Grade and Tonnage Model of Contact Metasomatic Copper Deposit in China

Grade-tonnage model is one of the research frontiers of systematical exploration theory. Based on the “Reserve Database of Mineral Resources in China (1997)”, this paper establishes the geological model, grade model, tonnage model, grade-tonnage model and tonnage-sequence model of contact metasomatic copper deposits in China. The mathematical properties of these models are described in detail.

Zircon deposit and rare earth element enriched metasomatic alkaline rocks at Kyemyeongsan Formation, Chungju, Korea: Paleozoic magmatism and Zr-REE-Nb mineralization

The zircon ore deposit in metasediments and peralkaline granite of the Kyemyeongsan Formation is located in southwest of Chungju city, Korea. The deposit, closely associated with REE and Nb,is composed of metasomatic alkaline rocks and rare metal alkali granite, and was formed in late Carboniferous (340～343Ma). Zircon occurs in different paragenetic sequence: (1) earlier rare metal alkali granite, (2) later metasomatic zircon ore. The metasomatic zone contains abundant microcline, albite and quartz with minor biotite, magnetite, hornblende, allanite and zircon. The alkali granites have high silica (72.13～74.52wt.% as SiO 2), and total iron content (5.95～6.89%), and are characterized by low Al 2O 3 content (7.12～9.74%). They also show variable K 2O content (3.60～6.98%), and high ratios of K 2O/Na 2O. The REE patterns of rare metal alkali granite are similar to those of felsic volcanics from rifts, or back arc basins in, or near continental crust. Zircon ores are characterized by high iron content and low Al 2O 3, SiO 2, and K 2O content and have unusually high total REE content (0.18～2.33%). REE patterns show relatively flat to somewhat heavy REE (HREE) depleted characteristics (Ce/Yb=0.39～5.17) with large Eu negative anomaly (Eu/Eu *=0.16～0.29). Laser ablation microprobe inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LAM ICP MS) analyses has been carried on zircon. The REE patterns of mineral zircons are almost the same to those of zircon ores and rare metal alkali granites, which may reflect the inability of zircons to effectively fractionated REE at formation of origin. The Sm Nd isochron age of the zircon ore and rare metal alkali granite are 330Ma, and 331Ma, respectively with ε Nd(t) being range from -2.00 to -1.84. This data suggest that the ore forming material came from the mantle. Alkali granite has suffered extensive post magmatic metasomatism of a high temperature to produce zircon ores. Geochemical characteristics show that metasomatism of alkaline fluid was probably the dominant ore forming process in Chungju district.

Corundum formation by metasomatic reactions in Archean metapelite,SW Greenland:Exploration vectors for ruby deposits within high-grade greenstone belts

Corundum(ruby-sapphire) is known to have formed in situ within Archean metamorphic rocks at several localities in the North Atlantic Craton of Greenland. Here we present two case studies for such occurrences:(1) Maniitsoq region(Kangerdluarssuk), where kyanite paragneiss hosts ruby corundum, and(2)Nuuk region(Stor?), where sillimanite gneiss hosts ruby corundum. At both occurrences, ultramafic rocks(amphibole-peridotite) are in direct contact with the ruby-bearing zones, which have been transformed to mica schist by metasomatic reactions. The bulk-rock geochemistry of the ruby-bearing rocks is consistent with significant depletion of SiO_2 in combination with addition of Al_2O_3, MgO, K_2O,Th and Sr relative to an assumed aluminous precursor metapelite. Phase equilibria modelling supports ruby genesis from the breakdown of sillimanite and kyanite at elevated temperatures due to the removal of SiO_2. The juxtaposition of relatively silica-and aluminum-rich metasedimentary rocks with low silica ultramafic rocks established a chemical potential gradient that leached/mobilized SiO_2 allowing corundum to stabilize in the former rocks. Furthermore, addition of Al_2O_3 via a metasomatic reaction is required, because Al/Ti is fractionated between the aluminous precursor metapelites and the resulting corundum-bearing mica schist. We propose that Al was mobilized either by complexation with hydroxide at alkaline conditions, or that Al was transported as K-Al-Si-O polymers at deep crustal levels.The three main exploration vectors for corundum within Archean greenstone belts are:(1) amphiboliteto granulite-facies metamorphic conditions,(2) the juxtaposition of ultramafic rocks and aluminous metapelite, and(3) mica-rich reactions zones at their interface.

