated. So far, the inclusions were analysed (EPMA) for their major element compositions. The peridotitic inclusion suite is dominated by a highly-depleted harzburgitic association: olivine Mg-number ranges between 93 and 95, harzburgitic garnets contain < 3.00 wt % CaO, and 14 % of garnet inclusions are lherzolitic in paragenesis. Conventional mineral exchange geothermobarometry on non-touching inclusion pairs reveals that diamonds with harzburgitic inclusions derive from close to the base of the lithosphere (1143-1283 °C and 55-65 kbar; 12 diamonds) whilst much rarer lherzolitic inclusions last equilibrated in the upper portion of diamond stable lithosphere (983-1158 °C and 47-52 kbar; 5 diamonds). Both associations fall along a 39 mW/m2 reference geotherm (Hasterok and Chapman, 2011), implying a total lithosphere thickness of ~200 km at 90 Ma. To expand our geothermobarometry data beyond rare garnet-opx associations we conducted high-precision trace element analysis of Al and Ca in olivine inclusions via EPMA. Using long count times (300 sec on peak and each background) and a 200 nA beam current, detection limits of 8 ppm for Al and 6 ppm for Ca were achieved. This technique allowed for trace element analysis of olivine inclusions as small as 20 ?m in diameter. Based on these high-precision Al analyses, the updated Al-inolivine thermometer of Bussweiler et al (2017) extrapolated to a 39 mW/m2 geotherm yielded temperatures of 1124-1278 °C (30 diamonds).
Vancouver Kimberlite Cluster, Feb. 24, recorded update https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCcZvayDnqDD azIHAh1Otreg gets you into the VKC
Africa, South Africa
deposit - Koffiefontein
Abstract: Diamonds and their mineral inclusions preserve mantle processes over space and time. Forming over a protracted period, diamonds also provide snapshots of early craton formation and mantle evolution over much of Earth’s history. The lithosphere beneath Koffiefontein is extremely depleted and is characterised by high-Mg# olivine and low-Ca garnet. In addition to garnet LREE enrichment, Koffiefontein experienced a unique K-Nb-Ta-rich metasomatism event that resulted in new minerals. The lack of clinopyroxene and co-existing garnet-orthopyroxene assemblages lead to the use of the electron microprobe for trace element analysis of Al in olivine. Geothermobarometry indicates that upper mantle diamond formation conditions are 1100-1300 °C and 4-7 GPa. Koffiefontein diamonds have a main ?13C mode for both peridotitic and eclogitic diamonds similar to mantle carbon. Relationships of ?15N-[N] and ?13C-?15N indicate that nitrogen was derived from subducted sources and suggests that formation of not only eclogitic but also peridotitic diamonds involved fluids derived from altered oceanic crust. Lower mantle diamonds with coexisting ferropericlase and former bridgmanite indicate formation at or below 660 km. The high bulk Mg# of this assemblage is consistent with the diamond substrate originating from the depleted lithospheric mantle portion of an oceanic slab. Diamond formation at Koffiefontein dominantly takes place in depleted peridotite at both lithospheric and lower mantle depths. The ?13C-?15N systematics suggest the same subducted source for both peridotitic and eclogitic diamonds. Subduction has played an important role in the formation and evolution of the Kaapvaal Craton and subsequent diamond formation.
Abstract: Goldschmidtite is a new perovskite-group mineral (IMA No. 2018-034) with the ideal formula (K,REE,Sr)(Nb,Cr)O3. A single grain of goldschmidtite with a maximum dimension of ?100 ?m was found as an inclusion in a diamond from the Koffiefontein pipe in South Africa. In addition to the dark green and opaque goldschmidtite, the diamond contained a Cr-rich augite (websteritic paragenesis) and an intergrowth of chromite, Mg-silicate, and unidentified K-Sr-REE-Nb-oxide. Geothermobarometry of the augite indicates that the depth of formation was ?170 km. The chemical composition of gold-schmidtite determined by electron microprobe analysis (n = 11, WDS, wt%) is: Nb2O5 44.82, TiO2 0.44, ThO2 0.10, Al2O3 0.35, Cr2O3 7.07, La2O3 11.85, Ce2O3 6.18, Fe2O3 1.96, MgO 0.70, CaO 0.04, SrO 6.67, BaO 6.82, K2O 11.53, total 98.53. The empirical formula (expressed to two decimal places) is (K0.50La0.15Sr0.13Ba0.09Ce0.08)?0.95(Nb0.70Cr0.19Fe0.05Al0.01Mg0.04Ti0.01)?1.00O3. Goldschmidtite is cubic, space group Pm3m, with unit-cell parameters: a = 3.9876(1) Å, V = 63.404(6) Å3, Z = 1, resulting in a calculated density of 5.32(3) g/cm3. Goldschmidtite is the K-analog of isolueshite, (Na,La)NbO3. Raman spectra of goldschmidtite exhibit many second-order broad bands at 100 to 700 cm-1 as well as a pronounced peak at 815 cm-1, which is possibly a result of local ordering of Nb and Cr at the B site. The name goldschmidtite is in honor of the eminent geochemist Victor Moritz Goldschmidt (1888-1947), who formalized perovskite crystal chemistry and identified KNbO3 as a perovskite-structured compound.
Abstract: Because of their robust nature, diamonds survive mantle processes and protect occluded minerals since the time of diamond formation. For the Kaapvaal Craton - the archetype for craton formation and evolution - the geochemical signatures of inclusions in Koffiefontein diamonds tell a story from craton formation to evolution and from lithospheric (below about 160 km) to lower mantle (>660 km) environs. We analysed a suite of 94 lithospheric to lower mantle diamonds and their silicate and oxide inclusions. Geochemical results confirm that the diamond substrates are very depleted, with Mg#OL of 91.5-95.0 and a dominance of low-Ca (<1.8 wt% CaO), presumably dunite-derived garnet. The Si-rich nature and preserved high Mg# of the peridotitic diamond substrates beneath Koffiefontein and the formation of KNbO3 (goldschmidtite) from an extremely fractionated melt/fluid indicate that potentially both mantle- and subduction-related fluids are the cause of metasomatism in the Kaapvaal cratonic root. Mantle-like, restricted carbon isotopic compositions of both P- and E-type diamonds (avg. ?13C -5.7 ‰ and -6.6 ‰, respectively) indicate that an abundant, mantle-derived CHO fluid is responsible for diamond formation. Diamonds have a large range in nitrogen concentrations and isotopic compositions, suggesting decoupling from carbon and heterogeneous sources. ?18O of former bridgmanite and ?13C of its host diamond document a purely mantle-derived lower mantle component. Combined, these results reveal a complex and multistage evolution of the Kaapvaal Craton whereby multiple episodes of fluid and melt metasomatism re-enriched the craton already, prior to diamond formation, followed by diamond entrainment in a kimberlite possibly derived from the lower mantle.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 584, doi 10.1016/j.espl.2022.117480
Africa, Mali, Mauritania
craton
Abstract: Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) are exceptionally voluminous magmatic events frequently related to continental break-up, global climate changes and mass extinctions. One interesting aspect of many LIPs is their spatial proximity to cratons, begging the question of a potential control of thick lithosphere on their emplacement. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the emplacement of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) and the thick lithospheric mantle of the Precambrian cratons that formed the central portion of Pangea and are currently located on the continents surrounding the Central Atlantic Ocean. CAMP outcrops are frequently located over the margins of the thick cratonic keels, as imaged by recent tomographic studies, suggesting a role of lithosphere architecture in controlling magma genesis and emplacement. Here we focus on CAMP dykes and sills from the Hank, Hodh, and Kaarta basins in North-Western Africa (NW-Africa, Mali and Mauritania) emplaced at the edge of the Reguibat and Leo-Man Shields. The investigated intrusive rocks show compositions similar to most CAMP magmas, in particular those of the Tiourjdal geochemical group, limited to NW-Africa, and of the Prevalent group, occurring all over the CAMP. Geochemical modelling of CAMP basalts requires a Depleted MORB Mantle (DMM) source enriched by recycled continental crust (1-4%) and melting beneath a lithosphere of ca. 80 km in thickness. On the contrary, melting under a significantly thicker lithosphere (>110 km) does not produce magmas with compositions similar to those of CAMP basalts. This suggests that CAMP magmatism was likely favoured by decompression-induced partial melting of the upwelling asthenospheric mantle along the steep lithospheric boundaries of stable cratons. The architecture of the pre-existing lithosphere (i.e., the presence of stable thick cratonic keels juxtaposed to relatively thinner lithosphere) appears to have been a critical factor for localizing mantle upwelling and partial melting during extensive magmatic events such as in the CAMP.
Synorogenic melting of mafic lower crust: constraints from geochronology, petrology and Sr Nd, Pb and O isotope geochemistry of quartz diorites, Damara Orogen
Synorogenic melting of mafic lower crust: constraints from geochronology, petrology and Sr Nd Pb O isotope geochemistry of diorites from Damara Origin.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 143, 5, pp.551-66.
Abstract: Lenses of ultramafic rocks occur in supracrustal high-grade gneiss in the northern Haskard Highlands, Shackleton Range, East Antarctica. Olivine-bearing garnet pyroxenite is the dominant rock type that is associated with hornblendite and subordinate spinel peridotite and amphibolite. The high-pressure (23-25 kbar) garnet-olivine assemblage of the pyroxenite formed during Pan-African eclogite-facies metamorphism. Associated collisional tectonics led to the incorporation of the ultramafic and mafic rocks in upper crustal rocks of a subducting continental margin. The ultramafic-mafic rocks are tracers of a palaeo-suture zone and are critical for reconstructing Gondwana amalgamation. Thus, it is important to infer the tectonic setting of the rocks prior to emplacement into their current position, i.e. were the rocks part of the oceanic crust, the sub-oceanic, or the sub-continental mantle? Major and trace elements together with Pb and Nd isotope data imply that the precursor rocks of the pyroxenites and hornblendites (the latter being retrogressed pyroxenite equivalents) formed as plume-related melts, with many characteristics typical for ocean-island tholeiitic magmas. Hence, pyroxenite and hornblendite are interpreted as metamorphic equivalents of picritic melts. They differ from most garnet pyroxenites worldwide in composition and genesis. The latter formed as high-pressure clinopyroxene-rich cumulates from basaltic melts. The volumetrically minor amphibolites, sharing many geochemical characteristics with pyroxenites and hornblendites, are also interpreted as metamorphic equivalents of plume-related melts. It is inferred that the picritic melts crystallized at medium- to high-pressure conditions in the upper continental mantle or in the transition zone between mantle and continental crust. The subordinate spinel peridotites are interpreted as fragments of the uppermost, depleted mantle. They are probably the wall rocks into which the picritic melts intruded. The Pb and Nd mantle separation ages of the picritic melts range from 770 to 870 Ma. These model ages are very similar to the emplacement ages of numerous global mafic and ultramafic dykes, which are genetically linked to mantle plume activity that initiated Rodinia rifting and breakup. The protoliths of pyroxenite and related rocks in the Shackleton Range most likely formed during the initial stages of plume magmatism that eventually led to Rodinia breakup.
Abstract: Lenses of ultramafic rocks occur in supracrustal high-grade gneiss in the northern Haskard Highlands, Shackleton Range, East Antarctica. Olivine-bearing garnet pyroxenite is the dominant rock type that is associated with hornblendite and subordinate spinel peridotite and amphibolite. The high-pressure (23-25 kbar) garnet-olivine assemblage of the pyroxenite formed during Pan-African eclogite-facies metamorphism. Associated collisional tectonics led to the incorporation of the ultramafic and mafic rocks in upper crustal rocks of a subducting continental margin. The ultramafic-mafic rocks are tracers of a paleo-suture zone and are critical for reconstructing Gondwana amalgamation. Thus, it is important to infer the tectonic setting of the rocks prior to emplacement into their current position, i.e., were the rocks part of the oceanic crust, the sub-oceanic, or the sub-continental mantle? Major and trace elements together with Pb and Nd isotope data imply that the precursor rocks of the pyroxenites and hornblendites (the latter being retrogressed pyroxenite equivalents) formed as plume-related melts, with many characteristics typical for ocean-island tholeiitic magmas. Hence, pyroxenite and hornblendite are interpreted as metamorphic equivalents of picritic melts. They differ from most garnet pyroxenites worldwide in composition and genesis. The latter formed as high-pressure clinopyroxene-rich cumulates from basaltic melts. The volumetrically minor amphibolites, sharing many geochemical characteristics with pyroxenites and hornblendites, are also interpreted as metamorphic equivalents of plume-related melts. It is inferred that the picritic melts crystallized at medium- to high-pressure conditions in the upper continental mantle or in the transition zone between mantle and continental crust. The subordinate spinel peridotites are interpreted as fragments of the uppermost, depleted mantle. They are probably the wall rocks into which the picritic melts intruded. The Pb and Nd mantle separation ages of the picritic melts range from 770 to 870 Ma. These model ages are very similar to the emplacement ages of numerous global mafic and ultramafic dykes, which are genetically linked to mantle plume activity that initiated Rodinia rifting and breakup. The protoliths of pyroxenite and related rocks in the Shackleton Range most likely formed during the initial stages of plume magmatism that eventually led to the Rodinia breakup.
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.
Abstract: Free oxygen began to accumulate in Earth’s surface environments between 3.0 and 2.4 billion years ago. Links between oxygenation and changes in the composition of continental crust during this time are suspected, but have been difficult to demonstrate. Here we constrain the average composition of the exposed continental crust since 3.7 billion years ago by compiling records of the Cr/U ratio of terrigenous sediments. The resulting record is consistent with a predominantly mafic crust prior to 3.0 billion years ago, followed by a 500- to 700-million-year transition to a crust of modern andesitic composition. Olivine and other Mg-rich minerals in the mafic Archaean crust formed serpentine minerals upon hydration, continuously releasing O2-scavenging agents such as dihydrogen, hydrogen sulfide and methane to the environment. Temporally, the decline in mafic crust capable of such process coincides with the first accumulation of O2 in the oceans, and subsequently the atmosphere. We therefore suggest that Earth’s early O2 cycle was ultimately limited by the composition of the exposed upper crust, and remained underdeveloped until modern andesitic continents emerged.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 271, pp. 179-193.
Mantle
meteorites
Abstract: Constraining the evolution of Pb isotopes in the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) is hampered due to the lack of a direct determination of Earth’s U/Pb and initial Pb isotope composition. All estimates of these parameters are strongly model dependent and most Pb evolution models start with a meteoritic source, i.e., the primordial Pb composition determined in troilite from the Canyon Diablo iron meteorite. During the condensation of the elements in the solar nebula, accretion of the Earth, and its subsequent chemical evolution, the U/Pb was modified. Different models make different assumptions about the timing and extent of this U-Pb fractionation during Earth’s chemical evolution that cannot always be related to known global geological processes at the time of this modification. This study explores geochemical constraints that can be related to known geological processes to derive an internally consistent model for the evolution of the U-Th-Pb systematics of the silicate Earth. Lead is chalcophile, moderately volatile, and as a result strongly depleted in the BSE compared to primitive meteorites. Any process affecting the abundance and isotope composition of Pb in Earth throughout its early history has to be consistent with the abundance of elements with similar chemical and physical properties in the same reservoir. The abundances of refractory to moderately and highly volatile elements in the BSE imply that the proto Earth was highly depleted in volatile elements, and therefore evolved with a very high U/Pb (238U/204Pb?=?µ???100) prior to collision with the Moon-forming giant impactor. This impactor had close to chondritic abundances of moderately to highly volatile elements and delivered most of Earth’s volatile elements, including the Pb budget. Addition of this volatile-rich component caused oxidation of Earth’s mantle and allowed effective transfer of Pb into the core via sulfide melt segregation. Sequestration of Pb into the core therefore accounts for the high µBSE, which has affected ca. 53% of Earth’s Pb budget. In order to account for the present-day Pb isotope composition of BSE, the giant impact must have occurred at 69?±?10 Myr after the beginning of the solar system. Using this point in time, a model-derived µ-value and the corresponding initial Pb isotope composition of BSE, a single stage Pb isotope evolution curve can be deduced. The result is a model evolution curve for BSE in 208Pb-207Pb-206Pb-204Pb-isotope space that is fully consistent with geochemical constraints on Earth’s accretionary sequence and differentiation history. This Pb-evolution model may act as a reference frame to trace the silicate Earth’s differentiation into crust and mantle reservoirs, similar to the CHUR reference line used for other radio-isotope systems. It also highlights the long-standing Th/U paradox of the ancient Earth.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 433, pp. 360-369.
Mantle
Geophysics - seismics
Abstract: In regions of the mantle where multi-phases coexist like at the olivine-wadsleyite-ringwoodite transitions, the stress induced by the seismic waves may drive a mineralogical reaction between the low to high pressure phases, a possible source of dissipation. In such a situation, the amount of attenuation critically depends on the timescale for the phase transformations to reach equilibrium relative to the period of the seismic wave. Here we report synchrotron-based measurements of the kinetics of the olivine to ringwoodite transformation at pressure-temperature conditions of the co-stability loop, for iron-rich olivine compositions. Both microstructural and kinetic data suggest that the transformation rates are controlled by growth processes after the early saturation of nucleation sites along olivine grain boundaries. Transformation-time data show an increase of reaction rates with temperature and iron content, and have been fitted to a rate equation for interface-controlled transformation: G=k0?T?exp?[n?XFa]?exp?[?(?Ha+PV?)/RT]×[1?exp?(?Gr/RT)]G=k0?T?exp?[n?XFa]?exp?[?(?Ha+PV?)/RT]×[1?exp?(?Gr/RT)], where XFaXFa is the fayalite fraction, the exponential factor n=9.7n=9.7, View the MathML sourceln?k0=?9.1 ms?1. View the MathML sourceXFa?1 and ?Ha=199 kJ/mol?Ha=199 kJ/mol, assuming V?=0 cm3/molV?=0 cm3/mol. Including these new kinetic results in a micro-mechanical model of a two-phase loop (Ricard et al., 2009), we predict View the MathML sourceQK?1 and View the MathML sourceQ??1 significantly higher than the PREM values for both body waves and normal modes. This attests that the olivine-wadsleyite transition can significantly contribute to the attenuation of the Earth's mantle transition zone.
Cerantola, V., Bykova, E., Kupenko, I., Merlini, M., Ismailova, L., McCammon, C., Bykov, M., Chumakov, A.I., Petitgirard, S., Kantor, I., Svityk, V., Jacobs, J., Hanfland, M., Mezouar, M., Prescher, C., Ruffer, R., Prakapenka, V.B., Duvbovinsky, L.
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, Vol. 265, pp. 67-81.
Mantle
melting
Abstract: Knowledge of melting properties is critical to predict the nature and the fate of melts produced in the deep mantle. Early in the Earth’s history, melting properties controlled the magma ocean crystallization, which potentially induced chemical segregation in distinct reservoirs. Today, partial melting most probably occurs in the lowermost mantle as well as at mid upper-mantle depths, which control important aspects of mantle dynamics, including some types of volcanism. Unfortunately, despite major experimental and theoretical efforts, major controversies remain about several aspects of mantle melting. For example, the liquidus of the mantle was reported (for peridotitic or chondritic-type composition) with a temperature difference of ?1000 K at high mantle depths. Also, the Fe partitioning coefficient (DFeBg/melt) between bridgmanite (Bg, the major lower mantle mineral) and a melt was reported between ?0.1 and ?0.5, for a mantle depth of ?2000 km. Until now, these uncertainties had prevented the construction of a coherent picture of the melting behavior of the deep mantle. In this article, we perform a critical review of previous works and develop a coherent, semi-quantitative, model. We first address the melting curve of Bg with the help of original experimental measurements, which yields a constraint on the volume change upon melting (?Vm). Secondly, we apply a basic thermodynamical approach to discuss the melting behavior of mineralogical assemblages made of fractions of Bg, CaSiO3-perovskite and (Mg,Fe)O-ferropericlase. Our analysis yields quantitative constraints on the SiO2-content in the pseudo-eutectic melt and the degree of partial melting (F) as a function of pressure, temperature and mantle composition; For examples, we find that F could be more than 40% at the solidus temperature, except if the presence of volatile elements induces incipient melting. We then discuss the melt buoyancy in a partial molten lower mantle as a function of pressure, F and DFeBg/melt. In the lower mantle, density inversions (i.e. sinking melts) appear to be restricted to low F values and highest mantle pressures. The coherent melting model has direct geophysical implications: (i) in the early Earth, the magma ocean crystallization could not occur for a core temperature higher than ?5400 K at the core-mantle boundary (CMB). This temperature corresponds to the melting of pure Bg at 135 GPa. For a mantle composition more realistic than pure Bg, the right CMB temperature for magma ocean crystallization could have been as low as ?4400 K. (ii) There are converging arguments for the formation of a relatively homogeneous mantle after magma ocean crystallization. In particular, we predict the bulk crystallization of a relatively large mantle fraction, when the temperature becomes lower than the pseudo-eutectic temperature. Some chemical segregation could still be possible as a result of some Bg segregation in the lowermost mantle during the first stage of the magma ocean crystallization, and due to a much later descent of very low F, Fe-enriched, melts toward the CMB. (iii) The descent of such melts could still take place today. There formation should to be related to incipient mantle melting due to the presence of volatile elements. Even though, these melts can only be denser than the mantle (at high mantle depths) if the controversial value of DFeBg/melt is indeed as low as suggested by some experimental studies. This type of melts could contribute to produce ultra-low seismic velocity anomalies in the lowermost mantle.
Journal of Materials Research and Technology, Vol. 12, pp. 1473-1485.
China
nanodiamonds
Abstract: In this work, Ni/diamond composite coatings have been synthesized by electrodeposition in direct current mode. The effects of mechanical and ultrasonic agitations on the microstructural, surface characteristics and electrochemical properties have been comparatively investigated by various methods. Results show that diamond nanoparticles have been evenly dispersed in Ni metallic matrix, which could reinforce their performances. The coatings prepared under ultrasonic and mechanical agitation both exhibit compact, dense and hill-valley like morphology with pyramid-like nickel crystallite grains. The relative texture coefficient (RTC) values show that the preferred orientation of the Ni/diamond coating was (200) texture. From 3 to 5 A dm?2, the crystallite sizes of ultrasonic conditions were 59.2-81.7 nm, which were smaller than 76.3-83.2 nm of magnetic agitations. The average roughness (Ra = 78.9-133 nm) of ultrasonic-assisted coatings were lower than 103-139 nm of magnetic conditions. The mechanism of the co-electrodeposition process was proposed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results illustrate that the ultrasonic-assisted electrodeposited Ni/diamond coating has better corrosion resistance than that prepared under mechanical stirring conditions. The Ni/diamond composite coatings could be applied as protective materials in harsh mediums.
The geology and geochemistry of the Wadagera kimberlite and the characteristics of the underlying subcontinental lithospheric mantle, Dharwar Craton, India
10th. International Kimberlite Conference Feb. 6-11, Bangalore India, Abstract
Descriptive model of diamond bearing kimberlite pipes
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Open file, Some industrial mineral deposit models, descripive, United States Geological Survey (USGS) OF 91-0011A 73p. $ 11.75 Diamonds pp. 1-4
Abstract: Numerous mafic dykes, sills and laccoliths crop out in the southern part of the Tafilalt basin (Eastern Anti-Atlas, Morocco). These rocks intrude the mildly folded Ordovician to Early Carboniferous formations, consisting mainly of lamprophyric dolerites and camptonites with minor gabbros and syenodiorites. Previous geochemical studies have shown that the Tafilalt magmatism of sodic-alkaline affinity has been produced by low degrees of partial melting from an enriched deep mantle source within the garnet stability field. However, the age and the geodynamic context of these rocks were presently unknown since no isotopic dating had so far been made of the Tafilalt dolerites. To resolve this issue, we present here the first 40Ar/39Ar biotite and U-Pb zircon dating from the Tafilalt alkaline magmatism. Three samples (biotite separates) yielded well-defined 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of 264.2?±?2.7 Ma, 259.0?±?6.3 Ma and 262.6?±?4.5 Ma whereas 206Pb/238U dating of zircon from one of these samples yielded an age of 255?±?3 Ma. These ages coincide within the dating error, and indicate that this magmatism occurred in the late Permian. Considering geochronological and geochemical data, we propose that the Tafilalt magmatism reflects an early-rift magmatic activity that preceded the Triassic rifting heralded by the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province. This magmatic activity is recorded in both sides of the future Atlantic Ocean by small-volume alkaline magmatism that started in the late Permian and extends into the Triassic. The alkaline magmas are probably generated in response to an increase in the mantle potential temperature underneath the Pangea supercontinent.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 412, pp. 42-51.
Mantle
Coesite
Abstract: Compressional and shear wave velocities of coesite have been measured using ultrasonic interferometry in a multi-anvil apparatus up to 12.6 GPa at room temperature for the first time. While the P wave velocity increases continuously with pressure, the S wave exhibits an anomalous softening and the velocity decreases continuously with pressure. Finite strain analysis of the data yielded KS0=103.6(4) GPaKS0=103.6(4) GPa, G0=61.6(2) GPaG0=61.6(2) GPa and View the MathML sourceK0?=2.9(1), View the MathML sourceG0?=0.3(1) for the bulk and shear moduli and their pressure derivatives, respectively. The anomalous elastic behavior of coesite results in large velocity and impedance contrasts across the coesite–stishovite transition, reaching ?39% and ?48% for P and S wave velocity contrasts, and ?70% and 78% for P and S wave impedance contrasts, respectively, at pressure ?8 GPa, with P and S wave velocity perturbations showing no apparent dependence on depths (i.e., View the MathML sourcedln?V(PorS)/dh?0) within 8–12 GPa. These unusually large contrasts and depth independent characteristics render the transition between the two silica polymorphs one of the most plausible candidates for the cause of the seismically observed X-discontinuity. The current P and S wave velocity perturbation dependences on the SiO2 content, d(ln?VP)/d(SiO2)?0.43 (wt%)?1d(ln?VP)/d(SiO2)?0.43 (wt%)?1 and d(ln?VS)/d(SiO2)?0.60 (wt%)?1d(ln?VS)/d(SiO2)?0.60 (wt%)?1, can serve as a geophysical probe to track ancient subducted eclogite materials to gain insights on the geodynamics of the mantle.
Abstract: Geometallurgy aims to develop and deploy predictive spatial models based on tangible and quantitative resource characteristics that are used to optimize the efficiency of minerals beneficiation and extractive metallurgy operations. Whilst most current applications of geometallurgy are focused on the major commodity to be recovered from a mineral deposit, this contribution delineates the opportunity to use a geometallurgical approach to provide an early assessment of the economic potential of by-product recovery from an ongoing mining operation. As a case study for this methodology possible REE-recovery as a by-product of Nb-production at the Catalão I carbonatite complex, the Chapadão mine is used. Catalão I is part of the Alto Paranaíba Igneous Province in the Goias Province of Brazil. Nowadays, niobium is produced in the complex as a by-product of the Chapadão phosphates mine. This production is performed on the Tailings plant, the focus of this study. Rare earth elements, albeit present in significant concentrations, are currently not recovered as by-products. Nine samples from different stages of the Nb beneficiation process in the Tailings plant were taken and characterized by Mineral Liberation Analyzer, X-ray powder diffraction, and bulk rock chemistry. The recovery of rare earth elements in each of the tailing streams was quantified by mass balance. The quantitative mineralogical and microstructural data are used to identify the most suitable approach to recover REE as a by-product-without placing limitations on niobium production. Monazite, the most common rare earth mineral identified in the feed, occurs as Ce-rich and La-rich varieties that can be easily distinguished by SEM-based image analysis. Quartz, FeTi-oxides and several phosphate minerals are the main gangue minerals. The highest rare earth oxide content concentrations (1.75 wt.% TREO) and the greatest potential for REE processing are reported for the final flotation tailings stream. To place tentative economic constraints on REE recovery from the tailings material, an analogy to the Browns Range deposit in Australia is drawn. Its technical flow sheet was used to estimate the cost for a hypothetical REE-production at Chapadão. Parameters derived from SEM-based image analysis were used to model possible monazite recovery and concentrate grades. This exercise illustrates that a marketable REE concentrate could be obtained at Chapadão if the process recovers at least 53 % of the particles with no less than 60% of monazite on their surface. Applying CAPEX and OPEX values similar to that of Browns Range suggest that such an operation would be profitable at current REE prices.
Abstract: North Tanzanian Divergence is the first stage of continental break-up of East African Rift and one of the most concentrated areas of carbonatite magmatism with Natron basin in the North (2 Ma-present - Lengai) and Manyara basin in the southern part (0.4-0.9 Ma). The Manyara basin has volcanic activities with mafic magmas as melilitites (Labait), Mg-nephelinites and carbonatite (Kwaraha), and more differentiated magmas as Mg-poor nephelinites (Hanang) recording deep magmatic environment and differentiation in the crust of CO2-rich alkaline magmas. Melilitite and Mg-nephelinite with olivine-cpx-phlogopite record mantle environment at 1.5 GPa-1300°C with water content in melt of 0.1- 0.4 wt% H2O (1-4 ppm in olivine, FTIR). Although fractional crystallization can be considered as an important process during ascent, leading to Mg-poor nephelinite with cpx-melanite-nepheline, complex zonation of cpx (e.g. abrupt change of Mg#, Nb/Ta, and H2O) recorded open system with multiple carbonate-rich silicate immiscibility and melilititic melt replenishment. The low water content of cpx (25 ppm H2O; FTIR) indicates that 0.3 wt% H2O was present during carbonate-rich nephelinite crystallization at crustal level (600 MPa - 1050°C). The interstitial melt entrapped as melt inclusions (MI) in nepheline evolved to CO2-rich and H2O-poor phonolitic composition with 6 wt% CO2 and 1 wt% S at logfO2=FMQ+1 to 1.5 (Fe3+/?Fe=0.3 - S6+/?S=0.55, XANES). At 200 MPa, phonolitic melt in MI reaches carbonate saturation and immiscibility process leads to trachytic melt with high CO2, S and halogen content (0.43 wt% CO2, SIMS; 2 wt% S, 0.84 wt% Cl; 2.54 wt% F) and very low H2O content (<0.1wt%, Raman) and an anhydrous Ca-Na±S,K carbonate liquid. The Ca-Na carbonatitic liquid in Mg-poor nephelinite represents an early stage of the evolution path towards carbonatitic magmatism as observed in Kwaraha and Lengai. Manyara volcanism has similarities with the Natron volcanism with multistage evolution and silicate-carbonatite magmatism but differ by their volatile components (up to 10 H2O wt% in Lengai nephelinite). This can be interpreted in term of depth of partial melting with H2O-CO2 lithospheric mantle source (Natron) and deep anhydrous CO2-rich asthenospheric mantle source in the southern part of rift initiation (Manyara) and percolation of deep CO2-rich silicate liquid leading to lithospheric mantle metasomatism.
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, Vol. 358, pp. 262-272.
Africa, Tanzania
carbonatite
Abstract: Hanang volcano is the southern volcano of, the southern area of the east part of the East African Rift (the North Tanzanian Divergence) and represents volcanic activity of the first stage of continental break-up. In this study, we investigate glassy melt inclusions in nepheline phenocrysts to constrain the late stage of Mg-poor nephelinite evolution and the behaviour of volatiles (CO2, H2O, S, F, Cl) during magma storage and ascent during early stage rifting. The melt inclusions have a green silicate glass, a carbonate phase and a shrinkage bubble free of gas phase indicating that carbonatite:silicate (18:82) liquid immiscibility occurred during nephelinite magmatic evolution. The silicate glasses have trachytic composition (Na?+?K/Al?=?1.6-7.2, SiO2?=?54-65.5?wt%) with high CO2 (0.43?wt% CO2), sulfur (0.21-0.92?wt% S) and halogens (0.28-0.84?wt% Cl; 0.35-2.54?wt% F) contents and very low H2O content (<0.1?wt%). The carbonate phase is an anhydrous Ca-Na-K-S carbonate with 33?wt% CaO, 20?wt% Na2O, 3?wt% K2O, and 3?wt% S. The entrapped melt in nepheline corresponds to evolved interstitial CO2-rich phonolitic composition (Na?+?K/Al?=?6.2-6.9) with 6?±?1.5?wt% CO2 at pressure of 800?±?200?MPa after crystallization of cpx (17%), nepheline (40%) garnet (6.5%) and apatite (1.7%) from Mg-rich nephelinitic magma. During ascent, immiscibility in phonolitic melt inclusions leads to Ca-Na carbonate melt with composition within the range of carbonate melt from Oldoinyo Lengai and Kerimasi, in equilibrium with trachytic silicate melt (closed-system, P?
Neues Jahrbuch fur Geologie und Palaontologie , Vol. 277, 2, pp. 237-250.
South America, Brazil, Minas Gerais
Deposit - Coromandel
Abstract: The origin of diamonds in the Coromandel area has been an enigma for many years, in spite of high investment in conventional and high tech prospecting methods by major mining companies for over half a century. The authors review the history, and then discuss the two principal hypotheses to explain the source of these alluvial diamonds. After mapping the headwater region of one of the richest alluvial diamond rivers, the Santo Antônio do Bonito River, they reject both principal hypotheses and conclude that the surficial source can be only the Upper Cretaceous Capacete Formation, composed of pyroclastics and epiclastics. Based on geophysical data from the literature, combined with field observations the authors suggest that the largest alkaline complex, situated within the diamond producing area, the Serra Negra/Salitre Complex has been the primary source for those pyroclastics of the Capacete Formation and the diamonds. The plugs of this complex are 15-30 times deeper than average kimberlites and other alkaline complexes in the region, and its excess of volume of the intrusive is three orders of magnitude larger than a typical kimberlite. With an intrusive volume of over 1000 km3 the complex is suggested to be a possible supervolcano. This explains the vast areal distribution of the pyroclastics and diamonds. This new hypothesis has advantages and disadvantages, some of them discussed in the paper and leading to the conclusion that further research is needed.
The Australian Gemmologist, Vol. 26, 5&6, pp. 88-99.
South America, Brazil, Minas Gerais
deposit - Alto Paranaiba
Abstract: The authors, in a paper in this journal in 2009, note a puzzle, that in spite of extensive exploration for diamonds by major producers in the Alto Paranaiba region of West Minas Gerais State, Brazil, no primary source, such as kimberlites, for the many diamonds produced since their discovery over 250 years has been found. To answer this puzzle we propose that the diamonds are present within a large extrusive volcanic unit probably derived from the Serra Negra alkaline-carbonatitic complex which comprises a super volcano. This origin fits with the 1995 prediction of Nixon on the future direction of diamona-exploration that extrusive units may contain very large volumes of ore, and that carbonatitic emplacement sources need to be considered. The authors argue, based on available evidence from geology and geophysics, that such an origin is compatible with the known data, but that much additional information is needed to substantiate these ideas. Diamonds of the Alto Paraniaba, Brazil: Nixon's prediction verified?
GSA Annual Meeting, Paper 300-1, 1p. Abstract only Booth
South America, Brazil, Minas Gerais
Deposit - Coromandel
Abstract: The origin of diamonds in the Coromandel area has been an enigma for many years, in spite of high investment in conventional and high tech prospecting methods by major mining companies for over half a century. The authors review the history, and then discuss the two principal hypotheses to explain the source of these alluvial diamonds. After mapping the headwater region of one of the richest alluvial diamond rivers, the Santo Antônio do Bonito River, they reject both principal hypotheses and conclude that the surficial source can be only the Upper Cretaceous Capacete Formation, composed of pyroclastics and epiclastics. Based on geophysical data from the literature, combined with field observations the authors suggest that the largest alkaline complex, situated within the diamond producing area, the Serra Negra/Salitre Complex has been the primary source for those pyroclastics of the Capacete Formation and the diamonds. The plugs of this complex are 15-30 times deeper than average kimberlites and other alkaline complexes in the region, and its excess of volume of the intrusive is three orders of magnitude larger than a typical kimberlite. With an intrusive volume of over 1000 km3 the complex is suggested to be a possible supervolcano. This explains the vast areal distribution of the pyroclastics and diamonds. This new hypothesis has advantages and disadvantages, some of them discussed in the paper and leading to the conclusion that further research is needed.
Abstract: The interaction of hydrous fluids and melts with dry rocks of the lithospheric mantle inevitably modifies their viscoelastic and chemical properties due to the formation of compositionally distinct secondary phases. In addition, melt percolation and the associated metasomatic alteration of mantle rocks may also facilitate modification of the pre-existing rock texture and olivine crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) and thus seismic properties. Here we explore the relationship between mantle metasomatism, deformation and seismic anisotropy using subduction-related mantle xenoliths from the Penghu Islands, western Taiwan. The investigated xenoliths have equilibrated at upper lithospheric mantle conditions (879?°C to 1127?°C) based on pyroxene geothermometry and show distinct variations in clinopyroxene chemical composition, texture and olivine CPO allowing for the classification of two distinct groups. Group 1 xenoliths contain rare earth element (REE) depleted clinopyroxene, show a porphyroclastic texture and olivine grains are mostly characterized by [100]-axial pattern symmetries. In contrast, REE-enriched clinopyroxene from Group 2 xenoliths occur in a fine-grained equigranular texture and coexisting olivine frequently displays [010]-axial pattern symmetries. The clinopyroxene compositions are indicative of cryptic and modal to stealth metasomatic alteration of Group 1 and Group 2 xenoliths, respectively. Furthermore, the observed olivine [100]-axial pattern of Group 1 xenoliths reflects deformation by dislocation creep at high temperature, low pressure and dry conditions, whereas olivine [010]-axial patterns of Group 2 xenoliths imply activation of olivine [001] glide planes along preferentially wet (010) grain boundaries. This correlation indicates that the variation in olivine CPO symmetry from [100]- to [010]-axial pattern in Penghu xenoliths results from deformation and intra-crystalline recovery by subgrain rotation during metasomatic alteration induced by melt percolation. The microstructural observations and olivine CPO combined with petrological and geochemical data suggest that Group 1 xenoliths preserve microstructural and chemical characteristics of an old, probably Proterozoic lithosphere, while Group 2 xenoliths record localized Miocene deformation associated with wall-rock heating and metasomatism related to melt circulation. Furthermore, the observed transition of olivine CPO from [100]-axial pattern to [010]-axial pattern by deformation in the presence of variable melt fractions and associated metasomatic alteration can be inferred to modify the physical properties of mantle rocks.
