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Petrogenesis and Geochemistry in Alkaline Ultramafic Rocks

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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 May 2021) | Viewed by 17594

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Dr. Anna A. Nosova

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Guest Editor

Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IGEM RAS), Moscow, Russia
Interests: petrology; geochemistry; mantle metasomatism; kimberlite; large igneous provinces

Dr. Alexey V. Kargin

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Guest Editor

Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IGEM RAS), Moscow, Russia
Interests: petrology of alkaline ultramafic rocks; mantle xenoliths; megacrysts; kimberlite
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Dear Colleagues,

Alkaline ultramafic rocks are of fundamental importance to deciphering the Earth’s history. Although low in relative abundance, alkaline ultramafic massifs, volcanoes, and dikes record critical changes in the geochemical signatures and redox conditions of the Earth’s mantle.

The study of major, trace-element, and isotopic (both radiogenic and stable) ratios of alkaline ultramafic rocks, and their minerals, melts, and mineral inclusions, coupled with detailed petrographic observations is a powerful tool for reconstructing mechanisms and P–T–X-fO2 conditions of the generation and evolution of alkaline ultramafic melts. Geochemical and mineralogical investigations of mantle-derived xenoliths provide insight into the mantle’s composition and its modification during the generation and ascent of alkaline ultramafic magmas from the deepest parts of the lithospheric mantle.

This Special Issue invites contributions on any aspect of the evolution of alkaline ultramafic melts, including the composition and pre-history of mantle sources, subsequent melt ascent, crystal fractionation, crystallization of failed batches, melt–rock interaction in transport channels, fluid regimes, and, finally, crustal contamination during emplacement. We welcome contributions dedicated to the geochemistry, mineralogy, and isotopic study of alkaline ultramafic massifs and lamprophyre and kimberlite dykes and pipes. Papers on the geochemistry of mantle and crustal xenoliths that address the different stages in the evolution of alkaline ultramafic melts and their interaction with mantle and crustal rocks are also welcome.

Dr. Anna A. Nosova
Dr. Alexey V. Kargin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

ultramafic rocks
alkaline rocks
mantle xenolith
melt–rock interaction
geochemistry
crystal fractionation

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 11792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Ocelli in the Damtjernite Dykes and Sills, Chadobets Uplift, Siberian Craton: Evidence of the Fluid–Lamprophyric Magma Interaction

by Anna A. Nosova, Ludmila V. Sazonova, Alexey V. Kargin, Elena O. Dubinina and Elena A. Minervina

Minerals 2021, 11(7), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11070724 - 5 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3903

Abstract

The study reports petrography, mineralogy and carbonate geochemistry and stable isotopy of various types of ocelli (silicate-carbonate globules) observed in the lamprophyres from the Chadobets Uplift, southwestern Siberian craton. The Chadobets lamprophyres are related to the REE-bearing Chuktukon carbonatites. On the basis of their morphology, mineralogy and relation with the surrounding groundmass, we distinguish three types of ocelli: carbonate-silicate, containing carbonate, scapolite, sodalite, potassium feldspar, albite, apatite and minor quartz ocelli (K-Na-CSO); carbonate–silicate ocelli, containing natrolite and sodalite (Na-CSO); and silicate-carbonate, containing potassium feldspar and phlogopite (K-SCO). The K-Na-CSO present in the most evolved damtjernite with irregular and polygonal patches was distributed within the groundmass; the patches consist of minerals identical to minerals in ocelli. Carbonate in the K-Na-CSO are calcite, Fe-dolomite and ankerite with high Sr concentration and igneous-type REE patterns. The Na-CSO present in Na-rich damtjernite with geochemical signature indicates the loss of the carbonate component. Carbonate phases are calcite and Fe-dolomite, and they depleted in LREE. The K-SCO was present in the K-rich least-evolved damtjernite. Calcite in the K-SCO has the highest Ba and the lowest Sr concentration and U-shaped REE pattern. The textural, mineralogical and geochemical features of the ocelli and their host rock can be interpreted as follows: (i) the K-Na-CSO are droplets of an alkali–carbonate melt that separated from residual alkali and carbonate-rich melt in highly evolved damtjernite; (ii) the Na-CSO are droplets of late magmatic fluid that once exsolved from a melt and then began to dissolve; (iii) the K-SCO are bubbles of K-P-CO₂ fluid liberated from an almost-crystallised magma during the magmatic–hydrothermal stage. The geochemical signature of the K-SCO carbonate shows that the late fluid could leach REE from the host lamprophyre and provide for REE mobility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis and Geochemistry in Alkaline Ultramafic Rocks)

