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Keywords = in situ zircon U-Pb-Hf-O isotopes

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24 pages, 9733 KB  
Article
Geochemistry and Diagenetic Mineralization of Early Cretaceous Highly Differentiated Granites, Offshore Eastern Shandong, China
by Ruiyang Liu, Yaoqi Zhou, Tongtong Chen and Huasheng Qi
Minerals 2025, 15(11), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15111141 - 30 Oct 2025
Viewed by 480
Abstract
Large-scale Mesozoic granites are widespread in the offshore area of eastern Shandong Province, China. This study aims to refine the granite classification and explore the degree of granite differentiation and ore-bearing potential in the study area. We conducted field investigations in Dazhushan, Xiaozhushan, [...] Read more.
Large-scale Mesozoic granites are widespread in the offshore area of eastern Shandong Province, China. This study aims to refine the granite classification and explore the degree of granite differentiation and ore-bearing potential in the study area. We conducted field investigations in Dazhushan, Xiaozhushan, and Laoshan plutons. The analytical methods included petrography, whole-rock geochemistry, Sr–Nd–Pb–Li isotopes, zircon U–Pb dating, in situ Hf isotopes, and microanalysis (LA-ICP-MS) of plagioclase. The results reveal high-silica (SiO2 > 70%), highly differentiated (DI > 90) granites emplaced during the Early Cretaceous (113.12–121.78 Ma). Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes indicate magma derived from a crustal source (ISr = 0.7032–0.7242; εNd(t) = −12.45~−20.46). Critically, the spodumene-bearing Dazhushan granites exhibit high Li content with limited isotopic fractionation (δ7Li = 1.00–4.62‰; Li = 8.64–93 ppm), signaling high ore potential. In contrast, the Xiaozhushan granites are barren (δ7Li = 3.31–4.92‰; Li = 0.66–4.01 ppm). This study identified I-type (Laoshan) and I-S type (Dazhushan and Xiaozhushan) highly differentiated granites formed by plagioclase fractionation, with Dazhushan being the most promising for mineralization. Full article
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22 pages, 4916 KB  
Article
The Genesis and Geological Significance of the Chaluo Granite in Yidun Magmatic Arc, Western Sichuan, China: Constraints from the Zircon U-Pb Chronology, Elemental Geochemistry and S-Pb-Hf Isotope
by Wenjing Yang, Tianshe Cheng, Xuebin Zhang, Lijun Guo, Xujiang Cheng, Xingfang Duo, Hangyu Fan, Hongsheng Gao, Lipeng Tu, Meng Zhao and Weihong Dong
Minerals 2025, 15(9), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090916 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 899
Abstract
The Chaluo granite is situated in the middle section of the Yidun magmatic arc in western Sichuan Province, China. It holds great significance for the study of the geological evolution of the Paleo-Neotethys tectonic belts. The Chaluo granite mainly consists of alkaline feldspar, [...] Read more.
The Chaluo granite is situated in the middle section of the Yidun magmatic arc in western Sichuan Province, China. It holds great significance for the study of the geological evolution of the Paleo-Neotethys tectonic belts. The Chaluo granite mainly consists of alkaline feldspar, quartz, and biotite, with a small amount of apatite. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating yielded crystallization ages of (87 ± 3) Ma for the Chaluo granite, indicating its formation in the Late Cretaceous. Elemental geochemical testing results showed that the Chaluo granite exhibits I-type granite characteristics. It has undergone significant fractional crystallization processes, with high SiO2 contents (72.83–76.63 wt%), K (K2O/Na2O = 1.33–1.53), Al2O3 (Al2O3 = 12.24–13.56 wt%, A/CNK = 0.91–1.08), and a high differentiation index (DI = 88.91–92.49). Notably, the MgO contents were low (0.10–0.26 wt%), and there were significant depletions of Nb, Sr, Ti, and Eu, while Rb, Pb, Th, U, Zr, and Hf were significantly enriched. The total rare earth element (REE) contents were relatively low (211–383 ppm), showing significant light REE (LREE) enrichment (LREE/HREE = 4.46–5.57) and a pronounced negative Eu anomaly (δEu = 0.09–0.17). In situ zircon Hf analyses, combined with 206Pb/238U ages, gave εHf(t) values ranging from −3.8 to 1.72 and two-stage Hf ages (tDM2) of 875–1160 Ma. Together with the S and Pb isotope compositions of the Chaluo granite, its magma likely originated from the partial melting of Middle–Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks enriched in biogenic S. The tectonic-setting analysis indicates that the Chaluo granite formed in a post-orogenic intracontinental extensional environment. This environment was triggered by the northward subduction-collision of the Lhasa block, followed by slab break-off and the upwelling of the asthenosphere in the Neo-Tethys orogenic belt. We propose that the Paleo-Tethys tectonic belt was influenced by the Neo-Tethys tectonic activity, at least in the Yidun magmatic arc region during the Late Cretaceous. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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22 pages, 4738 KB  
Article
The Orogeny Transition of the Southern Beishan Orogenic Belt During the Early–Middle Devonian: Evidence from the Wudaomingshui Volcanic Rocks and Granite
by Tongtong He, Yuxi Wang, Jing Yan, Zhiyong Yang, Kangning Li, Zirui Liu, Zixuan Wang and Lei Wu
Minerals 2025, 15(6), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15060632 - 10 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 826
Abstract
The Southern Beishan Orogenic Belt (SBOB), an integral part of the Southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is characterized by extensive Late Paleozoic magmatism. These igneous rocks are the key to studying the tectonic evolution process and the ocean–continent tectonic transformation in the [...] Read more.