Evidence of melt/rock interaction in the Cr-spinel bearing wehrlite rocks of Bangriposi, India: Implications for nature of the metasomatic agent

Cr-spinel bearing wehrlite rocks of Bangriposi are found within the multiply deformed metasedimentary rocks of Singhbhum Group belonging to North Singhbhum Mobile Belt of eastern India. Detailed mineralogical and geochemical studies reveal that these rocks have suffered a two-stage alteration involving a deeper level modal and cryptic metasomatism and a subsequent shallower depth pervasive hydrothermal alteration. Cryptic metasomatism is defined by elevated LREE contents of the wehrlite and its clinopyroxne grains. Metasomatism induced changes in the modal mineralogy of the rocks include the absence of primary orthopyroxene grains, presence of secondary diopside-phlogopite（now present as vermiculite） defining disequilibrium reaction textures and secondary orthopyroxene rims around serpentinized olivine. The mineralogical and geochemical changes due to the metasomatic event present a contrasting picture in regard to the metasomatic history of the rocks. Possible scenarios involving a single stage or multiple stage metasomatism events have been discussed while explaining the metasomatic reactions that took place. An attempt has been made to estimate the REE concentrations of the final equilibrating melt from REE contents of clinopyroxene grains of the wehrlite. The possibility of the LREE-enriched equilibrating melt of the wehrlite rocks（the deeper level metasomatic agent） being similar to residual melts from the E-MORB type parental melts of nearby gabbro suite has been ruled out by geochemical modeling. REE abundance patterns of several natural enriched melts have been compared with REE pattern of calculated LREE-enriched equilibrating melt of the wehrlite and most resemblance has been observed with calcic and potassic melts. It is therefore suggested that the Cr-spinel bearing wehrlite rocks of Bangriposi has been affected by a calcio-potassic melt in deeper level, prior to the shallow level serpentinization event.

ROLE OF METASOMATIC PROCESSES IN RUBY-BEARING MARBLES FORMATION OF THE SOUTHERN URAL MOUNTAINS

Ruby-bearing marbles of the Southern Ural Mountains are developed in the metamorphic perimeter of granites-gneisses domes where high grade metamorphic granitization and diaphthoresis have occurred.Geological research into the development and occurrence of ruby-bearing marbles indicate that they formed as a result of repeated transformation.Their substrate consisted of an organogenous marine limestone containing Visean faunal remains.Intensive Mg metasomatism of limestone during early progressive stages of metamorphism resulted in a substrate of dolomite composition containing faunal remains with a calcite composition.Increased temperature and pressure resulted in metamorphism of early Mg metasomatites,turning them into fine-grained marble containing Visean faunal remains.Tensional stresses near the intrusive domes resulted in dedolomitization of early Mg metasomatites,giving rise to light,coarse-grained calcite marbles having polygonal-grained structure.Such carbonaceous marbles became metamorphosed around the perimeter of granite-gneiss massifs.Their rheological properties allowed for plastic flow in these marbles into areas of tectonic neutrality,forming bodies of rheomorphic marbles,sometimes even among marbled limestone.Relict bodies of Mg metasomatites underwent boudinage and rotation.Flow cleavage occurred in axial blocks of inter-dome structures and in their steep walls.Therefore platy jointing(banding,pseudo-lamination)formed in the marbles.Thickness of the plates is from several millimeters to 2-3m.Calcite underwent recrystallization with extension of grain size in the central parts of plates,sometimes amounting to 15-25cm in cross-section.Ruby-bearing marbles consist of Mg-calcite.The rock is coarse-grained,with a panidiomorphic texture.Schistosity is often observed in the plane of cleavage.Mg-calcite marble occurs among and grades into background calcite marbles,which are controlled by cleavage of flowing.It is supposed that the ruby-bearing Mg-calcite marbles bodies are elongated in the direction of dip.Their formation is caused by recrystallization under the action of rising metamorphogenic fluids at high temperatures and higher pressures(amphibolitic and epidote-amphibolitic facies).Ruby-bearing marbles formed at the end of the prograde stage of metamorphism.The early retrograde stage of metamorphism is defined by a new wave of Mg metasomatism and formation of calcite-dolomitic marbles with a poikiloblastic texture from calcite or Mg-calcite marbles.Usually the boundaries of the bodies are clear,planar,and controlled by cleavage.Studies of small bodies have shown that they are elongated in the direction of dip.Usually they contain pink corundum and/or pink spinel;red corundum is replaced by red spinel.Thus the initial marine limestones were transformed into various marbles and completely lost their primary composition and bedding as a result of metamorphism,deformation,and metasomatic transformation.Ruby-spinel mineralization in marbles is controlled by cleavage.

