Anomalously old biotite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages in the NW Himalaya

Biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages older than corresponding muscovite 40Ar/39Ar ages, contrary to the diffusion properties of these minerals, are common in the Himalaya and other metamorphic regions. In these cases, biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages are commonly dismissed as “too old” on account of “excess Ar.” We present 32 step-heating 40Ar/39Ar ages from 17 samples from central Himachal Pradesh Himalaya, India. In almost all cases, the biotite ages are older than predicted from cooling histories. We document host-rock lithology and chemical composition, mica microstructures, biotite chemical composition, and chlorite and muscovite components of biotite separates to demonstrate that these factors do not offer an explanation for the anomalously old biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages. We discuss possible mechanisms that may account for extraneous Ar (inherited or excess Ar) in these samples. The most likely cause for “too-old” biotite is excess Ar, i.e., 40Ar that is separated from its parent K. We suggest that this contamination resulted from one or several of the following mechanisms: (1) 40Ar was released during Cenozoic prograde metamorphism; (2) 40Ar transport was restricted due to a temporarily dry intergranular medium; (3) 40Ar was released from melt into a hydrous fluid phase during melt crystallization. Samples from the Main Central Thrust shear zone may be affected by a different mechanism of excess-Ar accumulation, possibly linked to later-stage fluid circulation within the shear zone and chloritization. Different Ar diffusivities and/or solubilities in biotite and muscovite may explain why biotite is more commonly affected by excess Ar than muscovite

The structure and petrology of the Cnoc nan Cuilean Intrusion, Loch Loyal Syenite Complex, NW Scotland

In NW Scotland, several alkaline intrusive complexes of Silurian age intrude the Caledonian orogenic front. The most northerly is the Loch Loyal Syenite Complex, which is divided into three separate intrusions (Ben Loyal, Beinn Stumanadh and Cnoc nan Cuilean). Mapping of the Cnoc nan Cuilean intrusion shows two main zones: a Mixed Syenite Zone (MZ) and a Massive Leucosyenite Zone (LZ), with a gradational contact. The MZ forms a lopolith, with multiple syenitic lithologies, including early basic melasyenites and later felsic leucosyenites. Leucosyenite melts mixed and mingled with melasyenites, resulting in extreme heterogeneity within the MZ. Continued felsic magmatism resulted in formation of the relatively homogeneous LZ, invading western parts of the MZ and now forming the topographically highest terrane. The identification of pegmatites, microgranitic veins and unusual biotite-magnetite veins demonstrates the intrusion's complex petrogenesis. Cross-sections have been used to create a novel 3D GoCad™ model contributing to our understanding of the intrusion. The Loch Loyal Syenite Complex is known to have relatively high concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), and thus the area has potential economic and strategic value. At Cnoc nan Cuilean, abundant REE-bearing allanite is present within melasyenites of the MZ. Extensive hydrothermal alteration of melasyenites here formed steeply dipping biotite-magnetite veins, most enriched in allanite and other REE-bearing accessories. This study has thus identified the area of greatest importance for further study of REE enrichment processes in the Cnoc nan Cuilean intrusion

Metamorphic and metasomatic evolution of the Western Domain of the Karagwe-Ankole Belt (Central Africa)

The tectonometamorphic evolution of the Western Domain of the Karagwe-Ankole Belt, containing widespread granite-related W-Nb-Ta-Sn mineralization in pegmatites and hydrothermal quartz veins of Early Neoproterozoic age, is largely unknown. This study aims to characterize the Meso- and Neoproterozoic metamorphism and metasomatism in the Karagwe-Ankole Belt, to reconstruct the temperature evolution and to investigate its temporal relation to deformation and the widespread granite magmatism and mineralization. A quantitative geothermometric study was conducted on metasiltstones and amphibolites, and applies thin section petrography, garnet-biotite and chlorite geothermometry on samples collected in the representative KibuyeGitarama-Gatumba area in West Rwanda. The presence of garnet, staurolite and kyanite in metasiltstones, and hornblende and andesine-labradorite feldspar in amphibolites indicates prograde Barrovian metamorphism up to syn-to post-deformational (D1 or D2) lower amphibolite facies (up to 630 degrees C). This peak metamorphism was followed by post-D2 greenschist facies metamorphism (c. 525 degrees C-440 degrees C; garnet, biotite, chlorite, muscovite in metasiltstone), probably related to the East African Orogeny as part of the Gondwana assembly. A geothermometric evolution with high temperature conditions ( > 500 degrees C) at least from the flare-up of Early Neoproterozoic tin granites and their metasomatic haloes onwards for most of the Neoproterozoic is proposed, in close correspondence with the geodynamic evolution of the neighboring terranes. Additionally, this high temperature regime is an important factor to be taken into account when interpreting thermal diffusion-sensitive geochronological data

