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29 pages, 11996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geodynamic Settings of Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic Granitoid Magmatism at the Arctic Continental Margins: Insights from New Geochronological and Geochemical Data from the Taimyr Peninsula

by Mikhail Yu. Kurapov, Dmitry L. Konopelko, Yuriy S. Biske, Vasiliy F. Proskurnin, Sergei V. Petrov, Maria A. Proskurnina, Yevgeny Yi. Berzon, Victoria B. Ershova, Stepan V. Berzin and Sergey Yu. Stepanov

Minerals 2024, 14(4), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040423 - 19 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Despite significant progress in Arctic geological studies, a number of principal questions concerning the Paleozoic collisional events remain unanswered. Therefore, the Taimyr Peninsula, representing the only outcropped high Arctic region where magmatic complexes, formed by Hercynian collision between the Siberian Craton and the [...] Read more.

Despite significant progress in Arctic geological studies, a number of principal questions concerning the Paleozoic collisional events remain unanswered. Therefore, the Taimyr Peninsula, representing the only outcropped high Arctic region where magmatic complexes, formed by Hercynian collision between the Siberian Craton and the Kara Block, are well exposed, is crucially important. In this paper we report new geochemical and geochronological data for intrusions in the poorly studied northeastern part of the Taimyr Peninsula. The obtained results in combination with published data show that supra-subduction magmatism at the southern active margin of the Kara Block continued from ca. 345 to 285 Ma (Early Carboniferous to Early Permian), and was followed by a post-collisional magmatic pulse that affected the whole Taimyr across terrane boundaries at ca. 280 Ma in the Early Permian. After cessation of the post-collisional magmatism at ca. 265 Ma, the Taimyr experienced extension, and voluminous magmatic series associated with a Siberian mantle plume were formed between 251 and 228 Ma during the Triassic. The studied post-collisional and plume-related intrusions of the Northeastern Taimyr are generally classified as evolved high-K I-type granites with adakitic affinity. The latter is a regional feature because the majority of the analyzed plume-related granitoids are geochemically similar to high potassium continental adakites. It is suggested that the adakitic geochemical characteristics of the plume-related granitoids resulted from melting of hydrated mafic lower crustal protoliths and were controlled by the source lithology. Comparison of the new results with data available for adjacent areas allows for correlation of terranes on a regional scale and sheds light on the evolution of the Arctic continental margins in general. In the Early–Middle Paleozoic, the Kara Block was part of a continental terrane that formed at the northern edge of Baltica as a result of Neoproterozoic Timanian orogeny. In the Early Carboniferous, the southern margin of Kara turned into an active margin, while its inferred continuation in the eastern Uralian margin of Baltica remained a passive margin until the Early Permian. This discrepancy can be explained by dextral displacement of Kara relative to Baltica that took place in the Early Carboniferous and was later accommodated by the formation of the Taimyr collisional belt in the course of the Early Permian collision between Kara and Siberia. After collision, the Taimyr was incorporated into the northern Eurasian margin as an uplifted block that experienced surface erosion and supplied clastic material in surrounding basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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16 pages, 6070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermochronology of the Laojunshan–Song Chai Granite Gneiss Massif (North Vietnam, South China)

by Alexey Travin, Nikolai Murzintsev and Nikolai Kruk

Minerals 2024, 14(3), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14030251 - 28 Feb 2024

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Abstract

A reconstruction of the tectonothermal evolution of the Laojunshan–Song Chai granite gneiss massif (North Vietnam, South China) was carried out, based on summaries of the latest isotopic and fission-track dating results. The recorded wide range (420–465 Ma) of the age of granite gneiss [...] Read more.