Hydro-uvarovite from Mantle Peridotites of Naga Hills Ophiolite: A Mineral Tracer for Neo-Tethyan Mantle Wedge Metasomatism

Hydrous Cr-bearing uvarovite garnets are rare in natural occurrences and belong to the ugrandite series and exist in binary solid solutions with grossular and andradite garnets. Here, we report the occurrence of hydrous uvarovite garnet having Cr_(2)O_(3) upto 19.66 wt% and CaO of 32.12–35.14 wt% in the serpentinized mantle peridotites of Naga Hills Ophiolite(NHO), India. They occur in association with low-Cr diopsides. They are enriched in LILE(Ba, Sr), LREEs, with fractionating LREE-MREE [avg.(La/Sm)_(N) = 2.16] with flat MREE/HREE patterns [avg.(Sm/Yb)_(N) = 0.95]. Raman spectra indicate the presence of hydroxyl(OH^(–)) peaks from 3500 to 3700 cm^(-1). Relative abundances in fluid mobile elements and their close association with clinopyroxenes are suggestive of the formation of uvarovite garnets through low temperature metasomatic alteration of low-Cr diopsides by hydrothermal slab fluids. The high LREE concentration and absence of Eu anomaly in the garnet further attest to alkaline nature of the transporting slab dehydrated fluid rather the involvement of low-p H solution. The chemical characteristics of the hydroxyl bearing uvarovite hosted by the mantle peridotite of NHO deviate from the classical features of uvarovite garnet, and their origin is attributed to the fluid-induced metasomatism of the sub arc mantle wedge in a suprasubduction zone regime.

Laser probe ^(40)Ar-^(39)Ar ages of metasomatic K-feldspar from the Hougou gold deposit,northwestern Hebei Province,China

The Hougou gold deposit in northwestern Hebei is a typical K-metasomatism-related gold deposit hosted by K-altered rocks overprinting alkali intrusive rocks. In order to determine the age and pulse intervals of K-metasomatism in this gold deposit, some metasomatic K-feldspars from K-altered rocks are selected to measure their formation time by laser probe 40Ar-39Ar dating method. The new analyzing data show that these metasomatic K-feldspar formed during 202.6 Ma and 176.7 Ma, and the corresponding K-metasomatism and associated gold mineralization occurred in the early stage of Mesozoic era. The pulse intervals of K-metasomatism in the Hougou area are estimated to be about 4 Ma.

A geochemical perspective on the genesis of Cenozoic basic volcanism in northeastern Turkey:an overview of metasomatism and heterogeneity of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle in a post-collisional setting

The post-collisional Cenozoic basic volcanic rocks in NE Turkey show temporal variations in whole-rock lithophile element and highly siderophile element(HSE)systematics that are mainly associated with the nature of sub-continental lithospheric mantle(SCLM)sources and parental melt generation.So far,the traditional whole-rock lithophile geochemical data of these basic volcanic rocks have provided important constraints on the nature of SCLM sources.Integrated lithophile element and HSE geochemical data of these basic volcanic rocks also reveal the heterogeneity of the SCLM source,which is principally related to variable metasomatism resulting from previous subduction(s)and post-collisional mantle-crust interactions in an extensional setting.Lithophile element geochemical features suggest that the parental magmas have derived from metasomatized spinel-to garnet-bearing SCLM sources for Eocene and Miocene basic volcanic rocks with subduction signatures whereas originated from spinel-to garnet-bearing SCLM sources for Mio-Pliocene and Plio-Quaternary basaltic volcanic rocks without the subduction signature.Lithophile element and HSE geo-chemistry also reveal that Eocene and Miocene basic vol-canic rocks were affected by more pronounced crustal contamination than the basaltic volcanic rocks of Mio-Pliocene and Quaternary.Furthermore,the integrated lithophile element and HSE compositions of these basic volcanic rocks,together with the regional asymmetric lithospheric delamination model,reveal that the compositional variation(especially due to metasomatism)was significant temporally in the heterogeneity of the SCLM sources from which parental magmas formed during the Cenozoic era.