Abstract: The interaction of hydrous fluids and melts with dry rocks of the lithospheric mantle inevitably modifies their viscoelastic and chemical properties due to the formation of compositionally distinct secondary phases. In addition, melt percolation and the associated metasomatic alteration of mantle rocks may also facilitate modification of the pre-existing rock texture and olivine crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) and thus seismic properties. Here we explore the relationship between mantle metasomatism, deformation and seismic anisotropy using subduction-related mantle xenoliths from the Penghu Islands, western Taiwan. The investigated xenoliths have equilibrated at upper lithospheric mantle conditions (879?°C to 1127?°C) based on pyroxene geothermometry and show distinct variations in clinopyroxene chemical composition, texture and olivine CPO allowing for the classification of two distinct groups. Group 1 xenoliths contain rare earth element (REE) depleted clinopyroxene, show a porphyroclastic texture and olivine grains are mostly characterized by [100]-axial pattern symmetries. In contrast, REE-enriched clinopyroxene from Group 2 xenoliths occur in a fine-grained equigranular texture and coexisting olivine frequently displays [010]-axial pattern symmetries. The clinopyroxene compositions are indicative of cryptic and modal to stealth metasomatic alteration of Group 1 and Group 2 xenoliths, respectively. Furthermore, the observed olivine [100]-axial pattern of Group 1 xenoliths reflects deformation by dislocation creep at high temperature, low pressure and dry conditions, whereas olivine [010]-axial patterns of Group 2 xenoliths imply activation of olivine [001] glide planes along preferentially wet (010) grain boundaries. This correlation indicates that the variation in olivine CPO symmetry from [100]- to [010]-axial pattern in Penghu xenoliths results from deformation and intra-crystalline recovery by subgrain rotation during metasomatic alteration induced by melt percolation. The microstructural observations and olivine CPO combined with petrological and geochemical data suggest that Group 1 xenoliths preserve microstructural and chemical characteristics of an old, probably Proterozoic lithosphere, while Group 2 xenoliths record localized Miocene deformation associated with wall-rock heating and metasomatism related to melt circulation. Furthermore, the observed transition of olivine CPO from [100]-axial pattern to [010]-axial pattern by deformation in the presence of variable melt fractions and associated metasomatic alteration can be inferred to modify the physical properties of mantle rocks.
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.
Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 42, 20, pp. 8398-8405.
Africa, Botswana
Geophysics - gravity
Abstract: Rifting incorporates the fundamental processes concerning the breakup of continental lithosphere and plays a significant role in the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins. In order to decipher the characteristics of rifting at its earliest stage, we conduct the first teleseismic crustal study of one of the world's youngest continental rifts, the Okavango Rift Zone (ORZ), where the magma has not yet breached the surface. Results from receiver function stacking and gravity modeling indicate that the crust/mantle boundary beneath the ORZ is uplifted by 4-5 km, and the initiation of the ORZ is closely related to lithospheric stretching. Possible decompression melting of the subcrustal lithosphere occurs beneath the ORZ, as evidenced by a relatively low upper mantle density based on the gravity modeling.
Abstract: The Orapa kimberlite field of Botswana is one of the world’s major diamond producing regions. Within this field, there are several small kimberlite pipes that have not been completely explored in terms of their lateral extent, depth, and diamond potential. Two such pipes, BK54 and BK55, were found during a ground gravity and magnetic survey, and subsequent drilling confirmed the presence of kimberlite material. To determine the physical properties of these pipes, their lateral extent, depth, and thickness were estimated using a gravity and magnetic analysis and 2.5D and 3D modeling. Tilt derivatives of the magnetic data indicated that BK54 has a northwest-trending elliptical shape and BK55 has a roughly circular shape. Residual gravity anomaly maps indicate that BK54 does not have a density anomaly whereas BK55 is associated with a gravity maximum. The 3D gravity and magnetic inversion modeling constrained by magnetic susceptibility measurements indicates that BK54 is smaller in volume than BK55 and that neither pipe is thicker than 125 m. The difference in shape and the lack of a gravity anomaly over BK54 implies a different formation mechanism for each kimberlite pipe. Although several mechanisms are suggested, BK54 may have formed by a more explosive eruption producing more tuffistic material in the crater and diatreme facies. The gravity and magnetic analysis also found that the kimberlite pipes, while small, are larger in extent than was determined by drilling and warrant additional drilling to determine their economic potential.
Resolving geological and geophysical evidence for a reactivated Cambrian plate boundary beneath the Ouachita orogen: the Alabama- Oklahoma transform fault.
Geological Society of America, 47th Meeting South central April 4-5, 1/2p. Abstract
Deijanin, B., Simic, D., Zaitsev, A., Chapman, J., Dobrinets, I., Widemann, A., Del Re, N., Middleton, T., Dijanin, E., Se Stefano, A.
Characterization of pink diamonds of different origin: natural ( Argyle, non-Argyle), irradiated and annealed, treated with multi-process, coated and synthetic.
Diamond and Related Materials, Vol. 17, 7-10, pp. 1169-1178.
Midende, G., Boulais, P., Tack, L., Melcher, F., Gerdes,A., Dewaele, S., Demaiffe, D., Decree, S.
Petrography, geochemistry and U Pb zircon age of the Matongo carbonatite Massif ( Burundi): implication for the Neoproterozoic geodynamic evolution of Central Africa.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 100, pp. 656-674.
Midende, G., Boulvais, P., Tack, L., Melcher, F., Gerdes, A., Dewaele, S., Demaiffe, D., Decree, S.
Petrography, geochemistry and U-Pb zircon age of the Matongo carbonatite Massif ( Burundi): implication for the Neoproterozoic geodynamic evolution of Central Africa.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. 100, pp. 656-674.
Abstract: The Gakara Rare Earth Elements (REE) deposit is one of the world’s highest grade REE deposits, likely linked to a carbonatitic magmatic-hydrothermal activity. It is located near Lake Tanganyika in Burundi, along the western branch of the East African Rift. Field observations suggest that the mineralized veins formed in the upper crust. Previous structures inherited from the Kibaran orogeny may have been reused during the mineralizing event. The paragenetic sequence and the geochronological data show that the Gakara mineralization occurred in successive stages in a continuous hydrothermal history. The primary mineralization in bastnaesite was followed by an alteration stage into monazite. The U-Th-Pb ages obtained on bastnaesite (602 ± 7 Ma) and on monazite (589 ± 8 Ma) belong to the Pan-African cycle. The emplacement of the Gakara REE mineralization most likely took place during a pre-collisional event in the Pan-African belt, probably in an extensional context.
Proceedings National Academy of Science, Vol. 116, pp. 407-412.
Australia
paleomagnetism
Abstract: Zircon crystals from the Jack Hills, Western Australia, are one of the few surviving mineralogical records of Earth’s first 500 million years and have been proposed to contain a paleomagnetic record of the Hadean geodynamo. A prerequisite for the preservation of Hadean magnetization is the presence of primary magnetic inclusions within pristine igneous zircon. To date no images of the magnetic recorders within ancient zircon have been presented. Here we use high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate that all observed inclusions are secondary features formed via two distinct mechanisms. Magnetite is produced via a pipe-diffusion mechanism whereby iron diffuses into radiation-damaged zircon along the cores of dislocations and is precipitated inside nanopores and also during low-temperature recrystallization of radiation-damaged zircon in the presence of an aqueous fluid. Although these magnetites can be recognized as secondary using transmission electron microscopy, they otherwise occur in regions that are indistinguishable from pristine igneous zircon and carry remanent magnetization that postdates the crystallization age by at least several hundred million years. Without microscopic evidence ruling out secondary magnetite, the paleomagnetic case for a Hadean-Eoarchean geodynamo cannot yet been made.
Lithospheric structure, evolution and diamond prospectivity of the Rehoboth Terrane and western Kaapvaal Craton, southern Africa: constraints from broadband
Lithospheric structures and Precambrian terrane boundaries in northeastern Botswana revealed through magnetotelluric profiling as part of southern African
Lithospheric structures and Precambrian terrane boundaries in northeastern Botswana revealed through magnetotelluric profiling as part of Southern Africa...
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 116, B02401 21p.
Lithospheric structure of an Archean craton and adjacent mobile belt revealed from 2-D and 3-D inversion of magnetotelluric data: example from southern Congo craton in northern Namibia.
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 118, 8, pp. 4378-4397.
Abstract: In response to rising demand of the rare earth elements (REE), recent exploration of the British Columbia alkaline province has identified the Wicheeda Carbonatite, which contains an estimated 11.3 million tons of light REE-enriched ore grading 1.95 wt.% TREO, to be the highest-grade prospect known in British Columbia. However, research of the deposit is restricted to one paper describing mineralization in carbonatite dikes adjacent to the main plug. This study describes the nature and origin of REEmineralization in the Wicheeda plug. The carbonatite was emplaced in metasedimentary limestone and argillaceous limestone belonging to the Kechika Group, which has been altered to potassic fenite immediately adjacent to the carbonatite and to sodic fenite at greater distances from it. The carbonatite comprises a ferroan dolomite core, which passes outwards gradationally into calcite carbonatite. Three texturally distinct varieties of dolomite have been recognized. Dolomite 1 constitutes most of the carbonatite; Dolomite 2 replaced Dolomite 1 near veins and vugs; Dolomite 3 occurs as a fracture and vug-lining phase with the REE mineralization. Stable carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios indicate that the calcite carbonatite is of mantle origin, that Dolomite 1 is of primary igneous origin, that Dolomite 2 is largely primary igneous with minor hydrothermal signature contamination, and that Dolomite 3 is of hydrothermal origin. Rare-metal mineralization in the deposit is, with the exception of pyrochlore, which occurs in the calcite carbonatite, restricted to veins and vugs in the dolomite carbonatite. There it occurs as hydrothermal veins and in vugs infilled by REE-fluorocarbonates, i.e., bastnäsite-(Ce), ancylite-(Ce), and monazite- (Ce) together with accessory pyrite, barite, molybdenite, and thorite. A model is proposed in which calcite carbonatite was the earliest magmatic phase to crystallize. The calcite carbonatite magma saturated with niobium relatively early, precipitating pyrochlore. The magma later evolved to a dolomite carbonatite composition which, upon cooling exsolved an aqueous carbonic fluid, which altered the Kechika metasediments to potassic fenite and mixed with formational waters further from the carbonatite to produce sodic fenite. This fluid mobilized the REE as chloride complexes into vugs and fractures in the dolomite carbonatite. Upon progressive fluid-rock interaction, the REE precipitated largely in response to cooling and pH. Hydrothermal concentration led to remarkable grade consistency, with virtually all of the dolomite carbonatite containing >1 wt.% TREO, making the Wicheeda Carbonatite a very attractive exploration target.
Abstract: Elastic geobarometry for host-inclusion systems can provide new constraints to assess the pressure and temperature conditions attained during metamorphism. Current experimental approaches and theory are developed only for crystals immersed in a hydrostatic stress field, whereas inclusions experience deviatoric stress. We have developed a method to determine the strains in quartz inclusions from Raman spectroscopy using the concept of the phonon-mode Grüneisen tensor. We used ab initio Hartree-Fock/Density Functional Theory to calculate the wavenumbers of the Raman-active modes as a function of different strain conditions. Least-squares fits of the phonon-wavenumber shifts against strains have been used to obtain the components of the mode Grüneisen tensor of quartz (??m1 and ?m3?) that can be used to calculate the strains in inclusions directly from the measured Raman shifts. The concept is demonstrated with the example of a natural quartz inclusion in eclogitic garnet from Mir kimberlite and has been validated against direct X-ray diffraction measurement of the strains in the same inclusion.
Howell, D., Stern, R.A., Griffin, W.L., Southworth, R., Mikhail, S., Stachel, T., Verchovsky, A.B., O'Reilly, S.Y., Pearson, N.J.
New thermodynamic models and calculated phase equilibration temperatures in NCFMAS for basic and ultrabasic compositions through the transition zone into the uppermost lower mantle.
Peridotitic and websteritic diamondites provide new information regarding mantle melting and metasomatism induced through the subduction of crustal volatiles.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 107, Apr. 15, pp. 1-11.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 157, pp. 1-12.
Technology
Diamond morphology
Abstract: Nitrogen isotope values from mantle diamonds are a commonly used tracer in the quest to track volatiles within the Earth’s mantle through deep time. Interpretations of this isotope data are valid so long as stable isotope fractionation processes in the mantle are understood. The fractionation of nitrogen isotopes between {1 1 1} and {1 0 0} growth sectors is well documented for high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) synthetic diamonds, but there is little data on whether it also occurs in natural mixed-habit diamonds. We present 91 in-situ nitrogen isotope (?15N) measurements, along with carbon isotope (?13C) values and nitrogen abundances [N], obtained from three mixed-habit diamonds by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). While the well-documented enrichment of nitrogen concentrations in octahedral sectors compared to contemporaneous cuboid sectors is observed, a similarly clear disparity is not obvious in the ?15N data. Whereas HPHT synthetic diamonds exhibit 15N enrichment in the {1 0 0} sectors by ?+30‰, the mixed-habit diamonds studied here show enrichment of the octahedral sectors in 15N by only 0.4-1‰. This major difference between HPHT synthetic and natural mixed-habit diamonds is proposed to be the result of different physical properties of the growth interfaces. The smooth interfaces of the octahedral sectors are the same in both types of crystal, but the outermost atoms on the smooth cube interfaces of an HPHT synthetic diamond behave differently to those on the rough cuboid interfaces of the natural mixed-habit diamonds, resulting in different ?15N values. Both the ?13C (average of ??8.7‰) and ?15N (average of ?0‰) data show only minor offsets from the typical mantle values (?13C = ?5 ± 3‰, ?15N = ?5 ± 4‰). This may indicate diamond formation from a mantle derived fluid/melt containing a minor subducted component (lowering ?13C values and elevating ?15N) or relate to moderate degrees of isotopic fractionation of a pure mantle fluid/melt by prior diamond precipitation. The homogeneous nature of both the carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of all three diamonds, however, documents continuous and unlimited supply of diamond forming fluid/melt, with a constant composition. Such homogenous isotopic compositions exclude fluid mixing or isotopic fractionation close to the site of diamond formation and preclude distinguishing between these two processes based on diamond analyses alone.
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.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available 25p.
Mantle
nitrogen cycle
Abstract: Nitrogen is distributed throughout all terrestrial geological reservoirs (i.e., the crust, mantle, and core), which are in a constant state of disequilibrium due to metabolic factors at Earth’s surface, chemical weathering, diffusion, and deep N fluxes imposed by plate tectonics. However, the behavior of nitrogen during subduction is the subject of ongoing debate. There is a general consensus that during the crystallization of minerals from melts, monatomic nitrogen behaves like argon (highly incompatible) and ammonium behaves like potassium and rubidium (which are relatively less incompatible). Therefore, the behavior of nitrogen is fundamentally underpinned by its chemical speciation. In aqueous fluids, the controlling factor which determines if nitrogen is molecular (N2) or ammonic (inclusive of both NH4+ and NH30) is oxygen fugacity, whereas pH designates if ammonic nitrogen is NH4+ or NH30. Therefore, to address the speciation of nitrogen at high pressures and temperatures, one must also consider pH at the respective pressure-temperature conditions. To accomplish this goal we have used the Deep Earth Water Model (DEW) to calculate the activities of aqueous nitrogen from 1-5 GPa and 600-1000 °C in equilibrium with a model eclogite-facies mineral assemblage of jadeite + kyanite + quartz/coesite (metasediment), jadeite + pyrope + talc + quartz/coesite (metamorphosed mafic rocks), and carbonaceous eclogite (metamorphosed mafic rocks + elemental carbon). We then compare these data with previously published data for the speciation of aqueous nitrogen across these respective P-T conditions in equilibrium with a model peridotite mineral assemblage (Mikhail and Sverjensky, 2014). In addition, we have carried out full aqueous speciation and solubility calculations for the more complex fluids in equilibrium with jadeite + pyrope + kyanite + diamond, and for fluids in equilibrium with forsterite + enstatite + pyrope + diamond. Our results show that the pH of the fluid is controlled by mineralogy for a given pressure and temperature, and that pH can vary by several units in the pressure-temperature range of 1-5 GPa and 600-1000 °C. Our data show that increasing temperature stabilizes molecular nitrogen and increasing pressure stabilizes ammonic nitrogen. Our model also predicts a stark difference for the dominance of ammonic vs. molecular and ammonium vs. ammonia for aqueous nitrogen in equilibrium with eclogite-facies and peridotite mineralogies, and as a function of the total dissolved nitrogen in the aqueous fluid where lower N concentrations favor aqueous ammonic nitrogen stabilization and higher N concentrations favor aqueous N2. Overall, we present thermodynamic evidence for nitrogen to be reconsidered as an extremely dynamic (chameleon) element whose speciation and therefore behavior is determined by a combination of temperature, pressure, oxygen fugacity, chemical activity, and pH. We show that altering the mineralogy in equilibrium with the fluid can lead to a pH shift of up to 4 units at 5 GPa and 1000 °C. Therefore, we conclude that pH imparts a strong control on nitrogen speciation, and thus N flux, and should be considered a significant factor in high temperature geochemical modeling in the future. Finally, our modelling demonstrates that pH plays an important role in controlling speciation, and thus mass transport, of Eh-pH sensitive elements at temperatures up to at least 1000 °C.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 209, pp. 149-160.
Mantle
nitrogen
Abstract: Nitrogen is distributed throughout all terrestrial geological reservoirs (i.e., the crust, mantle, and core), which are in a constant state of disequilibrium due to metabolic factors at Earth’s surface, chemical weathering, diffusion, and deep N fluxes imposed by plate tectonics. However, the behavior of nitrogen during subduction is the subject of ongoing debate. There is a general consensus that during the crystallization of minerals from melts, monatomic nitrogen behaves like argon (highly incompatible) and ammonium behaves like potassium and rubidium (which are relatively less incompatible). Therefore, the behavior of nitrogen is fundamentally underpinned by its chemical speciation. In aqueous fluids, the controlling factor which determines if nitrogen is molecular (N2) or ammonic (inclusive of both NH4+ and NH30) is oxygen fugacity, whereas pH designates if ammonic nitrogen is NH4+ or NH30. Therefore, to address the speciation of nitrogen at high pressures and temperatures, one must also consider pH at the respective pressure–temperature conditions. To accomplish this goal we have used the Deep Earth Water Model (DEW) to calculate the activities of aqueous nitrogen from 1–5 GPa and 600–1000 °C in equilibrium with a model eclogite-facies mineral assemblage of jadeite + kyanite + quartz/coesite (metasediment), jadeite + pyrope + talc + quartz/coesite (metamorphosed mafic rocks), and carbonaceous eclogite (metamorphosed mafic rocks + elemental carbon). We then compare these data with previously published data for the speciation of aqueous nitrogen across these respective P-T conditions in equilibrium with a model peridotite mineral assemblage (Mikhail and Sverjensky, 2014). In addition, we have carried out full aqueous speciation and solubility calculations for the more complex fluids in equilibrium with jadeite + pyrope + kyanite + diamond, and for fluids in equilibrium with forsterite + enstatite + pyrope + diamond. Our results show that the pH of the fluid is controlled by mineralogy for a given pressure and temperature, and that pH can vary by several units in the pressure-temperature range of 1–5 GPa and 600–1000 °C. Our data show that increasing temperature stabilizes molecular nitrogen and increasing pressure stabilizes ammonic nitrogen. Our model also predicts a stark difference for the dominance of ammonic vs. molecular and ammonium vs. ammonia for aqueous nitrogen in equilibrium with eclogite-facies and peridotite mineralogies, and as a function of the total dissolved nitrogen in the aqueous fluid where lower N concentrations favor aqueous ammonic nitrogen stabilization and higher N concentrations favor aqueous N2. Overall, we present thermodynamic evidence for nitrogen to be reconsidered as an extremely dynamic (chameleon) element whose speciation and therefore behavior is determined by a combination of temperature, pressure, oxygen fugacity, chemical activity, and pH. We show that altering the mineralogy in equilibrium with the fluid can lead to a pH shift of up to 4 units at 5 GPa and 1000 °C. Therefore, we conclude that pH imparts a strong control on nitrogen speciation, and thus N flux, and should be considered a significant factor in high temperature geochemical modeling in the future. Finally, our modelling demonstrates that pH plays an important role in controlling speciation, and thus mass transport, of Eh-pH sensitive elements at temperatures up to at least 1000 °C.
Abstract: The origin of diamond-forming carbon in the Earth is unclear [1-3]; sources include subducted organic sediment and primordial mantle carbon. For example, some diamonds contain eclogitic silicate + sufide inclusions and have depleted ?13C (-10 to -30‰), enriched ?15N (+3 to +35‰) values, consistent with subducted crustal material [2-3]. However, some diamonds show mantle-like ?15N (<-5‰) and depleted ?13C values (-10 to -30‰ ) which have been cited as evidence of enstatite chondrite-like primordial C-N sources [1]. The helium isotope composition of mantle rocks are powerful tracers,of Earth’s volatile history because primordial 3He is not recycled back into the mantle. However, there are few He isotope studies of diamond fluids. The 3He/4He of garnetbearing diamondites from the Orapa mine (Botswana) range from 0.1 to 3 Ra [4-5], consistent with a recycled origin. However, our recent work has identified a suite of diamondites with 3He/4He = 0.06 to 8.2 Ra which correlates negatively with ?13C, suggesting that the subduction-related C is associated with mantle 3He/4He ratios. To unravel this complexity we are combining He, C and N isotope analyses in polycrystalline diamond from garnetbearing diamondites from the Orapa mine. These data will also be used to assess the extent to which carbon and nitrogen isotopes are decoupled during diamond-formation [3].
Abstract: When hot liquid metal drained towards the core during and shortly after Earth accretion, exceptional conditions may have led to the first global crystallisation of diamond. Newly reported metallic iron trapped in large mantle diamond invites comparison between commercial Fe-Ni-Co “HPHT” diamond growth and natural environments. We evaluate possible conditions for Hadean diamond crystallisation from liquid ironrich metal where thermal and compositional gradients influence diamond crystallization. The solubility of up to 6% carbon has little effect on the phase transitions of the metallic iron phase diagram and carbon generally decreases with increasing pressure in solid iron based on calculated enthalpies. Models for core differentiation provide two scenarios (i) from an accumulated metal “pond” (ii) from massive downward mobile metal diapirs. A refinement arises from a parameterization of self-propagating downward fractures filled by turbulent liquid iron as proposed by Stephenson to send a transponder to the core; negatively buoyant diamond crystals would float. Experiments show that diamond growth under these conditions is fast (~1 carat per hour) and micro-textures of natural diamond with metallic inclusions retain substantial isotopic heterogeneities. We speculate that if the oldest diamond trapped metallic iron on its way to form the core, such “stranded core” might be recognized by trace element compositions, and could retain anomalous isotopic signatures of W and Hf.
Abstract: The origin of the diamond-forming fluids are routinely addressed with the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen, where average ?13C and ?15N values are -5 ± 3‰ and -5 ± 4‰, respectively. Because these values differ from crustal sources the application of C-N stable isotopes are applied as tracers of recycled crustal volatiles into the mantle. Additionally, fluid inclusions in fast-growing diamonds provides a unique opportunity to further examine the origin of diamond-forming fluids using noble gas geochemistry. Here we combine C-N isotopes, N concentrations from the diamond with He isotopes released from trapped fluids by in vacuo crushing of mg-sized polycrystalline diamonds. The samples examined are dominantly eclogitic to websteritic abd originate from Southern Africa. ?13C values range from -4.3 to -22.2 ‰ and ?15N values from -4.9 to +23.2 ‰. These data require a significant contribution of material that is 13Cdepleted and 15N-enriched relative to mantle, akin to altered oceanic crust or deep ocean sediments. 3He/4He ratios range from typical mantle values (8.5 Ra) to those dominated by radiogenic He (< 0.1 Ra). These new data show 3He/4He correlates with 3He concentration, suggesting that the low 3He/4He are, at least in part, the result of ingrowth of radiogenic 4He in He-poor diamonds after their formation. 13C-depleted and 15N-enriched diamonds dominate the population studied here. This indicates that subducted altered oceanic crust is essential for diamondite-formation within the SCLM beneath southern Africa. However, the fluids trapped in the low ?13C diamondites (< -15 ‰) have 3He/4He ratios that indicate an origin in the convective upper asthenospheric mantle. Ergo, helium reveals what carbon and nitrogen cannot. When the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data show strong evidence for crustal sources for diamondformation, helium isotopes reveal an unambiguos mantle component hidden within strongly 13C-depleted diamond.
Abstract: The isotopic "flavor" of Earth’s major volatiles, including carbon, can be compared to the known reservoirs of volatiles in the solar system and so determine the source of Earth’s carbon. This requires knowing Earth’s bulk carbon isotope value, which is not straightforward to determine. During Earth’s differentiation, carbon was partitioned into the core, mantle, crust, and atmosphere. Therefore, although carbon is omnipresent within the Earth system, scientists have yet to determine its distribution and relative abundances. This article addresses what we know of the processes involved in the formation of Earth’s carbon reservoirs, and, by deduction, what we know about the possible origins of Earth’s carbon.
IN: Deep carbon: past to present, Orcutt, Daniel, Dasgupta eds., pp. 89-128.
Mantle
geodynamics
Abstract: The science of studying diamond inclusions for understanding Earth history has developed significantly over the past decades, with new instrumentation and techniques applied to diamond sample archives revealing the stories contained within diamond inclusions. This chapter reviews what diamonds can tell us about the deep carbon cycle over the course of Earth’s history. It reviews how the geochemistry of diamonds and their inclusions inform us about the deep carbon cycle, the origin of the diamonds in Earth’s mantle, and the evolution of diamonds through time.
IN: Deep Carbon: past to present. Editors Orcutt, Danielle, Dasgupta, pp. 89-128.
Mantle
geodynamics
Abstract: The science of studying diamond inclusions for understanding Earth history has developed significantly over the past decades, with new instrumentation and techniques applied to diamond sample archives revealing the stories contained within diamond inclusions. This chapter reviews what diamonds can tell us about the deep carbon cycle over the course of Earth’s history. It reviews how the geochemistry of diamonds and their inclusions inform us about the deep carbon cycle, the origin of the diamonds in Earth’s mantle, and the evolution of diamonds through time.
Abstract: Reactions involving carbon in the deep Earth have limited manifestations on Earth's surface, yet they have played a critical role in the evolution of our planet. The metal-silicate partitioning reaction promoted carbon capture during Earth's accretion and may have sequestered substantial carbon in Earth's core. The freezing reaction involving iron-carbon liquid could have contributed to the growth of Earth's inner core and the geodynamo. The redox melting/freezing reaction largely controls the movement of carbon in the modern mantle, and reactions between carbonates and silicates in the deep mantle also promote carbon mobility. The 10-year activity of the Deep Carbon Observatory has made important contributions to our knowledge of how these reactions are involved in the cycling of carbon throughout our planet, both past and present, and has helped to identify gaps in our understanding that motivate and give direction to future studies.
Geochemical Perspectives Letters, Vol. 11, pp. 39-43. pdf
Africa, Botswana, South America, French Guiana
deposit - Dachine, Orapa
Abstract: Fluid inclusions trapped in fast-growing diamonds provide a unique opportunity to examine the origin of diamonds, and the conditions under which they formed. Eclogitic to websteritic diamondites from southern Africa show 13C-depletion and 15N-enrichment relative to mantle values (?13C = -4.3 to -22.2 ‰ and ?15N = -4.9 to +23.2 ‰). In contrast the 3He/4He of the trapped fluids have a strong mantle signature, one sample has the highest value so far recorded for African diamonds (8.5 ± 0.4 Ra). We find no evidence for deep mantle He in these diamondites, or indeed in any diamonds from southern Africa. A correlation between 3He/4He ratios and 3He concentration suggests that the low 3He/4He are largely the result of ingrowth of radiogenic 4He in the trapped fluids since diamond formation. The He-C-N isotope systematics can be best described by mixing between fluid released from subducted altered oceanic crust and mantle volatiles. The high 3He/4He of low ?13C diamondites reflects the high 3He concentration in the mantle fluids relative to the slab-derived fluids. The presence of post-crystallisation 4He in the fluids means that all 3He/4He are minima, which in turn implies that the slab-derived carbon has a sedimentary organic origin. In short, although carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data show strong evidence for crustal sources for diamond-formation, helium isotopes reveal an unambiguous mantle component hidden within a strongly 13C-depleted system.
Geochemical Perspectives Letters, Vol. 17, pp. 33-38. pdf
Mantle
diamond inclusions
Abstract: Diamond inclusions sample the otherwise inaccessible archive of Earth’s deep interior. The geochemical and petrological diversity of diamond inclusions reflects either pre-metasomatic upper mantle heterogeneity or metasomatism coeval with diamond formation. We focus on the origin of lithospheric garnet and clinopyroxene inclusions by simulating metasomatic reactions between eclogitic fluids and mantle peridotites at 5 GPa, 1000 °C, and across a range of redox conditions (logfO2?=??1 to ?6 ?FMQ). Our results demonstrate that fluid-rock interaction can result in the formation of eclogitic, websteritic, and peridotitic silicates from a single fluid during a single diamond-forming metasomatic event. Ergo, the petrogenesis of diamond and their inclusions can be syngenetic, and the petrological diversity of diamond inclusions can reflect metasomatism coeval with diamond formation. Furthermore, during the metasomatism, refractory peridotite can be converted to fertile websterite which could become a pyroxenitic mantle source for oceanic basalts.
Xenolith of diamond bearing coesite eclogite from the Udachnaya kimberlite pipe, Yakutia.
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
Mikhno, A., Shcheptova, O., Mikhailenko, D., Korsakov, A.
Sulfides in ultrahigh pressure rocks of the Kokchetav Massif.
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
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: The mineralogical and geochemical features of titanite and associated minerals in a rare sample of kyanite-coesite-rutile-bearing eclogite from the Udachnaya-East (Vostochnaya) kimberlite pipe have been studied in detail. Subidiomorphic titanite grains (100-300 ?m) were identified in the intergranular space. The composition of individual grains of titanite is characterized by a constant presence of Al2O3, F, P2O5, Zr, and Sr impurities but varies within the xenolith. Based on the absence of titanite inclusions in the rock-forming minerals and their presence in the intergranular space, titanite was formed in the studied sample at a late stage of its formation, most likely in the process of metasomatic action of the fluid/melt. Crystallization of rock-forming minerals (garnet + omphacite + kyanite) and accessory rutile occurred jointly at 3.5 ± 0.32 GPa and 920 ± 65°?. The value of Eu/Eu* = 1.06 in the reconstructed bulk composition of the rock, the high modal content of kyanite (~17 vol %), and the value of Ca# = Ca/(Ca + Mg + Fe + Mn) > 0.5 in garnet indicate a subduction nature of the studied eclogite. Most likely, the formation of titanite in the studied sample occurred as a result of the metasomatic action of a fluid/melt enriched in calcium, strontium, large lithophilic elements, and lead, by a mechanism similar to the formation of eclogites in the units of the Western Tien Shan.
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: Kyanite gneiss from the “New Barchinsky” locality (Kokchetav Massif) was studied in detail. This rock is characterized by zonal distribution of the C and SiO2 polymorphs in kyanite porphyroblasts: (1) cores with graphite and quartz inclusions; (2) clean overgrowth zone with inclusions of cuboctahedral diamond crystals. The Raman mapping of SiO2 polymorphs originally showed the presence of an association of disordered graphite + coesite “prohibited” in HT diamond-bearing rocks. Graphitization of diamond is the only likely mechanism of the disordered graphite formation in HT diamond-bearing rocks. However, the absence of disordered graphite in association with diamond in kyanite porphyroblasts from kyanite gneiss from the “New Barchinsky” locality eliminates the process of diamond graphitization at the retrograde stage. Most likely, crystallization of disordered graphite occurred at the retrograde stage from the UHP C-O-H fluid.
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.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 175, 107, 17p. Pdf
Russia
deposit - Udachnaya
Abstract: The formation of diamonds within eclogitic rocks has been widely linked to the fate of carbon during subduction and, therefore, referred to conditions of pressure, temperature, and oxygen fugacity (fo2). Mantle-derived eclogite xenoliths from Udachnaya kimberlite pipes represent a unique window to investigate the formation of carbon-free, graphite-diamond-bearing and diamond-bearing rocks from the Siberian craton. With this aim, we exploited oxy-thermobarometers to retrieve information on the P-T-fo2 at which mantle eclogites from the Siberian craton equilibrated along with elemental carbon. The chemical analyses of coupled garnet and omphacitic clinopyroxene were integrated with data on their iron oxidation state, determined both by conventional and synchrotron 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. The calculated fo2s largely vary for each suite of eclogite samples from 0.10 to ? 2.43 log units (?FMQ) for C-free eclogites, from ? 0.01 to ? 2.91 (?FMQ) for graphite-diamond-bearing eclogites, and from ? 2.08 to ? 3.58 log units (?FMQ) for diamond-bearing eclogites. All eclogite samples mostly fall in the fo2 range typical of diamond coexisting with CO2-rich water-bearing melts and gaseous fluids, with diamondiferous eclogites being more reduced at fo2 conditions where circulating fluids can include some methane. When uncertainties on the calculated fo2 are taken into account, all samples essentially fall within the stability field of diamonds coexisting with CO2-bearing melts. Therefore, our results provide evidence of the potential role of CO2-bearing melts as growth medium on the formation of coexisting diamond and graphite in mantle eclogites during subduction of the oceanic crust.
Abstract: Mineral inclusions in cubic diamonds from garnet-clinopyroxene rock of the Kokchetav massif were studied. The coexistence of fluid and silicate inclusions in the central part of the diamond of the G0 sample was revealed by means of transmission electron microscopy. Silicate inclusions are represented by intergrowths of garnet and mica, which are spatially related with the carbonate and fluid inclusions. The first finding of silicate inclusions in the cubic diamonds from the UHP complex discovered over 50 years of their study is apparently due to a selective capture of the silicate minerals in the process of the diamond crystallization from the carbonate-bearing C-O-H fluid. The processes of diamond crystallization in the metamorphic deeply subducted rocks and upper mantle rocks, which are carried to the surface as xenoliths by kimberlite melts, have much in common.
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 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 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.
Mineralogical Magazine, Vol. 82, no. 2, pp. 329-346.
Russia, Kola Peninsula
deposit - Kovdor
Abstract: Two quintinite polytypes, 3R and 2T, which are new for the Kovdor alkaline-ultrabasic complex, have been structurally characterized. The crystal structure of quintinite-2T was solved by direct methods and refined to R1 = 0.048 on the basis of 330 unique reflections. The structure is trigonal, P c1, a = 5.2720(6), c = 15.113(3) Å and V = 363.76(8) Å3. The crystal structure consists of [Mg2Al(OH)6]+ brucite-type layers with an ordered distribution of Mg2+ and Al3+ cations according to the × superstructure with the layers stacked according to a hexagonal type. The complete layer stacking sequence can be described as …=Ab1C = Cb1A=…. The crystal structure of quintinite-3R was solved by direct methods and refined to R1 = 0.022 on the basis of 140 unique reflections. It is trigonal, R m, a = 3.063(1), c = 22.674(9) Å and V = 184.2(1) Å3. The crystal structure is based upon double hydroxide layers [M2+,3+(OH)2] with disordered distribution of Mg, Al and Fe and with the layers stacked according to a rhombohedral type. The stacking sequence of layers can be expressed as …=?B = BC = CA=… The study of morphologically different quintinite generations grown on one another detected the following natural sequence of polytype formation: 2H ? 2T ? 1M that can be attributed to a decrease of temperature during crystallization. According to the information-based approach to structural complexity, this sequence corresponds to the increasing structural information per atom (IG): 1.522 ? 1.706 ? 2.440 bits, respectively. As the IG value contributes negatively to the configurational entropy of crystalline solids, the evolution of polytypic modifications during crystallization corresponds to the decreasing configurational entropy. This is in agreement with the general principle that decreasing temperature corresponds to the appearance of more complex structures.
Abstract: The Lovozero peralkaline massif (Kola Peninsula, Russia) has several deposits of Zr, Nb, Ta and rare earth elements (REE) associated with eudialyte-group minerals (EGM). Eudialyte from the Alluaiv Mt. often forms zonal grains with central parts enriched in Zr (more than 3 apfu) and marginal zones enriched in REEs. The detailed study of the chemical composition (294 microprobe analyses) of EGMs from the drill cores of the Mt. Alluaiv-Mt. Kedykvyrpakhk deposits reveal more than 70% Zr-enriched samples. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed separately for the Zr-rich (4.17 Zr apfu) core and the REE-rich (0.54 REE apfu) marginal zone. It was found that extra Zr incorporates into the octahedral M1A site, where it replaces Ca, leading to the symmetry lowering from R3¯m to R32. We demonstrated that the incorporation of extra Zr into EGMs makes the calculation of the eudialyte formula on the basis of Si + Al + Zr + Ti + Hf + Nb + Ta + W = 29 apfu inappropriate.
Abstract: The occurrence, morphology, and composition of rinkite are considered against the background of zoning in the Khibiny pluton. Accessory rinkite is mostly characteristic of foyaite in the outer part of pluton, occurs somewhat less frequently in foyaite and rischorrite in the central part of pluton, even more sparsely in foidolites and apatite-nepheline rocks, and sporadically in fenitized xenoliths of the Lovozero Formation. The largest, up to economic, accumulations of rinkite are related to the pegmatite and hydrothermal veins, which occur in nepheline syenite on both sides of the Main foidolite ring. The composition of rinkite varies throughout the pluton. The Ca, Na, and F contents in accessory rinkite and amorphous products of its alteration progressively increase from foyaite and fenitized basalt of the Lovozero Formation to foidolite, rischorrite, apatite-nepheline rocks, and pegmatite-hydrothermal veins.
Abstract: Zirconolite, its Ce-, Nd-, and Y-analogs, and laachite, another member of the zirconolite group, are typomorphic minerals of the fenitized xenoliths in nepheline syenite and foidolite of the Khibiny-Lovozero Complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia. All these minerals are formed at the late stage of fenitization as products of ilmentie alteration under the effect of Zr-bearing fluids. The diversity of these minerals is caused by the chemical substitutions of Na and Ca for REE, Th, and U compensated by substitution of Ti and Zr for Nb, Fe and Ta, as well as by the redistribution of REE between varieties enriched in Ti (HREE) or Nb (LREE). The results obtained can be used in the synthesis of Synroc-type titanate ceramics assigned for the immobilization of actinides.
Mikhno, A., Shcheptova, O., Mikhailenko, D., Korsakov, A.
Sulfides in ultrahigh pressure rocks of the Kokchetav Massif.
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
Prograde zonation in ultrapotassic clinopyroxene from ultrahigh pressure garnet clinopyroxene rocks from the Kumdy-Kol mine ( Kokchetav Massif, Kazakhstan).
Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 447, 2, pp. 1333-1337.
Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, Vol. 48, 11, pp. 1566-1573.
Russia
UHP - Kokchetav
Abstract: CO2-bearing fluid inclusions coexisting with diamonds were identified in zircons from diamondiferous gneiss in the Kokchetav Massif. This discovery provides evidence for the presence of CO2 in UHP fluids and diamond formation in moderately oxidized conditions in the Kokchetav gneiss. Fluid and multiphase solid inclusions coexisting in zircons represent immiscible melt and fluid captured close to the peak metamorphic conditions for the Kokchetav UHP gneiss. Most of CO2-bearing inclusions are CO2+H2O mixtures except for some cases when they also contain daughter phases (e.g. muscovite, calcite and quartz) tracing the presence of aqueous and solute-rich fluids at different phases of UHP metamorphism. Decrease of pressure and temperature may have been responsible for the reduction of solutes in the CO2-bearing fluid. The lack of CO2-bearing inclusions in garnet porphyroblasts from diamond-bearing gneiss, as well as the common coexistence of aqueous CO2-bearing inclusions with calcite, testify that most likely all CO2 in fluid was consumed by the calcite-forming reaction and hydrous melt was the only remaining growth medium during retrograde metamorphism of the Kokchetav UHPM gneisses. Neither K-cymrite nor kokchetavite was identified among daughter phases in the hydrous melt inclusions in garnet, which indicates that they hardly could originate in a metapelitic system.
Mineralogy and Petrology, doi.org/10.1007/ s00710-018-0628-1 14p.