A reactive assimilation model for regional-scale cordierite-bearing granitoids: geochemical evidence from the Late Variscan granites of the Central Iberian Zone, Spain

Regional scale biotite and cordierite-bearing granites (s.l.) in the Variscan of the Central Iberian Zone (CIZ) are spatially closely associated with cordierite-rich nebulites and cordierite-bearing two-mica granites, and with cordierite-rich high grade hornfelses and cordieritites (>60% cordierite) that are relatively common in the aureoles of these granites. Building on published field evidence, petrological data are presented which, combined with new chemical and isotopic (Sr-Nd) modelling, indicate that the cordierite-bearing granites cannot be derived by simple anatexis of regional sedimenatry protoliths; but the data are consistent with a process of reactive assimilation that involves the interaction of biotite granite magma with high-grade host rocks ranging from cordierite nebulites to andalusite-bearing cordieritites. The contribution of the postulated cordierite-rich contaminants to the diversity of cordierite granite compositions is modelled using the compositions of regional Lower Cambrian-Upper Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks that are generally chemically mature (CaO very rarely exceeds 1.4%). These rocks include specific horizons in which extreme chemical alteration is attributable to sediment reworking during eustatic falls in sea level. Such compositions may account for the presence of the high concentrations in Al that later produced cordieritites. Fractional crystallisation is also important, particularly in generating the more evolved cordierite granite and cordierite biotite muscovite granite compositions. Although assimilation in situ is normally regarded as a minor contributor volumetrically to evolving plutons, in this instance the emplacement of large volumes of granite magma into a high-T-low-P environment significantly increased the potential for reactive assimilation

Recycling Argon through Metamorphic Reactions: the Record in Symplectites

The 40Ar/39Ar ages of metamorphic micas that crystallized at high temperatures are commonly interpreted as cooling ages, with grains considered to have lost 40Ar via thermally-driven diffusion into the grain boundary network. Recently reported laser-ablation data suggest that the spatial distribution of Ar in metamorphic micas does not always conform to the patterns predicted by diffusion theory and that despite high metamorphic temperatures, argon was not removed efficiently from the local system during metamorphic evolution. In the Western Gneiss Region (WGR), Norway, felsic gneisses preserve microtextural evidence for the breakdown of phengite to biotite and plagioclase symplectites during near isothermal decompression from c. 20–25 to c. 8–12 kbar at ~700°C. These samples provide an ideal natural laboratory to assess whether the complete replacement of one K-bearing mineral by another at high temperatures completely ‘resets’ the Ar clock, or whether there is some inheritance of 40Ar in the neo-crystallized phase. The timing of the high-temperature portion of the WGR metamorphic cycle has been well constrained in previous studies. However, the timing of cooling following the overprint is still much debated. In-situ laser ablation spot dating in phengite, biotite-plagioclase symplectites and coarser, texturally later biotite yielded 40Ar/39Ar ages that span much of the metamorphic cycle. Together these data show that despite residence at temperatures of ~700°C, Ar is not completely removed by diffusive loss or during metamorphic recrystallization. Instead, Ar released during phengite breakdown appears to be partially reincorporated into the newly crystallizing biotite and plagioclase (or is trapped in fluid inclusions in those phases) within a close system. Our data show that the microtextural and petrographic evolution of the sample being dated provides a critical framework in which local 40Ar recycling can be tracked, thus potentially allowing 40Ar/39Ar dates to be linked more accurately to metamorphic history

Zinc Contents of Mafic Micerals in Granitic Rocks, with Special Reference to Ore Chemistry