Early Cretaceous Metasomatized Lithospheric Mantle beneath the Central Jiangnan Orogen in South China:Geochemical and Sr-Nd Isotope Evidence from the Tuanshanbei Dolerite

It is well established that Cretaceous magmatism in the South China Block(SCB)is related to the Paleo-Pacific subduction.However,the starting time and the associated deep crust-mantle processes are still debatable.Mafic dike swarms carry important information on the deep earth(including mantle)geodynamics and geochemical evolution.In the Jiangnan Orogen(South China).there is no information on whether the Mesozoic magmatic activities in this region are also directly related to the Pacific subduction or not.In this study,we present detailed zircon U-Pb geochronological,wholerock element and Sr-Nd isotope data for Early Cretaceous Tuanshanbei dolerite dikes,and provide new constraints on the condition of the lithospheric mantle and mantle dynamics of the SCB during that time.LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating suggests that this dolerite erupted in the Early Cretaceous(~145 Ma).All samples have alkaline geochemical affinities with K_(2)O+Na_(2)O=3.11-4.04 wt%,K_(2)O/Na_(2)O=0.50-0.72,and Mg^(#)=62.24-65.13.They are enriched in LILE but depleted in HFSE with higher initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratio(0.706896-0.714743)and lower ε_(Nd)(t)(-2.61 to-1.67).They have high Nb/U,Nb/La,La/Sm and Rb/Sr,and low La/Nb,La/Ta,Ce/Pb,Ba/Rb,Tb/Yb and Gd/Yb ratios.Such geochemical signatures suggest that the fractional crystallization is obvious but crustal contamination play a negligible role during magmatic evolution.Tuanshanbei dolerite were most likely derived from low-degree(2%-5%)partial melting of a phlogopite-bearing mantle material consisted of~85% spinel peridotite and~15% garnet peridotite previously metasomatized by asthenospherederived fluids/melts with minor subduction-derived fluids/melts.Slab-rollback generally lead to the upwelling of the hot asthenosphere.The upwelling of asthenosphere consuming the lithospheric mantle by thermo-mechanical-chemical erosion.The lithospheric mantle may have partially melted due to the heating by the upwelling asthenosphere and lithospheric extension.It is inferred that the Tuanshanbei dolerite might be associated with the initial slab rollback and corresponding lithospheric extension occurred potentially at ca.145 Ma.

Element diffusion ability in metasomatic agents and its effect on chemical characteristics of metasomatized peridotites

Detailed in situ LM-ICPMS researches on the composite xenoliths from Yingfengling volcano of Leizhou Peninsula, South China, indicate that most incompatible trace elements of clino- pyroxenes in composite xenoliths decrease spatially from pyroxenites to distal lherzolites, and com- patible elements and HREE increase steeply. The increasing and decreasing rate is distinct for dif- ferent trace elements, which give rise to element chromatographic fractionation within metasomatized lherzolites. The element chromatographic fractionation result actually from the difference in element diffusive rate in melts or fluids percolating through wall-rock lherzolites. Based on element variation profiles in composite xenoliths this study indicates that Sr, Nb, La and Ce have the highest diffusive mobility, MREE-HREE are moderate, and Zr, Hf, Ti, Ga and Sc are very low in most cases. Higher diffusive rates of LREE than HREE would enlarge the REE fractionation of metasomatized peridotites, and lower diffusive rate of Zr, Hf and Ti relative to neighbor REEs with similar incompatibility would cause the relative depletion of these elements in metasomatized peridotites. Trace elements com- monly have a higher diffusive rate in fluid-rich infiltrating melt, which will weaken element chroma- tographic fractionation during the metasomatism. The range of mantle metasomatism caused by sili- cate melt intrusion is very limited, generally within tens of centimeters wide. The width of metasoma- tized wall-rock peridotites near the pyroxenite or horblendite veins was strictly controlled by both melt volume and chemical characteristics.

Metasomatic Stages and Scapolitization Effects on Chemical Composition of Pasveh Pluton,NW Iran