A reconstruction of the tectonothermal evolution of the Laojunshan–Song Chai granite gneiss massif (North Vietnam, South China) was carried out, based on summaries of the latest isotopic and fission-track dating results. The recorded wide range (420–465 Ma) of the age of granite gneiss rocks testifies to the long-term existence of a partially molten layer at a depth of 20–30 km for several tens of Ma. By the Devonian–early Carboniferous, a section of the excessively thickened crust was denudated, the massif was exhumated to the level of the upper crust, and isotope systems were “frozen”. The rate of uplift of the rocks of the massif is estimated to be about 0.2–0.5 mm/year. In the further history of the granite gneiss massif, episodes of repeated burial to a depth of about 13 km are recorded, associated with the Indosinian collision. The rocks have experienced metamorphism of the amphibolite-green schist facies, accompanied by tectonic transport in the form of a thrust sheet. Over the next 200 Ma, the uplift of the massif and the erosion of the overlying strata occurred in discrete pulses, during a sequence of active tectonic events. Thus, the thermochronological and P-T history of the Laojunshan–Song Chai massif is a kind of chronicle of regional tectonic–thermal events. In the history of the massif, traces of two orogenic cycles associated with the collision of the Cathaysia and Yangtze blocks in the Lower Paleozoic and the Indosinian collision in the Triassic are recorded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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19 pages, 17878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Triassic S-Type Granitoids in the Qinzhou Bay Area, South China: Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

by Lei Liu, Wenjiao Xiao, Xijun Liu, Zengxia Zhao and Yabo Wang

Minerals 2024, 14(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14010022 - 24 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1267

Abstract

The influence of the paleo-Tethys or paleo-Pacific oceanic plate subduction on Early Triassic South China has long been debated. We have studied the zircon U-Th-Hf isotopes, trace elements, and whole-rock geochemistry of Early Triassic peraluminous granitoids in the Qinzhou Bay area, South China [...] Read more.

The influence of the paleo-Tethys or paleo-Pacific oceanic plate subduction on Early Triassic South China has long been debated. We have studied the zircon U-Th-Hf isotopes, trace elements, and whole-rock geochemistry of Early Triassic peraluminous granitoids in the Qinzhou Bay area, South China Block. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating has revealed the Jiuzhou granodiorites and Dasi-Taima granite porphyries formed between 248.32 ± 0.98 and 246.6 ± 1.1 Ma. These rocks are characterized by high K₂O and Al₂O₃, and low MgO, CaO, and P₂O₅ contents with A/CNK = 1.06–1.17, showing high-K calc-alkaline S-type affinities. The Early Triassic intrusive rocks and adjacent silicic volcanic rocks in the Qinzhou Bay area were found to be comagmatic and derived from a common magma pool, detached in an undifferentiated melt instead of indicating remarkable crystal—melt separation. Although the analyzed granitoids have highly enriched zircon Hf isotopic compositions (ε_Hf(t) = −23.9 to −7.8), they cannot originate solely from metasedimentary protoliths. Source discrimination indicators have revealed enriched lithospheric mantle-derived magma was also an endmember component of the S-type silicic magma, which provided a heat source for the crustal anatectic melting as well. We inferred the studied Early Triassic granitoids formed under the paleo-Tethys tectonic regime before the collision of South China and Indochina blocks, as the oceanic plate subduction would have created an extensional setting which further caused the mantle-derived upwelling and volcanic eruption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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21 pages, 12722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geochemistry, Zircon U–Pb Geochronology, and Geological Significance of Late Mesozoic Magmatic Rocks in Guangxi Region (Southeastern China)

by Qing-Gang Mao, Sai-Sai Li, Xing-Yuan Liu, Jiang-Bo Wu, Chun-Jiang Yan, Kun Liu and Wen-Qiang Huang

Minerals 2023, 13(10), 1341; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13101341 - 20 Oct 2023

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Abstract

The geodynamic mechanisms that controlled magmatic activity in South China during the late Mesozoic have been a cutting-edge focus of recent research. Southeastern Guangxi, which is located at the juncture between the Pacific and Neo-Tethyan tectonic domains, is a transitional zone characterized by [...] Read more.