Africa, Angola
kimberlites
Abstract: Based on a comprehensive analysis of kimberlite pipes of Angola, including the near surface structural setting, deep lithospheric structure, pipe morphology and emplacement, mineralogical and petrographic features, diamond characteristics and locations of secondary deposits four geographical regions have been outlined within Angola representing four types of diamond bearing potential. These areas include high diamond bearing potential pipes, possible potential, no potential, and unclear potential areas. It was found that the depth of magmatism and diamond potential of kimberlites increases from the Atlantic coast in southwestern Angola into the continent in the north-easterly direction. Areas prospective for the discovery of new primary diamond deposits have been identified.
Methods for the Study, Processing and Interpretation of Magnetic and Gravimetric Fields in Prospecting for Kimberlite Bodies in Traps. Methodological Recommendations.
Abstract: The Neoproterozoic Sevattur and Samalpatti alkaline– carbonatite complexes in S India were supposedly emplaced into regional metagranite at ~800 Ma [1]. Both complexes are close to each other (~4 km apart), with a similar NE–SW elongated oval shape arranged along NE–SW trending lineament formed by the Koratti–Attur tectonic zone [2]. Both complexes share a similar setting with central syenite intrusion mantled with a discontinuous ring and/or crescentshaped suites of carbonatites, pyroxenites, gabbros, and dunites. In contrast to identical tectonic position and similar structure, the two complexes differ significantly in geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–O–C isotope compositions. The Sevattur suite is derived from an enriched mantle source without significant post-emplacement modification whilst extensive hydrothermal overprint by crustal fluids must have occurred to result in the observed 13C–18O-enriched systematics reported for the Samalpatti carbonatites [3]. Some Samalpatti pyroxenites, though, show a clear mantle signature [3]. We report preliminary K–Ar age-data, that indicate a prolonged period of the magmatic activity in this area. Sevattur gabbro and pyroxenite (both Bt-fraction) as well as one Samalpatti Cr-rich silicocarbonatite (Amp-fraction) yielded the range of ages at 700–800 Ma, consistent with previous reports [see 3 for details]. The new K–Ar data from syenites display significantly younger ages of 560–576 Ma for Samalpatti and 510–540 Ma for Sevattur, regardless of the mineral fraction used (Bt or Kfs). The K–Ar results are being supplemented by systematic U–Pb analyses of zircons. If proven true, the age disparity would have profound consequences on our understanding of carbonatite evolution.
Magna, T., Rapprich, V., Wittke, A., Gussone, N., Upadhyay, D., Mikova, J., Pecskay, Z.
Calcium isotope systematics and K-Ar and U-Pb temporal constraints on the genesis of Sevattur Samalpatti carbonatite silicate alkaline complexes.
Carbonatite-alkaline rocks and associated mineral deposits , Dec. 8-11, abstract p. 34-35.
India
deposit - Samalpatti, Sevattur
Abstract: We present the first systematic survey of Ca isotope compositions in carbonatites and associated silicate rocks from Samalpatti and Sevattur, two Neoproterozoic complexes in Tamil Nadu, south India. Despite their close geographic proximity, their genesis and post-emplacement histories differ (Ackerman et al. 2017). The Sevattur complex appears to have been derived from an enriched mantle source with a limited post-magmatic disturbance. In contrast, carbonatites from Samalpatti show a record of extensive late-stage post-magmatic overprint, also apparent from unusually heavy C-O isotope compositions in a sub-suite of carbonatites (Ackerman et al. 2017). The mean ?44/40Ca = 0.69 ± 0.10‰ is slightly lighter than the average of fertile, unmetasomatized peridotites at ?44/40Ca = 0.95 ± 0.05‰ (Kang et al. 2017). This difference may attest to the general difference between carbonates and silicates (see Kang et al. 2017). It could also reflect Ca isotope fractionation between isotopically heavy silicate and isotopically light carbonate (e.g., John et al. 2012), though to a somewhat minor extent. This is supported by leaching experiments in this study where the extent of silicate-carbonate fractionation (44/40Casilicate-carbonate) has been investigated. The values at ~0.1-0.2‰ are expectedly lower than those reported earlier (~0.6‰; John et al. 2012) and may reflect high-temperature Ca isotope fractionation. The variability in ?44/40Ca values of carbonatites and silico-carbonatites from the Samalpatti complex is larger (0.70- 1.14‰) and appears to be in accord with extensive post-emplacement disturbance. Significant loss of REE and 13C-18O-enriched signature are combined with high ?44/40Ca values, which could reflect massive exchange with metasomatic aqueous fluids. The 40Kdecay correction was applied to K-rich rocks (syenites, monzonites). Given the antiquity of the complex dated at ca. ~800 Ma (Schleicher et al. 1997) and considering high-K/Ca character of some rocks, the resulting ?44/40Ca800 Myr correction was up to ~+1.2‰. In this regard, it is crucial to constrain the age history of the entire region. The nearby Hogenakal carbonatite body was dated at ~2.4 Ga which is much older than Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd age of Sevattur (Kumar et al. 1998) from the same fault system. We have acquired K-Ar mineral (K-feldspar, biotite, amphibole) and U-Pb zircon data from Sevattur and Samalpatti. The K-Ar ages span a range between ~800 and ~510 Ma (~800 Ma for amphiboles and biotites from silico-carbonatites and mafic silicate rocks and ~570-510 Ma for K-feldspars and biotites from syenites), dating two high-grade regional tectono-thermal overprint events, documented earlier. The complex nature of this process is indicated by concordant U-Pb zircon age at ~2.5 Ga yielded for a melatonalite, for which K-Ar biotite age of ~802 Ma was measured. This fits into the age bracket of basement of the Eastern Dharwar Craton. The age distribution bimodality at ~2.5 Ga and ~800 Ma has been found for several other samples, suggesting a pulsed thermal history of the area, associated with a significant overprint by fluids likely derived from the local crust. Particularly high U concentrations in zircons (thousands ppm), combined with a range of K-Ar ages, attest to such multi-episodic history.
Abstract: In situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) are used to characterize magnetite and ilmenite of the phoscorite-carbonatite association at Phalaborwa. We trace the behavior of the compatible elements for two different generations of magnetite related to (1) a magmatic stage, with variable Ti-V content, which pre-dates the copper mineralization, and (2) a late hydrothermal, low-Ti, low-temperature event, mostly post-dating sulfide formation. Magnetite is shown to be a robust petrogenetic indicator; no influence on its chemical composition is detected from the intergrowth with the accompanying phases, including the interaction with coexisting sulfides. High spatial resolution EPMA characterize the tiny late-stage hydrothermal magnetite veins, as well as the ilmenite granular and lamellar exsolutions mostly developed in the magnetite from the phoscorite. By combining geochemical data with geothermo-oxybarometry calculations for magnetite-ilmenite pairs, we infer that the most primitive magnetite probably formed at oxygen fugacity above the nickel nickel oxide (NNO) buffer, revealing an evolutionary trend of decreasing temperature and oxygen fugacity. Geochemical similarity exists between magnetite from phoscorite and carbonatite, thus supporting a common mantle source for the phoscorite-carbonatite association.
Abstract: In-situ trace element analyses of fluorapatite, calcite, dolomite, olivine, and phlogopite have been undertaken on representative phoscorite and carbonatite rocks of the Palaeoproterozoic Phalaborwa Complex. Textural and compositional characterization reveals uniformity of fluorapatite and calcite among most of the intrusions, and seems to favor a common genetic origin for the phoscorite-carbonatite association. Representing major repositories for rare earth elements (REE), fluorapatite and calcite exhibit tightly correlated light REE (LREE) abundances, suggesting that partitioning of LREE into these rock forming minerals was principally controlled by simple igneous differentiation. However, light rare earth element distribution in apatite and calcite cannot be adequately explained by equilibrium and fractional crystallization and instead favors a complex crystallization history involving mixing of compositionally distinct magma batches, in agreement with previously reported mineral isotope variability that requires open-system behaviour.
Abstract: In this work we report for the first time the crystallographic orientations of olivine inclusions trapped in diamonds from the Kaapvaal craton (South Africa) determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and analyze them together with all available data in the literature. The overall data set indicates no preferred orientation of the olivine inclusions with respect to their diamond hosts. However, diamonds containing multiple olivine inclusions sometimes show clusters of olivines with the same orientation in the same diamond host. We conclude that such clusters can only be interpreted as the remnants of single olivine crystals pre-dating the growth of the host diamonds.
Abstract: We describe a new methodology to collect energy domain Mössbauer spectra of inclusions in natural diamonds using a Synchrotron Mössbauer Source (SMS). Measurements were carried out at the Nuclear Resonance beamline ID18 at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Grenoble, France). We applied this non-destructive approach to collect SMS spectra of a ferropericlase inclusion still contained within its diamond host from Juina (Brazil). The high spatial resolution of the measurement (~ 15 ?m) enabled multiple regions of the 190 × 105 ?m2 inclusion to be sampled and showed that while Fe3 +/Fetot values in ferropericlase were below the detection limit (0.02) overall, there was a magnetic component whose abundance varied systematically across the inclusion. Hyperfine parameters of the magnetic component are consistent with magnesioferrite, and the absence of superparamagnetism allows the minimum particle size to be estimated as ~ 30 nm. Bulk Fe3 +/Fetot values are similar to those reported for other ferropericlase inclusions from Juina, and their variation across the inclusion can provide constraints on its history.
Abstract: "Super-deep" diamonds are thought to crystallize between 300 and 800 km depth because some of the inclusions trapped within them are considered to be the products of retrograde transformation from lower mantle or transition zone precursors. In particular, single inclusion CaSiO3-walstromite is believed to derive from CaSiO3-perovskite, although its real depth of origin has never been proven. Our aim is therefore to determine for the first time the pressure of formation of the diamond-CaSiO3-walstromite pair by “single-inclusion elastic barometry” and to determine whether CaSiO3-walstromite derives from CaSiO3-perovskite or not. We investigated several single phases and assemblages of Ca-silicate inclusions still trapped in a diamond coming from Juina (Brazil) by in-situ analyses (single-crystal X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy) and we obtained a minimum entrapment pressure of ~ 5.7 GPa (? 180 km) at 1500 K. However, the observed coexistence of CaSiO3-walstromite, larnite (?-Ca2SiO4) and CaSi2O5-titanite in one multiphase inclusion within the same diamond indicates that the sample investigated is sub-lithospheric with entrapment pressure between ~ 9.5 and ~ 11.5 GPa at 1500 K, based on experimentally-determined phase equilibria. In addition, thermodynamic calculations suggested that, within a diamond, single inclusions of CaSiO3-walstromite cannot derive from CaSiO3-perovskite, unless the diamond around the inclusion expands by ~ 30% in volume.
European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017, Vienna April 23-28, 1p. 12200 Abstract
Russia
Deposit - Udachnaya
Abstract: The correct determination of the relative crystallographic orientations of single crystals has many applications. When single crystals undergo phase transitions, especially at high pressures, the relative orientations of the two phases yields insights into transition mechanisms (Dobson et al 2013). On the other hand, determination of the crystallographic orientations of minerals included in diamonds can provide insights into the mechanisms of their entrapment and the timing of their formation relative to the host diamond (e.g. Nestola et al. 2014, Milani et al. 2016). The reported occurrence of non-trivial orientations for some minerals in diamonds, suggesting an epitaxial relationship, has long been considered to reflect contemporaneous growth of the diamond and the inclusion (e.g. syngenesis). Correct interpretation of such orientations requires (i) a statistically significant crystallographic data set for single and multiple inclusions in a large number of diamonds, and (ii) a robust data-processing method, capable of removing ambiguities derived from the high symmetry of the diamond and the inclusion. We have developed a software to perform such processing (OrientXplot, Angel et al. 2015), starting from crystallographic orientation matrixes obtained by X-ray diffractometry or EBSD data. Previous studies of inclusions in lithospheric diamonds, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and EBSD, indicate a wide variety in the orientations of different inclusion phases with respect to their diamond host (Futergendler & Frank-Kamenetsky 1961; Frank-Kamenetsky 1964; Wiggers de Vries et al. 2011; Nestola et al. 2014, Milani et al. 2016). For example, olivine inclusions in lithospheric diamonds from Udachnaya do not show any preferred orientations with respect to their diamond hosts, but multiple inclusions in a single diamond often show very similar orientations within few degrees. In the present work on magnesiochromite inclusions in diamonds from Udachnaya, there is a partial orientation between inclusion and host. A (111) plane of each inclusion is sub-parallel to a {111} plane of their diamond host, but with random orientations of the magnesiochromite [100], [010] and [001] relative to the diamond. In one case, where a single inclusion comprised a magnesiochromite-olivine touching pair, the magnesiochromite was oriented as noted above and the olivine showed a random orientation. The implications of these observations for the mechanisms of diamond growth will be explored and the results will be compared and combined with previous work.
European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017, Vienna April 23-28, 1p. 16340 Abstract
South America, Brazil
Deposit - Juina
Abstract: We describe a new methodology to collect energy domain Mössbauer spectra of inclusions in natural diamonds using a Synchrotron Mössbauer Source (SMS). Measurements were carried out at the Nuclear Resonance beamline ID18 at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Grenoble, France). We applied this non-destructive approach to collect SMS spectra of a ferropericlase inclusion still contained within its diamond host from Juina (Brazil). The high spatial resolution of the measurement (~ 15 ?m) enabled multiple regions of the 190 × 105 ?m2 inclusion to be sampled and showed that while Fe3 +/Fetot values in ferropericlase were below the detection limit (0.02) overall, there was a magnetic component whose abundance varied systematically across the inclusion. Hyperfine parameters of the magnetic component are consistent with magnesioferrite, and the absence of superparamagnetism allows the minimum particle size to be estimated as ~ 30 nm. Bulk Fe3 +/Fetot values are similar to those reported for other ferropericlase inclusions from Juina, and their variation across the inclusion can provide constraints on its history.
Zeitschrfit fur Kristallographie, Vol. 231, pp. 467-473.
Technology
diamond inclusions
Abstract: We describe the experimental protocols necessary to measure the crystal structures of minerals trapped within diamonds by single-crystal X-ray diffraction to the same quality as obtained from minerals studied at ambient conditions. The results show that corrections for X-ray absorption in complex cases can be made with good precision. Comparison of the refined structure of a single-crystal olivine inclusion inside a diamond with the structure of a similar olivine held in a high-pressure diamond-anvil cell shows that data resolution, not the correction for absorption effects, is the dominant factor in influencing the quality of structures determined at high pressures by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Abstract: Diamonds are the deepest accessible “fragments” of Earth, providing records of deep geological processes. Absolute ages for diamond formation are crucial to place these records in the correct time context. Diamond ages are typically determined by dating inclusions, assuming that they were formed simultaneously with their hosts. One of the most widely used mineral inclusions for dating diamond is garnet, which is amenable to Sm-Nd geochronology and is common in lithospheric diamonds. By investigating worldwide garnet-bearing diamonds, we provide crystallographic evidence that garnet inclusions that were previously considered to be syngenetic may instead be protogenetic, i.e., they were formed before the host diamond, raising doubts about the real significance of many reported diamond “ages.” Diffusion modeling at relevant pressures and temperatures, however, demonstrates that isotopic resetting would generally occur over geologically short time scales. Therefore, despite protogenicity, the majority of garnet-based ages should effectively correspond to the time of diamond formation. On the other hand, our results indicate that use of large garnet inclusions (e.g., >100 ?m) and diamond hosts formed at temperatures lower than ?1000 °C is not recommended for diamond age determinations.
Abstract: In situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) are used to characterize magnetite and ilmenite of the phoscorite-carbonatite association at Phalaborwa. We trace the behavior of the compatible elements for two different generations of magnetite related to (1) a magmatic stage, with variable Ti-V content, which pre-dates the copper mineralization, and (2) a late hydrothermal, low-Ti, low-temperature event, mostly post-dating sulfide formation. Magnetite is shown to be a robust petrogenetic indicator; no influence on its chemical composition is detected from the intergrowth with the accompanying phases, including the interaction with coexisting sulfides. High spatial resolution EPMA characterize the tiny late-stage hydrothermal magnetite veins, as well as the ilmenite granular and lamellar exsolutions mostly developed in the magnetite from the phoscorite. By combining geochemical data with geothermo-oxybarometry calculations for magnetite-ilmenite pairs, we infer that the most primitive magnetite probably formed at oxygen fugacity above the nickel nickel oxide (NNO) buffer, revealing an evolutionary trend of decreasing temperature and oxygen fugacity. Geochemical similarity exists between magnetite from phoscorite and carbonatite, thus supporting a common mantle source for the phoscorite-carbonatite association.
The Results of Absolute Age Determination of Kimberlites And Causes of Their Deviation from Geological Evidence on the Time of Formation of Kimberlites.
Uchenye Zap. Niiga Region. Geol., No. 2, 13P. Geological Society of Canada (GSC) TRANSLATION No. 5327B.
Potential of the Diamondiferous Kimberlites in the Northeast Part of the Siberian Platform In: Kimberlite Volcanism And the Primary Diamond Content in the Northeast Part of the Siberian Platform
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
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available 20p.
Canada, Ontario, Quebec
Ungava craton
Abstract: Although terrestrial picritic magmas with FeOTOT ?13 wt.% are rare in the geological record, they were relatively common ca. 2.7 Ga during the Neoarchean episode of enhanced global growth of continental crust. Recent evidence that ferropicritic underplating played an important role in the ca. 2.74–2.70 Ga reworking of the Ungava craton provides the impetus for a comparison of ca. 2.7 Ga ferropicrite occurrences in the global Neoarchean magmatic record. In addition to the Fe-rich plutons of the Ungava craton, volumetrically minor ferropicritic flows, pyroclastic deposits, and intrusive rocks form parts of the Neoarchean greenstone belt stratigraphy of the Abitibi, Wawa, Wabigoon and Vermillion domains of the southern and western Superior Province. Neoarchean ferropicritic rocks also occur on five other Archean cratons: West Churchill, Slave, Yilgarn, Kaapvaal, and Karelia; suggesting that ca. 2.7 Ga Fe-rich magmatism was globally widespread. Neoarchean ferropicrites form two distinct groups in terms of their trace element geochemistry. Alkaline ferropicrites have fractionated REE profiles and show no systematic HFSE anomalies, broadly resembling the trace element character of modern-day ocean island basalt (OIB) magmas. Magmas parental to ca. 2.7 Ga alkaline ferropicrites also had high Nb/YPM (>2), low Al2O3/TiO2 (<8) and Sc/Fe (-3 × 10?4) ratios, and were enriched in Ni relative to primary pyrolite mantle-derived melts. The high Ni contents of the alkaline ferropicrites coupled with the low Sc/Fe ratios are consistent with derivation from olivine-free garnet-pyroxenite sources. The second ferropicrite group is characterized by decisively non-alkaline primary trace element profiles that range from flat to LREE-depleted, resembling Archean tholeiitic basalts and komatiites. In contrast to the alkaline ferropicrites, the magmas parental to the subalkaline ferropicrites had flat HREE, lower Nb/YPM (<2), higher Al2O3/TiO2 (8-25) and Sc/Fe (-4 × 10?4) ratios, and were depleted in Ni relative to melts of pyrolitic peridotite; suggesting they were derived from garnet-free peridotite sources. Neodymium isotopic evidence indicates that the source of alkaline ferropicrites was metasomatically enriched shortly before magma generation (-3.0 Ga), but the subalkaline ferropicrites do not show evidence of precursor metasomatism. The metasomatic enrichment of the alkaline ferropicrite sources may have been accompanied by conversion of Fe-rich peridotite to secondary garnet-pyroxenite. Melting experiments on "pyrolitic" compositions and consideration of the dependence of the density of silicate liquids on pressure and temperature, suggest that ferropicrites cannot originate by melting of normal terrestrial mantle (Mg-number = 0.88-0.92) at high pressures and temperatures. The geochemical similarity between the subalkaline ferropicrites and the shergottite-nakhlite-chassigny (SNC) and howardite-eucrite-diogenite (HED) differentiated meteorites suggests, however, that the Fe-rich mantle may originate from the infall of Fe-rich chondritic meteorites. The occurrence of ca. 2.7 Ga Fe-rich rocks on at least six cratons that are commonly coeval with the more ubiquitous komatiites and Mg-tholeiites is consistent with the existence of heterogeneous Fe-rich "plums" throughout the Neoarchean mantle. The paucity of ferropicrites in the post-2.7 Ga geological record suggests that majority of these Fe-rich plums have been melted out during the global Neoarchean melting of the mantle.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, in press available, 14p.
Canada, Africa, Russia
Melting
Abstract: Although terrestrial picritic magmas with FeOTOT ?13 wt.% are rare in the geological record, they were relatively common ca. 2.7 Ga during the Neoarchean episode of enhanced global growth of continental crust. Recent evidence that ferropicritic underplating played an important role in the ca. 2.74-2.70 Ga reworking of the Ungava craton provides the impetus for a comparison of ca. 2.7 Ga ferropicrite occurrences in the global Neoarchean magmatic record. In addition to the Fe-rich plutons of the Ungava craton, volumetrically minor ferropicritic flows, pyroclastic deposits, and intrusive rocks form parts of the Neoarchean greenstone belt stratigraphy of the Abitibi, Wawa, Wabigoon and Vermillion domains of the southern and western Superior Province. Neoarchean ferropicritic rocks also occur on five other Archean cratons: West Churchill, Slave, Yilgarn, Kaapvaal, and Karelia; suggesting that ca. 2.7 Ga Fe-rich magmatism was globally widespread.
Gems & Gemology, Sixth International Gemological Symposium Vol. 54, 3, Fall 1p. Abstract p. 258
Africa, Namibia, South America, Brazil
photoluminescence
Abstract: Laser- and ultraviolet-excited luminescence spectroscopy and imaging are important techniques for gemstone testing, as they are among the most sensitive spectroscopic methods (see Hainschwang et al., 2013). They are able to identify optically active crystallographic defects such as vacancies and substitutions that are present in such small amounts that they cannot be detected by any other analytical method. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis became particularly important in the last decade for the separation of natural from synthetic diamonds and the detection of treatments. Today the availability of specially designed and reasonably priced portable equipment enables the rapid in situ identification of mounted and unmounted natural diamonds. Although PL spectroscopy is most commonly used for diamond identification, it can also be applied to colored stones. Some stones exhibit unique luminescence patterns, which can be used to identify the material. Other examples are the separation of natural from synthetic spinel and the detection of heat-treated spinel. Since chromium is a typical PL-causing trace element, it is also possible to separate chromium-colored gems such as ruby and jadeite from their artificially colored counterparts. The color authenticity of specific types of corals and pearls can also be determined. The rare earth elements (REE) are among the main substituting luminescence centers in Ca2+-bearing minerals (Gaft et al., 2005). Recently, REE photoluminescence has been observed in cuprian liddicoatite tourmalines from Mozambique (Milisenda and Müller, 2017). When excited by a 785 nm laser, the stones showed a series of bands at 861, 869, 878, 894, and 1053 nm, consistent with the PL spectra of other calcium-rich minerals (Chen and Stimets, 2014). LA-ICP-MS analysis confirmed the REE enrichment in this type of tourmaline compared to cuprian elbaites from Brazil and Nigeria. As a result, photoluminescence can be used as a further criterion for origin determination of Paraíba-type tourmalines. We have extended our research on other calcium-rich gems, including various grossular garnet varieties such as hessonite and tsavorite (figure 1), uvarovite garnet, apatite, titanite, and scheelite, as well as a number of high-refractive-index glasses and colorchange glasses, respectively.
Abstract: Earth’s oldest felsic rocks, the 4.02 billion-year-old Idiwhaa gneisses of the Acasta Gneiss Complex, northwest Canada, have compositions that are distinct from the felsic rocks that typify Earth’s ancient continental nuclei, implying they formed through a different process. Using phase equilibria and trace element modelling, we show that the Idiwhaa gneisses were produced by partial melting of ironrich amphibolite host rocks at very low pressures, equating to the uppermost ~3 km of mafic crust. The heat required for such shallow melting is most easily explained through meteorite impacts. Hydrodynamic impact modelling shows that, not only is this scenario physically plausible, but the region of shallow melting appropriate to formation of the Idiwhaa gneisses would have been widespread. Given the predicted high flux of meteorites during the late Hadean, impact melting may have been the predominant mechanism that generated Hadean felsic rocks.
Abstract: Impact cratering is a dynamic process that is violent and fast. Quantifying processes that accommodate deformation at different scales during central uplift formation in complex impact structures is therefore a challenging task. The ability to correlate mineral deformation at the microscale with macroscale processes provides a critical link in helping to constrain extreme crustal behavior during meteorite impact. Here we describe the first high-pressure-phase-calibrated chronology of shock progression in zircon from a central uplift. We report both shock twins and reidite, the high-pressure ZrSiO4 polymorph, in zircon from shocked granitic gneiss drilled from the center of the >60-km-diameter Woodleigh impact structure in Western Australia. The key observation is that in zircon grains that contain reidite, which forms at >30 GPa during the crater compression stage, the reidite domains are systematically offset by later-formed shock deformation twins (?20 GPa) along extensional planar microstructures. The {112} twins are interpreted to record crustal extension and uplift caused by the rarefaction wave during crater excavation. These results provide the first physical evidence that relates the formation sequence of both a high-pressure phase and a diagnostic shock microstructure in zircon to different cratering stages with unique stress regimes that are predicted by theoretical and numerical models. These microstructural observations thus provide new insight into central uplift formation, one of the least-understood processes during complex impact crater formation, which can produce many kilometers of vertically uplifted bedrock in seconds.
Abstract: Earth’s oldest evolved (felsic) rocks, the 4.02-billion-year-old Idiwhaa gneisses of the Acasta Gneiss Complex, northwest Canada, have compositions that are distinct from the felsic rocks that typify Earth’s ancient continental nuclei, implying that they formed through a different process. Using phase equilibria and trace element modelling, we show that the Idiwhaa gneisses were produced by partial melting of iron-rich hydrated basaltic rocks (amphibolites) at very low pressures, equating to the uppermost ~3?km of a Hadean crust that was dominantly mafic in composition. The heat required for partial melting at such shallow levels is most easily explained through meteorite impacts. Hydrodynamic impact modelling shows not only that this scenario is physically plausible, but also that the region of shallow partial melting appropriate to formation of the Idiwhaa gneisses would have been widespread. Given the predicted high flux of meteorites in the late Hadean, impact melting may have been the predominant mechanism that generated Hadean felsic rocks.
Guzmics, T., Mitchell, R.H., Szabo, C., Berkesi, M., Milke, R., Abart, R.
Carbonatite melt inclusions in coexisting magnetite, apatite and monticellite in Kerimasi calciocarbonatite, Tanzania: melt evolution and petrogenesis.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 161, 2, pp. 177-196.
Guzmics, T., Mitchell, R.H., Szabo, C., Berkesi, M., Milke, R., Ratter, K.
Liquid immiscibility between silicate, carbonate and sulfide melts in melt inclusions hosted in co-precipitated minerals from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania): evolution of carbonated nephelinitic magma.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 164, pp. 101-122.
Guzmics, T., Mitchell, R.H., Szabo, C., Berkesi, M., Milke, R., Ratter, K.
Liquid immiscibility between silicate, carbonate and sulfide melts in melt inclusions hosted in co-precipitated minerals from Kerimasi volcano ( Tanzania): evolution of carbonated nephelinitic magma.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, in press available
Abstract: This study presents compositional data for a statistically significant number (n=180) of heated and quenched (recreated) carbonate melt inclusions trapped in magnetite and clinopyroxene in jacupirangite from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania). On the basis of homogenization experiments for clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions and forsterite-monticellite-calcite phase relations, a range of 1000 to 900 °C is estimated for their crystallization temperatures. Petrographic observations and geochemical data show that during jacupirangite crystallization, a CaO-rich and alkali-"poor" carbonate melt (relative to Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite) existed and was entrapped in the precipitating magnetite, forming primary melt inclusions, and was also enclosed in previously crystallized clinopyroxene as secondary melt inclusions. The composition of the trapped carbonate melts in magnetite and clinopyroxene are very similar to the parental melt of Kerimasi calciocarbonatite; i.e., enriched in Na2O, K2O, F, Cl and S, but depleted in SiO2 and P2O5 relative to carbonate melts entrapped at an earlier stage and higher temperature (1050-1100 °C) during the formation of Kerimasi afrikandite. Significant compositional variation is shown by the major minerals of Kerimasi plutonic rocks (afrikandite, jacupirangite and calciocarbonatite). Magnetite and clinopyroxene in the jacupirangite are typically transitional in composition between those of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. These data suggest that the jacupirangite represents an intermediate stage between the formation of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. Jacupirangite most probably formed when immiscible silicate and carbonate melts separated from the afrikandite body, although the carbonate melt was not separated completely from the silicate melt fraction. In general, during the evolution of the carbonate melt at Kerimasi, concentrations of P2O5 and SiO2 decreased, whereas volatile content (alkalis, S, F, Cl and H2O) increased. Volatiles were incorporated principally in nyerereite, shortite, burbankite, nahcolite and sulfohalite as identified by Raman spectrometry. These extremely unstable minerals cannot be found in the bulk rock, because of alteration by secondary processes. On the basis of these data, an evolutionary model is developed for Kerimasi plutonic rocks.
Abstract: This study presents compositional data for a statistically significant number (n = 180) of heated and quenched (recreated) carbonate melt inclusions trapped in magnetite and clinopyroxene in jacupirangite from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania). On the basis of homogenization experiments for clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions and forsterite-monticellite-calcite phase relations, a range of 1000 to 900 °C is estimated for their crystallization temperatures. Petrographic observations and geochemical data show that during jacupirangite crystallization, a CaO-rich and alkali-"poor" carbonate melt (relative to Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite) existed and was entrapped in the precipitating magnetite, forming primary melt inclusions, and was also enclosed in previously crystallized clinopyroxene as secondary melt inclusions. The composition of the trapped carbonate melts in magnetite and clinopyroxene is very similar to the parental melt of Kerimasi calciocarbonatite; i.e., enriched in Na2O, K2O, F, Cl and S, but depleted in SiO2 and P2O5 relative to carbonate melts entrapped at an earlier stage and higher temperature (1050-1100 °C) during the formation of Kerimasi afrikandite. Significant compositional variation is shown by the major minerals of Kerimasi plutonic rocks (afrikandite, jacupirangite and calciocarbonatite). Magnetite and clinopyroxene in the jacupirangite are typically transitional in composition between those of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. These data suggest that the jacupirangite represents an intermediate stage between the formation of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. Jacupirangite most probably formed when immiscible silicate and carbonate melts separated from the afrikandite body, although the carbonate melt was not separated completely from the silicate melt fraction. In general, during the evolution of the carbonate melt at Kerimasi, concentrations of P2O5 and SiO2 decreased, whereas volatile content (alkalis, S, F, Cl and H2O) increased. Volatiles were incorporated principally in nyerereite, shortite, burbankite, nahcolite and sulfohalite as identified by Raman spectrometry. These extremely unstable minerals cannot be found in the bulk rock, because of alteration by secondary processes. On the basis of these data, an evolutionary model is developed for Kerimasi plutonic rocks.
Abstract: This study presents compositional data for a statistically significant number (n = 180) of heated and quenched (recreated) carbonate melt inclusions trapped in magnetite and clinopyroxene in jacupirangite from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania). On the basis of homogenization experiments for clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions and forsterite-monticellite-calcite phase relations, a range of 1000 to 900 °C is estimated for their crystallization temperatures. Petrographic observations and geochemical data show that during jacupirangite crystallization, a CaO-rich and alkali-"poor" carbonate melt (relative to Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite) existed and was entrapped in the precipitating magnetite, forming primary melt inclusions, and was also enclosed in previously crystallized clinopyroxene as secondary melt inclusions. The composition of the trapped carbonate melts in magnetite and clinopyroxene is very similar to the parental melt of Kerimasi calciocarbonatite; i.e., enriched in Na2O, K2O, F, Cl and S, but depleted in SiO2 and P2O5 relative to carbonate melts entrapped at an earlier stage and higher temperature (1050-1100 °C) during the formation of Kerimasi afrikandite. Significant compositional variation is shown by the major minerals of Kerimasi plutonic rocks (afrikandite, jacupirangite and calciocarbonatite). Magnetite and clinopyroxene in the jacupirangite are typically transitional in composition between those of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. These data suggest that the jacupirangite represents an intermediate stage between the formation of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. Jacupirangite most probably formed when immiscible silicate and carbonate melts separated from the afrikandite body, although the carbonate melt was not separated completely from the silicate melt fraction. In general, during the evolution of the carbonate melt at Kerimasi, concentrations of P2O5 and SiO2 decreased, whereas volatile content (alkalis, S, F, Cl and H2O) increased. Volatiles were incorporated principally in nyerereite, shortite, burbankite, nahcolite and sulfohalite as identified by Raman spectrometry. These extremely unstable minerals cannot be found in the bulk rock, because of alteration by secondary processes. On the basis of these data, an evolutionary model is developed for Kerimasi plutonic rocks.
Abstract: Earth’s only active natrocarbonatite volcanism, occurring at Oldoinyo Lengai (OL), Tanzania, suggests that natrocarbonatite melts are formed through a unique geological process. In the East African Rift, the extinct Kerimasi (KER) volcano is a neighbor of OL and also contains nephelinites hosting melt and fluid inclusions that preserve the igneous processes associated with formation of natrocarbonatite melts. Here, we present evidence for the presence of coexisting nephelinite melt, fluorine-rich carbonate melt, and alkali carbonate fluid. The compositions of these phases differ from the composition of OL natrocarbonatites; therefore, it is unlikely that natrocarbonatites formed directly from one of these phases. Instead, mixing of the outgassing alkali carbonate fluid and the fluorine-rich carbonate melt can yield natrocarbonatite compositions at temperatures close to subsolidus temperatures of nephelinite (<630-650 °C). Moreover, the high halogen content (6-16 wt%) in the carbonate melt precludes saturation of calcite (i.e., formation of calciocarbonatite) and maintains the carbonate melt in the liquid state with 28-41 wt% CaO at temperatures ?600 °C. Our study suggests that alkali carbonate fluids and melts could have commonly formed in the geological past, but it is unlikely they precipitated calcite that facilitates fossilization. Instead, alkali carbonates likely precipitated that were not preserved in the fossil nephelinite rocks. Thus, alkali carbonate fluids and melts have been so far overlooked in the geological record because of the lack of previous detailed inclusion studies.
Abstract:
Earth’s only active natrocarbonatite volcanism, occurring at Oldoinyo Lengai (OL), Tanzania, suggests that natrocarbonatite melts are formed through a unique geological process. In the East African Rift, the extinct Kerimasi (KER) volcano is a neighbor of OL and also contains nephelinites hosting melt and fluid inclusions that preserve the igneous processes associated with formation of natrocarbonatite melts. Here, we present evidence for the presence of coexisting nephelinite melt, fluorine-rich carbonate melt, and alkali carbonate fluid. The compositions of these phases differ from the composition of OL natrocarbonatites; therefore, it is unlikely that natrocarbonatites formed directly from one of these phases. Instead, mixing of the outgassing alkali carbonate fluid and the fluorine-rich carbonate melt can yield natrocarbonatite compositions at temperatures close to subsolidus temperatures of nephelinite (<630-650 °C). Moreover, the high halogen content (6-16 wt%) in the carbonate melt precludes saturation of calcite (i.e., formation of calciocarbonatite) and maintains the carbonate melt in the liquid state with 28-41 wt% CaO at temperatures ?600 °C. Our study suggests that alkali carbonate fluids and melts could have commonly formed in the geological past, but it is unlikely they precipitated calcite that facilitates fossilization. Instead, alkali carbonates likely precipitated that were not preserved in the fossil nephelinite rocks. Thus, alkali carbonate fluids and melts have been so far overlooked in the geological record because of the lack of previous detailed inclusion studies.
45th. Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, p. 82 abstract
Canada, Northwest Territories
geophysics
Abstract: As part of the Slave Province Geophysical, Surficial Materials and Permafrost Study, the Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) commissioned high resolution geophysical surveys in the Slave Geological Province (SGP). The high resolution aeromagnetic survey was flown from February to April 2017 and comprise 87,600 line-km of data flown at 100 m line spacing and nominal aircraft terrain clearance was 60 m with drape flying over the Central Slave craton block. The horizontal gradient magnetic and frequency domain EM (FDEM) survey was flown from February to March 2017 acquired at 75 m line spacing over 6 other blocks with nominal terrain clearance of 60 m to maintain bird height of 25 m, covering 4,580 line-km (Munn Lake, Margaret Lake, Zyena Lake, Lac de Gras West, Big Blue and Mackay Lake). The objective of this work is to develop multi-parameter models to help mineral exploration and mining companies better understand the range of geophysical signatures associated with kimberlites in the SGP. A regular geophysical-based approach for kimberlite exploration usually involves inverting geophysical data with limited geological input. In this contribution we present different ways of looking at the geophysical data and try to obtain a more thorough geological understanding out of it. The workflow starts with a complete GIS compilation of all the ancillary data available in the area: previous industry reports, geology, remote sensing, topographic layers. Secondly, we compute a number of interpretation sub-products from the total magnetic intensity data (tilt derivatives, analytic signal, and other edge detection routines). The next stage involves the computation of a susceptibility distribution from the FDEM data (Tschirhart et al, 2015). With this we are able to generate a magnetic model of the near surface susceptibility distributions, which are then subtracted from the observed data. The resultant map shows anomalous sources that could be associated to either remanent magnetization and/or deeper sources. Following the work of Sterritt (2006), post-emplacement alteration is ubiquitous in kimberlite pipes. Alteration results in production of secondary oxide minerals and alteration of primary oxide minerals to phases with different magnetic susceptibilities (e.g. non-magnetic iron oxides). This can lead to a dramatic increase of magnetic susceptibility due to serpentinization (Clark, 1997). On the other hand, remanent magnetization can change the polarity of the observed magnetic anomalies or even completely remove the expected signature due to an equal but opposite combination of remanent and induced magnetic components. Therefore, a thorough compilation of petrophysical and mineralogical data over kimberlites and altered rocks in the vicinity of known occurrences is critical for the geological understanding of the existing geophysical data. This contribution will show some preliminary processing and compilation work completed over the Slave province kimberlites using the newly acquired geophysical data.
Ugalde, H., Milkereit, B., Lenauer, I., Morris, W.A., Mirza, A.M., Elliott, B.
Airborne Mag/EM data integration of Slave province kimberlites, NWT.
2018 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum , p. 84. abstract
Canada, Northwest Territories
geophysics - Mag, EM
Abstract: As part of the Slave Province Geophysical, Surficial Materials and Permafrost Study, the Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) commissioned high resolution geophysical surveys in the Slave Geological Province (SGP). This work focuses on the analysis of six horizontal gradient magnetic and frequency domain EM (FDEM) surveys that were flown from February to March 2017 (Munn Lake, Margaret Lake, Zyena Lake, Lac de Gras West, Big Blue and Mackay Lake). All surveys were acquired at 75 m line spacing with nominal terrain clearance of 60 m to maintain bird height of 25 m. They total 4,580 line-km. We use the FDEM data to locate areas of potential remanent magnetization, and thus additional areas that could be related to kimberlite bodies. The area is part of the central Slave Craton, which is dominated by Archean granitoid rocks and Archean metasedimentary rocks. Heaman et al. (2013) identifies several distinct domains based on kimberlite ages in the area. Central Slave is characterized by Tertiary/Cretaceous age kimberlites, whereas the southern part exhibits kimberlites of Cambrian age. This have important implications for the orientation of the remanent magnetization vector. The methodology involves the use of a homogeneous half-space model to invert the data for dielectric permittivity, relative magnetic permeability, apparent resistivity and magnetic susceptibility. Using this model, we calculated Conductivity-Depth-Images (CDIs) for all the EM data. The susceptibility distribution from the EM data (MagEM) is then plotted against an apparent susceptibility derived from the total field data for the main survey via standard FFT calculation (MagTMI). Major differences between both distributions are usually associated to remanence. Once we identify areas of potential remanent magnetization, we use Helbig analysis to estimate the direction of magnetization. The validity of this model is verified by comparison of the computed remanence direction with the appropriate Apparent Polar Wander Path (APWP). We find a good correlation of APWP directions with the estimated remanence, however, a viscous remanence component subparallel to the present's day Earth field is sometimes required. Finally, we show the integration of these results with a structural interpretation of the aeromagnetic data and potential alteration zones derived from Aster imagery for all 6 blocks
43rd Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum Abstracts, abstract p. 24.