Pasveh gabbros are mafic component of a plutonic complex in the northwest Sanandaj- Sirjan Zone. These cumulative rocks are composed of plagioclase and calcic clinopyroxene （Cpx）, which yield unusually high CaO （〉19 wt.%） in whole-rock chemistry. Petrographical and geochemical data suggest that Pasveh gabbros can be divided into two groups： free scapolite and scapolite-bearing gabbros. The second group has higher Na20, K20, and P205 relative to free scapolite ones and is enriched in LIL （large ion lithophile） and HFS （high field strength） elements. Two stages of metasomatism affected the primary composition of mafic rocks. Firstly, high temperature reaction caused to invert primary high Ti clinopyroxene to low Ti cUnopyroxene＋high Ti amphibole. This reaction was extensive and included all gabbroic samples. Hydrothermal fluids involved in this process can be derived from dehydration reactions of country rocks or from other magmas incorporated in the formation of Pasveh complex pluton. The second metasomatic stage relates to scapolitization of limited parts of gabbroic rocks. An external saline fluid, which is composed of major NaCI and minor KCI and P205 components, impacted locally on Pasveh gabbros and formed the second metasomatic stage. Possible sources of Na and Cl are primary evaporites or brines, which were present in the host sediments of the gabbros. The carbonate-free nature of these hydrothermal fluids suggests that hydrothermal fluids responsible for the formation of scapolite in Pasveh gabbros are derived from marine evaporitic parentage.

Lamprophyre Rocks in the Nassara Gold Deposit, Southwest Burkina Faso: Characteristics and Implication for Mining Exploration

The lamprophyres are late dykes that cut the formations hosting the gold mineralization in the Nassara deposit. They are geographically and spatially related to most orogenic gold deposits. It is with the aim of characterizing them and seeing their implications for exploration that this work is carried out. To achieve our objective, petrographic studies and chemical analyses of minerals (pyroxenes, amphiboles, feldspars, chromite) and geochemical analyses of total rock were carried out. These studies have enabled us to classify the Nassara lamprophyres as calc-alkaline lamprophyres of the spessartite type. The Cr, Co, Ni and Mg enrichment of these rocks would indicate a depleted mantle source, with LILE enrichment by fluids probably related to metasomatic activity. The various diagrams show that they are depleted in HREE and enriched in LREE. The high Nb/Ta ratios in our data indicate metasomatic activity probably linked to amphibole and rutile in the mantle prior to melting. The geodynamic context of spessartite-type lamprophyres indicates a signature linked to late-orogenic to post-collisional subduction. They are late-orogenic to post-collisional lamprophyres enriched in compatible elements (Cr, Ni, Co) and display a negative Ta-Nb-Ti (TNT) anomaly. The frequent association of these lamprophyre dykes with the deposits does not indicate the source of the gold for these deposits, but rather zones of crustal permeability capable of draining hydrothermal fluids at the time of emplacement. Good mapping of lamprophyre dykes, especially in shear zones, could therefore guide prospecting and identify potential zones of hydrothermal fluid circulation.

Geology and mineralization of the Bayan Obo supergiant carbonatite-type REE-Nb-Fe deposit in Inner Mongolia, China: A review

The Bayan Obo supergiant carbonatite-related rare-earth-element-niobium-iron(REE-Nb-Fe) endogenetic deposit(thereafter as the Bayan Obo deposit), located at 150 km north of Baotou City in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is the largest rare-earth element(REE) resource in the world. Tectonically,this deposit is situated on the northern margin of the North China Craton and adjacent to the Xing’anMongolian orogenic belt to the south. The main strata within the mining area include the Neoarchean Se’ertengshan Group and the Mesoproterozoic Bayan Obo Group. Generally, the rare earth, niobium, and iron mineralization within the deposit are intrinsically related to the dolomite carbonatites and the extensive alteration of the country rocks caused by the carbonatite magma intrusion. The alteration of country rocks can be categorized into three types: contact metasomatism(anti-skarn and skarn alteration), fenitization,and hornfelsic alternation. As indicated by previous studies and summarized in this review, the multielement mineralization at Bayan Obo is closely associated with the metasomatic replacement of siliceous country rocks by carbonatite magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. The metasomatic process is comparable to the conventional skarnification that formed due to the intrusion of intermediate-acid magmatic rocks into limestone strata. However, the migration pattern of Si O2, Ca O, and Mg O in this novel metasomatic process is opposite to the skarn alteration. Accordingly, this review delineates, for the first time, an antiskarn metallogenic model for the Bayan Obo deposit, revealing the enigmatic relationship between the carbonatite magmatic-hydrothermal processes and the related iron and rare earth mineralization.Moreover, this study also contributes to a better understanding of the REE-Nd-Fe metallogenetic processes and the related fluorite mineralization at the Bayan Obo deposit.