In order to know the reason why the Cu/Zn-Pb ratios of skarn-type deposits related with the ilmenite-series granitic rocks are markedly higher than those related with the magnetite-series, comparative mineralogical studies were carried out for the two types of granitic rocks in the Chugoku district. An attention was focused on the be-havior of Zn during the crystallization of granitic magma, because Zn contents of mafic minerals can be obtained by non-destructive electron microprobe analyses. Microscopic observation indicats that no sphalerite occurs in the magnetite-series granitic rocks, which im-plies that the magmas corresponding to the granitic rocks were undersaturated in respect to ZnS. Electron micro-probe analyses revealed that the Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios of mafic minerals such as biotite and hornblende in the ilmen-ite-series granitic rocks are remarkably higher than those in the magnetite-series, and the Zn contents are posi-tively correlated with the Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios in the ilmenite-series granitic rocks. Also the Zn/Fe rations seem to be slightly higher in the ilmenite-series granitic rocks. In contrast, the correlation between Zn contents and Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios is ambiguous in magnetite-series granitic rocks. With a progress of crystallization differentiation, therefore, Zn may be removed more effectively in the il-menite-series granitic magma, and the contents may be growing scarce in the fractionated ilmenite-series granitic magma. On the other hand, magnetite-series granitic magma probably increases the Zn-contents in the advanced stage of the crystallization. The hydrothermal fluids genetically related to the fractionated magnetite-series grani-tic magma are likely to be enriched in Zn, being favorable for the formation of Zn-rich deposits

Argon behaviour in an inverted Barrovian sequence, Sikkim Himalaya: the consequences of temperature and timescale on ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar mica geochronology

40Ar/39Ar dating of metamorphic rocks sometimes yields complicated datasets which are difficult to interpret in terms of timescales of the metamorphic cycle. Single-grain fusion and step-heating data were obtained for rocks sampled through a major thrust-sense shear zone (the Main Central Thrust) and the associated inverted metamorphic zone in the Sikkim region of the eastern Himalaya. This transect provides a natural laboratory to explore factors influencing apparent 40Ar/39Ar ages in similar lithologies at a variety of metamorphic pressure and temperature (P–T) conditions. The 40Ar/39Ar dataset records progressively younger apparent age populations and a decrease in within-sample dispersion with increasing temperature through the sequence. The white mica populations span ~ 2–9 Ma within each sample in the structurally lower levels (garnet grade) but only ~ 0–3 Ma at structurally higher levels (kyanite-sillimanite grade). Mean white mica single-grain fusion population ages vary from 16.2 ± 3.9 Ma (2σ) to 13.2 ± 1.3 Ma (2σ) from lowest to highest levels. White mica step-heating data from the same samples yields plateau ages from 14.27 ± 0.13 Ma to 12.96 ± 0.05 Ma. Biotite yield older apparent age populations with mean single-grain fusion dates varying from 74.7 ± 11.8 Ma (2σ) at the lowest structural levels to 18.6 ± 4.7 Ma (2σ) at the highest structural levels; the step-heating plateaux are commonly disturbed. Temperatures > 600 °C at pressures of 0.4–0.8 GPa sustained over > 5 Ma, appear to be required for white mica and biotite ages to be consistent with diffusive, open-system cooling. At lower temperatures, and/or over shorter metamorphic timescales, more 40Ar is retained than results from simple diffusion models suggest. Diffusion modelling of Ar in white mica from the highest structural levels suggests that the high-temperature rocks cooled at a rate of ~ 50–80 °C Ma− 1, consistent with rapid thrusting, extrusion and exhumation along the Main Central Thrust during the mid-Miocene

Intergranular diffusion rates from the analysis of garnet surfaces: implications for metamorphic equilibration