Canada, Northwest Territories
Deposit - Ekati
Abstract: How would a large open pit mine on caribou range (e.g., the Ekati Diamond Mine in the Bathurst caribou’s summer range) have influenced caribou? A traditional knowledge study on the cumulative impacts on the Bathurst caribou herd qualitatively described how mining activities might have influenced the herd (Mackenzie et al. 2013): caribou migration routes deflected away from the mines probably due to seeing mining activities or hearing the noises; and skinny caribou or abnormal smells and materials in caribou meat, liver, or the hide linings probably related to changes in caribou forage and quality of water and air. In other words, the potential influences of mining operations on caribou were most likely through altering what caribou can see, hear, smell (e.g., dusts and fine particle matter < 2.5 ?m (PM2.5) in the air, and from acidity in the soil), and taste (e.g., dust on foliage, vegetation composition change). Boulanger et al. (2012) estimated the size of a zone of influence (ZOI) of the Ekati-Diavik mining complex in the Bathurst caribou summer range, using caribou presence dataset. They also explored the mechanisms of ZOI using the spatial distribution of the total suspended particles, which was simulated with an atmospheric transport and dispersion model (Rescan, 2006). While these studies have added to our understanding of the possible impacts of mining operations on caribou, knowledge gaps remain. One outstanding gap is the lack of direct measurements about the caribou relevant environmental changes caused by mining operations. For example, exactly from how far away can caribou clearly see the vehicles driving on a mining road, or the buildings and the elevated waste piles in a camp? From how far away might caribou hear the noise caused by mining operations? To what spatial extent had the dusts and PM2.5 from mining operations influenced the tundra ecosystems? And how the dusts and PM2.5 from mining operations might have influenced caribou forage quality? Potentially these questions can be answered by in-situ measurements and satellite remote sensing. For example, studies have showed that it is possible to remotely sense PM2.5 distribution using twice-daily MODIS data at a spatial resolution of 1 km (Lyapustin et al., 2011; Chudnovsky et al., 2013; Hu et al., 2014). The objective of this study is thus to quantitatively measure these changes around the Ekati Diamond Mine, by means of in-situ surveys and satellite remote sensing. We conducted field surveys at more than 100 sites around the Ekati Diamond Mine during August 14-23, 2015, a collaborative effort of the NWT CIMP project entitled “Satellite Monitoring for Assessing Resource Development’s Impact on Bathurst Caribou (SMART)”, and the Dominion Diamond Ekati Corporation. In this presentation, we will report preliminary results and lessons learned from our first year’s study.
Abstract: Hf isotope data for zircons and whole-rocks from lower crustal mafic granulite and pyroxenite xenoliths from NW Russia are presented together with the results of U-Pb zircon dating, Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic compositions of bulk-rocks and minerals, and trace element compositions of minerals. Most zircons preserve a record of only the youngest metamorphic events, but a few Grt-granulite xenoliths retain Archean magmatic zircons from their protolith. Metamorphic zircons have highly variable ?Hf(t) values from -25 to -4. The least radiogenic zircons were formed by recrystallization of primary magmatic Archean zircons. Zircons with the most radiogenic ?Hf grew before garnet or were contemporaneous with its formation. Zircons with ?Hf(t) from -15 to -9 formed by various mechanisms, including recrystallization of pre-existing metamorphic zircons, subsolidus growth in the presence of garnet and exsolution from rutile. They inherited their Hf isotopic composition from clinopyroxene, pargasite, rutile and earlier-formed zircon that had equilibrated with garnet. Subsolidus zircons were formed in response to a major change in mineral association (i.e. garnet- and zircon-producing reactions including partial melting). Recrystallized zircons date the onset of high-temperature conditions without a major change in mineral association. Age data for metamorphic zircons fall into five groups: >1•91 Ga, 1•81-1•86 Ga, 1•74-1•77 Ga, 1•64-1•67 Ga and <1•6 Ga. Most ages correlate with metamorphic events in the regional upper crust superimposed onto rocks of the Belomorian belt during formation of the Lapland Granulite Belt. Zircon formation and resetting at 1•64-1•67 Ga significantly postdates Lapland-Kola orogenic events and may relate to the onset of Mesoproterozoic rifting. The youngest ages (1•6-1•3 Ga) correspond to an event that affected only a few grains in some samples and can be explained by interaction with a localized fluid. The observed garnet-granulite associations were formed at 1•83 Ga in Arkhangelsk xenoliths and 1•74-1•76 Ga in most Kola xenoliths. By the end of the Lapland-Kola orogeny, the rocks were already assembled in the lower crust. However, no addition of juvenile material has been detected and preservation of pre-Lapland-Kola metamorphic zircon indicates that some xenoliths represent an older lower crust. Granulites, pyroxenites and Phl-rich rocks have a common metamorphic history since at least c. 1•75 Ga. At about 1•64 Ga metasomatic introduction of phlogopite took place; however, this was only one of several phlogopite-forming events in the lower crust.
Abstract: Hf isotope data for zircons and whole-rocks from lower crustal mafic granulite and pyroxenite xenoliths from NW Russia are presented together with the results of U-Pb zircon dating, Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic compositions of bulk-rocks and minerals, and trace element compositions of minerals. Most zircons preserve a record of only the youngest metamorphic events, but a few Grt-granulite xenoliths retain Archean magmatic zircons from their protolith. Metamorphic zircons have highly variable ?Hf(t) values from -25 to -4. The least radiogenic zircons were formed by recrystallization of primary magmatic Archean zircons. Zircons with the most radiogenic ?Hf grew before garnet or were contemporaneous with its formation. Zircons with ?Hf(t) from -15 to -9 formed by various mechanisms, including recrystallization of pre-existing metamorphic zircons, subsolidus growth in the presence of garnet and exsolution from rutile. They inherited their Hf isotopic composition from clinopyroxene, pargasite, rutile and earlier-formed zircon that had equilibrated with garnet. Subsolidus zircons were formed in response to a major change in mineral association (i.e. garnet- and zircon-producing reactions including partial melting). Recrystallized zircons date the onset of high-temperature conditions without a major change in mineral association. Age data for metamorphic zircons fall into five groups: >1•91 Ga, 1•81-1•86 Ga, 1•74-1•77 Ga, 1•64-1•67 Ga and <1•6 Ga. Most ages correlate with metamorphic events in the regional upper crust superimposed onto rocks of the Belomorian belt during formation of the Lapland Granulite Belt. Zircon formation and resetting at 1•64-1•67 Ga significantly postdates Lapland-Kola orogenic events and may relate to the onset of Mesoproterozoic rifting. The youngest ages (1•6-1•3 Ga) correspond to an event that affected only a few grains in some samples and can be explained by interaction with a localized fluid. The observed garnet-granulite associations were formed at 1•83 Ga in Arkhangelsk xenoliths and 1•74-1•76 Ga in most Kola xenoliths. By the end of the Lapland-Kola orogeny, the rocks were already assembled in the lower crust. However, no addition of juvenile material has been detected and preservation of pre-Lapland-Kola metamorphic zircon indicates that some xenoliths represent an older lower crust. Granulites, pyroxenites and Phl-rich rocks have a common metamorphic history since at least c. 1•75 Ga. At about 1•64 Ga metasomatic introduction of phlogopite took place; however, this was only one of several phlogopite-forming events in the lower crust.
C-isotopic and N-isotopic composition and the infrared absorption spectraof coated diamonds-evidence regional uniformity of CO2-H2) rich fluids lithospheric mantle
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 108, No. 1-3, January pp. 139-150
Abstract: The Cenozoic East African rift (EAR), Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL), and Atlas Mountains formed on the slow-moving African continent, which last experienced orogeny during the Pan-African. We synthesize primarily geophysical data to evaluate the role of magmatism in shaping Africa's crust. In young magmatic rift zones, melt and volatiles migrate from the asthenosphere to gas-rich magma reservoirs at the Moho, altering crustal composition and reducing strength. Within the southernmost Eastern rift, the crust comprises ~20% new magmatic material ponded in the lower crust and intruded as sills and dikes at shallower depths. In the Main Ethiopian Rift, intrusions comprise 30% of the crust below axial zones of dike-dominated extension. In the incipient rupture zones of the Afar rift, magma intrusions fed from crustal magma chambers beneath segment centers create new columns of mafic crust, as along slow-spreading ridges. Our comparisons suggest that transitional crust, including seaward dipping sequences, is created as progressively smaller screens of continental crust are heated and weakened by magma intrusion into 15-20 km thick crust. In the 30 Ma Recent CVL, which lacks a hot spot age progression, extensional forces are small, inhibiting the creation and rise of magma into the crust. In the Atlas orogen, localized magmatism follows the strike of the Atlas Mountains from the Canary Islands hot spot toward the Alboran Sea. CVL and Atlas magmatism has had minimal impact on crustal structure. Our syntheses show that magma and volatiles are migrating from the asthenosphere through the plates, modifying rheology, and contributing significantly to global carbon and water fluxes.
Zircon zonation patterns as revealed by cathodluminescence and back scattered electron images: implications for interpretation of complex crustalhistories
Chemical Geology, Vol. 110, No. 1/3, November 25, pp. 1-14
Abstract: Mountain Pass is one of the largest and most economically important REE deposits in the world. The ore body is a carbonatite stock within a shonkinite and syenite plutonic complex, which is part of a ~130 km long trend of Mesoproterozoic alkaline igneous rocks in the southeast Mojave Desert [1]. Zircons from a suite of shonkinite and syenite rocks at Mountain Pass were analyzed by SHRIMP-RG (207Pb/206Pb ages and trace elements) and SIMS (O isotopes) to elucidate their petrogenesis and potential relationship to ore-forming carbonatite. Concordant 207Pb/206Pb dates define multimodal distributions from ~1370-1435 Ma and ~1530-1780 Ma. The youngest 207Pb/206Pb dates of ~1370-1380 Ma and ~1390-1400 Ma overlap published Th-Pb monazite ages of 1371 ± 10 Ma and 1396 ± 16 Ma for the carbonatite ore body and a smaller carbonatite dike at Mountain Pass [2]. The youngest (<1435 Ma) zircons, interpreted to be magmatic (autocrystic), have REE up to ~10,000x chondrite values, subtle (~0.8) Eu/Eu* anomalies, generally low U (<500 ppm), moderate Hf (<11,000 ppm), and Ti-in-zircon temperatures that cluster at ~800 °C. Paleoproterozoic zircon xenocrysts have larger Eu/Eu* anomalies (~0.1- 0.5) and extend to higher Hf contents (>11,000 ppm). Zircon ?18O values in the <1435 Ma grains span from mantle (~5‰) to supracrustal (~7‰), and are mostly in the higher supracrustal end of the range. Paleoproterozoic zircons overlap this range as well as extend to higher ?18O values (~9‰). Our new data support coeval and longlived (20 Myr+) alkaline and carbonatite magmatism and underscore the relative importance of the crust in generating magmas associated with the world-class Mountain Pass REE deposit.
Abstract: Mountain Pass is the site of the most economically important rare earth element (REE) deposit in the United States. Mesoproterozoic alkaline intrusions are spatiotemporally associated with a composite carbonatite stock that hosts REE ore. Understanding the genesis of the alkaline and carbonatite magmas is an essential scientific goal for a society in which critical minerals are in high demand and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. We present an ion microprobe study of zircon crystals in shonkinite and syenite intrusions to establish geochronological and geochemical constraints on the igneous underpinnings of the Mountain Pass REE deposit. Silicate whole-rock compositions occupy a broad spectrum (50-72 wt % SiO2), are ultrapotassic (6-9 wt % K2O; K2O/Na2O = 2-9), and have highly elevated concentrations of REEs (La 500-1,100× chondritic). Zircon concordia 206Pb/238U-207Pb/235U ages determined for shonkinite and syenite units are 1409 ± 8, 1409 ± 12, 1410 ± 8, and 1415 ± 6 Ma (2?). Most shonkinite dikes are dominated by inherited Paleoproterozoic xenocrysts, but there are sparse primary zircons with 207Pb/206Pb ages of 1390-1380 ± 15 Ma for the youngest grains. Our new zircon U-Pb ages for shonkinite and syenite units overlap published monazite Th-Pb ages for the carbonatite orebody and a smaller carbonatite dike. Inherited zircons in shonkinite and syenite units are ubiquitous and have a multimodal distribution of 207Pb/206Pb ages that cluster in the range of 1785-1600 ± 10-30 Ma. Primary zircons have generally lower Hf (<11,000 ppm) and higher Eu/Eu* (>0.6), Th (>300 ppm), Th/U (>1), and Ti-in-zircon temperatures (>800°C) than inherited zircons. Oxygen isotope data reveals a large range in ?18O values for primary zircons, from mantle (5-5.5‰) to crustal and supracrustal (7-9‰). A couple of low-?18O outliers (2‰) point to a component of shallow crust altered by meteoric water. The ?18O range of inherited zircons (5-10‰) overlaps that of the primary zircons. Our study supports a model in which alkaline and carbonatite magmatism occurred over tens of millions of years, repeatedly tapping a metasomatized mantle source, which endowed magmas with elevated REEs and other diagnostic components (e.g., F, Ba). Though this metasomatized mantle region existed for the duration of Mountain Pass magmatism, it probably did not predate magmatism by substantial geologic time (>100 m.y.), based on the similarity of 1500 Ma zircons with the dominantly 1800-1600 Ma inherited zircons, as opposed to the 1450-1350 Ma primary zircons. Mountain Pass magmas had diverse crustal inputs from assimilation of Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic igneous, metaigneous, and metasedimentary rocks. Crustal assimilation is only apparent from high spatial resolution zircon analyses and underscores the need for mineral-scale approaches in understanding the genesis of the Mountain Pass system.
Abstract: Hf-isotope data of greater than 1100 detrital zircon grains from the Palaeozoic, south-central Andean Gondwana margin record the complete crustal evolution of South America, which was the predominant source. The oldest grains, with crustal residence ages of 3.8-4.0 Ga, are consistent with complete recycling of existing continental crust around 4 Ga. We confirm three major Archaean, Palaeoproterozoic (Transamazonian) and late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic crust-addition phases as well as six igneous phases during Proterozoic to Palaeozoic time involving mixing of juvenile and crustally reworked material. A late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic, Grenville-age igneous belt can be postulated along the palaeo-margin of South America. This belt was the basement for later magmatic arcs and accreted allochthonous microcontinents as recorded by similar crustal residence ages. Crustal reworking likely dominated over juvenile addition during the Palaeozoic era, and Proterozoic and Archaean zircons were mainly crustally reworked from the eroding, thickened Ordovician Famatinian arc.
Abstract: Hf-isotope data of >1100 detrital zircon grains from the Palaeozoic, south-central Andean Gondwana margin record the complete crustal evolution of South America, which was the predominant source. The oldest grains, with crustal residence ages of 3.8-4.0 Ga, are consistent with complete recycling of existing continental crust around 4 Ga. We confirm three major Archaean, Palaeoproterozoic (Transamazonian) and late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic crust-addition phases as well as six igneous phases during Proterozoic to Palaeozoic time involving mixing of juvenile and crustally reworked material. A late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic, Grenville-age igneous belt can be postulated along the palaeo-margin of South America. This belt was the basement for later magmatic arcs and accreted allochthonous microcontinents as recorded by similar crustal residence ages. Crustal reworking likely dominated over juvenile addition during the Palaeozoic era, and Proterozoic and Archaean zircon was mainly crustally reworked from the eroding, thickened Ordovician Famatinian arc.
Journal of African Earth Sciences, in press available
Africa, West Africa
Geophysics - magnetics
Abstract: Studies of mafic dyke swarms may simultaneously provide information on the mechanical, geochemical, geochronological and magnetic environments at the time of their formation. The mafic intrusive history of different cratons can also be potentially used to unravel their assembly into their current configuration. The identification and classification of dykes is a first step to all these studies. Fortunately, even in regions with poor outcrop, we can use the strong magnetic response of mafic dykes to identify and map their extent. In West Africa the first maps of mafic dyke distribution were made over 40 years ago, but there are still large areas where there are almost no published data. In this paper we present a significantly updated map of mafic dykes for the West Africa Craton based in large part on new interpretations of the regional airborne magnetic database. This map includes the locations of over three thousand dykes across the craton, which locally shows several orientation clusters that provide a minimum estimate for the total number of dyke swarms in this region. Whilst we will have to wait until systematic dating of the different swarms is completed, we can demonstrate that there is a long and complex history of mafic magmatism across the craton, with up to 26 distinct dyke swarms mapped based according to their orientation. The mapping and dating of these swarms will provide key constraints on the assembly of the fragments that make up the modern continents.
Abstract: The West African Craton is highly endowed in minerals, and their spatial and temporal distribution varies from single to multi-phase mineralization events. They are broadly related to three major tectono-metallogenic elements and formed during distinct mineral epochs: (1) In both Archean Shields (Kénéma-Man and Reguibat) and Paleoproterozoic domains (Baoulé-Mossi, Eglab). These are characterized by giant iron ore deposits that formed between ca. 2.5-2.3 Ga, nearly all gold, porphyry copper, lead-zinc and sedimentary manganese ore that developed between 2.2 and 2.1 Ga, and primary diamonds that formed between two intervals at ca. 2.2-2.0 Ga and in the Mesozoic. (2) Across Pan-African and Variscan belts. These are distinguished by major Precambrian IOCG's, copper-gold that formed at ca. 2.1 Ga and approximately 680 Ma, and Neoproterozoic sedimentary iron ore and phosphate deposits. (3) Within intracratonic and coastal basins. These include the development of Cenozoic lateritic bauxites over Mesozoic dolerites, Tertiary/Quaternary mineral sands deposits, oolitic iron ore and sedimentary phosphate deposits. Geological, spatial and temporal correlations using the multi-commodity West African Mineral Deposit Database highlight that gold and non-gold commodities formed in multiple phases. This commenced in the Liberian Orogeny (2.9-2.8 Ga) with the enrichment of iron ore, nickel sulphides, diamonds and gold in the earth's crust. The pre-Eburnean or Tangaean-EoEburnean-Eburnean I Event yielded gold, and the major Eburnean Orogeny yielded gold, iron ore, manganese, diamonds, magmatic nickel sulphides, copper-gold, lead-zinc, and REE minerals. Throughout the Pan-African event sedimentary manganese deposits, lead-zinc, REE minerals, sedimentary phosphates, and again gold were formed. Primary diamonds and magmatic nickel sulphides are related to the break-up of Gondwana, followed by an intense lateritic weathering period that formed bauxite deposits along the craton margin.
Abstract: The West African Craton hosts major resources of gold, iron ore, aluminium ore, diamonds, phosphates and manganese. This portfolio of ore deposits is linked to the formation of Archean -Paleoproterozoic greenstone belts, Jurassic rifting and extended periods of Mesozoic to Cenozoic weathering and erosion. We give a brief overview of the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of West African ore deposits with emphasis on the main commodity types. The oldest ore forming processes generated major resources in iron ore and gold in the Kénéma -Man and Reguibat Shields during the Neo-Archean. The majority of gold, porphyry copper, lead -zinc and sedimentary manganese deposits formed during the Paleoproterozoic, dominantly within the Baoulé-Mossi domain. At the same time diamond-bearing kimberlites developed in Ghana. Another distinct diamond event has been recognized in the Mesozoic of the Kénéma -Man shield. Isolated occurrences of IOCG's as well as copper -gold and gold formed in Pan-African/Variscan belts. During the Neoproterozoic, the majority of mineralization consists of sedimentary iron ore and phosphate deposits located within intracratonic basins. During the Phanerozoic aluminium ore, phosphates and mineral sands concentrated along the margins of the coastal and intracratonic basins.
Earth-Science Reviews, Vol. 211, doi.org/10.1016/ j.earscirev.2020. 103406 26p. Pdf
Global
metallurgy
Abstract: The use of X-ray micro computed tomography (X-ray micro-CT) for three-dimensional (3D) characterization of multiphase systems continues to increase in metallurgical research. In recent years, a number of technical developments in X-ray sources and X-ray imaging arrays have broadened the utility of micro-CT. Here, the authors review the current state-of-the-art tomographic techniques for both qualitative and quantitative geometallurgical characterization. This review first considers the basic principles of tomography and commonly used tomographic systems. The advantages and disadvantages (shortcomings) of micro-CT are discussed. Software development, including current image reconstruction algorithms, such as traditional weighted back projection and iterative reconstruction algorithms, as well as image segmentation tasks, are then discussed for processing 3D images and conducting quantitative analysis. Based on the development of hardware and software, applications involved in geometallurgy and minerals engineering are then thoroughly discussed. Specifically, applications include the determination of microstructure such as particle size, shape, and damage, as well as porosity and pore network structure of packed particle beds. In this way, the permeability, mineral composition, coal washability, mineral liberation, and exposed grain surface area can be determined.
Precise uranium-lead (U-Pb) (U-Pb) ages of Duluth Complex and related mafic northeastern Minnesota: geochronological insights to physical, petrogenetic, paleomagnetic, and tect
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 98, No. B 6, August 10, pp. 13, 997-14, 014
Precise uranium-lead (U-Pb) (U-Pb) ages of Duluth Complex and related mafic northeastern Minnesota: geochronological insights to physical, petrogenetic, paleomagnetic.
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 98, No. B8, August 10, pp. 13, 997-14, 014.
V(S) and density structure beneath the Colorado Plateau constrained by gravity anomalies and joint inversions of receiver function and phase velocity data.
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 117, B2, B02313.
Abstract: This paper examines existing and newly compiled geophysical representations of the West African Craton (WAC) in terms of its large-scale tectonic architecture. In order to build an interpretation with a significant depth extent we draw upon a range of geophysical data, principally seismic tomographic inversions, receiver functions, gravity and magnetics. We present these results as a series of layers providing a series of depth slices though the cratonic lithosphere. The different geophysical methods suggest partitioning of the WAC into two tectonic elements at the largest scale which is observed in both seismic tomographic images, lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) models and long wavelength gravity signals. The different models of the Moho, or crust-mantle boundary, based on these gravity or seismic datasets show little or no correlation, either for short or long-wavelength features, and show little correlation with new receiver function inferred crustal thickness estimates. Manual interpretation of low-wavelength gravity and magnetic data suggest a possible continuation of the WAC across the western margin of the modern boundary, and also highlight distinct domains interpreted to be of Birimian age.
Abstract: Continental lithosphere houses the oldest and thickest regions of the Earth's surface. Locked within this deep and ancient rock record lies invaluable information about the dynamics that has shaped and continue to shape the planet. Much of that history has been dominated by the forces of plate tectonics which has repeatedly assembled super continents together and torn them apart - the Wilson Cycle. While the younger regions of continental lithosphere have been subject to deformation driven by plate tectonics, it is less clear whether the ancient, stable cores formed and evolved from similar processes. New insight into continental formation and evolution has come from remarkable views of deeper lithospheric structure using enhanced seismic imaging techniques and the increase in large volumes of broadband data. Some of the most compelling observations are that the continental lithosphere has a broad range in thicknesses (< 100 to > 300 km), has complex internal structure, and that the thickest portion appears to be riddled with seismic discontinuities at depths between ~ 80 and ~ 130 km. These internal structural features have been interpreted as remnants of lithospheric formation during Earth's early history. If they are remnants, then we can attempt to investigate the structure present in the deep lithosphere to piece together information about early Earth dynamics much as is done closer to the surface. This would help delineate between the differing models describing the dynamics of craton formation, particularly whether they formed in the era of modern plate tectonics, a transitional mobile-lid tectonic regime, or are the last fragments of an early, stagnant-lid planet. Our review paper (re)introduces readers to the conceptual definitions of the lithosphere and the complex nature of the upper boundary layer, then moves on to discuss techniques and recent seismological observations of the continental lithosphere. We then review geodynamic models and hypotheses for the formation of the continental lithosphere through time and implications for the formation and preservation of deep structure. These are contrasted with the dynamical picture of modern day continental growth during lateral accretion of juvenile crust with reference to examples from the Australian Tasmanides and the Alaskan accretionary margin.
Abstract: Continental lithosphere houses the oldest and thickest regions of the Earth's surface. Locked within this deep and ancient rock record lies invaluable information about the dynamics that has shaped and continue to shape the planet. Much of that history has been dominated by the forces of plate tectonics which has repeatedly assembled super continents together and torn them apart - the Wilson Cycle. While the younger regions of continental lithosphere have been subject to deformation driven by plate tectonics, it is less clear whether the ancient, stable cores formed and evolved from similar processes. New insight into continental formation and evolution has come from remarkable views of deeper lithospheric structure using enhanced seismic imaging techniques and the increase in large volumes of broadband data. Some of the most compelling observations are that the continental lithosphere has a broad range in thicknesses (< 100 to > 300 km), has complex internal structure, and that the thickest portion appears to be riddled with seismic discontinuities at depths between ~ 80 and ~ 130 km. These internal structural features have been interpreted as remnants of lithospheric formation during Earth's early history. If they are remnants, then we can attempt to investigate the structure present in the deep lithosphere to piece together information about early Earth dynamics much as is done closer to the surface. This would help delineate between the differing models describing the dynamics of craton formation, particularly whether they formed in the era of modern plate tectonics, a transitional mobile-lid tectonic regime, or are the last fragments of an early, stagnant-lid planet. Our review paper (re)introduces readers to the conceptual definitions of the lithosphere and the complex nature of the upper boundary layer, then moves on to discuss techniques and recent seismological observations of the continental lithosphere. We then review geodynamic models and hypotheses for the formation of the continental lithosphere through time and implications for the formation and preservation of deep structure. These are contrasted with the dynamical picture of modern day continental growth during lateral accretion of juvenile crust with reference to examples from the Australian Tasmanides and the Alaskan accretionary margin.
Abstract: Deep within Earth's interior, at ?2900 km beneath the surface, lies the boundary between the solid silicate rock mantle and the liquid iron-nickel alloy core (the core-mantle boundary). Geophysicists have studied the complex thermal and chemical dynamics that take place in this boundary layer. In the early 20th century, Gutenberg investigated the structure of the lowermost region, or base, of the mantle by recording with only a few seismograms from a small number of large-magnitude earthquakes that occurred thousands of kilometers away (1). The structure of the rocks just above the core-mantle boundary—designated as D? by Jeffreys in 1939 (2)—forms a distinct layer with surprising complexity. Now, on page 1223 of this issue, Kim et al. (3) describe new structural heterogeneities in the lowermost mantle with the use of a learning algorithm that does not require any a priori knowledge of Earth.
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, Vol. 309, 106600, 20p. Pdf
Mantle
melting
Abstract: Over the last decade, seismological studies have shed new light on the properties of the mantle lithosphere and their physical and chemical origins. This paper synthesizes recent work to draw comparisons between oceanic and continental lithosphere, with a particular focus on isotropic velocity structure and its implications for mantle temperature and partial melt. In the oceans, many observations of scattered and reflected body waves indicate velocity contrasts whose depths follow an age-dependent trend. New modeling of fundamental mode Rayleigh waves from the Pacific ocean indicates that cooling plate models with asymptotic plate thicknesses of 85-95 km provide the best overall fits to phase velocities at periods of 25 s to 250 s. These thermal models are broadly consistent with the depths of scattered and reflected body wave observations, and with oceanic heat flow data. However, the lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradients for 85-95 km asymptotic plate thicknesses are too gradual to generate observable Sp phases, both at ages less than 30 Ma and at ages of 80 Ma or more. To jointly explain Rayleigh wave, scattered and reflected body waves and heat flow data, we propose that oceanic lithosphere can be characterized as a thermal boundary layer with an asymptotic thickness of 85-95 km, but that this layer contains other features, such as zones of partial melt from hydrated or carbonated asthenosphere, that enhance the lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradient. Beneath young continental lithosphere, surface wave constraints on lithospheric thickness are also compatible with the depths of lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradients implied by converted and scattered body waves. However, typical steady-state conductive models consistent with continental heat flow produce thermal and velocity gradients that are too gradual in depth to produce observed converted and scattered body waves. Unless lithospheric isotherms are concentrated in depth by mantle upwelling or convective removal, the presence of an additional factor, such as partial melt at the base of the thermal lithosphere, is needed to sharpen lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradients in many young continental regions. Beneath cratons, numerous body wave conversions and reflections are observed within the thick mantle lithosphere, but the velocity layering they imply appears to be laterally discontinuous. The nature of cratonic lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradients remains uncertain, with some studies indicating gradual transitions that are consistent with steady-state thermal models, and other studies inferring more vertically localized velocity gradients.
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, Vol. 309, di.org/10.1016/ jpepi.2020.106600 20p. Pdf
Mantle
geophysics - seismics
Abstract: Over the last decade, seismological studies have shed new light on the properties of the mantle lithosphere and their physical and chemical origins. This paper synthesizes recent work to draw comparisons between oceanic and continental lithosphere, with a particular focus on isotropic velocity structure and its implications for mantle temperature and partial melt. In the oceans, many observations of scattered and reflected body waves indicate velocity contrasts whose depths follow an age-dependent trend. New modeling of fundamental mode Rayleigh waves from the Pacific ocean indicates that cooling plate models with asymptotic plate thicknesses of 85-95 km provide the best overall fits to phase velocities at periods of 25 s to 250 s. These thermal models are broadly consistent with the depths of scattered and reflected body wave observations, and with oceanic heat flow data. However, the lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradients for 85-95 km asymptotic plate thicknesses are too gradual to generate observable Sp phases, both at ages less than 30 Ma and at ages of 80 Ma or more. To jointly explain Rayleigh wave, scattered and reflected body waves and heat flow data, we propose that oceanic lithosphere can be characterized as a thermal boundary layer with an asymptotic thickness of 85-95 km, but that this layer contains other features, such as zones of partial melt from hydrated or carbonated asthenosphere, that enhance the lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradient. Beneath young continental lithosphere, surface wave constraints on lithospheric thickness are also compatible with the depths of lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradients implied by converted and scattered body waves. However, typical steady-state conductive models consistent with continental heat flow produce thermal and velocity gradients that are too gradual in depth to produce observed converted and scattered body waves. Unless lithospheric isotherms are concentrated in depth by mantle upwelling or convective removal, the presence of an additional factor, such as partial melt at the base of the thermal lithosphere, is needed to sharpen lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradients in many young continental regions. Beneath cratons, numerous body wave conversions and reflections are observed within the thick mantle lithosphere, but the velocity layering they imply appears to be laterally discontinuous. The nature of cratonic lithosphere-asthenosphere velocity gradients remains uncertain, with some studies indicating gradual transitions that are consistent with steady-state thermal models, and other studies inferring more vertically localized velocity gradients.
Abstract: We propose that subducting slabs may cause lithospheric removal by directing mantle flow along the craton margin. This process could carve and shape the cratons, leading to conditions that impact the overall (in)stability of the lithosphere. We use three-dimensional geodynamic models to investigate how subduction-driven directed flow interacts with cratonic lithosphere of differing shape, concluding that the margin shape controls both channelization of flow around the craton as well as the potential for destruction. While the simulations show that all craton shapes aid in channelization, the cratons with straight vertical margins are the most resistant to deformation, and the cratons with gradually thickening margins are less resistant to deformation. The dependence on shape could contribute to the progressive removal of cratonic lithosphere along its margin in a runaway process until a more stable vertical margin shape evolves.
Abstract: From west to east along the Sunda-Banda arc, convergence of the Indo-Australian plate transitions from subduction of oceanic lithosphere to arc-continent collision. This region of eastern Indonesia and Timor-Leste provides an opportunity for unraveling the processes that occur during collision between a continent and a volcanic arc, and it can be viewed as the temporal transition of this process along strike. We collected a range of complementary geological and geophysical data to place constraints on the geometry and history of arc-continent collision. Utilizing ?4 yr of new broadband seismic data, we imaged the structure of the crust through the uppermost mantle. Ambient noise tomography shows velocity anomalies along strike and across the arc that are attributed to the inherited structure of the incoming and colliding Australian plate. The pattern of anomalies at depth resembles the system of salients and embayments that is present offshore western Australia, which formed during rifting of east Gondwana. Previously identified changes in geochemistry of volcanics from Pb isotope anomalies from the inner arc islands correlate with newly identified velocity structures representing the underthrusted and subducted Indo-Australian plate. Reconstruction of uplift from river profiles from the outer arc islands suggests rapid uplift at the ends of the islands of Timor and western Sumba, which coincide with the edges of the volcanic-margin protrusions as inferred from the tomography. These findings suggest that the tectonic evolution of this region is defined by inherited structure of the Gondwana rifted continental margin of the incoming plate. Therefore, the initial template of plate structure controls orogenesis.
Abstract: When Earth's tectonic style transitioned from stagnant lid (single plate) to the modern episode of plate tectonics is important but unresolved, and all lines of evidence should be considered, including the climate record. The transition should have disturbed the oceans and atmosphere by redistributing continents, increasing explosive arc volcanism, stimulating mantle plumes and disrupting climate equilibrium established by the previous balance of silicate?weathering greenhouse gas feedbacks. Formation of subduction zones would redistribute mass sufficiently to cause true polar wander if the subducted slabs were added in the upper mantle at intermediate to high latitudes. The Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth climate crisis may reflect this transition. The transition to plate tectonics is compatible with nearly all proposed geodynamic and oceanographic triggers for Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth events, and could also have contributed to biological triggers. Only extraterrestrial triggers cannot be reconciled with the hypothesis that the Neoproterozoic climate crisis was caused by a prolonged (200-250 m.y.) transition to plate tectonics.
Abstract: When Earth's tectonic style transitioned from stagnant lid (single plate) to the modern episode of plate tectonics is important but unresolved, and all lines of evidence should be considered, including the climate record. The transition should have disturbed the oceans and atmosphere by redistributing continents, increasing explosive arc volcanism, stimulating mantle plumes and disrupting climate equilibrium established by the previous balance of silicate?weathering greenhouse gas feedbacks. Formation of subduction zones would redistribute mass sufficiently to cause true polar wander if the subducted slabs were added in the upper mantle at intermediate to high latitudes. The Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth climate crisis may reflect this transition. The transition to plate tectonics is compatible with nearly all proposed geodynamic and oceanographic triggers for Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth events, and could also have contributed to biological triggers. Only extraterrestrial triggers cannot be reconciled with the hypothesis that the Neoproterozoic climate crisis was caused by a prolonged (200-250 m.y.) transition to plate tectonics.
American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers (AIME) Preprint, Annual Meeting held Phoenix Arizona Feb. 24-27th. 1992, Preprint No. 92-189, 3p
Trace element charactertistics of the Strange Lake Zirconium, Yttrium, Niobium,and Berylium rare earth elements (REE) mineralization and the host peralkaline granite
Geological Association of Canada (GAC) Annual Meeting, Vol. 11, p. 102. (abstract.)
Quebec, Labrador
Rare earth, Zirconium, Berylium, REE, yttrium, Carbonatite, Alkaline rock
The role of hydrothermal processes in the granite-hosted Zirconium, Yttrium, rare earth elements (REE) deposit at Strange Lake Quebec, Labrador- evidence from fluid inclusions-comment
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 55, No. 11, pp. 3443-3447
Proterozoic and Paleozoic a type granite suites in Labrador andNewfoundland: samarium-neodymium (Sm-Nd) evidence for the importance of juvenile sources.
Geological Association of Canada (GAC) Abstract Volume, Vol. 19, p.
Symposium on critical and strategic materials, British Columbia Geological Survey Paper 2015-3, held Nov. 13-14, pp. 109-118.
Canada, Labrador
Rare earths
Abstract: The Foxtrot rare earth element (REE) deposit is hosted by peralkaline volcanic rocks, primarily pantellerite and commendite fl ows and ash-fl ow tuffs, of the Fox Harbour Volcanic belt in southeast Labrador, near the coastal community of St Lewis (Fig. 1). Search Minerals personnel discovered the deposit in 2010 as a result of a REE exploration program in southeast Labrador. Exploration diamond drilling in late 2010, 2011, and early 2012, totalling 72 diamond-drill holes and 18,855 metres, outlined a Dy-Nd-Y-Tb deposit of 9.2 million tonnes indicated resource (cut-off 130 ppm Dy), grading 189 ppm Dy, 1442 ppm Nd and 1040 ppm Y, and, 5.2 million tonnes inferred resource, grading 176 ppm Dy, 1233 ppm Nd, and 974 ppm Y (Table 1; Srivastava et al., 2012, 2013). A smaller highgrade resource (HGC) was also defi ned (Table 1) and was the subject of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (Srivastava et al., 2013). The Foxtrot deposit and the Fox Harbour Volcanic belt have been the target of continued REE exploration and the subject of engineering and metallurgical studies (Srivastava et al., 2012, 2013; Search Minerals 2014, 2015b) to evaluate the possibility of developing a REE mine at Foxtrot and a REE processing plant in the St. Lewis area (Fig. 1). Herein we outline the geology and mineralization of the Foxtrot REE deposit and develop a preliminary exploration model for REE mineralization in the Fox Harbour Volcanic belt and related belts in southeast Labrador.
43rd Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum Abstracts, abstract p. 68.
Canada, Northwest Territories
Reclamation
Abstract: Reclamation research in the north over the past 30 years has primarily focused on oil and gas and transportation corridor disturbances. Among industries, disturbances caused by infrastructure and transportation corridors are similar. However, each industry has its unique by products that determine which reclamation methods are most appropriate to achieve end land use goals and the relative ease of reclamation. The purpose of this research program is to develop methods to enhance revegetation of disturbed sites at diamond mines in the north, in particular to create soil like substrates on sites where soil has been removed with the use of onsite and commercial materials and to reestablish a diverse native plant community. Reclamation substrates include by products from the diamond mining process like crushed rock, till/lake sediment, processed kimberlite and various combinations of till/lake sediment and processed kimberlite. Greenhouse experiments were also conducted at the University of Alberta to test a range of substrates and amendments with potential to aid reclamation in the field. In 2013 and 2014, research sites were established at Diavik Diamond Mine using the best performing substrates to determine the effect of micro topography, addition of organic matter and erosion control on native grass and forb establishment; effective moss propagation techniques and; effective lichen propagation methods. Preliminary results and observations from completed greenhouse experiments and the first two growing seasons will be discussed. This research directly enhances knowledge and sustainability of northern regions. It will lead to recommendations for enhanced reclamation protocols to be used by industry and government in the north.
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
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.