Carbon Enrichment in the Lithospheric Mantle:Evidence from the Melt Inclusions in Mantle Xenoliths from the Hainan Basalts

It is generally believed that the lithospheric mantle and the mantle transition zone are important carbon reservoirs.However,the location of carbon storage in Earth's interior and the reasons for carbon enrichment remain unclear.In this study,we report CO_(2)-rich olivine-hosted melt inclusions in the mantle xenoliths of late Cenozoic basalts from the Penglai area,Hainan Province,which may shed some light on the carbon enrichment process in the lithospheric mantle.We also present a detailed petrological and geochemical investigation of the late Cenozoic basalts and mantle xenoliths from northern Hainan Island.The collected samples of late Cenozoic Hainan Island basalts belong to both alkaline and subalkaline series,showing fractionated REE patterns with high(La/Yb)_(N)values of 3.52–11.77,which are typical for OIB.Based on Al-in-olivine thermometry,the temperatures estimated for the mantle xenoliths can be divided into two groups.One group has temperatures of less than 1050℃,and the other group has temperature ranging from 1050℃to 1282℃.Clinopyroxene(La/Yb)_(N)–Ti/Eu and clinopyroxene Ca/Al–Mg^(#)diagrams indicate that the mantle peridotite experienced metasomatism from both silicate and carbonate melts.Melt inclusions in the olivine of mantle xenoliths include(1)CO_(2)bubble–rich melt inclusions;(2)multiphase melt inclusions(glass+CO_(2)bubble+daughter minerals);(3)pure glass melt inclusions.Magnesite is a daughter mineral in the olivine-hosted melt inclusions,which could be interpreted as a secondary mineral formed by the interactions of CO_(2)-rich fluids with an olivine host,due to post-entrapment effects.The glasses in olivine-hosted melt inclusions have high SiO_(2)contents(60.21–77.72 wt%).Our results suggest that a considerable amount of CO_(2)-rich melt inclusions are captured in the lithospheric mantle during metasomatism.The lithospheric mantle can therefore act as is a‘carbon trap',with much CO_(2)being absorbed by the lithospheric mantle in this way.

Genesis and Geodynamic Significance of Chromitites from the Fuchuan Ophiolite,Southern China,as Evidenced by Trace Element Fingerprints of Chromite,Olivine and Pyroxene

The Fuchuan ophiolite is located in the northeasternmost segment of the Neoproterozoic Jiangnan orogen and consists mainly of harzburgites,with minor dunites,pyroxenite and gabbro veins and dykes.In order to investigate the genesis and tectonic setting of the Fuchuan ophiolite and chromitites,in situ analyses of unaltered chromites and silicates were carried out.Trace element analyses of unaltered chromites from the Fuchuan chromitites indicate the parental magma is of mid-ocean ridge basalt(MORB)-like origin,with the Ti/Fe^(3+#)–Ga/Fe^(3+#)diagram of chromites showing that the chromitites are a result of melt/rock interaction of MORB melts with mantle peridotites,and that the Fuchuan harzburgites present the dual features of MORB and supra-subduction zone peridotites(SSZP).Trace and rare earth element(REE)analyses of olivines and orthopyroxenes from the Fuchuan harzburgites hint at the possibility of mantle metasomatism influenced by SSZ-subducted fluids.Finally,integrating with previous study,the Fuchuan ophiolite and chromitites might have been formed in a back-arc spreading ridge between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks during the Neoproterozoic.

Petrogenetic characterization of the host rocks of the Sanaga iron ore prospect,southern Cameroon

The Sanaga iron ore prospect is a recent discovery in the Nyong Series with a resource estimated at 82.9 Mt at 32.1%Fe and whose origin remains debatable.The mineralization occurs as NE-SW oriented discontinuous lenticular bodies of magnetite-bearing pyroxenegneisses(MPG)hosted by ortho-derived gneisses.Rare amphibolites are observed.The MPG mineral assemblage consists of quartz-magnetite-orthopyroxene-garnet-tremolite/actinolite exhibiting a granoblastic texture,which is characteristic of granulite facies metamorphism.The granodioritic gneisses show compositional features of the tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite association.Their trace and REE element geochemistry indicate their protolith melt resulted from the partial melting of a subducted oceanic slab,with interaction with the overlying mantle wedge during ascent.The amphibolites show enrichment in LILE with negative Ta–Nb and Zr–Hf indicating arc-related magmas generated by partial melting of a sub-continental lithospheric mantle source with metasomatism by subduction-related fluids.The MPG exhibits oxidation-exsolution features characterized by ilmenite lamellae,with hematite fracture-fillinginmagnetite,andlacksfeatures characteristic of typical BIF such as LREE depletion relative to HREE,positive Eu,La,and Y anomalies.Based on the results of this study,we interpret the Sanaga MPG as a possible skarn-type mineralization formed by the metamorphism/metasomatism of a possible BIF protolith.The results of this study compare with similar magnetite-rich mineralization in the Sa o Francisco craton in northeastern Brazil and enhance the correlation of pre-drift reconstructions of the Sa o Francisco–Congo Cratons.

