Modeling of in-situ crystallization processes in the Permian mafic layered intrusion of Mont Collon (Dent Blanche nappe, western Alps)

The Mont Collon mafic complex is one of the best preserved examples of the Early Permian magmatism in the Central Alps, related to the intra-continental collapse of the Variscan belt. It mostly consists (> 95 vol.%) of ol+hy-nonnative plagioclase-wehrlites, olivine- and cpx-gabbros with cumulitic structures, crosscut by acid dikes. Pegmatitic gabbros, troctolites and anorthosites outcrop locally. A well-preserved cumulative, sequence is exposed in the Dents de Bertol area (center of intrusion). PT-calculations indicate that this layered magma chamber emplaced at mid-crustal levels at about 0.5 GPa and 1100 degrees C. The Mont Collon cumulitic rocks record little magmatic differentiation, as illustrated by the restricted range of clinopyroxene mg-number (Mg#(cpx)=83-89). Whole-rock incompatible trace-element contents (e.g. Nb, Zr, Ba) vary largely and without correlation with major-element composition. These features are characteristic of an in-situ crystallization process with variable amounts of interstitial liquid L trapped between the cumulus mineral phases. LA-ICPMS measurements show that trace-element distribution in the latter is homogeneous, pointing to subsolidus re-equilibration between crystals and interstitial melts. A quantitative modeling based on Langmuir's in-situ crystallization equation successfully duplicated the REE concentrations in cumulitic minerals of all rock facies of the intrusion. The calculated amounts of interstitial liquid L vary between 0 and 35% for degrees of differentiation F of 0 to 20%, relative to the least evolved facies of the intrusion. L values are well correlated with the modal proportions of interstitial amphibole and whole-rock incompatible trace-element concentrations (e.g. Zr, Nb) of the tested samples. However, the in-situ crystallization model reaches its limitations with rock containing high modal content of REE-bearing minerals (i.e. zircon), such as pegmatitic gabbros. Dikes of anorthositic composition, locally crosscutting the layered lithologies, evidence that the Mont Collon rocks evolved in open system with mixing of intercumulus liquids of different origins and possibly contrasting compositions. The proposed model is not able to resolve these complex open systems, but migrating liquids could be partly responsible for the observed dispersion of points in some correlation diagrams. Absence of significant differentiation with recurrent lithologies in the cumulitic pile of Dents de Bertol points to an efficiently convective magma chamber, with possible periodic replenishment, (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Platinum-Group Minerals in Chromitites of the Niquelandia Layered Intrusion (Central Goias, Brazil): Their Magmatic Origin and Low-Temperature Reworking during Serpentinization and Lateritic Weathering

A variety of platinum-group-minerals (PGM) have been found to occur associated with the chromitite and dunite layers in the Niquelandia igneous complex. Two genetically distinct populations of PGM have been identified corresponding to phases crystallized at high temperatures (primary), and others formed or modified during post-magmatic serpentinization and lateritic weathering (secondary). Primary PGM have been found in moderately serpentinized chromitite and dunite, usually included in fresh chromite grains or partially oxidized interstitial sulfides. Due to topographically controlled lateritic weathering, the silicate rocks are totally transformed to a smectite-kaolinite-garnierite-amorphous silica assemblage, while the chromite is changed into a massive aggregate of a spinel phase having low-Mg and a low Fe3+/Fe2+ ratio, intimately associated with Ti-minerals, amorphous Fe-hydroxides, goethite, hematite and magnetite. The PGM in part survive alteration, and in part are corroded as a result of deep chemical weathering. Laurite is altered to Ru-oxides or re-crystallizes together with secondary Mg-ilmenite. Other PGM, especially the Pt-Fe alloys, re-precipitate within the altered chromite together with kaolinite and Fe-hydroxides. Textural evidence suggests that re-deposition of secondary PGM took place during chromite alteration, controlled by variation of the redox conditions on a microscopic scale.

