New Data on the Mineralogy of Chromite from the Nuggihalli Schist Belt,Western Dharwar Craton,Karnataka,India:Petrogenetic Implications

The occurrence of rhythmic layering of chromite and host serpentinites in the deformed layered igneous complexes has been noticed in the Nuggihalli schist belt （NSB） in the western Dharwar craton, Karnataka, South India. For this study, the chromitite rock samples were collected from Jambur, Tagadur, Bhakatarhalli, Ranganbetta and Byrapur in the NSB. Petrography and ore microscopic studies on chromite show intense cataclasis and alteration to ferritchromite. The ferritchromite compositions are characterized by higher Cr number （Cr/[Cr＋AI]） （0.68-0.98） and lower Mg number （Mg/[Mg＋Fe]） （0.33-0.82） ratios in ferritchromite compared to that of parent chromite. The formation process for the ferritchromite is thought to be related to the exchange of Mg, AI, Cr, and Fe between the chromite, surrounding silicates （serpentines, chlorites）, and fluid during serpentinization.

Occurrence and Emplacement of Chromite Ores in Sindhudurg District,Maharashtra,India

In the present study,we present the occurrence and emplacement of chromite ore deposits from two abandoned mines（Kankavali[Janoli]and Wagda） in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra,India.These ores,that occurred as lenses and are associated with metamorphic and ultrabasic rocks,consist of octahedral grains of chromite,while clinochlore is present between the interstices of these grains.The Kankavali（Janoli） and Wagda ores revealed a dominance of Cr_2O_3 followed by FeO and variable proportions of A1_2O_3,MgO,and SiO_2.The former deposits have a slightly higher Cr_2O_3（average 52 wt%） and FeO（～18 wt%） than those from Wagda（Cr_2O_3～50 wt%,FeO～25 wt%）.The similar Cr~# values（0.73 for Kankavali[Janoli],0.74 for Wagda） correspond to those reported for typical podiform-type chromite deposits.We suggest that the ores were emplaced as phacoliths in folded outcrops with a steep easterly dip and a northwest-southeast trend.We postulate the continuation of the fold structure from Janoli to Wagda（～4.5 km apart） and the probable （sporadic） occurrence of chromite along this stretch.The possibility of the contribution of chromite grains from these areas to the coastal placer deposits cannot be ruled out.

Fluid-driven Hydrovolcanic Activity along Fracture Zones and near Seamounts:Evidence from Deep-sea Fe-rich Spherules,Central Indian Ocean Basin

An insight on occurrence of Fe-rich spherules from the Central Indian Ocean Basin(CIOB)provides an understanding of their distribution at a water depth of>5,000 m.In the present study,Fe-rich spherules are identified to occur in two different sediment types(i.e.,siliceous and pelagic)and tectonic settings(i.e.near seamounts and fracture zones).These are single spheres or aggregates,of different sizes(63 to 390μm)and show textural variability(smooth/quenched,brickwork,corkscrew,interlocking and dendritic).A comparative study based on physical morphology and chemical composition suggests a common mechanism of formation.The association of spherules with fracture zones(FZ)and seamounts signifies that morpho-tectonic features play an important role in fluid-driven hydrovolcanism.Based on the evidence and geologic conditions existing in the basin,we conclude that molten fuel-coolant interaction(MFCI)coupled with submarine hydrothermal exhalations could be an ideal mechanism for the formation of spherules and Fe-particles.The accretion of the spherules on the surface sediments could be a result of recent volcanic phenomena,while those occurring at different depths(280-355,and 460-475 cm-bsf)within the sediment core indicate two different episodes.The study provides a global implication in understanding fluid-driven magmatism in a deep-sea intraplate environment.