Weathering-pedogenesis of Carbonate Rocks and Its Environmental Effects in Subtropical Region

We investigated the weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks and its environmental effects in subtropical regions of China. The investigation demonstrated that the weathering- pedogenesis of carbonate rocks is the process of a joint action of corrosion and illuviation and metasomatism in subtropical region. It is characterized by multi-stage, multi-path and multi-style. With the persisting development of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks, metasomatic pedogenesis progressively became the main process of the weathering-pedogenesis and the dominant style of formation of minerals. And it proceeds through the whole process of evolution of the weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks. The stage evolution of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks and the fractionation evolution of newly produced minerals are characterized by obvious vertically zoning structures and the rules of gradation of elements geochemical characteristics in the carbonate rocks weathering profiles. The geochemical process of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks can be divided into three geochemical evolution stages, i.e., the Ca, Mg-depletion and Si, Al-enrichment stage; the Fe, Mn enrichment stage and the Si-depletion and Al-enrichment stage in the subtropical regions. Consistent with the three geochemical evolution stages, the sequence of formation and evolution of minerals can be divided into the clay mineral stage; the Fe, Mn oxide and the gibbsite stage. The influence of weathering-pedogenesis of carbonate rocks on the chemical forms of heavy elements is mainly affected via newly produced components and minerals in the process of weathering-pedogenesis, e.g., iron oxide minerals and organic matters. The important mechanism for the mobilization, transport and pollution of F and As is affected the selective adsorption and desorption of F and As on the surface of iron oxide minerals in the subtropical karst zones, i.e., the selective adsorption and desorption on mineral surfaces of newly produced minerals in the process of weathering-pedogenesis control the geochemical behavior of elements on the Earth＇s surface and environmental quality in subtropical regions.

Yixunite and Damiaoite—A Twin of New Native Alloys of Indium and Platinum from the Yanshan Mountains

Yixunite and damiaoite Were found in a cobalt- and copper-bearing platinum ore vein of a contact metasomatic deposit. The chief ore minerals are bornite, chalcopyrite, magnetite and carrollite. The platinum minerals include moncheite, sperrylite, daomanite, cobalt malanite and cooperite. Yixunite and damiaoite occur as immiscible globules, 1.0 to 2.0 mm in diameter. Yixunite is always in the central part of a globule. It is opaque with metallic lustre, bright white colour and black streak. HM = 5.8; VHN50 = 634 kg/mm2 (573-681 kg/ mm2); insoluble in HCl, HNO3, HF or H3PO4; no cleavage; no magnetism. Density is hard to measure because of small grain size. Calculated density = 18.21 g/cm3. Reflective colour is bright white with a yellowish tint. Isotropic. The mean analytical results (ranges) (%) are: Pt 82.8 (81.8-83.6), In 16.4(15.6-17.1) and total 99.2. The empirical formula (based on 4 atoms) is Pt2.993 In1.007 . The five strongest lines of X-ray diffraction (hkl, d,I) are 111, 2.30 (100); 200, 1.99 (60); 202, 1.411 (40);311, 1.203 (80); 222, 1.151(40). Space group: Pm3m with a =0.3988(3) nm and Z= 1. Damiaoite occurs as single globules or was exsolved from yixunite. Opaque with metallic lustre; bright white colour with black streak; HM = 5.3; VHN50 = 485 kg/mm2 (434-529 kg/mm2); insoluble in HC1, HNO3, HF or H3PO4; cleavage: no; magnetism: no. Density: hard to measure because of small grain size. Calculated density = 10.95 g/ cm3. Reflective colour is bright white with a yellowish tint. Isotropic. The mean analytical results (ranges) (%) are Pt 45.6 (45.4-46.0), In 53.5 (52.4-53.9), total 99.1. The empirical formula (based on 3 atoms) is Pt0.002 In1.998. The six strongest lines of X-ray diffraction (hkl.d,I) are 220,2.25 (100); 311,1.92 (60); 400,1.59 (60); 422,1.299 (80); 440,1.125 (60); 620,1.006 (70). Space group: Fm3m with a = 0.6364 (3) nm and Z = 4.