Abstract: The Earth’s surface inventory of carbon is critical for maintaining the planet’s habitability, yet the majority of Earth’s carbon is likely sequestered in the solid Earth. Understanding how Earth’s shallow carbon cycle evolved requires an assesment of the total carbon accreted, how it was distributed between Earth’s reservoirs, and how these reservoirs continue to exchange carbon. The low carbon content of Earth’s depleted upper mantle has been well constrained by primitive olivine hosted melt inclusions and the CO2/3He ratios of magmatic fluids. Using mass balance constraints we show that either the lower mantle is considerably more carbon rich, or the Earth has lost much of its initial carbon inventory. Distinguising between these scenarios is crucial for understanding the development and maintenance of Earth’s shallow carbon cycle. We assess the carbon content of the lower mantle using new melt inclusion datasets from Iceland, sampling both primordial and recycled mantle material. By comparing carbon concentrations with lithophile element concentrations we find evidence that carbon rich material is transported in the Iceland plume. Furthermore, we demonstrate that such datasets provide only a low bound on the true carbon content of the lower mantle, due to fundamental limits imposed by magma mixing, degassing and inclusion decrepitation. Using a global compilation of melt inclusion analyses we argue these processes occur ubiquitously and are likely to limit our ability to robustly resolve high mantle carbon using melt inclusion datasets. By combining these observations with global mass balance constraints we derive new estimates of the carbon content of primordial and recycled mantle material.
Mourao, C., Mata, J., Doucekance, R., Madeira, J., Millet, M-A., Moreira, M.
Geochemical temporal evolution of Brava Island magmatism: constraints on the variability of Cape Verde mantle sources and on carbonatite-silicate magma link.
Abstract: The Earth’s mantle is heterogeneous as a result of early planetary differentiation and subsequent crustal recycling during plate tectonics. Radiogenic isotope signatures of mid-ocean ridge basalts have been used for decades to map mantle composition, defining the depleted mantle endmember. These lavas, however, homogenize via magma mixing and may not capture the full chemical variability of their mantle source. Here, we show that the depleted mantle is significantly more heterogeneous than previously inferred from the compositions of lavas at the surface, extending to highly enriched compositions. We perform high-spatial-resolution isotopic analyses on clinopyroxene and plagioclase from lower crustal gabbros drilled on a depleted ridge segment of the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. These primitive cumulate minerals record nearly the full heterogeneity observed along the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge, including hotspots. Our results demonstrate that substantial mantle heterogeneity is concealed in the lower oceanic crust and that melts derived from distinct mantle components can be delivered to the lower crust on a centimetre scale. These findings provide a starting point for re-evaluation of models of plate recycling, mantle convection and melt transport in the mantle and the crust.
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting. , V23A-05 1p.
Mantle
geophysics
Abstract: Variations in radiogenic isotopes in mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) are interpreted to reflect the presence of enriched and depleted mantle components in their source regions and have been used to infer the abundance and time scales of crustal recycling. However, MORB are homogenized via magma mixing prior to eruption and may not capture the full heterogeneity of melts generated in their upper mantle source. Here we show that primitive cumulate minerals, formed by crystallization of mantle melts in the lower crust, retain the signature of the recycled material. We performed high spatial resolution Nd and Sr isotopic analyses on clinopyroxene and plagioclase of gabbroic cumulates from the Atlantis massif, located on a depleted ridge segment on the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and compared these data with whole rock isotopic compositions of diabase and microgabbros collected on the same core, associated basalts flows, and MORB data from the literature. We find that cumulate minerals: (1) are significantly more isotopically heterogeneous than the associated diabase and lavas, exceeding the range of 143Nd/144Nd in MORB by a factor of seven; and (2) contain the full Nd isotopic heterogeneity of all of North Atlantic MORB. Furthermore, we find that isotopic heterogeneity occurs down to the sample scale, with plagioclase and clinopyroxene from individual samples commonly not in isotopic equilibrium. We further demonstrate that the MORB and cumulate mineral data can be reconciled with constant high magnitude, small length scale heterogeneity through the North Atlantic upper mantle, with limited magma mixing in the mantle and extensive mixing in the oceanic crust.The isotopic heterogeneity revealed in the lower oceanic crust provides strong evidence that MORB is not an accurate representation of the heterogeneity of its mantle source. Hence, the true isotopic variation of the upper mantle requires rigorous further examination, and models of convective thinning and stretching and melt migration must be re-evaluated to account for greater local variation.
43rd Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum Abstracts, abstract p. 69.
Canada, Northwest Territories
Deposit - Snap Lake, Ekati
Abstract: Kimberlites are volcanic ultra-potassic rocks present mostly in cratonic settings and some are diamond bearing. Kimberlite magma is derived from the upper mantle, however, its primary composition is still unknown. Assimilation of mantle and crustal material, loss of volatiles during eruption and high degree of alteration all result in variable compositions of kimberlite magma reaching the surface. Studies have shown that kimberlitic fluid has a significant effect on the quality and preservation of diamonds carried to the surface. By better understanding the primary composition of kimberlites, and the processes that drive kimberlite eruption, we can attempt to gain some diagnostic knowledge of the economic viability of a particular kimberlite. Apatite is a common mineral in kimberlite, which composition is sensitive to volatiles and the presence of magmatic fluid. This study will look at the variation of apatite in kimberlites, how different geology indicates their different fluid histories, and the potential for using apatite as an indicator of fluid content and composition in kimberlite magma. The study uses polished sections from different kimberlite lithologies within the Snap Lake kimberlite and from six Ekati Mine kimberlites. Apatite grains were examined using scanning electron microscope (back scatter imaging) and composition was obtained with wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy mode of electron-microprobe analyzes. Snap Lake is a single dyke of coherent kimberlite facies. The dyke intruded in a near-horizontal orientation, and has an average vertical thickness of 2.5 m. There is significant incorporation of crustal material, and the kimberlite is highly altered, possibly a result of interaction with abundant xenoliths. The studied Ekati kimberlites include: two coherent kimberlites - Grizzly and Leslie, and four kimberlites with resedimented volcaniclastic kimberlite facies – Misery, Koala, Panda, and Beartooth. These kimberlites show significant variations in the apatite crystallizing from the melts. At Snap Lake apatite occurs late, interstitially in the groundmass. These anhedral apatites appear to have no zonation, and crystallize around microphenocrysts of olivine and phlogopite. There is also a late component of apatite, possibly associated with carbonate veins that fracture olivine macrocrysts. Sub- to euhedral apatite grains (max 50 µm) crystalize in a carbonate host within a fracture or crack in olivine macrocrysts. In the Ekati kimberlites, apatite is extremely rare to absent in Misery, Panda, and Beartooth kimberlites, but abundant in Grizzly, Koala, and Leslie. Leslie has plenty of euhedral zoned and unzoned apatite associated with monticellite set in carbonate matrix. Grizzly has abundant small (~10 µm) anhedral apatite. Koala contains both anhedral and euhedral apatite, some of which is zoned. The presentation will report the initial results of this study and possible applications for the behavior of volatiles in the studied kimberlite magmas and examine their relationship with the features of the diamond population.
Abstract: Kimberlites are volcanic ultramafic rocks originate from the upper mantle, and some are diamond bearing. Due to assimilation of mantle and crustal material, loss of volatiles, significant alteration and variable compositions of kimberlite seen at the surface, the primary composition and proportion of melt fluids (H2O, CO2) are unknown. Kimberlitic fluid and melt composition have significant effects on the preservation and quality of diamonds carried to the surface. In an attempt to gain predictive knowledge of the economic viability of a kimberlite, it is important to understand the primary and evolving compositions of kimberlite magmas, as well as the behaviour of volatiles during kimberlite eruption. Apatite is a common groundmass mineral in kimberlite, and has a composition sensitive to volatiles and trace elements [Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH)]. This study will examine the variation of apatite occurrence, composition, texture and trace element distribution in relation to varied kimberlite geologies and explore the potential of apatite as an indicator of fluid history and melt composition. Seven kimberlites have been selected for a study of groundmass apatite. The six Ekati property kimberlites (Koala, Misery, Panda, Beartooth, Leslie and Grizzly) have been chosen for their varying facies and styles of eruption. Panda and Beartooth are resedimented volcaniclastic kimberlites. Misery and Koala are massive volcaniclastic kimberlites. Leslie and Grizzly are pipe-fill coherent kimberlites. The seventh kimberlite, Snap Lake, is a coherent kimberlite dyke. All kimberlites are located in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Selecting kimberlites with diverse eruption styles allows us to test the apatite indicator model for a variety of potential volatile histories. Back scatter electron imaging has been used to identify and discriminate significant differences in apatite abundance and textural characteristics from Ekati kimberlites and Snap Lake. Wavelength dispersive spectroscopic analysis for major and some trace elements (LREE’s, Sr, Ba) reveals primary substitution mechanisms for rare earth element (REE) incorporation into apatite structure. Previous studies show that distribution of trace elements into apatite greatly depends on the growth media. Partitioning of the LREE’s relative to Sr is significantly different between silicate melt, carbonate melt, and aqueous fluid. Experimental partition coefficients between apatite and various growth media are used to test existing hypotheses of kimberlite melt composition. The future aim of this project is to establish apatite as an effective indicator of magmatic fluid and outline the applicability of groundmass apatite as an indicator of diamond preservation potential in kimberlites.
Hafnium isotope record of the Ancient Gneiss Complex, Swaziland, southern Africa: evidence for Archean crust-mantle formation and crust reworking between 3.66 and 2.73 Ga.
Journal of the Geological Society, Vol. 168, pp. 953-964.
The effect of amphibolite facies metamorphism on the U-Th-Pb geochronology of accessory minerals from meta-carbonatites and associated meta-alkaline rocks.
Abstract: Over geological timescales, CO2 levels are determined by the operation of the long term carbon cycle, and it is generally thought that changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration have controlled variations in Earth's surface temperature over the Phanerozoic Eon. Here we compile independent estimates for global average surface temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration, and compare these to the predictions of box models of the long term carbon cycle COPSE and GEOCARBSULF. We find a strong relationship between CO2 forcing and temperature from the proxy data, for times where data is available, and we find that current published models reproduce many aspects of CO2 change, but compare poorly to temperature estimates. Models are then modified in line with recent advances in understanding the tectonic controls on carbon cycle source and sink processes, with these changes constrained by modelling 87Sr/86Sr ratios. We estimate CO2 degassing rates from the lengths of subduction zones and rifts, add differential effects of erosion rates on the weathering of silicates and carbonates, and revise the relationship between global average temperature changes and the temperature change in key weathering zones. Under these modifications, models produce combined records of CO2 and temperature change that are reasonably in line with geological and geochemical proxies (e.g. central model predictions are within the proxy windows for >~75% of the time covered by data). However, whilst broad long-term changes are reconstructed, the models still do not adequately predict the timing of glacial periods. We show that the 87Sr/86Sr record is largely influenced by the weathering contributions of different lithologies, and is strongly controlled by erosion rates, rather than being a good indicator of overall silicate chemical weathering rates. We also confirm that a combination of increasing erosion rates and decreasing degassing rates over the Neogene can cause the observed cooling and Sr isotope changes without requiring an overall increase in silicate weathering rates. On the question of a source or sink dominated carbon cycle, we find that neither alone can adequately reconstruct the combination of CO2, temperature and strontium isotope dynamics over Phanerozoic time, necessitating a combination of changes to sources and sinks. Further progress in this field relies on >108?year dynamic spatial reconstructions of ancient tectonics, paleogeography and hydrology. Whilst this is a significant challenge, the latest reconstruction techniques, proxy records and modelling advances make this an achievable target.
Abstract: Google Earth has been part of most geoscientists' computer (and mobile) desktops for a decade, and this year Google Earth Professional has become freely available to all with a universal license key. Many users are still, however, not aware of the full potential that it can offer across a range of teaching and research areas in the geosciences. Here a pragmatic look is taken at some of the current key uses in terms of resources and applications and how they can help in research and training educational roles in the geosciences.
Yellowknife Forum NWTgeoscience.ca, abstract volume p. 70.
Canada, Northwest Territories
deposit - Snap Lake
Abstract: The Snap Lake Mine is a former underground diamond mine operated by De Beers Canada Inc. (De Beers), located about 220 km northeast of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. The Snap Lake mine operated from 2008 to 2015, and entered a Care and Maintenance mode in December 2015. The mine is currently entering its fourth year of being managed in this Extended Care and Maintenance phase. In order to ensure continual remote monitoring of certain key geotechnical, meteorological and air quality instrumentation and to enable visual observation of key infrastructure, work was done in 2018 to integrate new and existing monitoring instrumentation into the existing Campbell Scientific PakBus network. In this presentation De Beers will share a summary of this work, with the emphasis on the type of technology, detail of installation and integration of systems between the various pieces of instrumentation. First we will discuss installation of the 5 data collection stations that relay geotechnical instrumentation information. The data collection system at each of the 5 stations consists of a solar panel, battery, data logger, multiplexor and short-wave radio. To enable redundancy, a manual data collection via USB was added, in the event that remote communication with the stations is lost. Second, an overview of the installation of camera monitoring stations as well as the communications protocol used for the integration of the weather and ambient air quality data transmitted via satellite will be presented. While the focus will be on the technology and systems used for remote monitoring, and not the actual monitoring results per se, it is our intention to share this and some of the successes and challenges experienced during the first year of remote monitoring during zero occupancy conditions.
Tappe, S., Massuyeau, M. , Smart, K.A., Woodland, A.B., Gussone, N., Milne, S., Stracke, A.
Sheared peridotite and megacryst formation beneath the Kaapvaal Craton: a snapshot of tectonomagmetic processes across the lithosphere-asthenosphere transition.
Abstract: The cratonic lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary is commonly invoked as the site of sheared peridotite and megacryst formation, a well-recognized petrological assemblage whose genetic relationships—if any—remain poorly understood. We have undertaken a comprehensive petrology and Sr-Nd-Hf-Ca isotope study of sheared peridotite xenoliths and clinopyroxene megacrysts from the c. 1150 Ma Premier kimberlite pipe on the central Kaapvaal craton in South Africa. New textural and mineral trace element evidence suggests that strong tectonic and magmatic overprinting affected the lower cratonic mantle over a vertical distance of ?50 km from the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary located at ?200-225 km depth. Although modification of the central Kaapvaal cratonic mantle is commonly linked to the c. 2056 Ma Bushveld large igneous event, our thermobarometry, mantle redox, and Sr-Nd-Hf-Ca isotope data support a model in which volatile-rich low-volume melts and associated high-density fluids refertilized the lithosphere base shortly before or during asthenosphere-derived kimberlite and carbonatite magmatism at around 1150 Ma. This episode of lithospheric mantle enrichment was facilitated by exceptionally strong shear movements, as are recorded in the plastically deformed peridotites. We argue that stress-driven segregation of percolating carbonated melts contributed to megacryst formation along, or in close proximity to, shear zones within the cratonic mantle lithosphere. Integration of our results from the Kaapvaal craton and modern petrological concepts allows for the identification of a lithosphere-asthenosphere transition zone between ?150 and 225 km depth. This horizon is defined by intersections of the ?40-42 mW m-2 Premier paleogeotherm with (1) CO2-H2O-present solidus curves for peridotite (upper bound), and (2) typical mantle adiabats with potential temperatures between 1315 and 1420 °C (lower bound). At Premier, the most strongly deformed sheared peridotites occur mainly between ?160 and 185 km depth, firmly within the lithosphere-asthenosphere transition zone. Contrary to many previous models, we suggest that sheared peridotite formation occurs in localized deformation zones spaced out across the entire width of the lithosphere-asthenosphere transition zone, rather than being restricted to a single thin layer at the craton base where mantle flow causes viscous drag. Hence, plate-tectonic stresses acting on the lower cratonic lithosphere may be accommodated by extensive networks of shear zones, which provide transient pathways and sinks for percolating volatile-rich melts, linking the formation of megacrysts and sheared peridotites.
The 4th Colloquium on Diamonds - source to use held Gabarone March 1-3, 2010, 14p.
Global
Economics - strategic planning
Abstract: Mining executives often have a difficult task detennining what the strategic objective of the business should be as this can be impacted by the prevailing market conditions. In addition, they have no mechanism to quantitatively 'test' the impact of this strategic decision on the business and understand the underlying dynamics. During the commodities bull run of 2003 to 2008 the strategic objective may have been to grow the long term value of the business (NPV) tluough increased tonnage, acquisition and finding new reserves, which all came with an increasing fixed cost base. Now with the financial crisis upon us and the collapse of commodity prices and demand, executives have adjusted their strategies as 'cash is king' and short-tenn cash flow, in some instances at the expense of long terms value, is the order of the day. For many mining companies, mine closures, reductions in production and cost cutting exercisers are now the focus. In many instances, management do not have an ability to rapidly test different strategic alternatives to 'test' the impact on value, unit costs, reserves and profitability at the operational level and optimise the underlying trade-off variables. Economic modelling of the complete business value chain is a means of linking the operational 'reality ' and strategic choices, so that the full impact can be assessed. This paper describes some of the challenges facing mining executives and how economic modelling can be applied to make decision making more rigorous.
Journal of Metamorphic Geology, in press available, 44p.
Europe, Bulgaria
Gneiss - diamonds
Abstract: Evidence for ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism (UHPM) in the Rhodope Metamorphic Complex comes from occurrence of diamond in pelitic gneisses, variably overprinted by granulite facies metamorphism, known from several areas of the Rhodopes. However, tectonic setting and timing of UHPM are not interpreted unanimously. Linking age to metamorphic stage is a prerequisite for reconstruction of these processes. Here we use monazite in diamond-bearing gneiss from Chepelare (Bulgaria) to date the diamond-forming UHPM event in the Central Rhodopes. The diamond-bearing gneiss comes from a strongly deformed, lithologically heterogeneous zone (Chepelare Mélange) sandwiched between two migmatized orthogneiss units, known as Arda-I and Arda-II. Diamond, identified by Raman micro-spectroscopy, shows the characteristic band mostly centred between 1332 and 1330 cm?1. The microdiamond occurs as single grains or polyphase diamond + carbonate inclusions, rarely with CO2. Thermodynamic modelling shows that garnet was stable at UHP conditions of 3.5-4.6 GPa and 700-800 °C, in the stability field of diamond, and was re-equilibrated at granulite facies/partial melting conditions of 0.8-1.2 GPa and 750-800 °C. The texture of monazite shows older central parts and extensive younger domains which formed due to metasomatic replacement in solid residue and/or overgrowth in melt domains. The monazite core compositions, with distinctly lower Y, Th and U contents, suggest its formation in equilibrium with garnet. The U-Th-Pb dating of monazite using electron microprobe analysis yielded a c. 200 Ma age for the older cores with low Th, Y, U and high La/Nd ratio, and a c. 160 Ma age for the dominant younger monazite enriched in Th, Y, U and HREE. The older age of around 200 Ma is interpreted as the timing of UHPM whereas the younger age of around 160 Ma as granulite facies/partial melting overprint. Our results suggest that UHPM occurred in Late Triassic to Early Jurassic time, in the framework of collision and subduction of continental crust after the closure of Palaeotethys.
Petrik, I., Janak, M., Froitzheim, N., Georgiev, N., Yoshida, K., Sasinkova, V., Konecny, P., Milovska, S.
Triassic to Early Jurassic ( c. 200Ma) UHP metamorphism in the Central Rhodopes: evidence from U-Pb dating of monazite in diamond bearing gneiss from Chepelare ( Bulgaria).
Journal of Metamorphic Geology, Vol. 34, 3, pp. 265-291.
Petrik, I., Janak, M., Froitzheim, N., Georgiev, N., Yoshida, K., Sasinkova, V., Konecny, P., Milovska, S.
Triassic to Early Jurassic ( c. 200Ma) UHP metamorphism in the central Rhodopes: evidence from U-Pb-Th dating of monazite in diamond bearing gneiss from Chepelare Bulgaria.
Journal of Metamorphic Geology, Vol. 34, 3, pp. 265-291.
New evidence from a calcite dolomite carbonatite dyke for the magmatic origin of the massive Bayan Obo ore bearing dolomite marble, Inner Mongolia China.
Le Bas, M.J., Xueming, Y., Taylor, R.N., Spiro, B., Milton, J.A., Peishan, Z.
New evidence from a calcite dolomite carbonatite dyke for the magmatic origin of the massive Bayan Obo ore bearing dolomite marble, Inner Mongolia, China.
Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 90, 3-4, pp. 223-248.
Abstract: Various combinations of diamond, moissanite, zircon, corundum, rutile and titanitehave been recovered from the Bulqiza chromitites. More than 10 grains of diamond have been recovered, most of which are pale yellow to reddish–orange to colorless. The grains are all 100–300 ?m in size and mostly anhedral, but with a range of morphologies including elongated, octahedral and subhedral varieties. Their identification was confirmed by a characteristic shift in the Raman spectra between 1325 cm?1 and 1333 cm?1, mostly at 1331.51 cm?1 or 1326.96 cm?1. This investigation extends the occurrence of diamond and moissanite to the Bulqiza chromitites in the Eastern Mirdita Ophiolite. Integration of the mineralogical, petrological and geochemical data of the Bulqiza chromitites suggests their multi–stage formation. Magnesiochromite grains and perhaps small bodies of chromitite formed at various depths in the upper mantle, and encapsulated the ultra–high pressure, highly reduced and crustal minerals. Some oceanic crustal slabs containing the magnesiochromite and their inclusion were later trapped in suprasubduction zones, where they were modified by tholeiitic and boninitic arc magmas, thus changing the magnesiochromite compositions and depositing chromitite ores in melt channels.
Abstract: In recent years diamonds and other unusual minerals (carbides, nitrides, metal alloys and native elements) have been recovered from mantle peridotites and chromitites (both high-Cr chromitites and high-Al chromitites) from a number of ophiolites of different ages and tectonic settings. Here we report a similar assemblage of minerals from the Skenderbeu massif of the Mirdita zone ophiolite, west Albania. So far, more than 20 grains of microdiamonds and 30 grains of moissanites (SiC) have been separated from the podiform chromitite. The diamonds are mostly light yellow, transparent, euhedral crystals, 200-300 ?m across, with a range of morphologies; some are octahedral and cuboctahedron and others are elongate and irregular. Secondary electron images show that some grains have well-developed striations. All the diamond grains have been analyzed and yielded typical Raman spectra with a shift at ?1325 cm?1. The moissanite grains recovered from the Skenderbeu chromitites are mainly light blue to dark blue, but some are yellow to light yellow. All the analyzed grains have typical Raman spectra with shifts at 766 cm?1, 787 cm?1, and 967 cm?1. The energy spectrums of the moissanites confirm that the grains are composed entirely of silicon and carbon. This investigation expands the occurrence of diamonds and moissanites to Mesozoic ophiolites in the Neo-Tethys. Our new findings suggest that diamonds and moissanites are present, and probably ubiquitous in the oceanic mantle and can provide new perspectives and avenues for research on the origin of ophiolites and podiform chromitites.
Abstract: Geophysical investigations and laboratory experiments provide strong evidence for subduction of ancient oceanic crust, and geological and mineralogical observations suggest that subducted oceanic crust is recycled into the upper mantle. This model is supported by some direct petrologic and miner-alogical evidence, principally the recovery of super-deep diamonds from kimberlites and the presence of crustal materials in ophiolitic chromitites and peridotites, but many details are still unclear. Here we report the discovery of ophiolite-hosted diamonds in the podiform chromitites of the Skenderbeu massif of the Mirdita ophiolite in the western part of Neo-Tethys. The diamonds are characterized by exceedingly light C isotopes (?13CPDB ~ -25‰), which we interpret as evidence for subduction of organic carbon from Earth's surface. They are also characterized by an exceptionally large range in ? 15Nair (-12.9‰ to +25.5‰), accompanied by a low N aggregation state. Materials sparsely included in diamonds include amorphous material, Ni-Mn-Co alloy, nanocrystals (20 × 20 nm) of calcium silicate with an orthorhombic perovskite structure (Ca-Pv), and fluids. The fluids coexisting with the alloy and Ca-Pv provide clear evidence that the diamonds are natural rather than synthetic. We suggest that the Skenderbeu diamonds nucleated and grew from a C-saturated, NiMnCo-rich melt derived from a subducted slab of ocean crust and lithosphere in the deep mantle, at least in the diamond stability field, perhaps near the top of the mantle transition zone. The subsequent rapid upward transport in channeled networks related to slab rollback during subduction initiation may explain the formation and preservation of Skenderbeu diamonds. The discovery of diamonds from the Mirdita ophiolite not only provides new evidence of diamonds in these settings but also provides a valuable opportunity to understand deep cycling of subducted oceanic crust and mantle composition.
Earth & Environment Communications, 10.1038/s43247-021-00145-3 16p. Pdf
United States, Hawaii
magmatism
Abstract: Volcanoes represent one of the largest natural sources of metals to the Earth’s surface. Emissions of these metals can have important impacts on the biosphere as pollutants or nutrients. Here we use ground- and drone-based direct measurements to compare the gas and particulate chemistry of the magmatic and lava-seawater interaction (laze) plumes from the 2018 eruption of K?lauea, Hawai’i. We find that the magmatic plume contains abundant volatile metals and metalloids whereas the laze plume is further enriched in copper and seawater components, like chlorine, with volatile metals also elevated above seawater concentrations. Speciation modelling of magmatic gas mixtures highlights the importance of the S2? ligand in highly volatile metal/metalloid degassing at the magmatic vent. In contrast, volatile metal enrichments in the laze plume can be explained by affinity for chloride complexation during late-stage degassing of distal lavas, which is potentially facilitated by the HCl gas formed as seawater boils.
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.
Proterozoic mantle under Quesnellia: variably reset rubidium-strontium (Rb-Sr) mineral isochrons in ultramafic nodules carried up in Cenozoic volcanic vents of the s. OminecaBelt
Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 28, No. 8, August pp. 1239-1253
Abstract: An excess or deficit of mass is reflected in the gravity anomaly data. Gravity anomalies measured by satellite and airborne and shipborne instruments show variations in topography and bathymetry, sedimentary thickness, basement rock density contrast, crustal thickness, and even mantle convection. Using new geophysical data and an improved 3?D gravity inversion method, we calculate the crustal thickness of oceanic domains in the High Arctic and northern North Atlantic. This model helps to better understand the tectonic structure of poorly surveyed and difficult to access Arctic regions. ArcCRUST can be used to better constrain the deeper Arctic region structure.
Petrography, mineralogy and SIMS U-Pb geochronology of 1.0 - 1.8 Ga carbonatites and associated alkaline rocks of the Central Aldan magnesiocarbonatite province ( South Yakutia, Russia).
Mineralogy and Petrology, Doi.org/a0.1007/ s00710-019-00661-3 24p.
Petrography, mineralogy and SIMS U-Pb geochronology of 1.9-1.8 Ha carbonatites and associated alkaline rocks of the Central-Aldan magnesiocarbonatite province ( South Yakutia, Russia).
Abstract: A prominent dike of camptonite cuts the Middle Ordovician Tétreauville Formation of the Trenton Group in the Montréal-Est quarry operated by Lafarge Canada Inc. The “Lafarge” dike is strikingly porphyritic, with largely anhedral macrocrysts of unzoned calcic amphibole up to 13 cm across. The macrocrysts are rimmed with ferri-kaersutite resembling the amphibole in the fine-grained matrix of the camptonite. The magnesio-hastingstite macrocrysts have virtually the same composition as the matrix; they thus grew without much of a boundary layer. The magma crystallized in a disequilibrium way as a pseudo-unary system. The macrocrysts are unusually enriched in Fe3+ (approximately 44% of the total iron), yet locally enclose globules of immiscible sulfide melt. The magma became oxygenated owing to preferential loss of hydrogen upon the dissociation of aqueous gas bubbles. The amygdaloidal macrocrysts have a relatively high ?D value because of this loss of H2; the values of ?18O are typical of an upper mantle source. Camptonite dikes are very common on Mont Royal. Like the Lafarge dike, they likely arose by the disequilibrium crystallization of batches of the parental melt of asthenospheric origin.
Timing and duration of kimberlitic magmatism in the Zimnii Bereg Diamondiferous province: evidence from Rb Sr age dat a on kimberlitic sills along the Mela River.
Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 407, 2, Feb-Mar. pp. 304-307.
Journal of Mining Science, Vol. 53, 1, pp. 126-132.
Russia
deposit - Mir
Abstract: The structural and chemical surface transformation of basic kimberlite-forming minerals (calcite, olivine, serpentine) under the contact with natural and waste mineralized water and products of electrochemical treatment of the water are studied using X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectral micro-analysis, and atomic force microscopy. It is found that contact with kimberlite extract and recycling water induces chemical modification of calcite surface, which consists in adsorption of hydrocarbon impurities, and chlorine- and silica-bearing compounds, majority of which are removed during interaction with the product of electrochemical treatment of recycling water. The change in the structural and chemical surface properties of rock-forming silicates, aside from adsorption-desorption of organic compound, is also connected with the distortion of nano-size layer structure after leaching of Mg, Fe and Si, and with the carbonatization of the surface.
New technology -exploration for mineral deposits.brief overview of airborne mineral mapping, diamond anvil cells, remote sensing, boron isotopes, auto-microscopes
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Resources Newsletter, Fall/winter 1991/1992, 10p
United States
Technological -brief overview, mineral exploration techniques
Experiments at high pressures and applications to the earth's mantle
Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC) short course SCHEDULED MAY 15-16th. 1993 Edmonton Alberta., Fax for details Luth c/o University of Alberta 403 492-2030
Moscow University Geology Bulletin, Vol. 75, 2, pp. 128-135. pdf
Russia, China
deposit - Mir, Shandong, Liaoning
Abstract: enoliths from the Mir pipe and from the Shandong and Liaoning provinces were studied by the methods of EMPA and ICP-MS. Their mineralogical, geochemical, and genetic features were revealed. Minerals of diamondiferous paragenesis were detected in xenoliths from the Mir pipe, while they were not found in xenoliths of China. All xenoliths are characterized by secondary alterations, which are more intense in xenoliths of China. The distribution of REEs shows the involvement of subduction processes in the formation of xenoliths from the Mir pipe. The influence of metasomatism is clearly evident in xenoliths from China. The calculated P-T parameters (? = 600-700°C, P = 2-2.5 GPa) are not consistent with the mantle environments that correspond to the metasomatic conditions.
The Canadian Mineralogist, Vol. 54, pp. 1285-1291.
China, Mongolia
carbonatite - Bayan Obo
Abstract: Fluorcalciopyrochlore, ideally (Ca,Na)2Nb2O6F, cubic, is a new mineral species (IMA2013-055) occurring in the Bayan Obo Fe-Nb-REE deposit, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China. The mineral is found in a dolomite-type niobium rare-earth ore deposit. Associated minerals are dolomite, aegirine, riebeckite, diopside, fluorite, baryte, phlogopite, britholite-(Ce), bastnäsite-(Ce), zircon, magnetite, pyrite, fersmite, columbite-(Fe), monazite-(Ce), rutile, and others. Crystals mostly form as octahedra {111}, dodecahedra {110}, and cubes {100}, or combinations thereof, and generally range in size from 0.01 to 0.3 mm. It is brownish-yellow to reddish-orange in color with a light yellow streak. Crystals of fluorcalciopyrochlore are translucent to transparent with an adamantine to greasy luster on fractured surfaces. It has a conchoidal fracture. No parting or cleavage was observed. The Mohs hardness is 5, and the calculated density is 4.34(1) g/cm3. The empirical formula is (Ca1.14Na0.74Ce0.06Sr0.03Th0.01Fe0.01Y0.01La0.01Nd0.01)?2.02(Nb1.68Ti0.29Zr0.02Sn0.01)?2.00O6.00(F0.92O0.08)?1.00 on the basis of 7(O,F) anions pfu. The simplified formula is (Ca,Na)2Nb2O6F. The strongest four reflections in the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern [d in Å (I) hkl] are: 6.040 (9) 1 1 1, 3.017 (100) 2 2 2, 2.613 (17) 0 0 4, 1.843 (29) 0 4 4, and 1.571 (15) 2 2 6. The unit-cell parameters are a 10.4164(9) Å, V 1130.2(2) Å3, Z = 8. The structure was solved and refined in space group FdEmbedded Image m with R = 0.05. The type material is deposited in the Geological Museum of China, Beijing, People's Republic of China, catalogue number M12182.
Abstract: The Earth’s lowermost mantle large low velocity provinces are accompanied by small-scale ultralow velocity zones in localized regions on the core-mantle boundary. Large low velocity provinces are hypothesized to be caused by large-scale compositional heterogeneity (i.e., thermochemical piles). The origin of ultralow velocity zones, however, remains elusive. Here we perform three-dimensional geodynamical calculations to show that the current locations and shapes of ultralow velocity zones are related to their cause. We find that the hottest lowermost mantle regions are commonly located well within the interiors of thermochemical piles. In contrast, accumulations of ultradense compositionally distinct material occur as discontinuous patches along the margins of thermochemical piles and have asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the lateral morphology of these patches provides insight into mantle flow directions and long-term stability. The global distribution and large variations of morphology of ultralow velocity zones validate a compositionally distinct origin for most ultralow velocity zones.
Abstract: The Bayan Obo deposit in Inner Mongolia, North China Craton (NCC) is the largest rare-earth element (REE) resource in the world. Due to the complex element and mineral compositions and the activity of several geological events, the ore-forming mechanism is still controversial. Previous models are reviewed here to provide information for further investigation on the Bayan Obo deposit. In this study, we summarize all different types of Fe-REE-Nb mineralization using field observations and microscope work, in which we recognize 9 types of Fe-REE-Nb ores in the Bayan Obo ore district. By compiling and re-evaluating a large number of published geochemical data, this paper provides solid evidence that the Bayan Obo deposit formed through interaction between sedimentary rocks and carbonatite magmatism. From the results of our review, it can be conjectured that the formation of iron ores was originated from sedimentation (Pt1), whereas the formation of REE mineralized dolomite might be related to interaction and reaction between the carbonatite magmas and/or associated fluids with sedimentary carbonate rocks, with the REE-bearing carbonatite magmas having undergone intense fractionation enrichment process. The C-O-S-Fe-Mg isotopes indicate that the REE-Nb mineralization was derived from metasomatism (fenitic alteration) of sedimentary carbonate. A new model is proposed for this unique REE-Nb mineralization, which is related to the subduction of Siberian Craton beneath the North China Craton since Early Paleozoic period. We interpret that the Bayan Obo Fe-REE-Nb ore deposits and their massive barren host, H8 dolomite, were generated as a result of interaction of fluids expelled from a subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM)-derived carbonatite magma with sedimentary carbonates.
American Geophysical Union and Wiley editors Ernst, R.E., Dickson, A.J., Bekker, A. Monograph 255, Chapter 9, 38p. Pdf doi:10.1002/ 9781119507444 open access
Mantle
plumes
Abstract: This chapter summarizes geochronologic and other data for major Phanerozoic Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs), Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs) and organic?rich petroleum source rocks. It also evaluates the models that support or refute genetic links between the three groups. The evidence appears to favor genetic links between the three groups, however, additional high precision age and geochemical data are needed to validate several events. Furthermore, the chapter provides insights into the importance of LIPs in hydrocarbon exploration.
Greg Stott is recipient of Provincial Geologist's Medal. He has been involved in an interpretation of the Archean & Proterozoic basement rocks James Bay Lowlands
Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, August 29, Release no. 134, 1p.
Field and petrographic textural evidence for the epigenetic hydrothermalmetasomatic origin of the Bayan Obo rare earth ore deposit of inner Mongolia, China
International Mineralogical Association Meeting Held June, 1990 Beijing China, Vol. 2, extended abstract p. 930-931
Chao, E.C.T., Back, J.M., Minkin, J.A., en Yinchen
Host rock controlled epigenetic, hydrothermal metasomatic origin of the Bayan Obo rare earth elements (REE)-iron-Nb ore deposit, Inner Mongolia, P.R.C.
The 4th Colloquium on Diamonds - source to use held Gabarone March 1-3, 2010, 8p.
Africa, Botswana
Deposit - AK6
Abstract: The AK6 kimberlite is situated 25 km south of the Debswana Orapa Mine in Botswana and was discovered by De Beers geologists in 1969 during the follow-up of geophysical targets in the Orapa area. The kimberlite was not extensively pursued at the time as the initial bulk sampling indicated it to be of limited size and low grade, factors largely contributed to by the basalt breccia capping. Completion of high resolution integrated geophysical techniques and drill bulk sampling to depth recovered 97 tons of kimberlite during 2003 and 2004, which led to the increased size and grade estimates. Bulk sampling by Large Diameter Drilling (LDD, 23 inch diameter) commenced in 2005; 13 holes were drilled to a cumulative depth of 3,699 m and 689 carats of diamonds were recovered. In July 2006 the De Beers Mineral Resource Classification Committee classified these Phase I LOO results at a High Inferred level with an average grade of 24 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht) at a bottom cut-off of +1 mm, and a modeled average diamond value of 150 dollars per carat. A second phase of LDO drilling was initiated in 2006, and bulk sampling by trenching commenced in 2007 in order to deliver a resource estimate at indicated level. An Indicated Resource of 11.1 million carats at an average grade of 22 cpht was declared for the deposit mining lease application lodged in 2007.
Diamond Bearing Upper Karoo Fluvial Sediments in Northeast Swaziland.
Paper Presented Institute of Mining And Metallurgy. And British Geomorphological R, Nov. 15TH. LONDON, ABSTRACT IN Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (IMM) Bulletin. No. 934, P.9.
Post collisional lamproites of the Por'ya Guba dike fields.
East European Craton: Early Precambrian history & 3 D. Model Authors: M.V. Mints, K.A. Dokukina, A.N. Konilov, I.B. Philippova, C.L. Zlobin., GSA SPE 510, 433p. Chapter 11, section 3
Precambrian Research, doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2020.105879in press available, 80p. Pdf
Russia
eclogites
Abstract: Competing evolutionary models and age of eclogite facies metamorphism, Mesoarchaean, Neoarchaean or Palaeoproterozoic, of the subducted Mesoarchaean oceanic crust (Salma association, Belomorian Eclogite Province) are discussed on a basis of systematic analysis of previously known and newly obtained data. Four main types of zircons were distinguished in eclogites: porous crystals with numerous inclusions from eclogite-metagabbro; wide-rimmed zircons with relict porous cores similar to previous type separated from garnetites; round-oval zircons from eclogite-metagabbronorite that are characteristic for granulite facies rocks and zircons with euhedral oscillatory zoning cores and oval grains that are characteristic for the eclogite facies pillow basalts. Regular changes in REE patterns and in crystallization-recrystallization temperatures of certain domains of the porous zircons display sequence of magmatic and metamorphic events. The???2.9?Ga domains retain magmatic-type REE patterns. Low- and medium-temperature inclusions of prenite, pumpelliite, albite, actinolite, chlorite, diaspore and saponite in garnet and abundant microinclusions of the prenite-pumpelliite and greenschist facies in zircons with LREE-MREE enrichment indicate hydrothermal metamorphism in the spreading ridge and ocean floor at 2.9-2.82?Ga. Disappearance of Ce positive anomaly from REE pattern in zircon, change negative to positive Eu anomaly and LREE-MREE enrichment caused by plagioclase removal and replacement of rutile with sphene evidence eclogite facies metamorphism linked with subduction at 2.82-2.78?Ga. Temperatures in the 700-900?°C range of the round-oval zircons from eclogite-metagabbronorite records the Neoarchaean granulite facies overprint at 2.77-2.70?Ga. Series of the high temperature Palaeoprpoterozoic events was terminated by 2.1-1.7?Ga event marked by the rims with lowest REE that frame all types of zircons. Change from positive to negative Eu anomaly, retrieval of negative Ce anomaly indicate the presence of plagioclase, reduction type of fluids and low water activity characteristic of high-temperature metamorphism under stretching condition and mantle-plume activity. The deep reworking of the Sm-Nd isotope system in the Belomorian tectonic province at???1.9?Ga, including the Salma eclogite association, was caused by the enormous crustal heating that spread from the Lapland granulite belt southward. Radiogenic 176Hf enrichment of 1.9?Ga zircon indicates recrystallization of a long-existed garnet with release of significant amount of 176Hf.