The Southern Beishan Orogenic Belt (SBOB), an integral part of the Southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), is characterized by extensive Late Paleozoic magmatism. These igneous rocks are the key to studying the tectonic evolution process and the ocean–continent tectonic transformation in the southern margin of the CAOB and Paleo-Asian Ocean. We present zircon U-Pb chronology, in situ Lu-Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemistry data for Early–Middle Devonian volcanic rocks in the Sangejing Formation and granites from the Shuangyingshan-Huaniushan (SH) unit in the SBOB. The Wudaomingshiu volcanic rocks (Ca. 411.5 Ma) are calc-alkaline basalt-basaltic andesites with low SiO2 (47.35~55.59 wt.%) and high TiO2 (1.46~4.16 wt.%) contents, and are enriched in LREEs and LILEs (e.g., Rb, Ba, and Th), depleted in HREEs and HFSEs (Nb, Ta, and Ti), and weakly enriched in Zr-Hf. These mafic rocks are derived from the partial melting of the depleted lithosphere metasomatized by subduction fluid and contaminated by the lower crust. Wudaomingshui’s high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite has a crystallization age of 383.6 ± 2.2 Ma (MSWD = 0.11, n = 13), high Na2O (3.46~3.96 wt.%) and MgO (1.25~1.68 wt.%) contents, and a high DI differentiation index (70.69~80.45); it is enriched in LREEs and LILEs (e.g., Rb, Ba, and Th) and depleted in HREEs and HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). Granites have variable zircon εHf(t) values (−2.5~3.3) with Mesoproterozoic TDM2 ages (1310~1013 Ma) and originated from lower crustal melting with mantle inputs and minor upper crustal assimilation. An integrated analysis of magmatic suites in the SBOB, including rock assemblages, geochemical signatures, and zircon εHf(t) values (−2.5 to +3.3), revealed a tectonic transition from advancing to retreating subduction during the Early–Middle Devonian. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectonic Evolution of the Tethys Ocean in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau)
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22 pages, 8347 KB  
Article
Geochronology, Geochemistry, and In Situ Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopic Compositions of a Tourmaline-Bearing Leucogranite in Eastern Tethyan Himalaya: Implications for Tectonic Setting and Rare Metal Mineralization
by Yangchen Drolma, Kaijun Li, Yubin Li, Jinshu Zhang, Chengye Yang, Gen Zhang, Ruoming Li and Duo Liu
Minerals 2024, 14(8), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14080755 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1871
Abstract
Himalayan leucogranite is an excellent target for understanding the orogenic process of the India–Asia collision, but its origin and tectonic significance are still under debate. An integrated study of geochronology, geochemistry, and in situ Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes was conducted for a tourmaline-bearing leucogranite in [...] Read more.