The geodynamic mechanisms that controlled magmatic activity in South China during the late Mesozoic have been a cutting-edge focus of recent research. Southeastern Guangxi, which is located at the juncture between the Pacific and Neo-Tethyan tectonic domains, is a transitional zone characterized by the occurrence of widespread Jurassic–Cretaceous magmatic rocks. Investigation of this region can shed light on the late Mesozoic tectonic setting of South China. We conducted U–Pb geochronological and geochemical analyses of the Liuwang granodiorite and quartz porphyry, which are exposed in southeastern Guangxi. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded an age of 161.8 ± 1.2 Ma for the granodiorite and 97.89 ± 0.68 Ma for the quartz porphyry, indicating that they formed during the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous, respectively. The Liuwang granodiorites are weakly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline rocks characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (including Rb) and high field strength elements (including Th, U, Pb, and Ta) and depletion in Ba, Nb, and Sr. The granodiorites also exhibit weak rare earth element (REE) fractionation and slightly negative Eu anomalies. Conversely, the Liuwang quartz porphyry is weakly peraluminous and belongs to the potassic syenite series, transitioning into the high-K calc-alkaline series. It is characterized by enrichment in Rb and high field strength elements (including Th, U, Pb, and Ta), with depletion in Ba, Nb, Sr, and Zr. It does not exhibit REE fractionation but does yield prominent negative Eu anomalies. The granodiorite and quartz porphyry yield ε_Hf(t) values of −23.26 to −2.48 and −4.4 to +0.8, respectively, with t_DM2 ages of 2642–1270 and 1411–1081 Ma, respectively. These data suggest that the Liuwang granodiorite formed under a background of Late Jurassic lithospheric extension–thinning and was derived from partial melting of Palaeoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary sandstones with a minor contribution from mantle-derived melts. In contrast, the Liuwang quartz porphyry was derived from partial melting of Mesoproterozoic pelitic rocks and formed in a Late Cretaceous tectonic setting linked to the northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean beneath South China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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16 pages, 9097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Petrogenesis of Late Cretaceous Muscovite-Bearing Peraluminous Granites in the Youjiang Basin, South China Block: Implications for Tin Mineralization

by Ping Li, Xijun Liu and Lei Liu

Minerals 2023, 13(9), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13091206 - 13 Sep 2023

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Abstract

Most primary Sn deposits worldwide are associated with muscovite-bearing peraluminous granites, commonly believed to originate from the partial melting of metasedimentary rocks. We studied the whole-rock geochemistry and Sm–Nd isotopes of Late Cretaceous (~90 Ma) Laojunshan muscovite-bearing peraluminous granites in the Youjiang Basin, [...] Read more.

Most primary Sn deposits worldwide are associated with muscovite-bearing peraluminous granites, commonly believed to originate from the partial melting of metasedimentary rocks. We studied the whole-rock geochemistry and Sm–Nd isotopes of Late Cretaceous (~90 Ma) Laojunshan muscovite-bearing peraluminous granites in the Youjiang Basin, South China Block. The globally significant Dulong tin mineralization was co-genetic with the Laojunshan muscovite-bearing monzogranites. The Laojunshan granites exhibit slightly higher εNd(t) values than the Precambrian basement, indicating a hybrid crustal source comprising both Precambrian rock and juvenile components. Characterized by weakly peraluminous compositions, these granites display highly evolved geochemical features: notably low levels of Ca, P, Mg, Fe, and Ti contents, elevated Si content, a high FeO^T/MgO ratio, and a low Zr/Hf ratio. These distinctive geochemical features can be attributed to the differentiation of plagioclase, biotite, and zircons, with the remarkably low Nb/Ta and K/Rb ratios further suggesting a fluid exsolution process. The geochemical data propose that tin-enriched Laojunshan granites originate from mineral differentiation and fluid exsolution of crust-derived melts during magmatic evolution. By integrating these novel findings with existing data on coeval muscovite-bearing granites co-genetic with tin mineralization in the Youjiang Basin, it is deduced that these granites share a unified origin. Their genesis can be attributed to mineral differentiation and fluid exsolution of crust-derived melts rather than a direct melting of metasedimentary rocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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30 pages, 4540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Petrogenesis of Devonian and Permian Pegmatites in the Chinese Altay: Insights into the Closure of the Irtysh–Zaisan Ocean

by Mengtao Wang and Xin Zhang

Minerals 2023, 13(9), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13091127 - 25 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1016

Abstract

Owing to tectonic, magmatic, and metamorphic controls, pegmatites associated with different spatiotemporal distributions exhibit varying mineralisation characteristics. The petrogenesis of pegmatites containing rare metals can improve the understanding of geodynamic processes in the deep subsurface. In order to understand the difference of petrogenesis [...] Read more.