Abstract: The oval-shaped basin of Hudson Bay occurs near the center of the round-oval Archaean crustal domain of the North American continent. This paper presents models of the geological structure and evolution of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle underlying Hudson Bay and surrounding tectonic provinces based on geological interpretations of regional geological and geophysical data and results of seismic tomography investigations that have been conducted under the Hudson Bay Lithospheric Experiment. The experiment was aimed at lithospheric processes directly related to the origin of the North American craton and the Hudson Bay basin. Hudson Bay is located directly above the lithospheric keel of North America. The geological history demonstrates systematic "renovation" of the basin: (1) origin and evolution of the Neoarchaean Lake Minto basin (~2.75 Ga); (2) accumulation of the Palaeoproterozoic volcanic-sedimentary filling of the epicontinental basin, relics of which is preserved on its passive margins (2.03-1.87 Ga); (3) origin of Ordovician-Late Devonian sedimentary sequence whose maximum thickness reaches 2.5 km; and (4) the development of Late Jurassic-Miocene sediment-filled ring-shaped trough immediately above the lithospheric keel. The Hudson Bay basin occurs above the lithospheric keel in compliance with thermomechanical model of ascending plume. Tomography studies have not detected evidence of either production or transformation of the lithosphere in the Palaeoproterozoic, which are implied by the model of the United Plates of America. Interpretations of tomography data reveal a vertical axial zone in the lithosphere beneath Hudson Bay, which extends from the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary to the base of the crust or, perhaps, even to the present day surface. The zone is made up of relatively light low-velocity igneous rocks, probably a swarm of kimberlite dikes or pipes. At 2.75 Ga, the North American continent was a single continental mass with Hudson Bay at its center.
Abstract: Mg2GeO4 is important as an analog for the ultrahigh-pressure behavior of Mg2SiO4, a major component of planetary interiors. In this study, we have investigated magnesium germanate to 275 GPa and over 2,000 K using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell combined with in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and density functional theory (DFT) computations. The experimental results are consistent with the formation of a phase with disordered Mg and Ge, in which germanium adopts eightfold coordination with oxygen: the cubic, Th3P4-type structure. DFT computations suggest partial Mg-Ge order, resulting in a tetragonal I4¯2d structure indistinguishable from I4¯3d Th3P4 in our experiments. If applicable to silicates, the formation of this highly coordinated and intrinsically disordered phase may have important implications for the interior mineralogy of large, rocky extrasolar planets.
Geochemistry of mafic dikes in the Singhbhum Orissa craton: implications for subuction related metasomatism of the mantle beneath the eastern Indian craton.
International Geology Review, Vol. 52, 1, pp. 79-94.
International Journal of Remote Sensing, Vol. 38, 3, pp. 827-849.
Technology
LIDAR
Abstract: In recent years lidar technology has experienced a noticeable increase in its relevance and usage in a number of scientific fields. Therefore, software capable of handling lidar data becomes a key point in those fields. In this article, we present GPU-based viewer lidar (GVLiDAR), a novel web framework for visualization and geospatial measurement of lidar data point sets. The design of the framework is focused on achieving three key objectives: performance in terms of real-time interaction, functionality, and online availability for the lidar datasets. All lidar files are pre-processed and stored in a lossless data structure, which minimizes transfer requirements and offers an on-demand lidar data web framework.
Summary of geological history of Bolivia - precambrian shield, Cordillera Paleozoic belt, Altiplano and western Cordiller volcanic belt, northernpiedmont
Geochemistry of crustal xenoliths from the Hatcher Mesa lamproite, Wyoming, USA: insights into the composition of the deep crust and upper mantle beneath the Wyoming craton.
Portnyagin, M., Hoernie, K., Plechov, P., Mironov, N., Khubunaya, S.
Constraints on mantle melting and composition and nature of slab components in volcanic arcs from volatiles ( H2) S Cl F) and trace elements in melt inclusions from the Kamchatka Arc.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 255, 1-2, pp. 53-69.
Bulletin of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Physics ** IN ENG, Vol. 80, 1, pp. 74-77.
South America, Brazil
Diamond formation
Abstract: Luminescence kinetics in the temperature range of 80 480 K and the red region of the spectrum is studied for Brazilian diamonds. Components with decay time constants of 23 and 83 ns are observed at room temperature after being excited by laser radiation with wavelengths of 375 and 532 nm, which differs considerably from the data published earlier for the luminescence kinetics of NV 0- and NV -centers.
XVI Internationa conference on luminescence and Laser Physics devoted to the 100th. Anniversary of Irkusk State University, AIP Conf. doi.org/10.163/ 1.5089849 9p. Pdf
Russia
diamond morphology
Abstract: The octahedron, the cube and combinations of <111> and <001> facets are considered as growth shapes of diamond. Genesis of <011> pyramids is discussed in the literature. As shown in diamonds with the tangential growth process of <111> pyramids, the <001> and <011> pyramids are the pseudo-forms formed by accretion of adjoining pyramids <111> at their anti-skeletal growth. Accretion of layers is not always coherent; as a result, this surface becomes rough and "goffered". The normal to this "goffered" surface corresponds to C2, however this surface is not a <011> facet as it is a geometrical place of accretion of two adjoining <111> pyramids. A place of accretion is enriched with dislocations and other structural defects in comparison with the <111> pyramids, as it is visualized in a luminescence. The luminescence of these pseudo-pyramids gives the pattern known as "the Maltese cross" in (001) plate. Similarly <001> surface is a place of accretion of four adjacent <111> pyramids and is enriched with defects. In this case, the surface of "cube" will consist of a set of small heads of an octahedron. Essentially <011> pyramids occur more often than <001> pyramids.
45th. Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, p. 82 abstract
Canada, Northwest Territories
geophysics
Abstract: As part of the Slave Province Geophysical, Surficial Materials and Permafrost Study, the Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) commissioned high resolution geophysical surveys in the Slave Geological Province (SGP). The high resolution aeromagnetic survey was flown from February to April 2017 and comprise 87,600 line-km of data flown at 100 m line spacing and nominal aircraft terrain clearance was 60 m with drape flying over the Central Slave craton block. The horizontal gradient magnetic and frequency domain EM (FDEM) survey was flown from February to March 2017 acquired at 75 m line spacing over 6 other blocks with nominal terrain clearance of 60 m to maintain bird height of 25 m, covering 4,580 line-km (Munn Lake, Margaret Lake, Zyena Lake, Lac de Gras West, Big Blue and Mackay Lake). The objective of this work is to develop multi-parameter models to help mineral exploration and mining companies better understand the range of geophysical signatures associated with kimberlites in the SGP. A regular geophysical-based approach for kimberlite exploration usually involves inverting geophysical data with limited geological input. In this contribution we present different ways of looking at the geophysical data and try to obtain a more thorough geological understanding out of it. The workflow starts with a complete GIS compilation of all the ancillary data available in the area: previous industry reports, geology, remote sensing, topographic layers. Secondly, we compute a number of interpretation sub-products from the total magnetic intensity data (tilt derivatives, analytic signal, and other edge detection routines). The next stage involves the computation of a susceptibility distribution from the FDEM data (Tschirhart et al, 2015). With this we are able to generate a magnetic model of the near surface susceptibility distributions, which are then subtracted from the observed data. The resultant map shows anomalous sources that could be associated to either remanent magnetization and/or deeper sources. Following the work of Sterritt (2006), post-emplacement alteration is ubiquitous in kimberlite pipes. Alteration results in production of secondary oxide minerals and alteration of primary oxide minerals to phases with different magnetic susceptibilities (e.g. non-magnetic iron oxides). This can lead to a dramatic increase of magnetic susceptibility due to serpentinization (Clark, 1997). On the other hand, remanent magnetization can change the polarity of the observed magnetic anomalies or even completely remove the expected signature due to an equal but opposite combination of remanent and induced magnetic components. Therefore, a thorough compilation of petrophysical and mineralogical data over kimberlites and altered rocks in the vicinity of known occurrences is critical for the geological understanding of the existing geophysical data. This contribution will show some preliminary processing and compilation work completed over the Slave province kimberlites using the newly acquired geophysical data.
Ugalde, H., Milkereit, B., Lenauer, I., Morris, W.A., Mirza, A.M., Elliott, B.
Airborne Mag/EM data integration of Slave province kimberlites, NWT.
2018 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum , p. 84. abstract
Canada, Northwest Territories
geophysics - Mag, EM
Abstract: As part of the Slave Province Geophysical, Surficial Materials and Permafrost Study, the Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) commissioned high resolution geophysical surveys in the Slave Geological Province (SGP). This work focuses on the analysis of six horizontal gradient magnetic and frequency domain EM (FDEM) surveys that were flown from February to March 2017 (Munn Lake, Margaret Lake, Zyena Lake, Lac de Gras West, Big Blue and Mackay Lake). All surveys were acquired at 75 m line spacing with nominal terrain clearance of 60 m to maintain bird height of 25 m. They total 4,580 line-km. We use the FDEM data to locate areas of potential remanent magnetization, and thus additional areas that could be related to kimberlite bodies. The area is part of the central Slave Craton, which is dominated by Archean granitoid rocks and Archean metasedimentary rocks. Heaman et al. (2013) identifies several distinct domains based on kimberlite ages in the area. Central Slave is characterized by Tertiary/Cretaceous age kimberlites, whereas the southern part exhibits kimberlites of Cambrian age. This have important implications for the orientation of the remanent magnetization vector. The methodology involves the use of a homogeneous half-space model to invert the data for dielectric permittivity, relative magnetic permeability, apparent resistivity and magnetic susceptibility. Using this model, we calculated Conductivity-Depth-Images (CDIs) for all the EM data. The susceptibility distribution from the EM data (MagEM) is then plotted against an apparent susceptibility derived from the total field data for the main survey via standard FFT calculation (MagTMI). Major differences between both distributions are usually associated to remanence. Once we identify areas of potential remanent magnetization, we use Helbig analysis to estimate the direction of magnetization. The validity of this model is verified by comparison of the computed remanence direction with the appropriate Apparent Polar Wander Path (APWP). We find a good correlation of APWP directions with the estimated remanence, however, a viscous remanence component subparallel to the present's day Earth field is sometimes required. Finally, we show the integration of these results with a structural interpretation of the aeromagnetic data and potential alteration zones derived from Aster imagery for all 6 blocks
Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 476, 1, pp. 1058-1061.
Mantle
peridotite
Abstract: Deformed orthopyroxene grains are studied in detail in mantle peridotite. It is shown that deformation of enstatite is accompanied by its decomposition with the formation of low-temperature phases (pargasite, Fe-rich olivine) and restite represented by depleted enstatite, forsterite, and small newly formed chrome spinellide grains. The role of plastic deformation in initiation of partial melting of peridotite and in the formation new chrome spinellide grains is discussed.
Abstract: Buoyant upwellings from the deep mantle (mantle plumes) can arrive at the base of the lithosphere and generate large igneous province (LIP) magmatism which is emplaced throughout the crustal profile, from a deep-crustal magmatic underplate to intra-crustal dykes, sills, and layered intrusions, and surface volcanism. The presence of mantle plumes, has a direct influence on deep crustal magmatism, metamorphism, and dynamics. In this contribution we provide an overview of the links between mantle plumes and their surface expression and atmospheric influence. We consider three aspects: 1) the distribution of associated large igneous provinces (LIPs) and especially their volcanic expression; 2) topographic changes (domal and annular) associated with the flattening of the mantle plume head at the base of the lithosphere, and also development of triple junction rifting; and 3) dramatic climatic excursions in both atmosphere and oceans as recorded by compositional changes in sedimentary rocks and in weathering characteristics. The goal of this investigation is to address the inverse situation:using the characteristics observed at the Earth’s surface and their timing to infer the existence and location of paleo-mantle plumes, and thus infer their deep crustal effects.
Preliminary survey and assessment for locating source rocks and to find out potential area for diamond occurrence in Mahanadi, Ong, Tel and Suktel basins...
Geological Society of India Records, Vol. 131,3, pp.229-31.
Abstract: The Amba Dongar carbonatite complex in western India comprises an inner ring of carbonatite breccia surrounded by a sövite ring dike. The various carbonatite units in the body include calcite carbonatite, alvikite, dolomite carbonatite, and ankerite carbonatite. The carbonate phases (calcite and ankerite) occur as phenocrysts, groundmass phases, fresh primary grains, and partially altered grains and/or pseudomorphs when hydrothermally overprinted. Rare earth element (REE) enrichment in the groundmass/altered calcite grains compared to the magmatic ones is ascribed to the presence of micron-sized REE phases. Fluorapatite and pyrochlore constitute important accessory phases that are altered to variable extents. Higher concentrations of Sr, Si, and REEs in fluorapatite are suggestive of a magmatic origin. Fresh pyrochlore preserves its magmatic composition, characterized by low A-site vacancy and high F in the Y-site, which on alteration becomes poorer in Na, Ca, and F and displays an increase in vacancy. The C-O isotope compositions of the carbonates also corroborate the extensive low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of the carbonatites. The REE mineralization is the result of interaction of the carbonatite with a sulfur-bearing, F-rich hydrothermal fluid that exsolved from late-stage carbonatitic magmas. The hydrothermal fluids caused dissolution of the primary carbonates and simultaneous precipitation of REEs and other high field strength element (HFSE)-bearing minerals. Complex spatial associations of the magmatic minerals with the REE fluorocarbonates, [synchysite-(Ce), parisite-(Ce), bastnäsite-(Ce)] and florencite-(Ce) point to the formation of these REE phases as a consequence of postmagmatic hydrothermal dissolution of the REEs from fluorapatite, pyrochlore, and carbonates. Ubiquitous association of fluorite and barite with REE minerals indicates transport of REEs as sulfate complexes in F-rich fluids. Precipitation of REE fluorocarbonates/florencite resulted from fluid-carbonate interaction, concomitant increase in pH, and decrease in temperature. Additionally, REE precipitation was aided and abetted by the removal of sulfur from the fluid by the precipitation of barite, which destabilized the REE sulfate complexes.
Evidence for Proterozoic collision from airborne magnetic and gravity studies in s Granulite terrain, signatures of recent tectonic activity in Palghat Gap.
Building blocks and crustal archtitecture of Indian peninsular shield: cratons and fold belts and their interaction based on geophysical and geological data.
Journal of the Geological Society of India, Vol. 68, 6, pp. 1037-1057.
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2018.08.010 78p.
Canada, Nunavut, Parry Peninsula. Central Victoria Island
xenoliths
Abstract: While the mantle roots directly beneath Archean cratons have been relatively well studied because of their economic importance, much less is known about the genesis, age, composition and thickness of the mantle lithosphere beneath the regions that surround the cratons. Despite this knowledge gap, it is fundamentally important to establish the nature of relationships between this circum-cratonic mantle and that beneath the cratons, including the diamond potential of circum-cratonic regions. Here we present mineral and bulk elemental and isotopic compositions for kimberlite-borne mantle xenoliths from the Parry Peninsula and Central Victoria Island, Arctic Canada. These xenoliths provide key windows into the lithospheric mantle underpinning regions to the North and Northwest of the Archean Slave craton, where the presence of cratonic material has been proposed. The mantle xenolith data are supplemented by mineral concentrate data obtained during diamond exploration. The mineral and whole rock chemistry of peridotites from both localities is indistinguishable from that of typical cratonic mantle lithosphere. The cool mantle paleogeotherms defined by mineral thermobarometry reveal that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Parry Peninsula and Central Victoria Island terranes extended well into the diamond stability field at the time of kimberlite eruption, and this is consistent with the recovery of diamonds from both kimberlite fields. Bulk xenolith Se and Te contents, and highly siderophile element (including Os, Ir, Pt, Pd and Re) abundance systematics, plus corresponding depletion ages derived from Re-Os isotope data suggest that the mantle beneath these parts of Arctic Canada formed in the Paleoproterozoic Era, at ?2?Ga, rather than in the Archean. The presence of a diamondiferous Paleoproterozoic mantle root is part of the growing body of global evidence for diamond generation in mantle roots that stabilized well after the Archean. In the context of regional tectonics, we interpret the highly depleted mantle compositions beneath both studied regions as formed by mantle melting associated with hydrous metasomatism in the major Paleoproterozoic Wopmay-Great Bear-Hottah arc systems. These ?2?Ga arc systems were subsequently accreted along the margin of the Slave craton to form a craton-like thick lithosphere with diamond potential thereby demonstrating the importance of subduction accretion in building up Earth’s long-lived continental terranes.
Abstract: The mantle roots directly beneath Archean cratons have been relatively well studied because of their economic importance, yet much less is known about the genesis, age, composition and thickness of the mantle lithosphere beneath the regions surrounding these cratons. However, it is critically important to establish the nature of the relationship between this circum-cratonic mantle and that beneath the cratons, including the diamond potential of circum-cratonic regions. Here we present mineral and bulk elemental and isotopic compositions for kimberlite-borne mantle xenoliths from the Parry Peninsula (PP) and Central Victoria Island (CVI), Arctic Canada. These xenoliths provide key windows into the lithospheric mantle underpinning regions to the North and Northwest of the Slave craton, where the presence of cratonic mantle has been proposed. The mineral and whole rock chemistry of peridotites from both localities is indistinguishable from that of typical cratonic mantle lithosphere. The cool mantle geotherms defined by mineral thermobarometry reveal that the lithospheric mantle beneath the PP and CVI terranes extended well into the diamond stability field at the time of kimberlite eruption, consistent with the recovery of diamonds from both kimberlite fields. Bulk Se, Te, and highly siderophile element abundance systematics, plus Re-Os isotope age data suggest that the mantle beneath these parts of Arctic Canada formed at ~2 Ga, rather than in the Archean. The presence of a diamondiferous Paleoproterozoic mantle root is part of the growing body of evidence for peridotitic diamond generation in mantle roots that stabilized well after the Archean. In the context of regional tectonics, the highly depleted mantle compositions beneath both regions developed during mantle melting associated with hydrous metasomatism in the major Paleoproterozoic Wopmay- Great Bear-Hottah arc systems. These terranes were subsequently accreted along the margin of the Slave craton to form a craton-like thick lithosphere with significant diamond potential.
Geochemical Perspectives Letters, Vol. 9, pp. 6-10. 10.7185/geochemlet.1830
Mantle
peridotites
Abstract: The origin of the peridotites that form cratonic mantle roots is a central issue in understanding the history and survival of Earth’s oldest continents. A long-standing hypothesis holds that the unusual bulk compositions of some cratonic peridotites stem from their origin as subducted oceanic serpentinite, dehydrated during subduction to form rigid buoyant keels (Schulze, 1986; Canil and Lee, 2009). We present oxygen isotope data from 93 mantle peridotites from five different Archean cratons to evaluate their possible origin as serpentinites. Cratonic mantle peridotite shows remarkably uniform ?18O values, identical to modern MORB-source mantle, that do not vary with bulk rock Si-enrichment or Ca-depletion. These data clearly conflict with any model for cratonic lithosphere that invokes serpentinite as a protolith for cratonic peridotite, and place additional constraints on cratonic mantle origins. We posit that the uniform ?18O was produced by sub-arc and/or MOR depletion processes and that the Si-enriched nature of some samples is unlikely to be related to slab melt infiltration. Instead, we suggest a peridotitic source of Si-enrichment, derived from ascending mantle melts, or a water-fluxed depleted mantle. These variably Si-enriched, cratonic mantle protoliths were then collisionally compressed into the thick cratonic roots that have protected Earth’s oldest continental crust for over 2.5 Gyr.
Diamond and Related Materials, in press available, 6p.
Technology
Synthetics - Radiation detectors
Abstract: Radiation detectors based on diamond are highly favored for particle physics research due to the superior radiation hardness. In this work, we investigate the influence of impurities and crystalline imperfections on the charge collection efficiency (CCE) of single crystal diamond. Seventeen (17) ultra-low fluorescent diamond samples grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition method from IIa Technologies PTE LTD are pre-selected for this study. The measured CCE of all samples using 241Am (?-particles) as ionizing source are analyzed together with the concentration of trace impurities and crystalline imperfection in the crystal. The amounts of impurities are quantified from integrated fluorescence intensity arising from the nitrogen vacancies (NV) created during different CVD growth process conditions. The crystal imperfections are assessed by X-ray rocking curves from X-ray topography images obtained at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. The CCE decays rapidly as the intensity of NV (INV), phonon sideband approaches that of diamond 2nd order Raman peak which follows the relation: View the MathML sourceCCEINV=100/1+INV1.052. The energy resolution, ?E/E (ratio of the energy spectrum width to the most probable peak) highly correlates with broader rocking curve width distribution. Prime novelty statement: This work provides an understanding on the most important factors that contribute to degradation of charge collection efficiency (CCE) in diamond based detectors and sensors. The CCE decays rapidly as the intensity of nitrogen vacancy phonon sideband approaches that of diamond 2nd order Raman peak which follows the relation: View the MathML sourceCCEINV=100/1+INV1.052. The energy resolution, that is the ratio of the energy spectrum width to the most probable peak, highly correlates with broader X-ray rocking curve width distribution.
Diamond and Related Materials, in press available, 29p.
Technology
Synthetics - nitrogen
Abstract: This study describes the growth of 13C-enriched (100)-oriented diamond single crystals by the MPCVD (microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition) process. All crystals are at least 6 × 6 mm2 in area and 0.5-1.0 mm in thickness. The samples with nominal 13C percentages (R = [13C] / [13C + 12C]) of 0.011 (natural abundance), 0.10, 0.21, 0.24 and 0.34 were obtained by controlling the flow of the carbon-13 and carbon-12 methane feed gases. To obtain thicker and near-colourless quality 13C-enriched diamond, 190 ppm of nitrogen was added into the gas mixture. The shift towards lower frequency in the Raman peak positions and decrease in the thermal conductivities of the near-colourless crystals with increasing 13C percentages are similar to previous studies of isotopically-controlled diamond grown with no nitrogen additive. The images of the structural defects associated with 13C-enrichment obtained by spatially-resolved X-ray rocking curve measurement show distinct patterned structures that runs parallel to the < 100 > direction. Moreover, the broadening in the line width of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) peak from sp313C correlates with increasing R. We also expand the study by injecting 500 ppm of nitrogen. Higher nitrogen concentration leads to the formation of brown crystals. The brown crystals show far greater 13C NMR peak intensity than the near-colourless. This suggests that paramagnetic nitrogen impurities in the brown crystals hasten the spin-lattice relaxation time of the 13C nuclear spin that resulted in higher intensity. The isotopic splitting observed for the localized vibrational mode of the NVH0 defect in brown crystals is attributed to the co-existence of both the 13C (3114.2 cm? 1) and 12C (3123.5 cm? 1). Unlike the isotopic splitting observed for NVH0 defect, the peak position of the Ns+ defect shifts towards lower frequency as R increases. Not only have we demonstrate the growth of bigger isotopically-controlled diamond single crystals, the results shown here have provided a framework to further investigate the interplay between 13C atoms and nitrogen impurity.
Australian Gemmologist, Vol. 25, 3, July-Sept. pp.
Technology
Diamond features
Abstract: This study describes how visual properties determine the perception of a diamond’s appearance and its performance attributes of brilliance, scintillation and fire, and how these influence beauty. Further articles will describe other parts of our cut study project. This research enables the development of methods and instruments for diamond performance analyses, shifting from current diamond cut rejection based tools, to diamond performance scoring systems, and the introduction of a new consumer language for communication between diamond buyers and sellers. The proposed Performance Scoring System is consumer friendly and can be used to design and manufacture new diamond cuts with improved optical appearance.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 171, pp. 107-
Mantle
Subduction
Abstract: This experimental study simulates the interaction of hotter, deeper hydrous mantle melts with shallower, cooler depleted mantle, a process that is expected to occur in the upper part of the mantle wedge. Hydrous reaction experiments (~6 wt% H2O in the melt) were conducted on three different ratios of a 1.6 GPa mantle melt and an overlying 1.2 GPa harzburgite from 1060 to 1260 °C. Reaction coefficients were calculated for each experiment to determine the effect of temperature and starting bulk composition on final melt compositions and crystallizing assemblages. The experiments used to construct the melt-wall rock model closely approached equilibrium and experienced <5% Fe loss or gain. Experiments that experienced higher extents of Fe loss were used to critically evaluate the practice of “correcting” for Fe loss by adding iron. At low ratios of melt/mantle (20:80 and 5:95), the crystallizing assemblages are dunites, harzburgites, and lherzolites (as a function of temperature). When the ratio of deeper melt to overlying mantle is 70:30, the crystallizing assemblage is a wehrlite. This shows that wehrlites, which are observed in ophiolites and mantle xenoliths, can be formed by large amounts of deeper melt fluxing though the mantle wedge during ascent. In all cases, orthopyroxene dissolves in the melt, and olivine crystallizes along with pyroxenes and spinel. The amount of reaction between deeper melts and overlying mantle, simulated here by the three starting compositions, imposes a strong influence on final melt compositions, particularly in terms of depletion. At the lowest melt/mantle ratios, the resulting melt is an extremely depleted Al-poor, high-Si andesite. As the fraction of melt to mantle increases, final melts resemble primitive basaltic andesites found in arcs globally. An important element ratio in mantle lherzolite composition, the Ca/Al ratio, can be significantly elevated through shallow mantle melt-wall rock reaction. Wall rock temperature is a key variable; over a span of <80 °C, reaction with deeper melt creates the entire range of mantle lithologies from a depleted dunite to a harzburgite to a refertilized lherzolite. Together, the experimental phase equilibria, melt compositions, and reaction coefficients provide a framework for understanding how melt-wall rock reaction occurs in the natural system during melt ascent in the mantle wedge.
Devriese, S.G.R., Corcoran, N., Cowan, D., Davis, K., Bild-Enkin, D., Fournier, D., Heagy, L., Kang, S., Marchant, D., McMillan, M.S., Mitchell, M., Rosenkjar, G., Yang, D., Oldenburg, D.W.
Magnetic inversion of three airborne dat a sets over the Tli Kwi Cho kimberlite complex.
SEG Annual Meeting Denver, pp. 1790-1794 extended abstract
Fournier, D., Heagy, L., Corcoran, N., Devriese, S.G.R., Bild-Enkin, D., Davis, K., Kang, S., Marchant, D., McMillan, M.S., Mitchell, M., Rosenkjar, G., Yang, D., Oldenburg, D.W.
Multi-EM systems inversion - towards a common conductivity model for Tli Kwi Cho complex.
SEG Annual Meeting Denver, pp. 1795-1798. Extended abstract
Devriese, S.G.R., Corcoran, N., Cowan, D., Davis, K., Bild-Enkin, D., Fournier, D., Heagy, L., Kang, S., Marchant, D., McMillan, M.S., Mitchell, M., Rosenkjar, G., Yang, D., Oldenburg, D.W.
Abstract: The magnetic and electromagnetic responses from airborne systems at Tli Kwi Cho, a kimberlite complex in the Northwest Territories, Canada, have received considerable attention over the last two decades but a complete understanding of the causative physical properties is not yet at hand. Our analysis is distributed among three papers. In the first, we find a 3D magnetic susceptibility model for the area; in the second, we find a 3D conductivity model; and in the third paper, we find a 3D chargeability model. Our goal is to explain all the geophysical results within a geologic framework. In this first paper, we invert three independent airborne magnetic data sets flown over the Tli Kwi Cho kimberlite complex located in the Lac de Gras kimberlite field in Northwest Territories, Canada. The complex consists of two kimberlites known as DO-27 and DO-18. An initial airborne DIGHEM survey was flown in 1992 and AeroTEM and VTEM data subsequently acquired in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In this paper, we invert each magnetic data set in three dimensions. Both kimberlites are recovered in each model, with DO-27 as a more susceptible body than DO-18. Our goal is to simultaneously invert the three data sets to generate a single susceptibility model for Tli Kwi Cho. This project is part of a larger, on-going investigation by UBC-GIF on inverting magnetic, electromagnetic, and induced polarization data from the Tli Kwi Cho area.
Fournier, D., Heagy, L., Corcoran, N., Cowan, D., Devriese, S.G.R., Bild-Enkin, D., Davis, K., Kang, S., Marchant, D., McMillan, M.S., Mitchell, M., Rosenkjar, G., Yang, D., Oldenburg, D.W.
Abstract: The magnetic and electromagnetic responses from airborne systems at Tli Kwi Cho, a kimberlite complex in the Northwest Territories, Canada, have received considerable attention over the last two decades but a complete understanding of the causative physical properties is not yet at hand. Our analysis is distributed among three posters. In the first we find a 3D magnetic susceptibility model for the area; in the second we find a 3D conductivity model; and in the third we find a 3D chargeability model that can explain the negative transient responses measured over the kimberlite pipes. In this second paper we focus upon the task of finding a conductivity model that is compatible with three airborne data sets flown between 1992 and 2004: one frequency-domain data set (DIGHEM) and two time-domain systems (AeroTEM and VTEM). The goal is to obtain a 3D model from which geologic questions can be answered, but even more importantly, to provide a background conductivity needed to complete the 3D IP inversion of airborne EM data. We begin by modifying our pre-existing 1D frequency and time domain inversion codes to produce models that have more lateral continuity. The results are useful in their own right but we have also found that 1D analysis is often very effective in bringing to light erroneous data, assisting in estimating noise floors, and providing some starting information for developing a background model for the 3D EM inversion. Here we show some results from our Laterally Constrained Inversion (LCI) framework. The recovered conductivity models seem to agree on the general location of the kimberlite pipes but disagree on the geometry and conductivity values at depth. The complete 3D inversions in time and frequency, needed to resolved these issues, are currently in progress.
Devriese, S.G.R., Corcoran, N., Cowan, D., Davis, K., Bild-Enkin, D., Fournier, D., Heagy, L., Kang, S., Marchant, D., McMillan, M.S., Mitchell, M., Rosenkjar, G., Yang, D., Oldenburg, D.W.
Abstract: The magnetic and electromagnetic responses from airborne systems at Tli Kwi Cho, a kimberlite complex in the Northwest Territories, Canada, have received considerable attention over the last two decades but a complete understanding of the causative physical properties is not yet at hand. Our analysis is distributed among three papers. In the first, we find a 3D magnetic susceptibility model for the area; in the second, we find a 3D conductivity model; and in the third paper, we find a 3D chargeability model. Our goal is to explain all the geophysical results within a geologic framework. In this first paper, we invert three independent airborne magnetic data sets flown over the Tli Kwi Cho kimberlite complex located in the Lac de Gras kimberlite field in Northwest Territories, Canada. The complex consists of two kimberlites known as DO-27 and DO- 18. An initial airborne DIGHEM survey was flown in 1992 and AeroTEM and VTEM data subsequently acquired in 2003 and 2004, respectively. In this paper, we invert each magnetic data set in three dimensions. Both kimberlites are recovered in each model, with DO-27 as a more susceptible body than DO-18. Our goal is to simultaneously invert the three data sets to generate a single susceptibility model for Tli Kwi Cho. This project is part of a larger, on-going investigation by UBC-GIF on inverting magnetic, electromagnetic, and induced polarization data from the Tli Kwi Cho area.
Fournier, D., Heagy, L., Corcoran, N., Cowan, D., Devriese, S.G.R., Bild-Enkin, D., Davis, K., Marchant, M., McMillan, M.S., Mitchell, M., Rosenkjar, G., Yang, D., Oldenburg, D.W.
Abstract: The magnetic and electromagnetic responses from airborne systems at Tli Kwi Cho, a kimberlite complex in the Northwest Territories, Canada, have received considerable attention over the last two decades but a complete understanding of the causative physical properties is not yet at hand. Our analysis is distributed among three posters. In the first we find a 3D magnetic susceptibility model for the area; in the second we find a 3D conductivity model; and in the third we find a 3D chargeability model that can explain the negative transient responses measured over the kimberlite pipes. In this second paper we focus upon the task of finding a conductivity model that is compatible with three airborne data sets flown between 1992 and 2004: one frequency-domain data set (DIGHEM) and two time-domain systems (AeroTEM and VTEM). The goal is to obtain a 3D model from which geologic questions can be answered, but even more importantly, to provide a background conductivity needed to complete the 3D IP inversion of airborne EM data. We begin by modifying our pre-existing 1D frequency and time domain inversion codes to produce models that have more lateral continuity. The results are useful in their own right but we have also found that 1D analysis is often very effective in bringing to light erroneous data, assisting in estimating noise floors, and providing some starting information for developing a background model for the 3D EM inversion. Here we show some results from our Laterally Constrained Inversion (LCI) framework. The recovered conductivity models seem to agree on the general location of the kimberlite pipes but disagree on the geometry and conductivity values at depth. The complete 3D inversions in time and frequency, needed to resolved these issues, are currently in progress.
Abstract: Apatites from the Verity, Fir, Gum, Howard Creek and Felix carbonatites of the Blue River (British Columbia, Canada) area have been investigated with respect to their paragenesis, cathodoluminescence, trace element and Sr–Nd isotopic composition. Although all of the Blue River carbonatites were emplaced as sills prior to amphibolite grade metamorphism and have undergone deformation, in many instances magmatic textures and mineralogy are retained. Attempts to constrain the U–Pb age of the carbonatites by SIMS, TIMS and LA–ICP-MS studies of zircon and titanite were inconclusive as all samples investigated have experienced significant Pb loss during metamorphism. The carbonatites are associated with undersaturated calcite–titanite amphibole nepheline syenite only at Howard Creek although most contain clasts of disaggregated phoscorite-like rocks. Apatite from each intrusion is characterized by distinct, but wide ranges, in trace element composition. The Sr and Nd isotopic compositions define an array on a 87Sr/86Sr vs²Nd diagram at 350 Ma indicating derivation from depleted sub-lithospheric mantle. This array could reflect mixing of Sr and Nd derived from HIMU and EM1 mantle sources, and implies that depleted mantle underlies the Canadian Cordillera. Although individual occurrences of carbonatites in the Blue River region are mineralogically and geochemically similar they are not identical and thus cannot be considered as rocks formed from a single batch of parental magma at the same stage of magmatic evolution. However, a common origin is highly probable. The variations in the trace element content and isotopic composition of apatite from each occurrence suggest that each carbonatite represents a combination of derivation of the parental magma(s) from mineralogically and isotopically heterogeneous depleted mantle sources coupled with different stages of limited differentiation and mixing of these magmas. We do not consider these carbonatites as primary direct partial melts of the sub-lithospheric mantle which have ascended from the asthenosphere without modification of their composition.
Abstract: The Good Hope carbonatite is located adjacent to the Prairie Lake ijolite-malignite-calcite carbonatite complex in northwestern Ontario. The carbonatite is a breccia consisting of diverse calcite and dolomite carbonatites, with lesser REE-rich ferrocarbonatites, containing xenoliths of amphibole syenite, potassium feldspar+phlogopite and pyrochlore-apatite cumulates. The occurrence outcrops over an area of 500 m x 500 m and has been proven by diamond drilling to extend to a minimum depth of 650 m. Pyrochlore-apatite cumulates occur as elongated and/or irregular clasts up to 5 cm in maximum dimension. In these, pyrochlore has crystallized before apatite and occurs as euhedral crystals (0.1-1 cm; up to 5 cm) and can comprise up to ca. 25 vol % of a clast. Prismatic apatite is commonly flow-aligned and in some instances forms isoclinal folds. The apatite does not exhibit optical- or BSE-compositional zonation. However, cathodoluminescence imagery shows blue-green cores with thin (< 500 ?m) blue margins. The cores are enriched in light REE (833-941 ppm La; 1790-2200 ppm Ce; 8.2-13.6 Yb ppm; (La/Yb)CN 62-42. The pyrochlores are Na-Ca-F-pyrochlore of relatively-uniform composition with fully-occupied A-sites, and minor SrO (l-1.5 wt %) and low Ta2O5 (< 0.5 wt %). Some pyrochlores have irregular cores of resorbed Sr-bearing (6-11 wt % SrO) pyrochlore with overgrowths of Na-Ca-F-pyrochlore. Others contain inclusions of fersmite and/or columbite-(Fe). Pyrochlore also occurs as discrete crystals in calcite and dolomite hosts and represents disaggregated clasts. In accord with experimental data on the liquidus phase relationships of apatite and pyrochlore in haplocarbonatite melts the formation of apatite-pyrochlore cumulates in the initial stages of crystallization of such melts is to be expected. These cumulates were subsequently disrupted, disaggregated, and transported by pulses of later batches of carbonatite of diverse composition.
Abstract: This study investigates the major and trace element composition of minerals of the ijolite series rocks occurring at the Prairie Lake Carbonatite Complex, northern Ontario, together with comparative data with ijolites from the Fen complex, Norway. Trace element data (Sr, Zr, REE) were collected by LA-ICP-MS for clinopyroxene, garnet, and apatite, and in conjunction with the major element data are used to develop a petrogenetic model for Prairie Lake. The ijolites and calcite ijolites (hollaites) of Prairie Lake Carbonatite Complex have been formed by magma mixing, crystal settling, solid-state deformation, and deuteric alteration. The complex represents at least three stages of intrusion by melts of differing composition. The initial stage is predominantly biotite pyroxenite and associated coarse carbonatite veins. The second stage is primarily members of the ijolite series together with solid state deformation creating meta-ijolites, with differentiation forming malignites (potassic nepheline syenites). The third major stage is the intrusion of the CII carbonatites derived from different batches of magmas. These rocks contain xenoliths of ijolite suite rocks and phoscorites. Pyroxene compositions show an evolutionary trend from diopside in biotite pyroxenites to Fe enriched diopside-augite in ijolites, to aegirine in malignites. These data are used to show that a continuously filled fractionating magma chamber was not present at Prairie lake and that the complex formed as result of small intrusions of nephelinite into pre-existing ijolites. A similar style of petrogenesis is suggested for the Fen complex.
Abstract: This study reports the combined major, minor and trace element compositions, and stable (C, O), radiogenic (Nd, Pb, and Sr) isotopic compositions, and first ?11B isotopic data for the Fir, Felix, Gum, and Howard Creek carbonatites from the Blue River Region, British Columbia (Canada). These sill-like occurrences were intruded into Late Proterozoic strata during rifting and extensional episodes during the Late Cambrian and Devonian -Mississippian, and subsequently deformed and metamorphosed to amphibolite grade in relation to a collisional-type tectonic environment. The carbonatites at Fir, Gum, and Felix contain both calcite and dolomite, whereas the carbonatite at Howard Creek contains only calcite. The dolomite compositions reported here are consistent with those experimentally determined by direct partial melting of metasomatized peridotitic mantle. The combined major and trace element compositions and ?13CPDB (?5.37 to ?4.85‰) and ?18OSMOW (9.14 to 9.62‰) values for all the samples investigated are consistent with those for primary igneous carbonate and support their mantle origin. However, these signatures cannot be attributed to closed system melt differentiation from a single parental melt. The initial Nd, Pb, and Sr isotopic ratios are highly variable and suggest generation from multiple, small degree parental melts derived from a heterogeneous mantle source. The ?11B values for carbonates from Felix, Gum, and Howard Creek vary between ?8.67 and ?6.36‰, and overlap the range for asthenospheric mantle (?7.1?±?0.9‰), whereas two samples from Fir yield heavier values of ?3.98 and ?2.47‰. The latter indicate the presence of recycled crustal carbon in their mantle source region, which is consistent with those for young (<300?Ma) carbonatites worldwide. The radiogenic and B isotope results for the Blue River carbonatites are compared to those from contrasting, anorogenic tectonic settings at Chipman Lake, Fen, and Jacupiranga, and indicate that similar upper mantle sources are being tapped for carbonatite melt generation. The pristine, mantle-like ?11B values reported here for the Blue River carbonatites clearly demonstrate that this isotope system is robust and was not perturbed by post-solidification tectono-metamorphic events. This observation indicates that B isotope signatures are a valuable tool for deciphering the nature of the upper mantle sources for carbonates of igneous origin.