Himalayan leucogranite is an excellent target for understanding the orogenic process of the India–Asia collision, but its origin and tectonic significance are still under debate. An integrated study of geochronology, geochemistry, and in situ Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes was conducted for a tourmaline-bearing leucogranite in the eastern Tethyan Himalaya using LA-ICP-MS, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and ICP-MS and LA-MC-ICP-MS, respectively. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircon and monazite showed that it was emplaced at ~19 Ma. The leucogranite had high SiO2 and Al2O3 contents ranging from 73.16 to 73.99 wt.% and 15.05 to 15.24 wt.%, respectively. It was characterized by a high aluminum saturation index (1.14–1.19) and Rb/Sr ratio (3.58–6.35), which is characteristic of S-type granite. The leucogranite was enriched in light rare-earth elements (LREEs; e.g., La and Ce) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Rb, K, and Pb) and depleted in heavy rare-earth elements (e.g., Tm, Yb, and Lu) and high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Zr, and Ti). It was characterized by high I Sr (t) (0.7268–0.7281) and low ε Nd (t) (−14.6 to −13.2) and ε Hf (t) (−12.6 to −9.47), which was consistent with the isotopic characteristics of the Higher Himalayan Sequence. Petrogenetically, the origin of the leucogranite is best explained by the decompression-induced muscovite dehydration melting of an ancient metapelitic source within the Higher Himalayan Sequence during regional extension due to the movement of the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS). The significantly high lithium and beryllium contents of the leucogranite and associated pegmatite suggest that Himalayan leucogranites possess huge potential for lithium and beryllium exploration. Full article
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23 pages, 29458 KB  
Article
Paleoproterozoic U Mineralization in Huayangchuan Deposit, Xiaoqinling Area: Evidence from the U–Rich Granitic Pegmatite
by Putao Li, Yongjun Li, Pingyang Gu, Shiping He, Yujun Zhuang and Ruiming Chen
Minerals 2023, 13(7), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13070936 - 13 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1663
Abstract
The Huayangchuan uranium deposit, located in the west of the Xiaoqinling belt on the southern margin of the North China Craton, is a large U–Nb–Pb deposit accompanied with rare–earth elements. The Huayangchuan uranium deposit, discovered in the 1950s, has long been known as [...] Read more.
The Huayangchuan uranium deposit, located in the west of the Xiaoqinling belt on the southern margin of the North China Craton, is a large U–Nb–Pb deposit accompanied with rare–earth elements. The Huayangchuan uranium deposit, discovered in the 1950s, has long been known as a carbonatite–type uranium deposit. Recently, new geological work has found uranium mineralization in many granitic pegmatite veins in the Huayangchuan deposit and adjacent areas. Here, we report a systematic investigation of the petrography, whole–rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb ages, and in situ Lu–Hf isotopic characteristics of newly discovered U–rich granitic pegmatite veins in the west of Huayangchuan deposit. The petrological results showed that the lithology of the samples is granite pegmatite. The U–Pb ages of zircon were 1826.3 ± 7.9 and 1829 ± 11 Ma. Microscopically, the paragenetic characteristics of zircon, betafite, and uraninite exist in the intergranular fissures of K–feldspar and quartz, reflecting metallogenic phenomena in the rock formation process. Almost all whole–rock samples were rich in SiO2 (64.37−70.69 wt.%), total alkalis (K2O + Na2O = 8.50–10.30 wt.%), and Al2O3 (12.20–14.41 wt.%) but poor in TiO2 (0.23–0.73 wt.%), MgO (0.38–0.90 wt.%), CaO (1.23–2.22 wt.%), P2O5 (0.14–0.83 wt.%), and MnO (0.04–0.57 wt.%). Additionally, they showed enrichment of LILEs (such as Rb, Ba, Th, U, and K), depletion of HFSEs (such as Ta, P, Ti, and Hf), and no alkaline dark minerals, and the characteristics are intraplate A1–type granite. The A1–type granite displayed low zircon εHf(t) values (−19.42–−15.02) with zircon two–stage Hf model aged 3.10–2.76 Ga, indicating that the U–rich granitic pegmatite was derived predominantly from partial melting of the ancient continental crust (such as the early Taihua group formed in Archean–Neoarchean). Combined with the above results and regional geological data, the U–rich granitic pegmatite discovered in the Huayangchuan deposit was formed in a post–collisional regime after the Luliang movement in the late Paleoproterozoic. This study suggests that future uranium prospecting work in this area should focus on late Paleoproterozoic U–rich granitic pegmatites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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17 pages, 4895 KB  
Article
Geochronology and Geological Implications of Paleoproterozoic Post-Collisional Monzogranitic Dykes in the Ne Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt, North China Craton
by Yan Zhao, Junchao Lyu, Xu Han, Shoufa Lin, Peng Zhang, Xueming Yang and Cong Chen
Minerals 2023, 13(7), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13070928 - 11 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Hardly any previous studies have focused on the granitic dykes which intrude into the Paleoproterozoic Liaohe Group in the Liaodong Peninsula, northeast of the North China Craton. In situ zircon U-Pb dating, Lu-Hf isotopic and geochemical analyses on three representative monzogranite dykes were [...] Read more.