Timing and source constraints on the relationship between mafic and felsic intrusions in the Emeiashan large igneous province

Several I- and A-type granite, syenite plutons and spatially associated, giant Fe–Ti–V deposit-bearing mafic ultramafic layered intrusions occur in the Pan–Xi(Panzhihua–Xichang) area within the inner zone of the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP). These complexes are interpreted to be related to the Emeishan mantle plume. We present LA-ICP-MS and SIMS zircon U–Pb ages and Hf–Nd isotopic compositions for the gabbros, syenites and granites from these complexes. The dating shows that the age of the felsic intrusive magmatism (256.2 ± 3.0–259.8 ± 1.6 Ma) is indistinguishable from that of the mafic intrusive magmatism (255.4 ± 3.1–259.5 ± 2.7 Ma) and represents the final phase of a continuous magmatic episode that lasted no more than 10 Myr. The upper gabbros in the mafic–ultramafic intrusions are generally more isotopically enriched (lower eNd and eHf) than the middle and lower gabbros, suggesting that the upper gabbros have experienced a higher level of crustal contamination than the lower gabbros. The significantly positive eHf(t) values of the A-type granites and syenites (+4.9 to +10.8) are higher than those of the upper gabbros of the associated mafic intrusion, which shows that they cannot be derived by fractional crystallization of these bodies. They are however identical to those of the mafic enclaves (+7.0 to +11.4) and middle and lower gabbros, implying that they are cogenetic. We suggest that they were generated by fractionation of large-volume, plume-related basaltic magmas that ponded deep in the crust. The deep-seated magma chamber erupted in two stages: the first near a density minimum in the basaltic fractionation trend and the second during the final stage of fractionation when the magma was a low density Fe-poor, Si-rich felsic magma. The basaltic magmas emplaced in the shallowlevel magma chambers differentiated to form mafic–ultramafic layered intrusions accompanied by a small amount of crustal assimilation through roof melting. Evolved A-type granites (synenites and syenodiorites) were produced dominantly by crystallization in the deep crustal magma chamber. In contrast, the I-type granites have negative eNd(t) [-6.3 to -7.5] and eHf(t) [-1.3 to -6.7] values, with the Nd model ages (T Nd DM2) of 1.63-1.67 Ga and Hf model ages (T Hf DM2) of 1.56-1.58 Ga, suggesting that they were mainly derived from partial melting of Mesoproterozoic crust. In combination with previous studies, this study also shows that plume activity not only gave rise to reworking of ancient crust, but also significant growth of juvenile crust in the center of the ELIP.

Characteristics and alteration origins of matrix minerals in volcaniclastic kimberlite of the Muskox pipe (Nunavut, Canada)

The matrix of volcaniclastic kimberlite (VK) from the Muskox pipe (Northern Slave Province, Nunavut, Canada) is interpreted to represent an overprint of an original clastic matrix. Muskox VK is subdivided into three different matrix mineral assemblages that reflect differences in the proportions of original primary matrix constituents, temperature of formation and nature of the altering fluids. Using whole rock X-ray fluorescence (XRF), whole rock X-ray diffraction (XRD), microprobe analyses, back-scatter electron (BSE) imaging, petrography and core logging, we find that most matrix minerals (serpentine, phlogopite, chlorite, saponite, monticellite, Fe-Ti oxides and calcite) lack either primary igneous or primary clastic textures. The mineralogy and textures are most consistent with formation through alteration overprinting of an original clastic matrix that form by retrograde reactions as the deposit cools, or, in the case of calcite, by precipitation from Ca-bearing fluids into a secondary porosity. The first mineral assemblage consists largely of serpentine, phlogopite, calcite, Fe-Ti oxides and monticellite and occurs in VK with relatively fresh framework clasts. Alteration reactions, driven by deuteric fluids derived from the juvenile constituents, promote the crystallisation of minerals that indicate relatively high temperatures of formation (> 400 °C). Lower-temperature minerals are not present because permeability was occluded before the deposit cooled to low temperatures, thus shielding the facies from further interaction with fluids. The other two matrix mineral assemblages consist largely of serpentine, phlogopite, calcite, +/- diopside, and +/- chlorite. They form in VK that contains more country rock, which may have caused the deposit to be cooler upon emplacement. Most framework components are completely altered, suggesting that larger volumes of fluids drove the alteration reactions. These fluids were likely of meteoric provenance and became heated by the volcaniclastic debris when they percolated into the VK infill. Most alteration reactions ceased at temperatures > 200 °C, as indicated by the absence or paucity of lower-temperature phases in most samples, such as saponite. Recognition that Muskox VK contains an original clastic matrix is a necessary first step for evaluating the textural configuration, which is important for reconstructing the physical processes responsible for the formation of the deposit.