Chemical Geology, doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2019.07.015 59p.
Canada, British Columbia
carbonatite - Blue River
Abstract: This study reports the combined major, minor and trace element compositions, and stable (C, O), radiogenic (Nd, Pb, and Sr) isotopic compositions, and first ?11B isotopic data for the Fir, Felix, Gum, and Howard Creek carbonatites from the Blue River Region, British Columbia (Canada). These sill-like occurrences were intruded into Late Proterozoic strata during rifting and extensional episodes during the Late Cambrian and Devonian -Mississippian, and subsequently deformed and metamorphosed to amphibolite grade in relation to a collisional-type tectonic environment. The carbonatites at Fir, Gum, and Felix contain both calcite and dolomite, whereas the carbonatite at Howard Creek contains only calcite. The dolomite compositions reported here are consistent with those experimentally determined by direct partial melting of metasomatized peridotitic mantle. The combined major and trace element compositions and ?13CPDB (?5.37 to ?4.85‰) and ?18OSMOW (9.14 to 9.62‰) values for all the samples investigated are consistent with those for primary igneous carbonate and support their mantle origin. However, these signatures cannot be attributed to closed system melt differentiation from a single parental melt. The initial Nd, Pb, and Sr isotopic ratios are highly variable and suggest generation from multiple, small degree parental melts derived from a heterogeneous mantle source. The ?11B values for carbonates from Felix, Gum, and Howard Creek vary between ?8.67 and ?6.36‰, and overlap the range for asthenospheric mantle (?7.1?±?0.9‰), whereas two samples from Fir yield heavier values of ?3.98 and ?2.47‰. The latter indicate the presence of recycled crustal carbon in their mantle source region, which is consistent with those for young (<300?Ma) carbonatites worldwide. The radiogenic and B isotope results for the Blue River carbonatites are compared to those from contrasting, anorogenic tectonic settings at Chipman Lake, Fen, and Jacupiranga, and indicate that similar upper mantle sources are being tapped for carbonatite melt generation. The pristine, mantle-like ?11B values reported here for the Blue River carbonatites clearly demonstrate that this isotope system is robust and was not perturbed by post-solidification tectono-metamorphic events. This observation indicates that B isotope signatures are a valuable tool for deciphering the nature of the upper mantle sources for carbonates of igneous origin.
Ilmenite Association Trace Element Studies. Pt. 1. Mineralogy and Rare Earth Geochemistry of an Ilmenite Clinopyroxene Xenolith from the Monastery Mine.
Maseru: Lesotho Nat. Dev. Corp. Lesotho Kimberlites Editor N, PP. 224-229.
Marathon Dikes: Rubidium-strontium and Potassium-argon Geochronology of ultrabasic Lamprophyres from the Vicinity of Mckellar Harbour, Northwestern ontario, Canada.
Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 20, No. 6, PP. 961-967.
The Freemans Cove Volcanic Suite: Field Relations Petrochemistry and Tectonic Setting of Nephelinite Basanite Volcanism associated with Rifting in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 21, PP. 428-436.
Geology and exploration of the Rose lamproite, southeast Kansas, SOURCE[ Geological Society of Australia Inc. Blackwell Scientific Publishing,SpecialPublication
Geological Society of Australia Inc. Blackwell Scientific Publishing, Special, No. 14, Vol. 2, pp. 1179-1191
Mineralogy and geochemistry of perovskite- rich pyroxenites
Geological Association of Canada (GAC)/Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC) Vancouver 90 Program with Abstracts, Held May 16-18, Vol. 15, p. A83. Abstract
The Geordie Lake intrusion, Coldwell Complex, Ontario: a palladium and tellurium rich disseminated sulfide occurrence derived from an evolved tholeiitic magma
Economic Geology, Vol. 86, No. 5, August pp. 1050-1069
Geological Association of Canada (GAC), Geological Association of Canada (GAC)/Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC) Annual Meeting, Abstract, Abstract Vol. p. A71.
Kimberlites and kimberlites or apples and orange(ite)s?
Mid-continent diamonds Geological Association of Canada (GAC)-Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC) Symposium ABSTRACT volume, held Edmonton May, pp. 59-62.
Solubility of niobium in the system CaCO 3-CaF 2-NaNbo 3 at 0.1 GPa pressure: implications for the crystallization of pyrochlore from carbonatite magma.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 148, 3, pp. 281-287.
Kimberlites, orangeites, lamproites, meliltites and minettes: a petrographic atlas.
Almaz Press, info @almazpress.com 1427 Ridgeway St Thunder Bay Ontario P7E 5J7 Canada fax 807 623-7526, $US 85.00 plus ship & Hand 15.00 surface $ 28.00 air
The 24th September 2007 ash eruption of the carbonatite volcano Oldoinyo Lengai: mineralogy of the ash and implications for formation of a new hybrid magma type.
Mineralogical Magazine, Vol. 71, 5, Oct, pp. 483-492.
Experimental studies of the system Na2Ca(COs)2 NaCl KCL at 0.1 GPa: implications for the differentiation and low temperature crystallization of natrocarbonatite.
Guzmics, T., Mitchell, R.H., Szabo, C., Berkesi, M., Milke, R., Abart, R.
Carbonatite melt inclusions in coexisting magnetite, apatite and monticellite in Kerimasi calciocarbonatite, Tanzania: melt evolution and petrogenesis.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 161, 2, pp. 177-196.
Experimental studies of the system Na2CO3-CaCO3-MgF2 at 0.1 GPa: Implications for the differentiation and low temperature crystallization of natrocarbonatite.
Journal of Petrology, Vol. 52, 7-8, pp. 1265-1280.
Guzmics, T., Mitchell, R.H., Szabo, C., Berkesi, M., Milke, R., Ratter, K.
Liquid immiscibility between silicate, carbonate and sulfide melts in melt inclusions hosted in co-precipitated minerals from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania): evolution of carbonated nephelinitic magma.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 164, pp. 101-122.
Guzmics, T., Mitchell, R.H., Szabo, C., Berkesi, M., Milke, R., Ratter, K.
Liquid immiscibility between silicate, carbonate and sulfide melts in melt inclusions hosted in co-precipitated minerals from Kerimasi volcano ( Tanzania): evolution of carbonated nephelinitic magma.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, in press available
Carbonate-silicate immiscibility and extremely peralkaline silicate glasses from Nasira cone and recent eruptions at Oldoinyo-Lengai Volcano, Tanzania.
Trace element geochemistry of myerereite and gregoyryite phenocrysts from natrocarbonatite lava, Oldoinyo-Lengai, Tanzania: implications for magma mixing.
Mitchell, R.H., Scott Smith, B.H., Skinner, E.M.W.
Mineralogy of magmaclasts and interclast matrices of Kimberley-type pyroclastic kimberlites from the Kao, Letseng-La-Terae, Lethlakane and Premier kimberlite pipes of southern Africa.
10th. International Kimberlite Conference Held Bangalore India Feb. 6-11, Poster abstract
Wyoming craton mantle lithosphere: reconstructions based on xenocrysts from Sloan and Kelsey Lake kimberlites.
Proceedings of the 10th. International Kimberlite Conference, Vol. 1, Special Issue of the Journal of the Geological Society of India,, Vol. 1, pp. 13-27.
Mesoproterozoic U-Pb ages, trace element and Sr-Nd isotopic composition of perovskite from kimberlites of the Eastern Dharwar craton, southern India: distinct mantle sources and a Wide spread 1.1 Ga Tectonomagmatic event.
Paragenesis and oxygen isotopic studies of serpentine in kimberlite.
Proceedings of the 10th. International Kimberlite Conference, Vol. 1, Special Issue of the Journal of the Geological Society of India,, Vol. 1, pp. 1-12.
Scott Smith, B.H., Nowicki, T.E., Russell, J.K., Webb, K.J., Mitchell, R.H., Hetman, C.M., Harder, M., Skinner, E.M.W., Robey, Jv.A.
Kimberlite terminology and classification.
Proceedings of the 10th. International Kimberlite Conference, Vol. 2, Special Issue of the Journal of the Geological Society of India,, Vol. 2, pp. 1-17.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 169, 18p.
Africa, Tanzania
Carbonatite
Abstract: We have reconstructed the compositional evolution of the silicate and carbonate melt, and various crystalline phases in the subvolcanic reservoir of Kerimasi Volcano in the East African Rift. Trace element concentrations of silicate and carbonate melt inclusions trapped in nepheline, apatite and magnetite from plutonic afrikandite (clinopyroxene-nepheline-perovskite-magnetite-melilite rock) and calciocarbonatite (calcite-apatite-magnetite-perovskite-monticellite-phlogopite rock) show that liquid immiscibility occurred during the generation of carbonatite magmas from a CO2-rich melilite-nephelinite magma formed at relatively high temperatures (1,100 °C). This carbonatite magma is notably more calcic and less alkaline than that occurring at Oldoinyo Lengai. The CaO-rich (32-41 wt%) nature and alkali-"poor" (at least 7-10 wt% Na2O + K2O) nature of these high-temperature (>1,000 °C) carbonate melts result from strong partitioning of Ca (relative to Mg, Fe and Mn) in the immiscible carbonate and the CaO-rich nature (12-17 wt%) of its silicate parent (e.g., melilite-nephelinite). Evolution of the Kerimasi carbonate magma can result in the formation of natrocarbonatite melts with similar composition to those of Oldoinyo Lengai, but with pronounced depletion in REE and HFSE elements. We suggest that this compositional difference results from the different initial parental magmas, e.g., melilite-nephelinite at Kerimasi and a nephelinite at Oldoinyo Lengai. The difference in parental magma composition led to a significant difference in the fractionating mineral phase assemblage and the element partitioning systematics upon silicate-carbonate melt immiscibility. LA-ICP-MS analysis of coeval silicate and carbonate melt inclusions provides an opportunity to infer carbonate melt/silicate melt partition coefficients for a wide range of elements. These data show that Li, Na, Pb, Ca, Sr, Ba, B, all REE (except Sc), U, V, Nb, Ta, P, Mo, W and S are partitioned into the carbonate melt, whereas Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Al, Sc, Ti, Hf and Zr are partitioned into the silicate melt. Potassium and Rb show no preferential partitioning. Kerimasi melt inclusions show that the immiscible calcic carbonate melt is strongly enriched in Sr, Ba, Pb, LREE, P, W, Mo and S relative to other trace elements. Comparison of our data with experimental results indicates that preferential partitioning of oxidized sulfur (as SO4 2?), Ca and P (as PO4 3?) into the carbonate melt may promote the partitioning of Nb, Ta, Pb and all REE, excluding Sc, into this phase. Therefore, it is suggested that P and S enrichment in calcic carbonate magmas promotes the genesis of REE-rich carbonatites by liquid immiscibility. Our study shows that changes in the partition coefficients of elements between minerals and the coexisting melts along the liquid line of descent are rather significant at Kerimasi. This is why, in addition to the REE, Nb, Ta and Zr are also enriched in Kerimasi calciocarbonatites. We consider significant amounts of apatite and perovskite precipitated from melilite-nephelinite-derived carbonate melt as igneous minerals can have high LREE, Nb and Zr contents relative to other carbonatite minerals.
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: The P-12 "para-kimberlite" from Wajrakarur consists of forsteritic olivine, Al-Na-poor diopside, Fe-Ti-rich, Al-poor phlogopite, K-Ti-richterite, spinel, perovskite, cymrite, apatite, barite, Ba-Sr- bearing calcite, gittinsite, witherite, strontianite, and hydrogrossular (hydrogarnet). The rock also contains small clasts consisting dominantly of calcite, with lesser Ba-Sr-bearing calcite, cymrite, barite, strontianite, witherite, apatite, and hydrogrossular. Two generations of forsteritic olivine (Fo80-93) crystals are present: common phenocrystal-to-microphenocrystal; and rare anhedral macrocrystic olivines. Phlogopite occurs as microphenocrysts and as groundmass poikilitic plates with inclusions of spinel, perovskite, apatite, and chlorite pseudomorphs (after pyroxene). Phlogopites also occur as reaction rims around olivine crystals. The phlogopites have extremely low Al2O3 (2.2-3.8 wt.%), moderate-to-high FeO (6.9-16 wt.%), TiO2(1.9-4.6 wt.%), and Na2O (0.4-2.7 wt.%) contents and are enriched in fluorine (up to 6.0 wt.%) and considered to be tetraferriphlogopite. The pyroxenes occur in five parageneses as: (1) phenocrysts and microphenocrysts; (2) small slender crystals(<30 µm) forming part of the groundmass; (3) the cores of richterite crystals; (4) reaction products replacing earlier-formed olivine; (5) acicular crystals mantling carbonate clasts. These pyroxenes do not differ significantly in composition and are all diopsides with minor variation in their TiO2, Al2O3, Na2O contents. Titanian-potassium richterite commonly occurs as: (1) groundmass poikilitic plates; (2) small prismatic crystals (<30 µm); (3) reaction rims on olivine and pyroxene crystals. Groundmass poikilitic richterites commonly enclose pyroxene and apatite. Perovskites have a bimodal size distribution. Small (<20 µm) euhedral perovskites are scattered throughout the groundmass, whereas larger (100-300 µm) subhedral-to-euhedral perovskites are patchily-zoned and commonly broken. Micro-clasts consisting of accumulations of perovskite with phlogopite and apatite are also present. Spinels occur as large atoll crystals and small (<20 µm), euhedral-to-subhedral crystals, scattered throughout the groundmass. Some small spinel crystals are also present in the rims of olivine and pyroxene crystals. Atoll spinels are up to 100 µm in size, commonly with single and double cores. Atoll spinels are typically associated with perovskites. The euhedral-to-subhedral small spinels are ulvospinels. The atoll spinels have cores of titanian aluminous magnesiochromite with rims of magnesian titaniferous magnetite. The spinels have compositions which evolve along the lamproite-spinel compositional trend. Zoned calcite crystals occur as residual phases. Late stage residual calcite and carbonate clasts host prismatic cymrite crystals which are interpreted as pseudomorphs after potassium feldspar and/or barite. Subhedral-to-euhedral gittinsite and its Sr-analog are reported for the first time from the groundmass carbonate-chlorite mesostasis of a lamproite. Square-to-rectangular crystals of cymrite and hydrogrossular occur in the carbonate clasts and groundmass material. Barite anhedra commonly occur in the carbonate clasts together with witherite, strontianite, and Ba-Sr-bearing calcite. The texture and compositions of olivine, phlogopite, spinel, and K-Ti-richterite, together with the presence of cymrite pseudomorphs, possibly after potassium feldspar, demonstrate that this intrusion is a bona fide olivine lamproite and not a kimberlite. It is postulated that this, and other lamproites, located adjacent to the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, are derived by extensional decompressional melting of ancient subduction zones underlying the cratonic regions.
Abstract: This study presents compositional data for a statistically significant number (n=180) of heated and quenched (recreated) carbonate melt inclusions trapped in magnetite and clinopyroxene in jacupirangite from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania). On the basis of homogenization experiments for clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions and forsterite-monticellite-calcite phase relations, a range of 1000 to 900 °C is estimated for their crystallization temperatures. Petrographic observations and geochemical data show that during jacupirangite crystallization, a CaO-rich and alkali-"poor" carbonate melt (relative to Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite) existed and was entrapped in the precipitating magnetite, forming primary melt inclusions, and was also enclosed in previously crystallized clinopyroxene as secondary melt inclusions. The composition of the trapped carbonate melts in magnetite and clinopyroxene are very similar to the parental melt of Kerimasi calciocarbonatite; i.e., enriched in Na2O, K2O, F, Cl and S, but depleted in SiO2 and P2O5 relative to carbonate melts entrapped at an earlier stage and higher temperature (1050-1100 °C) during the formation of Kerimasi afrikandite. Significant compositional variation is shown by the major minerals of Kerimasi plutonic rocks (afrikandite, jacupirangite and calciocarbonatite). Magnetite and clinopyroxene in the jacupirangite are typically transitional in composition between those of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. These data suggest that the jacupirangite represents an intermediate stage between the formation of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. Jacupirangite most probably formed when immiscible silicate and carbonate melts separated from the afrikandite body, although the carbonate melt was not separated completely from the silicate melt fraction. In general, during the evolution of the carbonate melt at Kerimasi, concentrations of P2O5 and SiO2 decreased, whereas volatile content (alkalis, S, F, Cl and H2O) increased. Volatiles were incorporated principally in nyerereite, shortite, burbankite, nahcolite and sulfohalite as identified by Raman spectrometry. These extremely unstable minerals cannot be found in the bulk rock, because of alteration by secondary processes. On the basis of these data, an evolutionary model is developed for Kerimasi plutonic rocks.
Abstract: This study presents compositional data for a statistically significant number (n = 180) of heated and quenched (recreated) carbonate melt inclusions trapped in magnetite and clinopyroxene in jacupirangite from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania). On the basis of homogenization experiments for clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions and forsterite-monticellite-calcite phase relations, a range of 1000 to 900 °C is estimated for their crystallization temperatures. Petrographic observations and geochemical data show that during jacupirangite crystallization, a CaO-rich and alkali-"poor" carbonate melt (relative to Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite) existed and was entrapped in the precipitating magnetite, forming primary melt inclusions, and was also enclosed in previously crystallized clinopyroxene as secondary melt inclusions. The composition of the trapped carbonate melts in magnetite and clinopyroxene is very similar to the parental melt of Kerimasi calciocarbonatite; i.e., enriched in Na2O, K2O, F, Cl and S, but depleted in SiO2 and P2O5 relative to carbonate melts entrapped at an earlier stage and higher temperature (1050-1100 °C) during the formation of Kerimasi afrikandite. Significant compositional variation is shown by the major minerals of Kerimasi plutonic rocks (afrikandite, jacupirangite and calciocarbonatite). Magnetite and clinopyroxene in the jacupirangite are typically transitional in composition between those of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. These data suggest that the jacupirangite represents an intermediate stage between the formation of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. Jacupirangite most probably formed when immiscible silicate and carbonate melts separated from the afrikandite body, although the carbonate melt was not separated completely from the silicate melt fraction. In general, during the evolution of the carbonate melt at Kerimasi, concentrations of P2O5 and SiO2 decreased, whereas volatile content (alkalis, S, F, Cl and H2O) increased. Volatiles were incorporated principally in nyerereite, shortite, burbankite, nahcolite and sulfohalite as identified by Raman spectrometry. These extremely unstable minerals cannot be found in the bulk rock, because of alteration by secondary processes. On the basis of these data, an evolutionary model is developed for Kerimasi plutonic rocks.
Abstract: A unique occurrence of orbicular ijolite is hosted in a matrix of contemporaneous holocrystalline ijolite at the 1.1 Ga Prairie Lake Carbonatite Complex (Marathon, Ontario, Canada), and is the only known occurrence of this textural type in a rock of ijolitic composition. This mineralogical and petrological study of this orbicular ijolite highlights many of the differences from other rare occurrences of orbicular rocks described from carbonatites, granites, diorites and lamprophyres. The orbicules occur along distinct, densely packed bands in equigranular nepheline-rich ijolite and range up to 6 cm in diameter. Macroscopically, the orbicules show variability in the mineralogy of their cores. Detailed imaging of the cores shows evidence of quench textures. Radial outward zoning is common near the cores with concentric banding occurring toward the margins of the orbicules. The mineralogy of the orbicules consists of: nepheline; diopside; calcite; apatite; andradite-melanite garnet; titanite; Fe-rich phlogopite; titaniferous magnetite; perovskite; with secondary natrolite, calcite and cancrinite. The mineralogy of the host ijolite is similar to that of the orbicules. Mineral compositions from the orbicular ijolite and the host ijolite are similar. Within the orbicules, anhedral minerals are found occurring in a ‘matrix’ of garnet throughout the distinct concentric bands. The textures within the concentric bands of the orbicules are best described as annealing recrystallization textures. The rims of the orbicules form interlocking crystals with the host ijolite resulting in near-indistinguishable boundaries. The orbicules are interpreted to represent interaction of a partially-crystallized quenched ijolitic melt, which was in contact with a second pulse of consanguineous ijolite magma. Immersion in the latter resulted in sub-solidus diffusion and annealing recrystallization. Orbicular textures were produced from previously formed quenched ijolite, which was recrystallized producing the monominerallic concentric layers sequentially from the margins toward the center of the orbicule. This proposed model for the formation of orbicular ijolite from Prairie Lake highlights the complexities of these rock types, and supports previous models of magma mixing during the later stages of carbonatite emplacement and crystallization.
Abstract: This study presents compositional data for a statistically significant number (n = 180) of heated and quenched (recreated) carbonate melt inclusions trapped in magnetite and clinopyroxene in jacupirangite from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania). On the basis of homogenization experiments for clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions and forsterite-monticellite-calcite phase relations, a range of 1000 to 900 °C is estimated for their crystallization temperatures. Petrographic observations and geochemical data show that during jacupirangite crystallization, a CaO-rich and alkali-"poor" carbonate melt (relative to Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite) existed and was entrapped in the precipitating magnetite, forming primary melt inclusions, and was also enclosed in previously crystallized clinopyroxene as secondary melt inclusions. The composition of the trapped carbonate melts in magnetite and clinopyroxene is very similar to the parental melt of Kerimasi calciocarbonatite; i.e., enriched in Na2O, K2O, F, Cl and S, but depleted in SiO2 and P2O5 relative to carbonate melts entrapped at an earlier stage and higher temperature (1050-1100 °C) during the formation of Kerimasi afrikandite. Significant compositional variation is shown by the major minerals of Kerimasi plutonic rocks (afrikandite, jacupirangite and calciocarbonatite). Magnetite and clinopyroxene in the jacupirangite are typically transitional in composition between those of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. These data suggest that the jacupirangite represents an intermediate stage between the formation of afrikandite and calciocarbonatite. Jacupirangite most probably formed when immiscible silicate and carbonate melts separated from the afrikandite body, although the carbonate melt was not separated completely from the silicate melt fraction. In general, during the evolution of the carbonate melt at Kerimasi, concentrations of P2O5 and SiO2 decreased, whereas volatile content (alkalis, S, F, Cl and H2O) increased. Volatiles were incorporated principally in nyerereite, shortite, burbankite, nahcolite and sulfohalite as identified by Raman spectrometry. These extremely unstable minerals cannot be found in the bulk rock, because of alteration by secondary processes. On the basis of these data, an evolutionary model is developed for Kerimasi plutonic rocks.
Abstract: Neoproterozoic kimberlite, ultramafic lamprophyre, and carbonatite magmatic activity was widespread across the Canadian-Greenland Shield. Models to explain the preponderance of this deeply-derived CO2-rich magmatism between 680-540 Ma range from impingement of multiple mantle plumes to rifting activity linked to the breakout of the Laurentian plate from the Rodinia supercontinent configuration. We add to the debate about the origin of kimberlite magmas and evaluate possible mantle sources of the 655 Ma ‘diamond-rich’ Renard (new SIMS U/Pb perovskite ages) and 629 Ma ‘barren’ Wemindji kimberlites on the eastern Superior craton in Quebec, Canada. Our Sr-Nd-Hf and carbon isotope data (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70241-0.70442; ?Ndi = + 0.2 to + 4.8; ?Hfi = + 0.3 to + 6.5; ?13C = ? 5.6 to ? 3.9‰) suggest a common and moderately depleted convecting upper mantle source region for both the Renard and Wemindji kimberlites, which occur 400-km apart in the interior of the Superior craton. In contrast, the low Os isotope ratios (187Os/188Osi = 0.11078-0.12620; ?Osi = ? 13.7 to ? 1.6) and unfractionated chondritic relative HSE abundances (Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd, Re) indicate significant involvement of ancient refractory cratonic mantle material in kimberlite magma formation. Our model calculations suggest that for both the diamond-rich Renard and the barren Wemindji kimberlite magmas up to 30% of the Os was derived from refractory cratonic peridotites. This material might have been assimilated by originally more CO2-rich carbonated silicate melts derived from the asthenosphere. We also show that the geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf-Os isotopic compositions of the Renard and Wemindji kimberlites do not require significant input from melts derived from olivine-poor cratonic mantle lithologies such as MARID-type veins and pyroxenites/eclogites. This contrasts with the petrogenesis of deeply-derived volatile-rich potassic magmas found along the peripheries of cratons (e.g., ultramafic lamprophyres, kamafugites, and olivine lamproites), a setting where abundant non-peridotitic components have been added to the lithospheric mantle over the course of continent evolution. Provided that CO2-rich melts, such as proto-kimberlites, occur near the solidus of volatile-fluxed peridotites, no excess mantle heat is required in their formation. This important but often overlooked constraint, together with the observation that there exist no spatial or temporal relationships between the Superior craton kimberlites and Large Igneous Provinces during the Late Neoproterozoic, suggests that kimberlite magmatic activity was tectonically controlled. In our preferred model, ubiquitous CO2-rich proto-kimberlite melts form during volatile-controlled redox melting processes at ambient mantle temperatures in a thermal boundary layer directly beneath thick cratonic lithosphere. The success rate of ‘evolving’ hybrid kimberlite magmas reaching Earth’s surface increases when tensile stresses propagate into the > 200 km thick keels of continental lithosphere. These conditions are frequently met during fast and changing plate motions associated with the assembly and breakup of supercontinents.
Abstract: Lamproites are mineralogically complex rocks and their bulk rock geochemistry is not for characterization of their parental magmas (Mitchell and Bergman, [1]). Characterization is best accomplished by consideration of their typomorphic mineralogy. We have investigated nine dykes from Vattikod (VL1:Vl8 and VL10). The mineral assemblage and their compositions are comparable to those of lamproites in terms of the presence of phlogopite (Ti-rich, Al-poor phlogopite and tetraferriphlogopite); amphiboles (potassic-arfvedsonite, potassic-richterite, potassic-ferro-richterite, potassic-katophorite, Ti- rich potassic-katophorite, Ti-rich potassic-magnesio-katophorite); Al-poor pyroxene; feldspars (K- feldspar, Ba-K-feldspar and Na-feldspar), spinels (chromite-magnetite and qandilite-ulvÖspinel-ZnFe2O4). These dykes have also undergone varied degrees of deuteric alteration as shown by the development of secondary phases such as titanite, allanite, hydro-zircon, calcite, chlorite, quartz and cryptocrystalline SiO2. We have classified the Vattikod dyke on the basis of their typomorphic major mineralogy in conjunction with alteration affects as: Group 1 (VL1); Group 2 (VL2 and VL3); Group 3 (VL4 and VL5); Group 4 (VL6, VL7 and VL8); and Group 5 (VL10). Group 2 dykes are pseudoleucite-amphibole-lamproite; Group 3 dykes are pseudoleucite-phlogopite-lamproite; Group 4 dykes are pseudoleucite-phlogopite- amphibole-lamproite. The Group 1 dyke is completely altered and the precursor mineralogy cannot be identified. Group 5 dyke is also extensively altered but contains fresh euhedral apatite microphenocrysts together with pseudomorphs after leucite and is classified as a pseudoleucite-apatite-(phlogopite?) lamproite. It is suggested that the Vattikod lamproites represent a spectrum of modal variants of lamproite produced by the differentiation and crystallization of a common parental peralkaline potassic magma. The near-linear disposition of Deformed Alkaline Rocks and Carbonatites commonly known as DARC’s (Burke and Khan, [2]) and lamproites in eastern India implies a relationship with subduction-related processes (Das Sharma & Ramesh, [3]; Gurmeet Kaur & Mitchell, [4]). We propose that the Vattikod and other lamproites in eastern India emplaced at 1100-1450 Ma are possible manifestations of subduction- related alkaline magmatism along the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, in contrast to extension-related anorogenic lamproite magmatism related to supercontinent(s) break-up as has been suggested for Ramadugu and other Dharwar Craton lamproites.
Abstract: Neoproterozoic kimberlite, ultramafic lamprophyre, and carbonatite magmatic activity was widespread across the Canadian-Greenland Shield. Models to explain the preponderance of this deeply-derived CO2-rich magmatism between 680-540 Ma range from impingement of multiple mantle plumes to rifting activity linked to the breakout of the Laurentian plate from the Rodinia supercontinent configuration. We add to the debate about the origin of kimberlite magmas and evaluate possible mantle sources of the 655 Ma ‘diamond-rich’ Renard (new SIMS U/Pb perovskite ages) and 629 Ma ‘barren’ Wemindji kimberlites on the eastern Superior craton in Quebec, Canada. Our Sr-Nd-Hf and carbon isotope data (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70241-0.70442; ?Ndi = + 0.2 to + 4.8; ?Hfi = + 0.3 to + 6.5; ?13C = ? 5.6 to ? 3.9‰) suggest a common and moderately depleted convecting upper mantle source region for both the Renard and Wemindji kimberlites, which occur 400 km apart in the interior of the Superior craton. In contrast, the low Os isotope ratios (187Os/188Osi = 0.11078-0.12620; ?Osi = ? 13.7 to ? 1.6) and unfractionated chondritic relative HSE abundances (Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd, Re) indicate significant involvement of ancient refractory cratonic mantle material in kimberlite magma formation. Our model calculations suggest that for both the diamond-rich Renard and the barren Wemindji kimberlite magmas up to 30% of the Os was derived from refractory cratonic peridotites. This material might have been assimilated by originally more CO2-rich carbonated silicate melts derived from the asthenosphere. We also show that the geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf-Os isotopic compositions of the Renard and Wemindji kimberlites do not require significant input from melts derived from olivine-poor cratonic mantle lithologies such as MARID-type veins and pyroxenites/eclogites. This contrasts with the petrogenesis of deeply-derived volatile-rich potassic magmas found along the peripheries of cratons (e.g., ultramafic lamprophyres, kamafugites, and olivine lamproites), a setting where abundant non-peridotitic components have been added to the lithospheric mantle over the course of continent evolution. Provided that CO2-rich melts, such as proto-kimberlites, occur near the solidus of volatile-fluxed peridotites, no excess mantle heat is required in their formation. This important but often overlooked constraint, together with the observation that there exist no spatial or temporal relationships between the Superior craton kimberlites and Large Igneous Provinces during the Late Neoproterozoic, suggests that kimberlite magmatic activity was tectonically controlled. In our preferred model, ubiquitous CO2-rich proto-kimberlite melts form during volatile-controlled redox melting processes at ambient mantle temperatures in a thermal boundary layer directly beneath thick cratonic lithosphere. The success rate of ‘evolving’ hybrid kimberlite magmas reaching Earth’s surface increases when tensile stresses propagate into the > 200 km thick keels of continental lithosphere. These conditions are frequently met during fast and changing plate motions associated with the assembly and breakup of supercontinents.
Abstract: Alkaline rock and carbonatite complexes, including the Prairie Lake complex (NW Ontario), are widely distributed in the Canadian region of the Midcontinent Rift in North America. It has been suggested that these complexes were emplaced during the main stage of rifting magmatism and are related to a mantle plume. The Prairie Lake complex is composed of carbonatite, ijolite and potassic nepheline syenite. Two samples of baddeleyite from the carbonatite yield U-Pb ages of 1157.2±2.3 and 1158.2±3.8 Ma, identical to the age of 1163.6±3.6 Ma obtained for baddeleyite from the ijolite. Apatite from the carbonatite yields the same U-Pb age of ~1160 Ma using TIMS, SIMS and laser ablation techniques. These ages indicate that the various rocks within the complex were synchronously emplaced at about 1160 Ma. The carbonatite, ijolite and syenite have identical Sr, Nd and Hf isotopic compositions with a 87Sr/86Sr ratio of ~0.70254, and positive ?Nd(t)1160 and ?Hf(t)1160 values of ~+3.5 and ~+4.6, respectively, indicating that the silicate and carbonatitic rocks are co-genetic and related by simple fractional crystallization from a magma derived from a weakly depleted mantle. These age determinations extend the period of magmatism in the Midcontinent Rift in the Lake Superior area to 1160 Ma, but do not indicate whether the magmatism is associated with passive continental rifting or the initial stages of plume-induced rifting.
Abstract: On the basis of extensive studies of synthetic perovskite-structured compounds it is possible to derive a hierarchy of hettotype structures which are derivatives of the arisotypic cubic perovskite structure (ABX3), exemplified by SrTiO3 (tausonite) or KMgF3 (parascandolaite) by: (1) tilting and distortion of the BX6 octahedra; (2) ordering of A- and B-site cations; (3) formation of A-, B- or X-site vacancies. This hierarchical scheme can be applied to some naturally-occurring oxides, fluorides, hydroxides, chlorides, arsenides, intermetallic compounds and silicates which adopt such derivative crystal structures. Application of this hierarchical scheme to naturally-occurring minerals results in the recognition of a perovskite supergroup which is divided into stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric perovskite groups, with both groups further divided into single ABX3 or double A2BB?X6 perovskites. Subgroups, and potential subgroups, of stoichiometric perovskites include: (1) silicate single perovskites of the bridgmanite subgroup; (2) oxide single perovskites of the perovskite subgroup (tausonite, perovskite, loparite, lueshite, isolueshite, lakargiite, megawite); (3) oxide single perovskites of the macedonite subgroup which exhibit second order Jahn-Teller distortions (macedonite, barioperovskite); (4) fluoride single perovskites of the neighborite subgroup (neighborite, parascandolaite); (5) chloride single perovskites of the chlorocalcite subgroup; (6) B-site cation ordered double fluoride perovskites of the cryolite subgroup (cryolite, elpasolite, simmonsite); (7) B-site cation ordered oxide double perovskites of the vapnikite subgroup [vapnikite, (?) latrappite]. Non-stoichiometric perovskites include: (1) A-site vacant double hydroxides, or hydroxide perovskites, belonging to the söhngeite, schoenfliesite and stottite subgroups; (2) Anion-deficient perovskites of the brownmillerite subgroup (srebrodolskite, shulamitite); (3) A-site vacant quadruple perovskites (skutterudite subgroup); (4) B-site vacant single perovskites of the oskarssonite subgroup [oskarssonite]; (5) B-site vacant inverse single perovskites of the cohenite and auricupride subgroups; (6) B-site vacant double perovskites of the diaboleite subgroup; (7) anion-deficient partly-inverse B-site quadruple perovskites of the hematophanite subgroup.
Abstract: The Ashram Zone, which is host to the Ashram Rare Earth Element (REE) Deposit, occurs within the Eldor Carbonatite Complex, Québec, Canada. The complex is located within the Paleoproterozoic New Québec Orogen (Labrador Trough), and has been subjected to greenschist metamorphism and folding during the Hudsonian Orogeny at 1.75 Ga. To date, consanguineous undersaturated alkaline rocks have not been recognized within or adjacent to the complex. It is evident that the bulk compositions of the rocks, essentially magnesiocarbonatites and ferrocarbonatites, do not represent those of liquid compositions, as many are complex breccias which have been subjected to later hydrothermal activity. The Ashram Zone is dominated by diverse textural varieties of carbonatite which include: fluorite-rich schlieren carbonatites; coarse-to-medium grained granular carbonatites; fine grained, commonly mosaic-textured, quartz-bearing carbonatites; and colloform carbonatites. Compositional and textural data are provided for the minerals present in the carbonatites. The major rock-forming minerals are diverse Ca-Mg-Fe carbonates, fluorite, and quartz. The carbonates range in their compositional evolution from rare dolomite through ferrodolomite and magnesian siderite to siderite. The principal REE-bearing minerals of the Ashram Deposit are monazite-(Ce) and monazite-(Nd), with lesser amounts of bastnaesite-(Ce) and bastnaesite-(Nd). The minor and accessory mineral suite is characterized by the presence of apatite, phlogopite, xenotime, diverse Sc- and sn-bearing Nb-Ti-minerals (niobian rutile, nioboaeschynite, samarskite), barite, sphalerite, several uncommon, but here relatively abundant, Ba- and Ba-Be minerals (bafertisite, magbasite, barylite, betrandite, sanbornite, cebaite), yangzhumingite, cassiterite, galena, pyrite, and rare magnetite and potassium feldspar. Pyrochlore is absent and the Nb-Ti oxide assemblage is similar to that found in NYF-pegmatites associated with F-rich, A-type granitoids. The mineralogy of the Ashram Deposit, compared to that of other carbonatites associated with undersaturated silicate rocks is unique, especially with respect to the abundance of fluorite and monazite (commonly with Nd-enrichment), Ba-Be-enrichment, the NYF-type Nb-Ti oxide assemblage (especially xenotime, Y-Nb-aeschynite, samarskite), phlogopite-potassium feldspar quartz-rich residua with granitoid characteristics, paucity of magnetite, pyrochlore, and Sr-bearing carbonates. The Ashram Deposit is considered to be a late-magmatic-to-hydrothermal F-REE magnesio-to-ferrocarbonatite derived from as yet unknown consanguineous antecedents.
Abstract: Neoproterozoic kimberlite, ultramafic lamprophyre, and carbonatite magmatic activity was widespread across the Canadian-Greenland Shield. Models to explain the preponderance of this deeply-derived CO2-rich magmatism between 680–540 Ma range from impingement of multiple mantle plumes to rifting activity linked to the breakout of the Laurentian plate from the Rodinia supercontinent configuration. We add to the debate about the origin of kimberlite magmas and evaluate possible mantle sources of the 655 Ma ‘diamond-rich’ Renard (new SIMS U/Pb perovskite ages) and 629 Ma ‘barren’ Wemindji kimberlites on the eastern Superior craton in Quebec, Canada. Our Sr-Nd-Hf and carbon isotope data (87Sr/86Sri = 0.70241–0.70442; ?Ndi = + 0.2 to + 4.8; ?Hfi = + 0.3 to + 6.5; ?13C = ? 5.6 to ? 3.9‰) suggest a common and moderately depleted convecting upper mantle source region for both the Renard and Wemindji kimberlites, which occur 400 km apart in the interior of the Superior craton. In contrast, the low Os isotope ratios (187Os/188Osi = 0.11078–0.12620; ?Osi = ? 13.7 to ? 1.6) and unfractionated chondritic relative HSE abundances (Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd, Re) indicate significant involvement of ancient refractory cratonic mantle material in kimberlite magma formation. Our model calculations suggest that for both the diamond-rich Renard and the barren Wemindji kimberlite magmas up to 30% of the Os was derived from refractory cratonic peridotites. This material might have been assimilated by originally more CO2-rich carbonated silicate melts derived from the asthenosphere. We also show that the geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf-Os isotopic compositions of the Renard and Wemindji kimberlites do not require significant input from melts derived from olivine-poor cratonic mantle lithologies such as MARID-type veins and pyroxenites/eclogites. This contrasts with the petrogenesis of deeply-derived volatile-rich potassic magmas found along the peripheries of cratons (e.g., ultramafic lamprophyres, kamafugites, and olivine lamproites), a setting where abundant non-peridotitic components have been added to the lithospheric mantle over the course of continent evolution. Provided that CO2-rich melts, such as proto-kimberlites, occur near the solidus of volatile-fluxed peridotites, no excess mantle heat is required in their formation. This important but often overlooked constraint, together with the observation that there exist no spatial or temporal relationships between the Superior craton kimberlites and Large Igneous Provinces during the Late Neoproterozoic, suggests that kimberlite magmatic activity was tectonically controlled. In our preferred model, ubiquitous CO2-rich proto-kimberlite melts form during volatile-controlled redox melting processes at ambient mantle temperatures in a thermal boundary layer directly beneath thick cratonic lithosphere. The success rate of ‘evolving’ hybrid kimberlite magmas reaching Earth’s surface increases when tensile stresses propagate into the > 200 km thick keels of continental lithosphere. These conditions are frequently met during fast and changing plate motions associated with the assembly and breakup of supercontinents.