Hardly any previous studies have focused on the granitic dykes which intrude into the Paleoproterozoic Liaohe Group in the Liaodong Peninsula, northeast of the North China Craton. In situ zircon U-Pb dating, Lu-Hf isotopic and geochemical analyses on three representative monzogranite dykes were taken in this study. These dykes have relatively high content of SiO2 (72.20%–74.78%) and K2O (2.83%–6.37%), and have characteristics of high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonite series. Two dyke samples have I-type granite features and have high Sr/Y ratios and positive Eu anomalies, showing an adakitic feature. Another dyke has a high ratio of Ga/Al, but has a low Zr saturation temperature, which differs from the typical A-type granite. Zircon grains from these three dykes have typical magmatic zoning in CL images and yield consistent U-Pb ages of ~1859–1852 Ma, which are interpreted as the crystallization ages of these dykes. Hf isotopic analyses yield mainly negative εHf(t) values and TDM2 ages of 2782–2430 Ma, similar to those of the 2.2–2.1 Ga granitoids and meta-sedimentary rocks (the Liaohe Group), indicating these monzogranitic dykes may have been sourced from melting of Paleoproterozoic granitoids and meta-sedimentary rocks. The monzogranitic dykes were generated under a post-collisional geological setting after the Jiao-Liao-Ji orogeny process. Full article
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19 pages, 4842 KB  
Article
Magma Source and Petrogenesis of the Early Cretaceous Granites in The Liaodong Peninsula: Evidence from In Situ Apatite Sr-Nd and Zircon Hf-O Isotopes
by Miaomiao Linghu, Zimu Li, Jinfeng Sun and Jiheng Zhang
Minerals 2023, 13(4), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13040545 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2771
Abstract
Apatite Sr-Nd and zircon Hf-O isotopes are broadly used to trace magma sources and constrain magma evolution processes, further improving our understanding of the origin of granitoids. We present zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock major and trace elements, and whole-rock Sr-Nd-Hf, zircon Hf-O, and [...] Read more.
Apatite Sr-Nd and zircon Hf-O isotopes are broadly used to trace magma sources and constrain magma evolution processes, further improving our understanding of the origin of granitoids. We present zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock major and trace elements, and whole-rock Sr-Nd-Hf, zircon Hf-O, and apatite Sr-Nd isotopic data for the coarse-grained quartz monzonite, biotite monzogranite, and granite porphyry in the Yushulinzi pluton in the Liaodong Peninsula, the eastern North China Craton, to establish their magma sources and petrogenesis. The coarse-grained quartz monzonite, biotite monzogranite, and granite porphyry were formed contemporaneously, with zircon U-Pb ages of 123–119 Ma. They share enriched whole-rock Sr-Nd-Hf and zircon Hf isotopic compositions, and the coarse-grained quartz monzonite has crust-like δ18O values (5.7–6.7‰). The coarse-grained quartz monzonite and biotite monzogranite have variable apatite (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios and negative apatite εNd(t) values. These isotopic characteristics indicate that the different rock types in the Yushulinzi pluton were derived from the partial melting of ancient crustal material in the North China Craton. Their geochemical and petrographic characteristics indicate that the crystal-melt segregation model can be employed to elucidate the genetic links among different rock types, with the coarse-grained quartz monzonite representing crystal accumulation and the biotite monzogranite and granite porphyry representing interstitial melts extracted from a crystal-rich magma chamber. Furthermore, the variable apatite Sr isotopic compositions and subtle differences in the peak zircon εHf(t) values of the studied rock samples confirm the possibility of a contribution from shallow crustal components and materials with high εHf(t) values during magma evolution, which is not readily revealed by their whole-rock Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions. These results demonstrate that in situ apatite Sr-Nd and zircon Hf-O isotopic analyses have the potential to provide distinctive insights into the magma sources and evolution of magmatic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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24 pages, 10510 KB  
Article
Paleoproterozoic Crust–Mantle Interaction in the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton: Constraints from Geochronology, Elements, and Hf-O-Sr-Nd Isotopes of the Layered Complex in the Jining Terrane
by Wei-Peng Zhu, Wei Tian, Bin Wang, Ying-Hui Zhang and Chun-Jing Wei
Minerals 2023, 13(4), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13040462 - 24 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2745
Abstract
The Paleoproterozoic Khondalite Belt, located in the northwestern segment of North China Craton (NCC), is characterized by widespread high-temperature/ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) granulite/gneiss and large-scale magmatic activity. The tectonic evolution is still controversial. Here, we report new geochronological, elemental, and Hf-O-Sr-Nd isotopic data for a [...] Read more.