Mineralogy of Metacarbonate Rocks and Garnet Depositsat two Selected Areas at Asir Region, Southwestern KSA

The mineralogical data materialized in the present work suggest that the previously described skarns at Ad Darb in the literature are actually marble deposits intercalated with schists and phyllites of different compositions. The marble and associated metasediments lie to the west of striking ridges of marbles that are nearly aligned in the NNW-SSE direction. Garnet at Al Madhiq occurrence often occurs in the form of bands conformable with rock foliation (gneissosity and schistosity). It is suggested that the paragenesis “quartz-gar- net-epidote” is developed due to the percolation of some Al-rich solutions along rock foliation of the horn- blende gneiss, i.e. metasomatic garnet. Careful field investigation collaborated with petrographic and SEM studies, suggest the occurrence of another garnetiferous paragenesis associating quartz, mica and feldspar in pegmatites, aplites and quartz veins, i.e. exclusively igneous garnet. Metasomatic garnet in the calc-silicates of Al Madhiq is of grossular composition. It is commonly unzoned but some distinctly to slightly zoned crystals are observed where the core is andradite-rich and the rim is grossular. Metasomatic events responseble for growth of garnet in the calc-silicates led also to formation of epidote post-dating grossular. Hand specimens, microscopic investigation and BSE images prove that this epidote post-dates and replaces gros sular, and even rims it in some instances. Igneous garnet at Al Madhiq (almandine-spessartine) is found only in pegmatites and aplites that are genetically related to alkali granitoids. Sulphides (dominated by pyrite) occur in intemate association with domains rich in grossular and hence these sulphides are more likely hydrothermal indicating reducing conditions for formation of grossular.

Subduction zone geochemistry

Crustal recycling at convergent plate boundaries is essential to mantle heterogeneity.However,crustal signatures in the mantle source of basaltic rocks above subduction zones were primarily incorporated in the form of liquid rather than solid phases.The physicochemical property of liquid phases is determined by the dehydration behavior of crustal rocks at the slab-mantle interface in subduction channels.Because of the significant fractionation in incompatible trace elements but the full inheritance in radiogenic isotopes relative to their crustal sources,the production of liquid phases is crucial to the geochemical transfer from the subducting crust into the mantle.In this process,the stability of specific minerals in subducting crustal rocks exerts a primary control on the enrichment of given trace elements in the liquid phases.For this reason,geochemically enriched oceanic basalts can be categorized into two types in terms of their trace element distribution patterns in the primitive mantle-normalized diagram.One is island arc basalts(IAB),showing enrichment in LILE,Pb and LREE but depletion in HFSE such as Nb and Ta relative to HREE,The other is ocean island basalts(OIB),exhibiting enrichment in LILE and LREE,enrichment or non-depletion in HFSE but depletion in Pb relative to HREE.In either types,these basalts show the enhanced enrichment of LILE and LREE with increasing their incompatibility relative to normal mid-ocean ridge basalts(MORB).The thermal regime of subduction zones can be categorized into two stages in both time and space,The first stage is characterized by compressional tectonism at low thermal gradients.As a consequence,metamorphic dehydration of the subducting crust prevails at forearc to subarc depths due to the breakdown of hydrous minerals such as mica and amphibole in the stability field of garnet and rutile,resulting in the liberation of aqueous solutions with the trace element composition that is considerably enriched in LILE,Pb and LREE but depleted in HFSE and HREE relative to normal MORB.This provides the crustal signature for the mantle sources of IAB.The second stage is indicated by extensional tectonism at high thermal gradients,leading to the partial melting of metamorphically dehydrated crustal rocks at subarc to postarc depths.This involves not only the breakdown of hydrous minerals such as amphibole,phengite and allanite in the stability field of garnet but also the dissolution of rutile into hydrous melts.As such,the hydrous melts can acquire the trace element composition that is significantly enriched in LILE,HFSE and LREE but depleted in Pb and HREE relative to normal MORB,providing the crustal signature for the mantle sources of OIB.In either case,these liquid phases would metasomatize the overlying mantle wedge peridotite at different depths,generating ultramafic metasomatites such as serpentinized and chloritized peridotites,and olivine-poor pyroxenites and hornblendites.As a consequence,the crustal signatures are transferred by the liquid phases from the subducting slab into the mantle.