Owing to tectonic, magmatic, and metamorphic controls, pegmatites associated with different spatiotemporal distributions exhibit varying mineralisation characteristics. The petrogenesis of pegmatites containing rare metals can improve the understanding of geodynamic processes in the deep subsurface. In order to understand the difference of petrogenesis between Devonian and Permian pegmatites, zircon U-Pb geochronological and Hf-O isotope analyses were performed on samples of the Jiamanhaba, Amulagong, and Tiemulete pegmatites from the Chinese Altay. According to the results obtained, the Amulagong and Tiemulete pegmatites were formed during the Devonian, and samples that were analysed yielded zircon U-Pb ages of 373.0 ± 7.8 and 360 ± 5.2 Ma, respectively. Samples from these pegmatites produced εHf(t) values of 2.87–7.39, two-stage model ages of 900–1171 Ma and δ¹⁸O values of 9.55‰–15.86‰. These results suggest that the pegmatites were formed via an anatexis of mature sedimentary rocks deep in the crust. In contrast, the Jiamanhaba pegmatite was formed during the Permian, and its samples produced εHf(t) and δ¹⁸O values of 2.87–4.94 and 6.05‰–7.32‰, respectively, which indicate that the associated magma contained minor amounts of mantle/juvenile materials. The petrogenesis of pegmatites containing rare metals can reveal tectonic settings of their formation. A combination of data that were generated in the present study and existing geochronological and Hf-O isotope data for felsic igneous and sedimentary rocks in the Chinese Altay shows that the εHf(t) sharply increased while the δ¹⁸O suddenly decreased between Late Carboniferous and Early Permian. These changes highlight a tectonic transformation event during this critical period. This tectonic event promoted mantle–crustal interactions, and thus, it was probably linked to assemblages of the Altay orogen and the Junggar Block. The present study provides evidence that the Irtysh–Zaisan Ocean probably closed during the Late Carboniferous (~300 Ma). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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21 pages, 7691 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Metasomatism on Granite-Related Mineral Systems: A Boron-Rich Open Greisen System in the Highiş Granitoids (Apuseni Mountains, Romania)

by Andrea Varga, Attila Pozsár, Norbert Zajzon, Boglárka Topa, Zsolt Benkó, Elemér Pál-Molnár and Béla Raucsik

Minerals 2023, 13(8), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13081083 - 14 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1971

Abstract

Greisenization is typically linked with highly fractionated granites and is often associated with hydrothermal vein systems. Late to postmagmatic metasomatic processes involve the enrichment of volatile components such as boron and halogens as well as several metallic elements. The purpose of this study [...] Read more.

Greisenization is typically linked with highly fractionated granites and is often associated with hydrothermal vein systems. Late to postmagmatic metasomatic processes involve the enrichment of volatile components such as boron and halogens as well as several metallic elements. The purpose of this study is to reveal the main metasomatic effects and paragenetic sequences of the related mineralizations in Highiş granitoids, Romania. In a natural outcrop, more than 30 samples were collected from granitoids, felsic veins, and country rocks. We carried out a detailed mineralogical and petrological characterization of carefully selected samples using X-ray powder diffractometry, electron microprobe analysis, and microscopic methods together with K–Ar ages of whole rocks and K-bearing minerals. Several characteristic features of albitization, sericitization, tourmalinization, epidotization, and hematitization were recognized in the studied samples. Crystallization of quartz, K-feldspar, and magnetite represents the first stage during the magmatic-hydrothermal transition. The mineral assemblage of albite, sericite, schorl, and quartz originates from the early and main stages of greisenization. While the subsequent mineral assemblages, which predominantly include dravite, specular hematite, and epidote, are closely related to the late vein-depositing stage. We propose that the study area could belong to a boron-rich open greisen system in the apical portion of Guadalupian A-type granite. Based on a new hypothesis, the previously published Permian crystallization ages (between ~272 Ma and ~259 Ma) could be homogenized and/or partially rejuvenated during the hydrothermal mineralization processes due to uraniferous vein minerals. Additionally, the Highiș granite-related system suffered a Cretaceous thermal overprint (between ~100 Ma and ~96 Ma). The results may help to understand the evolution of highly evolved granite intrusions worldwide and improve our knowledge of the effect of hydrothermal mineralization processes on the emplacement ages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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23 pages, 6677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magmatic Evolution and Rare Metal Mineralization in Mount El-Sibai Peralkaline Granites, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt: Insights from Whole-Rock Geochemistry and Mineral Chemistry Data