The Paleoproterozoic Khondalite Belt, located in the northwestern segment of North China Craton (NCC), is characterized by widespread high-temperature/ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) granulite/gneiss and large-scale magmatic activity. The tectonic evolution is still controversial. Here, we report new geochronological, elemental, and Hf-O-Sr-Nd isotopic data for a Paleoproterozoic layered complex in the Jining terrane to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Khondalite Belt. In situ zircon U-Pb dating indicates that the Sanchakou gabbros were emplaced between ~1.94 Ga and ~1.82 Ga, which might be the heat source of UHT metamorphism. The elemental and Hf-O-Sr-Nd isotopic analysis shows that the formation of Sanchakou gabbros is consistent with the assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) process. The magma originates from the 10%~20% partial melting of the spinel + garnet lherzolite mantle. The Sanchakou gabbros are magmatic crystallization products mixed with crustal wallrocks in the magma chamber. We have established a tectonic evolution model involving asthenosphere upwelling after the amalgamation of the Ordos and Yinshan Blocks at ~1.95 Ga. Full article
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21 pages, 6633 KB  
Article
Metallogenesis of Porphyry Copper Deposit Indicated by In Situ Zircon U-Pb-Hf-O and Apatite Sr Isotopes
by Hong Zhang, Fang An, Mingxing Ling, Xiaolin Feng and Weidong Sun
Minerals 2022, 12(11), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12111464 - 19 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3261
Abstract
The origin of the Dexing porphyry Cu deposit is hotly debated. Zircon and apatite are important accessory minerals that record key information of mineralization processes. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb analyses of granodiorite porphyries yield ages of 168.9 ± 1.2 Ma, 168.0 ± 1.0 Ma, [...] Read more.
The origin of the Dexing porphyry Cu deposit is hotly debated. Zircon and apatite are important accessory minerals that record key information of mineralization processes. SHRIMP zircon U-Pb analyses of granodiorite porphyries yield ages of 168.9 ± 1.2 Ma, 168.0 ± 1.0 Ma, and 172.8 ± 1.3 Ma, whereas zircons in the volcanic rocks of the Shuangqiaoshan Group have Neoproterozoic ages of 830 ± 7 Ma, 829 ± 8 Ma, and 899 ± 12 Ma. The porphyry displays zircon in situ δ18O of mantle values (5.5 ± 0.2‰), low apatite 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7058 ± 0.0005), and high εHf values (5.1 ± 1.5), which are consistent with mantle-derived magmatic rocks. Apatite from the porphyries has relatively high total rare earth elements (REEs) and negative Eu anomalies, with relatively high Cl and As contents. These features are distinctly different from apatite in the Shuangqiaoshan Group, which shows lower total REE, Cl, and As contents but higher F content and positive Eu anomalies. Zircon in porphyries yields a relative high oxygen fugacity of ∆FMQ + 1.5 based on zircon Ce4+/Ce3+. Apatite in porphyries also shows high oxygen fugacity based on its SO3 and Mn compositions, reaching ∆FMQ + 2, which is different from that of the lower continental crust in general, but similar to subduction-related magmas. In contrast, the oxygen fugacity of the Shuangqiaoshan Group is much lower, suggesting a different origin for its wall rock. Therefore, the Dexing porphyries were not derived from the lower crust but derived from partial melting of the subducting Paleo-Pacific plate. Full article
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26 pages, 7421 KB  
Article
The Early Cretaceous Granitoids and Microgranular Mafic Enclaves of Sanguliu Pluton, the Liaodong Peninsula: Implications for Magma Mixing and Decratonic Gold Mineralization in the Eastern North China Craton
by Taotao Wu, Cong Chen, Dongtao Li, Yan Zhao, Chunqiang Zhao and Yongheng Zhou
Minerals 2022, 12(8), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12081004 - 9 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3070
Abstract
Some Early Cretaceous granitoids characterized by abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) formed by magma mixing have been associated with gold deposits in the eastern North China Craton (NCC). However, the genetic connection of magma mixing with gold mineralization remains unclear. The zircon U–Pb [...] Read more.