Novel approaches to garnet analysis have been used to assess rates of intergranular diffusion between different matrix phases and garnet porphyroblasts in a regionally metamorphosed staurolite-mica-schist from the Barrovian-type area in Scotland. X-ray maps and chemical traverses of planar porphyroblast surfaces reveal chemical heterogeneity of the garnet grain boundary linked to the nature of the adjacent matrix phase. The garnet preserves evidence of low temperature retrograde exchange with matrix minerals and diffusion profiles documenting cation movement along the garnet boundaries. Garnet–quartz and garnet–plagioclase boundaries preserve evidence of sluggish Mg, Mn and Fe diffusion at comparable rates to volume diffusion in garnet, whereas diffusion along garnet–biotite interfaces is much more effective. Evidence of particularly slow Al transport, probably coupled to Fe3+ exchange, is locally preserved on garnet surfaces adjacent to Fe-oxide phases. The Ca distribution on the garnet surface shows the most complex behaviour, with long-wavelength heterogeneities apparently unrelated to the matrix grain boundaries. This implies that the Ca content of garnet is controlled by local availability and is thought likely to reflect disequilibrium established during garnet growth. Geochemical anomalies on the garnet surfaces are also linked to the location of triple junctions between the porphyroblasts and the matrix phases, and imply enhanced transport along these channels. The slow rates of intergranular diffusion and the characteristics of different boundary types may explain many features associated with the prograde growth of garnet porphyroblasts. Thus, minerals such as quartz, Fe-oxides and plagioclase whose boundaries with garnet are characterized by slow intergranular diffusion rates appear to be preferentially trapped as inclusions within porphyroblasts. As such grain boundary diffusion rates may be a significant kinetic impediment to metamorphic equilibrium and garnet may struggle to maintain chemical and textural equilibrium during growth in pelites

An investigation into the controls of granite plutonism in the Sierra da Freita region, Northern Portugal

The Serra da Freita region of north central Portugal was chosen for study as it displays the complex relationships between regional structure, plutonism, regional and contact metamorphism typical of this part of Iberia. The region was mapped on a scale of 1:10000. The Serra da Freita pluton, which intrudes the core of the Porto-Viseu metamorphic belt developed in the late Pre-Cambrian - Cambrian Beira Schists, is shown to lie in a sinistral transpressive shear zone, the Serra da Freita shear zone. Early structures are progressively modified over a protracted period by shear zone deformation, during which time metamorphism reached a peak and the granite was emplaced. Mapping of the intrusive contacts of the granite show that following initial intrusion of a steeply inclined sheet of magma into the zone of highest strain, magmas were injected into a region of progressively lower strain where the magma was acconunodated as a nearly flat sheet. The distal end of this mass ballooned upvards to form the small intrusion of Castanheira which has abundant biotite nodules which acted as near perfect strain markers. The main pluton is shown to intrude obliquely the core of a narrow metamorphic belt characterized by parageneses of biotite, andalusite/staurolite, sillimanite, which maps distinctly from a younger cordierite sillimanite contact aureole around an adjacent quartz diorite body. Several facies of granite within the pluton have been recognized; petrographical and structural studies allow the interpreted emplacemen~ mechanism of these units to be integrated within a more general model for the evolution of the shear zone. Geochemical analyses of major and trace elements show that certain compositional trends within these facies cannot be simply related as part of a fractionation sequence. A model is put forward in which repeated melting of a heterogeneous source is followed by sequential emplacement of discrete batches of magma as sheets and wedges wi thin the acti ve shear zone. A Rb-Sr whole rock isochron age of 324 Ma was obtained and this dates not only the emplacement age of the syn-tectonic granite, but also constrains the time of movement along the shear zone. Radiogenic and stable isotope data strongly point to the local high grade Beira Schists as being sui table source rocks for generation of magmas wi th marked S-type characteristics which now form the Serra da Freita pluton. 180 values for the granites of 10.64 ± 0.24 - 13.00 ± 0.12 overlap those of the schists which lie in the range 12.38 ± 0.24 - 14.15 ± 0.4. The whole rock Rb-Sr isochron for the granite has an initial ratio of 0.7136 ± 0.0008 (MSWD = 3.2). A regional and tectonothennal model is put forward in which end-Palaeozoic oblique strike slip collision took place in the Ibero-Armorican Arc. The resulting peturbation in continental heat flow, coupled with the possible effects of shear heating, fluid concentration and local high ductility contrasts in the heterogeneous metasediments, are invoked as being responsible for causing anatexis of the Beira Schists at a depth of 10-12 km, and the generation of granitic melts. Emplacement of these bodies gave rise to the Porto-Viseu metamorphic belt, into which later smaller higher-level melts were injected. It is argued that some of these later magmas which reached higher levels are now exposed as the constituent facies of the Serra da Freita pluton. The Serra cia Freita shear zone, active throughout metamorphism, anatexis and magma emplacement was a dominant feature of the geological history of the region