Abstract: On the basis of extensive studies of synthetic perovskite-structured compounds it is possible to derive a hierarchy of hettotype structures which are derivatives of the arisotypic cubic perovskite structure (ABX3), exemplified by SrTiO3 (tausonite) or KMgF3 (parascandolaite) by: (1) tilting and distortion of the BX6 octahedra; (2) ordering of A- and B-site cations; (3) formation of A-, B- or X-site vacancies. This hierarchical scheme can be applied to some naturally-occurring oxides, fluorides, hydroxides, chlorides, arsenides, intermetallic compounds and silicates which adopt such derivative crystal structures. Application of this hierarchical scheme to naturally-occurring minerals results in the recognition of a perovskite supergroup which is divided into stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric perovskite groups, with both groups further divided into single ABX3 or double A2BB?X6 perovskites. Subgroups, and potential subgroups, of stoichiometric perovskites include: (1) silicate single perovskites of the bridgmanite subgroup; (2) oxide single perovskites of the perovskite subgroup (tausonite, perovskite, loparite, lueshite, isolueshite, lakargiite, megawite); (3) oxide single perovskites of the macedonite subgroup which exhibit second order Jahn-Teller distortions (macedonite, barioperovskite); (4) fluoride single perovskites of the neighborite subgroup (neighborite, parascandolaite); (5) chloride single perovskites of the chlorocalcite subgroup; (6) B-site cation ordered double fluoride perovskites of the cryolite subgroup (cryolite, elpasolite, simmonsite); (7) B-site cation ordered oxide double perovskites of the vapnikite subgroup [vapnikite, (?) latrappite]. Non-stoichiometric perovskites include: (1) A-site vacant double hydroxides, or hydroxide perovskites, belonging to the söhngeite, schoenfliesite and stottite subgroups; (2) Anion-deficient perovskites of the brownmillerite subgroup (srebrodolskite, shulamitite); (3) A-site vacant quadruple perovskites (skutterudite subgroup); (4) B-site vacant single perovskites of the oskarssonite subgroup [oskarssonite]; (5) B-site vacant inverse single perovskites of the cohenite and auricupride subgroups; (6) B-site vacant double perovskites of the diaboleite subgroup; (7) anion-deficient partly-inverse B-site quadruple perovskites of the hematophanite subgroup.
Abstract: MARID (Mica-Amphibole-Rutile-Ilmenite-Diopside) xenoliths are transported from the deep-cratonic lithosphere to the Earth's surface by Cretaceous kimberlites emplaced in the Kimberley area of the Kaapvaal Craton. MARID xenoliths have high modal abundances (70-80?vol%) of mica and amphibole, indicating their origin from a hydrous source. The ?18O values (4.7????18O???6.9‰) of phlogopite micas from 14 MARID samples indicate that these minerals are both 18O-enriched and 18O-depleted with respect to the average upper mantle ?18O value of 5.8?±?0.6‰. The range of ?2H values of phlogopites (?83????2H????53‰, n?=?14) of MARID xenoliths are slightly larger than the average mantle ?2H value (?70?±?10‰). The oxygen (?18Ophlogopites-amphibole?=??0.4 and 0.4‰) and hydrogen (?2Hphlogopite-amphibole?=?14 and 36‰) isotopic disequilibrium recorded from two MARID xenoliths suggests the duration of the last isotopic exchange, possibly just before the kimberlite emplacement, between these minerals and metasomatic fluids was too short to reach isotopic equilibrium. Our model calculation indicates that the phlogopites of MARID xenoliths underwent isotopic exchange with fluids of ?18O?=?5.5 to 10‰, ?2H?=??62 to ?90‰. The range of ?18O value of the calculated metasomatic fluids resembles the oxygen isotopic composition of the primary mantle carbonate (~ 6-9‰) suggesting interaction between carbonatic melt and MARID xenoliths in the continental lithospheric mantle. Furthermore, ?18O values of phlogopites together with previously published nitrogen isotope data (?11 ? ?15N ? 9‰; Banerjee et al., 2015) indicates incorporation of inhomogeneously distributed recycled crustal material from subducted crust within their source magma. Therefore, O-H-N isotope data for MARID xenoliths indicates their crystallization from geochemically heterogeneous magma in the upper continental mantle and subsequent metasomatism with mantle fluids.
Journal of Analytical At. Spectrometry, Vol. 33, pp. 231-239.
United States, Arkansas, China, Hebei, Russia, Kola Peninsula, Europe, Sweden, Canada, Ontario
geochronology
Abstract: We report the first U-Pb geochronological investigation of schorlomite garnet from carbonatite and alkaline complexes and demonstrate its applicability for U-Pb age determination using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) due to its relatively high U and Th abundances and negligible common Pb content. The comparative matrix effects of laser ablation of zircon and schorlomite are investigated and demonstrate the necessity of a suitable matrix-matched reference material for schorlomite geochronology. Laser-induced elemental fractional and instrumental mass discrimination were externally-corrected using an in house schorlomite reference material (WS20) for U-Pb geochronology. In order to validate the effectiveness and robustness of our analytical protocol, we demonstrate the veracity of U-Pb age determination for five schorlomite samples from: the Magnet Cove complex, Arkansas (USA); the Fanshan ultrapotassic complex, Hebei (China); the Ozernaya alkaline ultramafic complex, Kola Peninsula (Russia); the Alnö alkaline-rock carbonatite complex (Sweden); and the Prairie Lake carbonatite complex, Ontario (Canada). The schorlomite U-Pb ages range from 96 Ma to 1160 Ma, and are almost identical to ages determined from other accessory minerals in these complexes and support the reliability of our analytical protocol. Schorlomite garnet U-Pb geochronology is considered to be a promising new technique for understanding the genesis of carbonatites, alkaline rocks, and related rare-metal deposits.
Abstract: Perovskite mineral oxides commonly exhibit extensive solid-solution, and are therefore classified on the basis of the proportions of their ideal end-members. A uniform sequence of calculation of the end-members is required if comparisons are to be made between different sets of analytical data. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet has been programmed to assist with the classification and depiction of the minerals of the perovskite- and vapnikite-subgroups following the 2017 nomenclature of the perovskite supergroup recommended by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). Compositional data for up to 36 elements are input into the spreadsheet as oxides in weight percent. For each analysis, the output includes the formula, the normalized proportions of 15 end-members, and the percentage of cations which cannot be assigned to those end-members. The data are automatically plotted onto the ternary and quaternary diagrams recommended by the IMA for depiction of perovskite compositions. Up to 200 analyses can be entered into the spreadsheet, which is accompanied by data calculated for 140 perovskite compositions compiled from the literature.
Abstract: The mineralogy of nine recently discovered dykes (VL1:VL8 and VL10) in the vicinity of Vattikod village, Nalgonda district in Telangana State is described. The mineral assemblage present and their compositions are comparable to those of bona fide lamproites in terms of the presence of phlogopite (Ti-rich, Al-poor phlogopite and tetraferriphlogopite); amphiboles (potassic-arfvedsonite, potassic-richterite, potassic-ferro-richterite, potassic-katophorite, Ti-rich potassic-katophorite, Ti-rich potassic-magnesio-katophorite); Al-poor clinopyroxenes; feldspars (K-feldspar, Ba-K-feldspar and Na-feldspar) and spinels (chromite-magnetite and qandilite-ulvöspinel-franklinite). These dykes have undergone diverse and significant degrees of deuteric alteration as shown by the formation of secondary phases such as: titanite, allanite, hydro-zircon, calcite, chlorite, quartz and cryptocrystalline SiO2. On the basis of their respective mineralogy: the VL4 and VL5 dykes are classified as pseudoleucite-phlogopite lamproite; VL2 and VL3 dykes as pseudoleucite-amphibole-lamproite; and VL6, VL7 and VL8 as pseudoleucite-phlogopite-amphibole-lamproite. VL10 is extensively altered but contains fresh euhedral apatite microphenocrysts together with pseudomorphs after leucite and is classified as a pseudoleucite-apatite-(phlogopite?) lamproite. The mineralogy of the Vattikod lamproite dykes is compared with that of the Ramadugu, Somavarigudem and Yacharam lamproite dykes which also occur in the Ramadugu lamproite field. The lamproites from the Eastern Dharwar Craton are considered as being possible expressions of ancient subduction-related alkaline magmatism along the Eastern Ghats mobile belt.
Abstract: The formation of transitional agpaitic rocks is not a well understood process as there are few studies of miaskitic to agpaitic transitions. The Mesoproterozoic Sushina Hill complex (India) provides a suitable site to investigate these "transitions" as this complex hosts diverse miaskitic and agpaitic nepheline syenites, together with syenites containing exotic mineral assemblages. In this study, we have used mineralogical and geochemical data to describe the evolution of the transitional agpaitic rocks occurring at Sushina Hill. In common with other occurrences, high field strength elements (HFSE) in miaskitic nepheline syenites are mainly sequestered by primary zircon and magnetite. In contrast, the major HFSE carriers in agpaitic nepheline syenites (agpaitic unit-I) are late-magmatic eudialyte and rinkite-(Ce) - nacareniobsite-(Ce), formed at T between 825° - 784ºC and aSiO2 in the range of 0.41 - 0.44. With decreasing temperature (? 575ºC) and aSiO2(0.30), coupled with an increase in aH2O, this assemblage has undergone extensive subsolidus alteration leading to the decomposition of late-magmatic eudialyte to wöhlerite - marianoite, alkali-zirconosilicates (catapleiite/gaidonnyaite, hilairite), and pectolite - serandite. Decomposition of late-magmatic eudialyte resulted in a more alkaline fluid by increasing the a(Na+)/a(Cl-) ratio, facilitating crystallization of hydrothermal eudialyte replacing late-magmatic eudialyte. Crystallization of hydrothermal eudialyte leads to evolving fluids which are less alkaline, resulting in the crystallization of a transitional agpaitic assemblage of pyrochlore + zircon + niobokupletskite + wadeite in agpaitic unit-II in the temperature range 547º - 455ºC with aSiO2 in the range 0.27 - 0.25. Regional scale deformation contemporaneous with the subsolidus alteration stage leads to separation of the evolving fluid from the system, resulting in extensive albitization, with superposition of a new miaskitic-like assemblage in syenite I in the form of late-stage zircon - magnetite - xenotime - monazite-(Ce) upon the early assemblage of primary zircon and magnetite. During deformation, syenite unit-II composed of eudialyte - albite - aegirine was also formed and considered as a later stage pegmatitic offshoot of agpaitic unit I. The mineralogical changes are also complemented by variations in the bulk-rock composition in which the total REE, Nb, U and Th concentrations increase in order from: miaskitic unit ? agpaitic unit I ? syenite unit II, -I ? agpaitic unit II at constant Zr concentration. This suggests that the REE-Nb are mainly mobilized in agpaitic unit-II during the agpaitic - to - transitional agpaitic assemblage transformation in a relatively less alkaline environment.
Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, Vol. 123, 8, pp. 6195-6214.
Canada, Ontario
geochronology
Abstract: Similar to a magnetic tape, rocks can retain the direction of ancient Earth's magnetic field. Scientists use this record (known as paleomagnetism) to reconstruct past positions of continents and to decipher the geological history of our planet. We investigated paleomagnetism and chemical composition of the ~1.14 Ga?old intrusive rocks called lamprophyres exposed in Northwestern Ontario (Canada). We found that the paleomagnetic field directions recorded in lamprophyres are indistinguishable from those recorded by another similar age suite of basaltic intrusions called the Abitibi dikes, from the same area. The combined data from these rocks allowed us to constrain the position of an ancient supercontinent called Laurentia at ~1.14 billions of years ago more accurately than it was possible before. Our results convincingly show that, during that time, Laurentia moved with a velocity comparable to present?day plate velocities, before switching to an extremely rapid motion approximately 35 millions of years later. The lamprophyre and Abitibi rocks also share similar chemical signatures, close to those observed for ocean island basalts (e.g., Hawaii). These observations support the hypothesis that a failed ocean opening attempt called the North American Midcontinent Rift was instigated by the arrival of a hot mantle material upwelling to the Earth surface.
Abstract: We describe the mineralogy of a lamproite dyke from Gundrapalli village (Nalgonda district), Telangana, India. The dyke consists of a mineral assemblage characteristic of lamproites in terms of the presence of amphiboles (mainly potassic-richterite together with potassic-arfvedsonite, magnesio-riebeckite, Ti-rich potassic-magnesio-arfvedsonite, potassic-magnesio-arfvedsonite, katophorite and potassic-ferri-katophorite), Al-poor pyroxene, phlogopite (Ti-rich, Al-poor), pseudomorphed leucite, spinel (chromite-magnesiochromite), fluoroapatite, barite, titanite, rutile, baritocalcite, calcite, ilmenite, hydro-zircon, baotite, strontianite, allanite, quartz and pyrite. The absence of wadeite and priderite have been compensated for by presence of baotite, rutile, titanite, barite, and hydro-zircons. The presence of the secondary phases: allanite, hydro-zircon, chlorite, quartz, and cryptocrystalline silica, implies that the dyke has undergone deuteric alteration. The Gundrapalli dyke on the basis of its typomorphic mineralogy has been classified as a pseudoleucite-phlogopite-amphibole-lamproite. We report the presence of the rare mineral baotite from this lamproite, the first recognition of baotite from a lamproite in India. The mineralogy of the baotite- bearing Gundrapalli lamproite is analogous to the baotite- bearing Kvaløya lamproite from Troms, Norway. Ultrapotassic magmatism is quite prevalent in the Eastern Dharwar Complex of south India. Numerous new finds of lamproite dykes from and around the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic Cuddapah basin gives an opportunity to understand the nature of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle in southern India. We present the mineralogy of a newly discovered lamproite dyke at Gundrapalli village (Nalgonda district) northwest of Cuddapah basin (Figure 1 inset). The lamproite dyke at Gundrapalli village, intruded into the Paleoproterozoic biotite granite unit of Peninsular Gneissic Complex form part of eastern Dharwar Complex. (Figure 1; Kumar et al., 2013, Ahmed et al., 2012).
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: 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.
Abstract: This article describes leucitites, lamproites, and kimberlites, rock types which are enriched in potassium and depleted in aluminum relative to common rocks such as granite, andesite or basalt. Although these rocks relatively rare, some varieties have considerable economic significance as they are the only primary sources of diamond. The petrographic and mineralogical data required for identification, characterization, and classification of these rock types are described together with aspects of their isotope geochemistry that permit recognition of the sources of their parental magmas in the lithospheric and/or asthenospheric mantle of the Earth. Leucitites are considered to be members of a suite of plagioclase-bearing potassic volcanic rocks (leucite phonolites and tephrites) associated with recent subduction processes at continental margins; they never contain diamonds. Lamproites comprise a petrological clan of rocks ranging widely in their mineralogy, texture, and composition. Members of this clan range from ultrabasic olivine lamproites through phlogopite-rich lamproites to relatively silica-rich diopside leucite lamproites. Lamproites occur as lavas, pyroclastic, and hypabyssal rocks and have eruption styles similar to basaltic volcanism. Kimberlites are a group of volatile-rich ultrabasic silica-undersaturated rocks known principally from hypabyssal, and pyroclastic subvolcanic environments. The latter form three types of vent systems: subaerial Fort a la Corne pyroclastic deposits; Kimberley-type intrusive pyroclastic diatremes or pipes; and Lac de Gras pyroclastic volcanic/pyroclastic vents. Both kimberlites and lamproites are emplaced in continental cratons and marginal accreted mobile belts, although only those emplaced in cratons are diamond-bearing. Kimberlites are considered to be derived from asthenospheric mantle, whereas lamproites originate from metamorphosed and metasomatized subducted material at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. Lamproites are divided into cratonic and orogenic varieties depending on whether the subduction was ancient or recent in age.
Geoscience Canada OPEN ACCESS, Vol. 47, pp. 119-143.
Global
lamproites
Abstract: Lamproite is a rare ultrapotassic alkaline rock of petrological importance as it is considered to be derived from metasomatized lithospheric mantle, and of economic significance, being the host of major diamond deposits. A review of the nomenclature of lamproite results in the recommendation that members of the lamproite petrological clan be named using mineralogical-genetic classifications to distinguish them from other genetically unrelated potassic alkaline rocks, kimberlite, and diverse lamprophyres. The names “Group 2 kimberlite” and “orangeite” must be abandoned as these rock types are varieties of bona fide lamproite restricted to the Kaapvaal Craton. Lamproites exhibit extreme diversity in their mineralogy which ranges from olivine phlogopite lamproite, through phlogopite leucite lamproite and potassic titanian richterite-diopside lamproite, to leucite sanidine lamproite. Diamondiferous olivine lamproites are hybrid rocks extensively contaminated by mantle-derived xenocrystic olivine. Currently, lamproites are divided into cratonic (e.g. Leucite Hills, USA; Baifen, China) and orogenic (Mediterranean) varieties (e.g. Murcia-Almeria, Spain; Afyon, Turkey; Xungba, Tibet). Each cratonic and orogenic lamproite province differs significantly in tectonic setting and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic compositions. Isotopic compositions indicate derivation from enriched mantle sources, having long-term low Sm/Nd and high Rb/Sr ratios, relative to bulk earth and depleted asthenospheric mantle. All lamproites are considered, on the basis of their geochemistry, to be derived from ancient mineralogically complex K-Ti-Ba-REE-rich veins, or metasomes, in the lithospheric mantle with, or without, subsequent contributions from recent asthenospheric or subducted components at the time of genesis. Lamproite primary magmas are considered to be relatively silica-rich (~50-60 wt.% SiO2), MgO-poor (3-12 wt.%), and ultrapotassic (~8-12 wt.% K2O) as exemplified by hyalo-phlogopite lamproites from the Leucite Hills (Wyoming) or Smoky Butte (Montana). Brief descriptions are given of the most important phreatomagmatic diamondiferous lamproite vents. The tectonic processes which lead to partial melting of metasomes, and/or initiation of magmatism, are described for examples of cratonic and orogenic lamproites. As each lamproite province differs with respect to its mineralogy, geochemical evolution, and tectonic setting there is no simple or common petrogenetic model for their genesis. Each province must be considered as the unique expression of the times and vagaries of ancient mantle metasomatism, coupled with diverse and complex partial melting processes, together with mixing of younger asthenospheric and lithospheric material, and, in the case of many orogenic lamproites, with Paleogene to Recent subducted material.
Abstract: A major debris flow, the Trig Point Hill flow, originating from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania) contains numerous blocks of extrusive/pyroclastic carbonatites similar to those exposed at the rim of the currently inactive crater. The blocks of calcite carbonatite consist of: (1) large clasts of corroded and altered coarse grained calcite; (2) primary prismatic inclusion bearing phenocrystal calcite; and (3) a matrix consisting primarily of fine-grained prismatic calcite. The large clasts are inclusion free and exhibit a ‘corduroy-like’ texture resulting from solution along cleavage planes. The resulting voids are filled by brown Fe-Mn hydroxides/oxides and secondary calcite. The prismatic or lath-shaped phenocrystal calcite is not altered and contains melt inclusions consisting principally of primary Na-Ca carbonates which contain earlier-formed crystals of monticellite, periclase, apatite, Mn-Mg-magnetite, Mn-Fe-sphalerite and Nb-perovskite. Individual Na-Ca carbonate inclusions are of uniform composition, and the overall range of all inclusions analysed (wt.%) is from 28.7 to 35.9 CaO; 16.7-23.6 Na2O; 0.5-2.8 K2O, with minor SO3 (1.1-2.2) and SrO (0.34-1.0). The Na-Ca carbonate compositions are similar to that of shortite, although this phase is not present. The Na-Ca carbonates are considered to be primary deuteric phases and not secondary minerals formed after nyerereite. Monticellite shows limited compositional variation and contains 2-4 wt.% MnO and 12 wt.% FeO and is Mn-poor relative to monticellite in Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite. Periclase is Fe-bearing with up to 13 wt.% FeO. Spinels are Cr-free, Mn-poor and belong to the magnetite-magnesioferrite series in contrast to Mn-rich spinels of the magnetite-jacobsite series occurring in Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite. The matrix in which the ‘corduroy’ clasts and phenocrystal calcite are set consists of closely packed small prisms of calcite lacking melt inclusions, with interstitial fine-grained apatite, baryte, strontianite and minor fluorite. Pore spaces are filled with secondary Mn-Fe hydroxides/oxides, anhydrite and gypsum. The hypothesis that flow-aligned calcite in volcanic calciocarbonatites from Kerimasi, Tinderet, Homa and Catanda is altered nyerereite is discussed and it is considered that these calcite are either primary phases or altered melilite. The nyerereite alteration hypothesis is discussed with respect to the volumetric and compositional aspects of pseudomorphism by dissolution-precipitation replacement mechanisms. This study concludes that none of the volcanic calciocarbonatites containing flow-aligned calcite phenocrysts are altered natrocarbonatite.
Abstract: This study reports the mineralogy and petrology, together with the major and trace element composition of pyroxenes, garnets and apatite from ijolite series rocks occurring at the Prairie Lake carbonatite complex, northwestern Ontario, with comparative data for ijolites from the Fen complex, Norway. The ijolites and calcite ijolites (hollaites) of Prairie Lake record the effects of magma mixing, crystal settling, solid-state re-equilibration and deuteric alteration. The Prairie Lake complex was formed by at least three stages of intrusion. The initial stage was predominantly biotite pyroxenite and associated coarse carbonatite veins. The second stage is represented primarily by members of the ijolite series together with meta-ijolites created by solid state re-equilibration of previously crystallized rocks. Differentiation of the magmas which formed the ijolite suite resulted in the formation of calcite ijolites (hollaites) and malignites (potassic nepheline syenites). The final stage was the intrusion of the heterogeneous carbonatites derived from different batches of carbonatite related magmas. These rocks contain xenoliths of ijolite suite rocks, pyroxene apatitite, wollastonite apatitite, and phoscorite. Pyroxene compositions show an evolutionary trend from diopside in biotite pyroxenites through Fe-enriched diopside-augite in ijolites to aegirine in malignites. Clinopyroxene major and trace element data show that the cores of clinopyroxene in biotite pyroxenites formed as antecrysts at depth and were emplaced as part of a later event. Trace element data from pyroxenes, garnets and apatite from Prairie Lake and Fen are similar to each other and those found in carbonatite complexes worldwide. It is proposed that a continuously-filled fractionating magma chamber was not present at Prairie Lake and that the ijolite-malignite members of the complex formed as result of small intrusions of nephelinitic magma into pre-existing ijolites. Similar styles of magmatic evolution by fractional crystallization are indicated for the Prairie Lake, Fen, and Belaya Zima ijolite?carbonatite complexes and there is no evidence that liquid immiscibility played any role in their petrogenesis.
Abstract: Pyrochlore-group minerals are common in the Neoproterozoic Sevattur carbonatite complex. This complex is composed of dolomite-, calcite-, banded- and blue carbonatite together with pyroxenite, albitite and diverse syenites. This work reports the paragenetic-textural types and compositional variation of pyrochlore hosted by dolomite carbonatite, banded carbonatite and albitite together with that of alteration assemblages containing belkovite and baotite. On the basis of composition, five different types of pyrochlore are recognised and termed Pcl-I through to Pcl-V. The Pb-rich Pcl-I are present exclusively as inclusions in U-rich Pcl-IIa in dolomite carbonatite. The alteration assemblages of Pb-poor Pcl-IIb + Ba-rich or Ba-Si- rich Pcl-IV + belkovite (dolomite carbonatite) and Si-rich Pcl-V + baotite (banded carbonatite) formed after Pcl-IIa differ in these carbonatites. The albitite hosts extremely U-Ti-rich Pcl-III, mantled by Ba-rich potassium feldspar. In common with the banded carbonatite, Pcl-V is formed by alteration of Pcl-III where this mantle is partially, or completely broken. The Ba-Si-enrichment of Pcl-IV and Pcl-V together with the ubiquitous presence of baryte in all Sevattur lithologies suggests late-stage interaction with a Ba-Si-rich acidic hydrothermal fluid. This fluid was responsible for leaching silica from the associated silicates and produced Pcl-V in the silicate-rich lithologies of the banded carbonatite and albitite. The absence of Pcl-V in dolomite carbonatite is a consequence of the low modal abundance of silicates. The complex compositional diversity and lithology specific pyrochlore alteration assemblages suggest that all pyrochlore (Pcl-I to Pcl-IV) were formed initially in an unknown source and transported subsequently in their respective hosts as altered antecrysts.
Abstract: The Neoproterozoic Sevattur complex is composed essentially of calcite and dolomite carbonatites together with pyroxenites and diverse syenites. This work reports the compositions and paragenesis of different pyrochlore generations hosted by albitite veins in this complex. The pyrochlore are distinctive, being exceptionally rich in uranium (26 to 36 wt.% UO2). Five types of pyrochlore (Pcl-I to Pcl-V) are recognised on the basis of composition and texture. With the exception of Pcl-V, the majority of the pyrochlore (Pcl-II to Pcl-IV) are surrounded by a thick orbicular mantle of Ba-rich potassium feldspar. This mantle around Pcl-V is partially-broken. Pcl-I is restricted to the cores of crystals, and associated with Pcl-II and -III and is relatively rich in Nb (0.53-0.62 apfu) together with more A-site vacancies (0.37-0.71 apfu) compared to Pcl-II to Pcl-IV. Other pyrochlore (Pcl-II to Pcl-IV) are characterised by elevated Ca and Ti compared to Pcl-I, which are related to the (3Nb5+ + Na+ ? 3Ti4+ + U4+) and (2Nb5+ ? 2Ti4+ + Ca2+) substitutions, respectively. These substitutions represent replacement of Pcl-II to Pcl-IV. Alteration and Ba-enrichment in all the pyrochlore are marked by interaction with an externally-derived Ba-rich hydrothermal fluid following the (2Nb5+ ? 2Ti4+ + Ba2+) substitution. This substitution, coupled with extensive metamictisation leads to the formation of Ba-rich (15.9-16.3 wt.% BaO) patchy-zoned Pcl-V. The orbicular mantles around Pcl-I to Pcl-IV have prevented extensive metamictisation and extensive secondary alteration compared to Pcl-V, where mantling is partially disrupted. The compositional and textural variation suggests that Pcl-II to Pcl-IV form by nucleation on Pcl-I, and are transported subsequently as antecrysts in the host albitite.
Abstract: Abstract A major debris flow, the Trig Point Hill flow, originating from Kerimasi volcano (Tanzania) contains numerous blocks of extrusive/pyroclastic carbonatites similar to those exposed at the rim of the currently inactive crater. The blocks of calcite carbonatite consist of: (1) large clasts of corroded and altered coarse grained calcite; (2) primary prismatic inclusion bearing phenocrystal calcite; and (3) a matrix consisting primarily of fine-grained prismatic calcite. The large clasts are inclusion free and exhibit a ‘corduroy-like’ texture resulting from solution along cleavage planes. The resulting voids are filled by brown Fe-Mn hydroxides/oxides and secondary calcite. The prismatic or lath-shaped phenocrystal calcite is not altered and contains melt inclusions consisting principally of primary Na-Ca carbonates which contain earlier-formed crystals of monticellite, periclase, apatite, Mn-Mg-magnetite, Mn-Fe-sphalerite and Nb-perovskite. Individual Na-Ca carbonate inclusions are of uniform composition, and the overall range of all inclusions analysed (wt.%) is from 28.7 to 35.9 CaO; 16.7-23.6 Na2O; 0.5-2.8 K2O, with minor SO3 (1.1-2.2) and SrO (0.34-1.0). The Na-Ca carbonate compositions are similar to that of shortite, although this phase is not present. The Na-Ca carbonates are considered to be primary deuteric phases and not secondary minerals formed after nyerereite. Monticellite shows limited compositional variation and contains 2-4 wt.% MnO and 12 wt.% FeO and is Mn-poor relative to monticellite in Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite. Periclase is Fe-bearing with up to 13 wt.% FeO. Spinels are Cr-free, Mn-poor and belong to the magnetite-magnesioferrite series in contrast to Mn-rich spinels of the magnetite-jacobsite series occurring in Oldoinyo Lengai natrocarbonatite. The matrix in which the ‘corduroy’ clasts and phenocrystal calcite are set consists of closely packed small prisms of calcite lacking melt inclusions, with interstitial fine-grained apatite, baryte, strontianite and minor fluorite. Pore spaces are filled with secondary Mn-Fe hydroxides/oxides, anhydrite and gypsum. The hypothesis that flow-aligned calcite in volcanic calciocarbonatites from Kerimasi, Tinderet, Homa and Catanda is altered nyerereite is discussed and it is considered that these calcite are either primary phases or altered melilite. The nyerereite alteration hypothesis is discussed with respect to the volumetric and compositional aspects of pseudomorphism by dissolution-precipitation replacement mechanisms. This study concludes that none of the volcanic calciocarbonatites containing flow-aligned calcite phenocrysts are altered natrocarbonatite.
Contribution to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 177, 19 , 18p. Pdf
Global
garnet
Abstract: Garnet is a common U-bearing mineral in various magmatic and metamorphic rocks with a high U-Pb closure temperature (>?850 °C), rendering it a potentially valuable U-Pb geochronometer. However, a high U (>?10 ppm) garnet reference material that suits both quadrupole and/or multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is yet to be established. This study evaluates a potential reference material for in situ garnet U-Pb analysis with anomalously high U content from the Prairie Lake alkaline complex, Canada. The PL57 garnet, occurring in a calcite ijolite, has high TiO2 (6.5-15.0 wt%, average 12.7 wt%) and Fe2O3 (17.1-21.3 wt%) contents and is a member of the andradite (26-66 mol.%)-morimotoite (18-41 mol.%)-schorlomite (16-35 mol.%) solid solution series. Four samples were dated by U-Pb ID-TIMS to assess reproducibility. Twelve TIMS analyses produced concordant, equivalent results. Garnet PL57 yielded a concordant age of 1156.2?±?1.2 Ma (2?, n?=?10, MSWD?=?1.0), based on ten analyses with two results discarded due to possible mineral inclusions (if included, the concordia age is 1156.6?±?1.8 Ma; n?=?12, MSWD?=?2.0). PL57 had 27-76 ppm (average 41 ppm) U with Th/U of 0.51-0.68 (average 0.63). The total common Pb content ranged from 0.4 to 3.9 pg (average 1.1 pg). Laser ablation coupled with ICP-MS and high angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) imaging provide direct evidence that U is incorporated and homogeneously distributed within the garnet lattice rather than as defects or pore spaces. Published garnet samples and standards were then tested by calibrating the Willsboro, Mali, Qicun, and Tonglvshan garnet against PL57, which gave accurate ages within the recommended values. Case studies of garnet from the Archean Musselwhite orogenic gold deposit in Canada and the Cenozoic Changanchong and Habo skarn deposits in China yield reliable ages. This suggests that PL57 is a robust U-Pb isotope reference material. The limited variations of U and Pb isotopic ratios, together with the high U concentration and extremely low initial common Pb, make PL57 an ideal calibration and monitor reference material for in situ measurements.
Abstract: The time and processes of hydrothermal mineralization are long-standing problems in geology. This work addresses these questions with reference to the Maoniuping giant rare earth elements (REE) deposit (southwest China), which has rare earth oxides (REO) reserves of 3.17 million tons with an average grade of 2.95 wt%. Bastnäsite is the dominant economic mineral, occurring as four distinct paragenetic types in the Maoniuping syenite-carbonatite complex: (1) primary euhedral bastnäsite (type-A) in syenite, with isolated melt inclusions; (2) macro-crystalline tabular euhedral bastnäsite (type-B) in pegmatitic dikes, with a diverse variety of fluid inclusions; (3) fine-grained, anhedral veinlet-disseminated bastnäsite (type-C) in syenite; and (4) coarse-grained anhedral bastnäsite (type-D) in carbonatite dikes, occurring as veinlets or interstitial to calcite, fluorite, and barite. From the paragenetic and compositional variations, it is inferred that type-A bastnäsite is of primary magmatic origin, whereas the other three types have characteristics of hydrothermal origins. In situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology of the four types of bastnäsite results in lower intercept ages of 28.2 ± 0.5 Ma (n = 95, MSWD = 5.10), 27.8 ± 0.4 Ma (n = 43, MSWD = 0.73), 26.8 ± 0.7 Ma (n = 50, MSWD = 0.83), and 25.8 ± 0.7 Ma (n = 55, MSWD = 1.70), respectively, which are consistent with the weighted average 206Pb/238U and 208Pb/232Th ages by 207Pb-correction method. Compositional variations of clinopyroxene and apatite from the associated syenite, pegmatitic and carbonatitic dikes indicate a genetic relationship of the Maoniuping alkaline complex. The compositions of clinopyroxene range from Ae44-67Di14-18Hd17-41 in pegmatitic dikes, Ae43-66Di6-20Hd21-38 in carbonatitic dikes to Ae68-90Di0-3Hd10-30 in syenite. Apatites in the pegmatitic and carbonatitic dikes have similar compositions with higher F, total REE, and Sr, and lower CaO contents than those in the syenite, which suggests a cogenetic origin for the associated pegmatite and carbonatite. Clinopyroxene and apatite compositions suggest that the pegmatitic melt might differentiate directly from the initial carbonatitic melt rather than the syenitic magma. The bastnäsite U-Pb geochronology and minerals data indicate continuous magmatic-hydrothermal evolution for the REE mineralization in the Maoniuping alkaline complex.
Fundamental Research , 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.04.004 34p. Pdf
Mantle
REE
Abstract: Exploitable or potentially exploitable deposits of critical metals, such as rare-earth (REE) and high-field-strength elements (HFSE), are commonly associated with alkaline or peralkaline igneous rocks. However, the origin, transport and concentration of these metals in peralkaline systems remains poorly understood. This study presents the results of a mineralogical and geochemical investigation of the Na-metasomatism of alkali amphiboles from a barren peralkaline granite pluton in NE China, to assess the remobilization and redistribution of REE and HFSE during magmatic-hydrothermal evolution. Alkali amphiboles from the peralkaline granites show evolutionary trends from calcic through sodic-calcic to sodic compositions, with increasing REE and HFSE concentrations as a function of increasing Na-index (Na#, defined as molar Na/(Na+Ca) ratios). The Na-amphiboles (i.e., arfvedsonite) can be subsequently altered, or breakdown, to form Na-clinopyroxene (i.e., aegirine) during late- or post-magmatic alteration. Representative compositions analyzed by in-situ LA-ICPMS show that the alkali amphiboles have high and variable REE (1295-2218 ppm) and HFSE (4194-16,862 ppm) contents, suggesting that these critical metals can be scavenged by alkali amphiboles. Compared to amphiboles, the early replacement aegirine (Aeg-I, Na#?=?0.91-0.94) has notably lower REE (577-797) and HFSE (4351-5621) contents. In contrast, the late hydrothermal aegirine (Aeg-II, Na#?=?0.92-0.96) has significantly lower REE (127-205 ppm) and HFSE (6.43-72.2 ppm) contents. Given that the increasing Na# from alkali amphibole to aegirine likely resulted from Na-metasomatism, a scavenging-release model can explain the remobilization of REE and HFSE in peralkaline granitic systems. The scavenging and release of REE and HFSE by alkali amphiboles during Na-metasomatism provides key insights into the genesis of globally significant REE and HFSE deposits. The Na-index of alkali amphibole-aegirine might be useful as a geochemical indicator in the exploration for these critical-metals.
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: The Great Unconformity, a profound gap in Earth’s stratigraphic record often evident below the base of the Cambrian system, has remained among the most enigmatic field observations in Earth science for over a century. While long associated directly or indirectly with the occurrence of the earliest complex animal fossils, a conclusive explanation for the formation and global extent of the Great Unconformity has remained elusive. Here we show that the Great Unconformity is associated with a set of large global oxygen and hafnium isotope excursions in magmatic zircon that suggest a late Neoproterozoic crustal erosion and sediment subduction event of unprecedented scale. These excursions, the Great Unconformity, preservational irregularities in the terrestrial bolide impact record, and the first-order pattern of Phanerozoic sedimentation can together be explained by spatially heterogeneous Neoproterozoic glacial erosion totaling a global average of 3-5 vertical kilometers, along with the subsequent thermal and isostatic consequences of this erosion for global continental freeboard.
Abstract: The supercontinent cycle of episodic assembly and breakup of almost all continents on Earth is commonly considered the longest period variation to affect mantle convection. However, global zircon Hf isotopic signatures and seawater Sr isotope ratios suggest the existence of a longer-term variation trend that is twice the duration of the supercontinent cycle. Here we propose that since ?2 billion years ago the superocean surrounding a supercontinent, as well as the circum-supercontinent subduction girdle, survive every second supercontinent cycle. This interpretation is in agreement with global palaeogeography and is supported by variations in passive margin, orogen, and mineral deposit records that each exhibits both ?500-700 million years periodic signal and a 1000-1500 million years variation trend. We suggest that the supercontinent cycle is modulated by an assembly that alternates between dominantly extroversion after a more complete breakup, and dominantly introversion after an incomplete breakup of the previous supercontinent.
Abstract: The most dominant features in the present-day lower mantle are the two antipodal African and Pacific large low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs). How and when these two structures formed, and whether they are fixed and long lived through Earth history or dynamic and linked to the supercontinent cycles, remain first-order geodynamic questions. Hotspots and large igneous provinces (LIPs) are mostly generated above LLSVPs, and it is widely accepted that the African LLSVP existed by at least ca. 200 Ma beneath the supercontinent Pangea. Whereas the continental LIP record has been used to decipher the spatial and temporal variations of plume activity under the continents, plume records of the oceanic realm before ca. 170 Ma are mostly missing due to oceanic subduction. Here, we present the first compilation of an Oceanic Large Igneous Provinces database (O-LIPdb), which represents the preserved oceanic LIP and oceanic island basalt occurrences preserved in ophiolites. Using this database, we are able to reconstruct and compare the record of mantle plume activity in both the continental and oceanic realms for the past 2 b.y., spanning three supercontinent cycles. Time-series analysis reveals hints of similar cyclicity of the plume activity in the continent and oceanic realms, both exhibiting a periodicity of ?500 m.y. that is comparable to the supercontinent cycle, albeit with a slight phase delay. Our results argue for dynamic LLSVPs where the supercontinent cycle and global subduction geometry control the formation and locations of the plumes.