Some Early Cretaceous granitoids characterized by abundant mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) formed by magma mixing have been associated with gold deposits in the eastern North China Craton (NCC). However, the genetic connection of magma mixing with gold mineralization remains unclear. The zircon U–Pb ages and in situ Lu-Hf isotopic compositions, whole-rock major- and trace-element and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions, as well as EPMA biotite compositions, were presented for the Sanguliu granodiorite and enclaves in the Liaodong Peninsula in order to obtain insights into the spatial and temporal distribution, and internal connection of magma mixing with the decratonic gold deposits in the eastern NCC. The Sanguliu granodiorite yielded coeval formation ages with the enclaves (~123 Ma), and their acicular apatites and plagioclase megacrysts suggest that the enclaves were formed by mixing between mafic and felsic magmas. Geochemically, the Sanguliu granodiorite is high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite, with an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.70552 to 0.71470 and strongly negative εNd(t) (−11.4 to −21.3) and zircon in situ εHf(t) values (−15.1 to −25.4), indicating that the felsic magmas were ancient lower crust with the involvement of mantle-derived materials. Meanwhile, the enclaves have high MgO (4.18 to 6.17 wt.%), Cr (45.91 to 290.04 ppm), and Ni (19.65 to 88.18 ppm) contents, with high Mg# values of 50 to 57 at intermediate SiO2 contents (53.68 to 55.78 wt.%), highly negative εNd(t) values (mostly −18.42 to −22.03), and in situ zircon εHf(t) values (−18.6 to −22.7), indicating that the mafic magma was mainly derived from the enriched lithospheric mantle. Furthermore, the biotites from the Sanguliu granodiorite clustered between the MH and NNO buffers in the Fe2+–Fe3+–Mg diagram. This, combined with the high Ce/Ce* ratios (1.30 to 107.18) of the zircons, indicates that the primary magmas forming the Sanguliu granodiorite had a high oxygen fugacity, which is favorable for gold mineralization. These findings, together with previous studies of the Early Cretaceous granitoids with enclaves in the eastern NCC, suggest that magma mixing commonly occurred during 110–130 Ma and is temporally, spatially, and genetically related to decratonic gold systems in eastern NCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genesis and Metallogeny of Non-ferrous and Precious Metal Deposits)
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28 pages, 7219 KB  
Article
Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of the Neoproterozoic Peraluminous Granitic Rocks from the Tianshui Area, Western Margin of the North Qinling Terrane, China: Evidence from Whole-Rock Geochemistry and Zircon U–Pb–Hf–O Isotopes
by Gang Yang, Juan Zhang, Hongfu Zhang, Zhian Bao and Abing Lin
Minerals 2022, 12(7), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12070910 - 20 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3156
Abstract
The source and petrogenesis of peraluminous granitic rocks in orogenic belts can provide insights into the evolution, architecture, and composition of continental crust. Neoproterozoic peraluminous granitic rocks are sporadically exposed in the Tianshui area of the western margin of the North Qinling Terrane [...] Read more.
The source and petrogenesis of peraluminous granitic rocks in orogenic belts can provide insights into the evolution, architecture, and composition of continental crust. Neoproterozoic peraluminous granitic rocks are sporadically exposed in the Tianshui area of the western margin of the North Qinling Terrane (NQT), China. However, the source, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of these rocks still remain unclear, which limits our understanding of the Precambrian tectonic and crustal evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB). Here, we determined the whole-rock geochemical compositions and in situ zircon U–Pb ages, trace-element contents, and Hf–O isotopic compositions of a series of peraluminous granitic mylonites and granitic gneisses in the Tianshui area at the west end of North Qinling. Zircon U–Pb dating revealed that the protoliths of the studied granitic mylonites and granitic gneisses crystallized at 936–921 Ma. The granitic rocks displayed high A/CNK values (1.12–1.34) and were enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, Th, U, and K) and light rare earth elements, and they were depleted of high-field-strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). These rocks showed variable zircon εHf(t) (−12.2 / 9.7) and δ18O (3.56‰ / 11.07‰) values, suggesting that they were derived from heterogeneous crustal sources comprising predominantly supracrustal sedimentary rocks and subordinate igneous rocks. In addition, the U–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions from the core domains of inherited zircons were similar to those of detrital zircons from the Qinling Group, suggesting that the Qinling Group was an important crustal source for the granitic rocks. The lithological and geochemical features of these granitic rocks indicate that they were generated by biotite dehydration melting of heterogeneous sources at lower crustal depths. Combining our results with those of previous studies, we suggest that the NQT underwent a tectonic transition from syn-collision to post-collision at 936–874 Ma in response to the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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13 pages, 3462 KB  
Article
Closure of the Eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean: Constraints from the Age and Geochemistry of Early Permian Zhaojinggou Pluton in Inner Mongolia (North China)
by Guang-Yao Li, Liang Qiu, Zhi-Dan Li, Lei Gao, Chao Fu, Jia-Ying Wang, Qi Zhang, Jia-Run Tu and Teng-Fei Ge
Minerals 2022, 12(6), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12060738 - 9 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2439
Abstract
The closing time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and the tectonic evolution of the northern margin of the North China Craton are still controversial. The geochronology and geochemistry of the Zhaojinggou monzogranite pluton provide new constraints on the late Paleozoic tectonic evolution and the [...] Read more.