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18 pages, 6979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Host Marble Rocks on the Formation of Intrusive Alkaline Rocks and Carbonatites of Sangilen (E. Siberia, Russia)

by Anatoly V. Nikiforov, Elena O. Dubinina, Nikolay A. Polyakov, Amina M. Sugorakova and Aylan K. Khertek

Minerals 2021, 11(7), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11070666 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2273

Abstract

The study of the O and C isotope composition of calcite from nepheline syenites, ijolites and carbonatites of the Chik intrusion and the intrusions of the Erzin–Tarbagatay group of Sangilen (Eastern Siberia, Russia) showed derivation from alkaline melts enriched with a carbonate component from the host marbleized sedimentary rocks. The calculations showed that about 40% of the initial mass of carbonates involved in the interaction with silicate melts have remained after decarbonation. During the assimilation of the carbonate, an oxygen isotope exchange took place between the residual carbonate material and the silicate phase. Crystallization products of such hybrid magmas are carbonatite veins, calcite-rich nepheline rocks and their pegmatites with a calcite core. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis and Geochemistry in Alkaline Ultramafic Rocks)

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19 pages, 3786 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Origin of the Middle Paleoproterozoic Tiksheozero Ultramafic-Alkaline-Carbonatite Complex, NE Fennoscandian Shield: Evidence from Geochemical and Isotope Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb-Os Data

by Maria Bogina, Boris Belyatsky, Evgenii Sharkov, Alexey Chistyakov and Robert Krymsky

Minerals 2021, 11(6), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11060570 - 27 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2658

Abstract

This article reports new geochemical, Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb and Re-Os data on the rocks of the Middle Paleoproterozoic (1.99 Ga) Tiksheozero ultramafic-alkaline-carbonatite complex confined to the northeastern margin of the Karelian Craton. We focus on the poorly studied silicate rocks. Based on petrographic and geochemical research, the silicate rocks are subdivided into two groups: an ultramafic-mafic series depleted in REE, and other incompatible elements and an alkaline series enriched in these elements. Isotope studies showed that all rocks have juvenile isotope signatures and were likely derived from a primitive OIB-type mantle source with possible contributions of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Insignificant crustal contamination is recorded by Pb and Os isotopic compositions. The incompatible element enrichment in the alkaline rocks and depletion in ultramafic-mafic rocks of the mildly alkaline series with allowance for insignificant crustal contamination confirm their derivation from different primary melts. However, a narrow range of Sr, Nd, Hf, and Pb isotope compositions and compact clusters in ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb-²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, Nd-⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and Hf-Nd isotope diagrams indicate their origination from a common mantle source. A model of subsequent two-stage melting is being most consistent with the geochemical data for this complex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis and Geochemistry in Alkaline Ultramafic Rocks)

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23 pages, 9483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogy of Phoscorites of the Arbarastakh Complex (Republic of Sakha, Yakutia, Russia)

by Mikhail Nikolaevich Kruk, Anna Gennadievna Doroshkevich, Ilya Romanovich Prokopyev and Ivan Aleksandrovich Izbrodin

Minerals 2021, 11(6), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11060556 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2471

Abstract

The Arbarastakh ultramafic carbonatite complex is located in the southwestern part of the Siberian Craton and contains ore-bearing carbonatites and phoscorites with Zr-Nb-REE mineralization. Based on the modal composition, textural features, and chemical compositions of minerals, the phoscorites from Arbarastakh can be subdivided into two groups: FOS 1 and FOS 2. FOS 1 contains the primary minerals olivine, magnetite with isomorphic Ti impurities, phlogopite replaced by tetraferriphlogopite along the rims, and apatite poorly enriched in REE. Baddeleyite predominates among the accessory minerals in FOS 1. Zirconolite enriched with REE and Nb and pyrochlore are found in smaller quantities. FOS 2 has a similar mineral composition but contains much less olivine, magnetite is enriched in Mg, and the phlogopite is enriched in Ba and Al. Of the accessory minerals, pyrochlore predominates and is enriched in Ta, Th, and U; baddeleyite is subordinate and enriched in Nb. Chemical and textural differences suggest that the phoscorites were formed by the sequential introduction of different portions of the melt. The melt that formed the FOS 1 was enriched in Zr and REE relative to the FOS 2 melt; the melt that formed the FOS 2 was enriched in Al, Ba, Nb, Ta, Th, U, and, to a lesser extent, Sr. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis and Geochemistry in Alkaline Ultramafic Rocks)