by Mabrouk Sami, Hassan Osman, Awaad F. Ahmed, Khairy S. Zaky, Rainer Abart, Ioan V. Sanislav, Kamal Abdelrahman, Mohammed S. Fnais, Wenzhou Xiao and Hassan Abbas

Minerals 2023, 13(8), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13081039 - 4 Aug 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1621

Abstract

The Ediacaran peralkaline granites, which were emplaced during the post-collisional tectonic extensional stage, have a limited occurrence in the northern tip of the Nubian Shield. In this contribution, we present new mineralogical and geochemical data of Mount El-Sibai granites from the Central Eastern [...] Read more.

The Ediacaran peralkaline granites, which were emplaced during the post-collisional tectonic extensional stage, have a limited occurrence in the northern tip of the Nubian Shield. In this contribution, we present new mineralogical and geochemical data of Mount El-Sibai granites from the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. The aim is to discuss their crystallization condition, tectonic setting, and petrogenesis as well as the magmatic evolution of their associated mineralization. Mount El-Sibai consists of alkali-feldspar granites (AFGs) as a main rock unit with scattered and small occurrences of alkali-amphibole granites (AAGs) at the periphery. The AAG contain columbite, nioboaeschynite, zircon and thorite as important rare metal-bearing minerals. Geochemically, both of AFG and AAG exhibit a highly evolved nature with a typical peralkaline composition (A/CNK = 0.82–0.97) and formed in within-plate anorogenic setting associated with crustal extension and/or rifting. They are enriched in some LILEs (Rb, K, and Th) and HFSEs (Ta, Pb, Zr, and Y), but strongly depleted in Ba, Sr, P and Ti with pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.07–0.34), consistent with an A-type granite geochemical signature. The calculated T_Zrn (774–878 °C) temperatures indicate that the magma was significantly hot, promoting the saturation of zircon. The texture and chemistry of minerals suggest that they were crystallized directly from a granitic magma and were later subject to late- to post-magmatic fluids. Both granitic types were most likely generated through partial melting of a juvenile crustal source followed by magmatic fractionation. The lithospheric delamination is the main mechanism which causes uplifting of the asthenospheric melts and hence provides enough heat for crustal melting. The produced parent magma was subjected to prolonged fractional crystallization to produce the different types of Mount El-Sibai granites at different shallow crustal levels. During magma fractionation, the post-magmatic fluids (especially fluorine) contribute significantly to the formation of rare metal mineralization within Mount El-Sibai granites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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18 pages, 8118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genesis and Geological Significance of Siderite in the First Member of the Nantun Formation of Dongming Sag, Hailar Basin

by Mingxian Xie, Feng Ma, Guangpo Chen, Xi Zheng, Rong Xiao and Chengjun Zhang

Minerals 2023, 13(6), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13060804 - 13 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1590

Abstract

Multiple siderite beds developed in the first member of the Lower Cretaceous Nantun Formation (K₁n¹) in the basin. The results show that the siderites in K₁n¹ of the study area are mostly stratiform or massive, with [...] Read more.