The closing time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and the tectonic evolution of the northern margin of the North China Craton are still controversial. The geochronology and geochemistry of the Zhaojinggou monzogranite pluton provide new constraints on the late Paleozoic tectonic evolution and the closure time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The monzogranite yielded a zircon U-Pb age of 286.7 ± 1.2 Ma. Due to the characteristics of low–moderate Mg# values (25.87–39.21), low Fe2O3T values (1.13–1.72), and A/CNK > 1, we show that the pluton is weak peraluminous, high in potassium calc–alkaline series, and displays the feature of S-type granite. The total REE content is low, the distribution curve is right dipping, and the LREE is enriched; the δEu average value is 1.32 (1.11–1.54). The granite presents relatively high (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.712345–0.713723, low εNd(t) values of −8.89–−8.21 (an average value of −8.56), and a TDM2 of 1718–1773 Ma. Furthermore, the zircon in situ Hf isotopic analysis shows 176Hf/177Hf ratios of 0.282342 to 0.282614, low εHf(t) values of −9.27–0.38 (mean −4.74), and a TDM2 of 1275–1887 Ma. Additionally, high field strength elements such as Nb, Ta, and Ti are depleted, and large ion lithophile elements, e.g., Rb, Ba, K, and Sr, are enriched. The above features of the Zhaojinggou monzogranite indicate that the pluton was derived from late Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic lower crustal mafic materials. By discussing the genesis and tectonic implications of the pluton massif, we propose that the Zhaojinggou monzogranite represents a magmatic event caused by the crustal–mantle interaction during the southward subduction of the eastern Paleo-Asian Ocean in the northern margin of the North China Craton during the Early Permian. Full article
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20 pages, 7357 KB  
Article
Diachronous Redistribution of Hf and Nd Isotopes at the Crystal Scale—Consequences for the Isotopic Evolution of a Poly-Metamorphic Crustal Terrane
by Adrien Vezinet, Emilie Thomassot, Yan Luo, Chiranjeeb Sarkar and D. Graham Pearson
Geosciences 2022, 12(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12010036 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3171
Abstract
In metamorphic rocks, mineral species react over a range of pressure–temperature conditions that do not necessarily overlap. Mineral equilibration can occur at varied points along the metamorphic pressure–temperature (PT) path, and thus at different times. The sole or dominant use of zircon isotopic [...] Read more.
In metamorphic rocks, mineral species react over a range of pressure–temperature conditions that do not necessarily overlap. Mineral equilibration can occur at varied points along the metamorphic pressure–temperature (PT) path, and thus at different times. The sole or dominant use of zircon isotopic compositions to constrain the evolution of metamorphic rocks might then inadvertently skew geological interpretations towards one aspect or one moment of a rock’s history. Here, we present in-situ U–Pb/Sm–Nd isotope analyses of the apatite crystals extracted from two meta-igneous rocks exposed in the Saglek Block (North Atlantic craton, Canada), an Archean metamorphic terrane, with the aim of examining the various signatures and events that they record. The data are combined with published U–Pb/Hf/O isotope compositions of zircon extracted from the same hand-specimens. We found an offset of nearly ca. 1.5 Gyr between U-Pb ages derived from the oldest zircon cores and apatite U–Pb/Sm–Nd isotopic ages, and an offset of ca. 200 Ma between the youngest zircon metamorphic overgrowths and apatite. These differences in metamorphic ages recorded by zircon and apatite mean that the redistribution of Hf isotopes (largely hosted in zircon) and Nd isotopes (largely hosted in apatite within these rocks), were not synchronous at the hand-specimen scale (≤~0.001 m3). We propose that the diachronous redistribution of Hf and Nd isotopes and their parent isotopes was caused by the different PT conditions of growth equilibration between zircon and apatite during metamorphism. These findings document the latest metamorphic evolution of the Saglek Block, highlighting the role played by intra-crustal reworking during the late-Archean regional metamorphic event. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geochemistry)
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35 pages, 10252 KB  
Article
Linking Gold Systems to the Crust-Mantle Evolution of Archean Crust in Central Brazil
by Jessica Bogossian, Anthony I. S. Kemp and Steffen G. Hagemann
Minerals 2021, 11(9), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11090944 - 30 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5726
Abstract
The Goiás Archean Block (GAB) in central Brazil is an important gold district that hosts several world-class orogenic gold deposits. A better comprehension of the crustal, tectono-magmatic, and metallogenic settings of the GAB is essential to accurately define its geological evolution, evaluate Archean [...] Read more.