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32 pages, 12982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultramafic Alkaline Rocks of Kepino Cluster, Arkhangelsk, Russia: Different Evolution of Kimberlite Melts in Sills and Pipes

by Alexey Vladimirovich Kargin, Anna Andreevna Nosova, Ludmila Vyacheslavovna Sazonova, Vladimir Vasilievich Tretyachenko, Yulia Olegovna Larionova and Elena Vladimirovna Kovalchuk

Minerals 2021, 11(5), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11050540 - 19 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2932

Abstract

To provide new insights into the evolution of kimberlitic magmas, we have undertaken a detailed petrographic and mineralogical investigation of highly evolved carbonate–phlogopite-bearing kimberlites of the Kepino cluster, Arkhangelsk kimberlite province, Russia. The Kepino kimberlites are represented by volcanoclastic breccias and massive macrocrystic units within pipes as well as coherent porphyritic kimberlites within sills. The volcanoclastic units from pipes are similar in petrography and mineral composition to archetypal (Group 1) kimberlite, whereas the sills represent evolved kimberlites that exhibit a wide variation in amounts of carbonate and phlogopite. The late-stage evolution of kimberlitic melts involves increasing oxygen fugacity and fluid-phase evolution (forming carbonate segregations by exsolution, etc.). These processes are accompanied by the transformation of primary Al- and Ti-bearing phlogopite toward tetraferriphlogopite and the transition of spinel compositions from magmatic chromite to magnesian ulvöspinel and titanomagnetite. Similar primary kimberlitic melts emplaced as sills and pipes may be transitional to carbonatite melts in the shallow crust. The kimberlitic pipes are characterised by low carbonate amounts that may reflect the fluid degassing process during an explosive emplacement of the pipes. The Kepino kimberlite age, determined as 397.3 ± 1.2 Ma, indicates two episodes of ultramafic alkaline magmatism in the Arkhangelsk province, the first producing non-economic evolved kimberlites of the Kepino cluster and the second producing economic-grade diamondiferous kimberlites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis and Geochemistry in Alkaline Ultramafic Rocks)

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16 pages, 5618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compositional Variations of Spinels from Ultramafic Lamprophyres of the Chadobets Complex (Siberian Craton, Russia)

by Yazgul Nugumanova, Anna Doroshkevich, Ilya Prokopyev and Anastasiya Starikova

Minerals 2021, 11(5), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11050456 - 26 Apr 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2214

Abstract

Ultramafic lamprophyres (UMLs) are mantle rocks that provide important information about the composition of specific carbonate–silicate alkaline melts in the mantle as well as the processes contributing to their origin. Minerals of the spinel group typically occur in UMLs and have a unique “genetic memory.” Investigations of the spinel minerals from the UMLs of the Chadobets complex show the physicochemical and thermodynamic features of the alkaline rocks’ crystallization. The spinels of these UMLs have four stages of crystallization. The first spinel xenocrysts were found only in damtjernite pipes, formed from mantle peridotite, and were captured during the rising of the primary melt to the surface. The next stages of the spinel composition evolution are related to the high-chromium spinel crystallization, which changed to a high-alumina composition. The composition then changed to magnesian ulvöspinel–magnetites with strong decreases in the Al and Cr amounts caused by the release of carbon dioxide, rapid temperature changes, and crystallization of the main primary groundmass minerals such as phlogopite and carbonates. Melt inclusion analyses showed the predominance of aluminosilicate (phlogopite, clinopyroxene, and/or albite) and carbonate (calcite and dolomite) daughter phases in the inclusions that are consistent with the chemical evolution of the Cr-spinel trend. The further evolution of the spinels from magnesian ulvöspinel–magnetite to Ti-magnetite is accompanied by the formation of atoll structures caused by resorption of the spinel minerals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis and Geochemistry in Alkaline Ultramafic Rocks)

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