攀西地区红格、新街岩体的岩石地球化学特征

The mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions in the Panxi, China contain large V-Ti-magnetite deposits. These layered intrusions are related with the Emeishan continental flood basalts in space and time. Two layered intrusions, Hongge and Xinjie have clear PGE mineralization at the base of the intrusions. Thus the detailed investigations of these two intrusions not only have a geological but also have an economic significance. This thesis aims to characterize the elemental and Sr-Nd isotopic features of diverse rock zones within the intrusion on the basis of systematic studies of the major, trace element and isotope ratios, therefore to constrain the petrogenesis, mantle source and evolution of the Hongge and Xinjie intrusions. Generally, both Hongge and Xinjie intrusions show the same Fe-Ti-rich and Si-M-poor characteristics. They are also enriched in rare-earth elements (REE) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILE) as well as in Sr-Nd isotope ratios (Hongge: initial Sr = 0.7056-0.7076, ε_(Nd)(t) and (Nd/Sm)_N-ε_(Nd)(t) plots, the Hongge intrusion has a similar elemental and isotopic features to the Emeishan low-Ti (LT) basalts, whereas the Xinjie intrusion was close to the Emeishan high-Ti (HT) basalt. Therefore, the Hongge intrusion may be co-genetic with the LT basalt, formed by the partial melting of the spinel-garnet transition mantle that had a slight enriched isotope character. In contrast, the Xinjie intrusion and the HT basalts are probably derived from the garnet-phases mantle with a primitive isotope character. The involvement of the components of mantle wedge into the source is considered to be the major reason of the REE and LILE enrichment and Nd isotope depletion in the Xinjie intrusion. In contrast with the systematic variations in TiO_2 content, Mg#, transition elements (Ni, Cu, Co), REE concentrations, and La/Yb, La/Sm ratios from the lower zone to upper zone, the different rock zones of the Hongge intrusion have no clear Sr-Nd isotope variations. This suggests that the Hongge intrusions were formed by the crystal fractionation from the same magma source. The rhythm may be formed by slow injection of the co-genetic magma during the crystal fractionation. The increase in K_2O and Al_2O_3 contents, REE abundance, and the degree of the REE fractionation in the base of the intrusion, together with the relatively low ε_(Nd)(t) value, may imply that the base of the Hongge intrusion was contaminated with the local crust rocks. Xinjie intrusion shows the clearly elemental and isotopic differences in diverse cumulus cycles. The observation of the systematic variations in TiO_2 content, Mg# value, transition elements (Ni, Cu, Co), REE concentrations, and La/Yb, La/Sm ratios in first cycle was not occurred in second cumulus cycle. In addition, the ε_(Nd)(t) value in second cumulus cycle is apparently higher than that of the first one. Thus the abruptly elemental and isotopic changes at the base of second cycle demonstrate that there is considerable new and depleted magma addition to the residue magma after the crystallization of the first cycle. These features are very similar to those of the well-known PGE-rich Bushveld and Stillwater layered intrusions. The PGE mineralization in Xinjie intrusion is much better than in Hongge intrusion. Therefore, the layered intrusion similar to the Xinjie in Panxi area posses the better prospects for the PGE deposits.

Electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopic investigation of monazite from chromitites of Cedrolina (Goias State, Brazil)

Monazite from chromitites of Cedrolina (Goias State, Brazil) was investigated by electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopy. Monazite has been rarely encountered in chromitites. In Brazil, it was previously reported from chromitites of the Campo Formoso layered intrusion. Comparison between the two occurrences indicates similar morphology and textural characteristics, but remarkable differences in chemical composition. In both cases, monazite occurs as irregular grains (up to 200 mu m) preferentially located in the chlorite-serpentine matrix of the chromitite, more rarely included in chromite. However, the monazite from Cedrolina is characterized by higher Ce/La ratio, and Pr, Nd, Th contents, compared with the monazite from Campo Formoso. The obtained Raman spectra are very similar in the two cases, suggesting that the compositional variation of monazites and the spectral resolution of the Raman do not allow a conclusive chemical analysis with Raman spectra. Textural evidence indicates that, in both occurrences, monazite precipitation did not take place at high temperature, concomitantly with the host chromitite. In the Campo Formoso chromitites, precipitation of monazite has been related with percolation of hydrothermal, aqueous and acid fluids emanating from a granite batholith. on the contrary, the Cedrolina monazite probably formed during one of the metamorphic events that affected the area in which the host chromitite occurs.

The Mavuradonha Layered Complex

Der Mavuradonha Layered Complex repräsentiert einen 862 ? 4 Ma alten Komplex, der in einem tiefkrustalen Milieu intrudierte. Eine mehrphasige magmatische Differentiation ist in macro-rhythmischen Einheiten und kleinmaßstäblichen Lagenbau erkennbar, aus denen die Kristallisationssequenzen Pyroxenite, Gabbros/Norite, Leuko-Gabbros oder Ferro-Gabbro und Anorthosite resultieren. ?Nd-Werte zwischen + 0.3 und + 6.6 zeigen krustale Kontamination eines aus dem verarmten Mantel stammenden, tholeiitischen Ursprungsmagma an. ?Nd-Werte (+ 2.4 bis - 3.5) anderer tholeiitischer Gabbros in unmittelbarer Nähe des Komplexes deuten ebenfalls auf Krustenkontamination hin, jedoch in stärkerem Maße.Der Komplex wurde um 554 ? 13 Ma unter granulitfaziellen Bedingungen von 13 ? 2 kbar und 840 ? 30° C überprägt. Die anschließende retrograde, amphibolitfazielle Metamorphose mit Bedingungen von 11 ? 2 kbar und 680 ? 20° C ereignete sich um 546 ? 9 Ma. Abkühlung bis zur Grünschieferfazies erfolgte spätestens um 501 ? 6 Ma.Die vorgestellten Daten zeigen, dass sich der Sambesi-Gürtel im NE Simbabwes als fehlgeschlagenes Rift oder intrakratonisches Becken während einer frühen Pan-Afrikanischen Extensionsphase entwickelte, während die granulitfazielle Metamorphose um 300 Ma später erfolgte. Somit deutet die Intrusion des Mavuradonha Layered Complex rift-bedingten Magmatismus in einer frühen Riftphase an, während das Becken oder Rift während der Pan-Afrikanischen Orogenese geschlossen wurde.

Unusual hydrate stabilization in the two-dimensional layered structure of quinacrinium bis(2-carboxy-4,5-dichlorobenzoate) tetrahydrate, a proton-transfer compound of the drug quinacrine

The crystal structure of the hydrated proton-transfer compound of the drug quinacrine [rac-N'-(6-chloro-2-methoxyacridin-9-yl)-N,N-diethylpentane-1,4-diamine] with 4,5-dichlorophthalic acid, C23H32ClN3O2+ . 2(C8H3Cl2O4-).4H2O (I), has been determined at 200 K. The four labile water molecules of solvation form discrete ...O--H...O--H... hydrogen-bonded chains parallel to the quinacrine side chain, the two N--H groups of which act as hydrogen-bond donors for two of the water acceptor molecules. The other water molecules, as well as the acridinium H atom, also form hydrogen bonds with the two anion species and extend the structure into two-dimensional sheets. Between these sheets there are also weak cation--anion and anion--anion pi-pi aromatic ring interactions. This structure represents only the third example of a simple quinacrine derivative for which structural data are available but differs from the other two in that it is unstable in the X-ray beam due to efflorescence, probably associated with the destruction of the unusual four-membered water chain structures.