Multiple siderite beds developed in the first member of the Lower Cretaceous Nantun Formation (K₁n¹) in the basin. The results show that the siderites in K₁n¹ of the study area are mostly stratiform or massive, with three micromorphological features (dense micronized crystals, bands, and paragenesis with quartz and calcite). The siderite beds are mainly composed of siderite, clay, quartz, calcite, and feldspar. Under the microscope, charcoal, algal fossils, granular pyrite crystals, vein-like siliceous bands, etc., were observed. The oxides in the siderite beds include Fe₂O₃, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, etc. The trace elements are typically characterized by high Mn and Be contents; low Sr/Ba, Th/U, and Al/Ti ratios; and high V/Cr ratios. These indicate weakly reducing, freshwater depositional paleoenvironments. The δ¹³C_v-PDB and δ¹⁸O_v-PDB values of siderite are −0.20–1.11‰ (mean: 0.62‰) and −18.22‰ to −10.14‰ (mean: −14.23‰), respectively, which shows that the carbon in siderite came mainly from carbonate dissolution. The Fe-bearing rocks in the source area migrated to the basin after undergoing physical and chemical weathering, and when the resultant Fe²⁺ concentration reached saturation, Fe²⁺ combined with CO₃²⁻ in the water bodies to form authigenic siderite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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24 pages, 14974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Paleoproterozoic Evolution of Basement Rocks of the Taebaeksan Basin, Korean Peninsula, and Their Correlation to Those of the Paleoproterozoic Massifs in the Korean Peninsula

by Bo Young Lee, Deung-Lyong Cho, Chang Whan Oh, Byung Choon Lee and Seung Hwan Lee

Minerals 2023, 13(6), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13060752 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1627

Abstract

The Korean Peninsula mainly comprises the Paleoproterozoic Gwanmo, Nangnim, Gyeonggi, and Yeongnam massifs from north to south. The Paleoproterozoic basement is rarely exposed in the Paleozoic Taebaeksan basin, which is located in the northeastern part of the Okcheon belt between the Gyeonggi and [...] Read more.

The Korean Peninsula mainly comprises the Paleoproterozoic Gwanmo, Nangnim, Gyeonggi, and Yeongnam massifs from north to south. The Paleoproterozoic basement is rarely exposed in the Paleozoic Taebaeksan basin, which is located in the northeastern part of the Okcheon belt between the Gyeonggi and Yeongnam massifs. One of the most important issues in the tectonic interpretation of the Korean Peninsula is whether Paleoproterozoic rocks in the Taebaeksan basin have an affinity with those in the Gyeonggi or Yeongnam massifs. To solve this problem, we focused on the petrogenesis of the Imgye gabbroic diorite, Jungbongsan granite, and Jangsan quartzite in the Imgye area of the Taebaeksan basin. The Imgye gabbroic diorite shows mafic to intermediate compositions with slightly enriched LREEs compared to HREEs, slightly positive Rb, K, and Pb anomalies, and negative Ta, Nb, and P anomalies. The Imgye gabbroic diorite formed in a volcanic arc tectonic setting. The geochemical compositions of the Jungbongsan granite show enriched LREEs compared to HREEs with negative Eu anomalies, and reveal strong positive Rb, Th, K, and Pb anomalies with negative Ba, Ta, Nb, Sr, P, Eu, and Ti anomalies. This Jungbongsan granite also formed in an arc tectonic setting like the Imgye gabbroic diorite. LA-ICP-MS zircon age dating of the Imgye gabbroic diorite gives an intrusion age of 1948 ± 21 Ma, whereas SHRIMP U–Pb zircon age dating on the Jungbongsan granite yields an emplacement age of 1873 ± 14 Ma. The ε_Hf(t) values of the Imgye gabbroic diorite are from 3.5 to 9.7, whereas those of the Jungbongsan granite are from −2.9 to 0.6. These data imply that the Imgye gabbroic diorite formed from a depleted mantle in the arc tectonic environment, whereas the Jungbongsan granite formed by reworking pre-existing crust material in the arc environment. The detrital zircons in the Jangsan quartzite show ages ranging from 3.06 to 1.85 Ga, with a peak concentration of ca. 2.5 Ga. Previous studies have suggested that the northern Gyeonggi and Nangnim massifs underwent collision-related magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.93–1.90 Ga, and then post-collisional magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.89–1.83 Ga, whereas the southern Gyeonggi massif underwent subduction-related magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.94–1.92 Ga, and then post-collision-related magmatism and metamorphism at ca. 1.84–1.78 Ga. By contrast, subduction-related events were recognized in the northern Yeongnam massif at ca 2.02–1.96 Ga and 1.90–1.85 Ga. This work, combined with the previous studies, suggests that the Paleoproterozoic basement in the Imgye area of the Taebaeksan basin can be correlated with the Paleoproterozoic basement of the northern Yeongnam massif rather than with those of the Nangnim and Gyeonggi massifs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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17 pages, 3384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Temperature Fluorocarbonate Mineralization in Lower Devonian Rhynie Chert, UK

by John Parnell, Temitope O. Akinsanpe, John W. Still, Andrea Schito, Stephen A. Bowden, David K. Muirhead and Joseph G. T. Armstrong