The Goiás Archean Block (GAB) in central Brazil is an important gold district that hosts several world-class orogenic gold deposits. A better comprehension of the crustal, tectono-magmatic, and metallogenic settings of the GAB is essential to accurately define its geological evolution, evaluate Archean crustal growth models, and target gold deposits. We present an overview of gold systems, regional whole-rock Sm-Nd analyses that have been used to constrain the geological evolution of the GAB, and augment this with new in situ zircon U-Pb and Hf-O isotope data. The orogenic gold deposits show variable host rocks, structural settings, hydrothermal alteration, and ore mineralogy, but they represent epigenetic deposits formed during the same regional hydrothermal event. The overprinting of metamorphic assemblages by ore mineralogy suggests the hydrothermal event is post-peak metamorphism. The metamorphic grade of the host rocks is predominantly greenschist, locally reaching amphibolite facies. Isotope-time trends support a Mesoarchean origin of the GAB, with ocean opening at 3000–2900 Ma, and reworking at 2800–2700 Ma. Crustal growth was dominated by subduction processes via in situ magmatic additions along lithospheric discontinuities and craton margins. This promoted a crustal architecture composed of young, juvenile intra-cratonic terranes and old, long-lived reworked crustal margins. This framework provided pathways for magmatism and fluids that drove the gold endowment of the GAB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gold Deposits in Brazil)
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22 pages, 6965 KB  
Article
Copper Mineralization Potential of Late Triassic Granitoids in Northern Yidun Arc, SW China
by Xing-Yuan Li, Jing-Ru Zhang, Hao Song and Chun-Kit Lai
Minerals 2019, 9(6), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/min9060337 - 1 Jun 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3243
Abstract
Yidun arc is an important constituent of the Sanjiang Tethyan Domain in SW China. The Changdagou pluton, located in the northern part of the Yidun Arc, mainly consists of granodiorite. In this study, we conducted in-situ LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating, and trace element [...] Read more.
Yidun arc is an important constituent of the Sanjiang Tethyan Domain in SW China. The Changdagou pluton, located in the northern part of the Yidun Arc, mainly consists of granodiorite. In this study, we conducted in-situ LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating, and trace element and Hf isotope analyses on the Changdagou granites. Age dating results yielded a weighted mean U-Pb age of 214.97 ± 0.98 Ma (MSWD = 1.2, 2σ), broadly coeval with extensive late Triassic magmatism across the Yidun Arc. All zircon grains analyzed showed high concentrations of Th, U, and HREE, with positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies. Logfo2 and CeN/CeN* values vary from FMQ −3.14 to FMQ +7.44 (average FMQ +3.98), and 14 to 172 (avg. 98), respectively. The zircon EuN/EuN* (avg. 0.22) ratios have no clear correlation with the CeN/CeN* ratios, suggesting that the former were mainly affected by the magma water content. In addition, zircon εHf(t) values vary in a narrow range (–2.9 to −4.9, avg. −3.4) that clusters around zero, indicating a greater component of mantle-derived magma. Hence, we propose that the Changdagou granodiorite was derived from a highly oxidized, “wet”, Cu-rich source, of the type likely to generate porphyry Cu mineralization. However, these parameters (logfO2, EuN/EuN*, (Ce/Nd)/Y, and εHf(t)) are all lower than those of intrusions associated with Cu ores at Pulang and Lannitang, which may explain why the Cu deposit discovered at Changdagou is small by comparison. Furthermore, on the basis of the decreasing trends of εHf, logfO2, and H2O content from south to north along the Yiduan arc, we infer that the northern segment of the Yidun arc (including Changdagou) was located further away from the subduction front. Full article
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