Minerals 2023, 13(5), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13050595 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1484

Abstract

Rare earth element (REE) fluorocarbonate mineralization occurs in lacustrine shales in the Lower Devonian Rhynie chert, Aberdeenshire, UK, preserved by hot spring silicification. Mineralization follows a combination of first-cycle erosion of granite to yield detrital monazite grains, bioweathering of the monazite to liberate [...] Read more.

Rare earth element (REE) fluorocarbonate mineralization occurs in lacustrine shales in the Lower Devonian Rhynie chert, Aberdeenshire, UK, preserved by hot spring silicification. Mineralization follows a combination of first-cycle erosion of granite to yield detrital monazite grains, bioweathering of the monazite to liberate REEs, and interaction with fluorine-rich hot spring fluids in an alkaline sedimentary environment. The mineral composition of most of the fluorocarbonates is referable to synchysite. Mineralization occurs at the surface, and the host shales subsequently experience maximum temperatures of about 110 ℃. Most fluorocarbonate mineralization originates at much higher temperatures, but the Rhynie occurrence emphasizes that low-temperature deposits are possible when both fluorine and REEs are available from granite into the sedimentary environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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17 pages, 6814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Late Devonian A-Type Granites from the Beishan, Southern Central Asia Orogenic Belt: Implications for Closure of the Paleo-Asia Ocean

by Erteng Wang, Xinwei Zhai, Wanfeng Chen, Lei Wu, Gaorui Song, Yun Wang, Zhiang Guo, Jiaolong Zhao and Jinrong Wang

Minerals 2023, 13(4), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13040565 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1457

Abstract

The closing time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) has long been in the focus of research as well as of controversial debates. The Paleozoic A-type granites distributed in the Beishan Orogenic Belt (BOB) at the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt [...] Read more.

The closing time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) has long been in the focus of research as well as of controversial debates. The Paleozoic A-type granites distributed in the Beishan Orogenic Belt (BOB) at the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) provide pivotal clues to constrain the closure of the PAO. In this paper, the newly recognized Duhongshan A-type granites from the middle Huaniushan arc in the BOB (zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages of ca. 376–374 Ma) are thoroughly studied. The rocks have high SiO₂, K₂O contents with peralkaline character, and display high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents (354–543 ppm), 10,000 × Ga/Al (4.1–4.9), Y/Nb (3.2–5.3), Rb/Nb ratios (8.5–14.1), and a zircon saturation temperature in the range of 877–950 °C, indicative of A2-type granites affinities. The Duhongshan granites display enriched in Th and U; depleted in Ba, Sr, and Ti; with slightly positive whole-rock ε_Nd(t) values (+1.86 to +2.21), indicating an origin related to partial melting of lower crustal material in post-collision extension settings. Combined with previous reported results, we conclude that the granitoids in the middle Huaniushan arc were mostly formed around 424–367 Ma and can be divided into two types based on petrochemistry: (a) A-type granites, which generally have high SiO₂ and K₂O, derived from the relatively shallow crustal source in post-collision tectonic settings; and (b) adakite and I-type granites, which display high Sr/Y ratios as well as Nb, Ta, and Ti depletion, likely generated from the melting of juvenile crust in active continental margin arcs. Integrating the previous regional investigations, we propose that the Hongliuhe–Niujuanzi–Xichangjing Ocean (HNXO) of the PAO was closed and transformed in the post-collision extensional tectonic stage during the Late Devonian and formed as post-collision magmatism, while the arc magmatism may be related to the subduction of the Liuyuan Ocean, which is located in the Southern HNXO. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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20 pages, 18186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineral Characteristics and the Mineralization of Leptynite-Type Nb–Ta Ore Deposit in the Western Qilian Orogenic Belt

by Junpeng Yu, Yibu Wu, Chunhui Zhang, Haojia Si, Dongze Si and Chengjun Zhang

Minerals 2023, 13(2), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13020218 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2087

Abstract

A large Nb–Ta ore deposit was found in the Yushishan leptynite in the west Qilian Orogenic Belt (QOB). Based on a field geological survey and using a Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS)) methods, eight Nb [...] Read more.

A large Nb–Ta ore deposit was found in the Yushishan leptynite in the west Qilian Orogenic Belt (QOB). Based on a field geological survey and using a Mineral Liberation Analyser (MLA, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS)) methods, eight Nb minerals (fergusonite, polycrase, columbite, Nb-rutile, aeschynite, pyrochlore, microlite, and ilmenorutile) were found to occur in the leptynite. This accounted for approximately 69% of Nb, with fergusonite, polycrase, and columbite being the dominant phases. The other 17.90% Nb as a minor element was dispersed in titanium magnetite–maghemite, and another 13.00% Nb was dispersed in gangue minerals. Nb minerals are formed mainly by two metallogenesis stages. The first stage is magmatic genesis to form four Nb minerals, euhedral-subhedral fergusonite, polycrase, pyrochlore, and microlite, which are crystallized within or between primary minerals, such as quartz and feldspar. Late alteration phenomena are locally observed. The second stage is the hydrothermal genesis of columbite, anhedral fergusonite, Nb-rutile, and aeschynite, which are dispersed in the fissures of the wall rocks as irregular veins and lump assemblages. Meanwhile, they are closely associated with metasomatic chlorite, albite, and secondary quartz. Furthermore, direct metasomatism among different Nb minerals is also found at the local scale. The Nb percentage of these two Nb mineral mineralization types is approximately equal, which reflects two main mineralizing periods. The first stage of mineralization occurred in the Neoproterozoic Era (834–790 Ma). Magmatism of this period produced early niobium and formed fergusonite, polycrase, pyrochlore, microlite, and zircon. The initial enrichment of Nb, Ta, and other rare metals occurred during this stage. The second stage of mineralization occurred in the Caledonian period (490–455 Ma). Large-scale and intense tectonic–magmatic thermal events occurred in the western part of the QOB due to the plate subduction and convergence (510–450 Ma). Hydrothermal activity in this period formed columbite, fergusonite, Nb-rutile, and aeschynite. Moreover, rare metal elements in the Nb-bearing rocks activated and migrated at short distances, forming in situ Nb–Ta-rich ore deposits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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Review

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12 pages, 1790 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Tentative Model for the Origin of A-Type Granitoids

by Åke Johansson

Minerals 2023, 13(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13020236 - 7 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2876

Abstract

A-type granites are typically formed in stable intra-plate, back-arc or postcollisional settings and are characterized by highly ferroan and potassic major element compositions, and by strong enrichment in incompatible trace elements. Unlike I-, S- and M-type granites, where the letters denote the dominant [...] Read more.

A-type granites are typically formed in stable intra-plate, back-arc or postcollisional settings and are characterized by highly ferroan and potassic major element compositions, and by strong enrichment in incompatible trace elements. Unlike I-, S- and M-type granites, where the letters denote the dominant source material (igneous, sedimentary or mantle derived), there is no consensus on the source and processes giving rise to A-type magmas. In this contribution, a conceptual model for the origin of A-type granitoids, using the Bornholm A-type granitoid complex in southern Fennoscandia as an example, is presented. In this model, underplated mantle-derived basaltic magma may develop into intermediate and siliceous A-type magma, which is ferroan, potassic and highly enriched in incompatible trace elements, through a combination of fractional crystallization leading to cumulate formation, and partial melting and crustal assimilation, in a process akin to zone refining in metallurgy. The key factor is a relatively stable tectonic environment (postcollisional, anorogenic, or extensional), where there is little or no replenishment of more primitive basaltic magma to the system, allowing it to attain more evolved, enriched and extreme compositions. The A-type granitoids may then be viewed as a more evolved counterpart of subduction-related I-type granitoids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrogenesis, Geochronology, Mineralization and Geochemistry of Granite Rocks)

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