Petrogenesis of the Neoarchean zincian chromite within ultramafic xenoliths,Bastar Craton,India

The present study reports and discusses the genesis of zincian chromite in the ultramafic xenoliths from the Dongripali area,Bastar craton,Central India.The zincian chromite is in the ultramafic xenoliths of Bengpal supracrustal rock hosted by Neoarchaean Bundeli gneisses.Compositionally zincian chromite shows a range of Cr_(2)O_(3)(39.69 to 51.66 wt%),Al_(2)O_(3)(05.30 wt%to 08.71 wt%),FeO(21.74 wt%to 27.51 wt%),Fe_(2)O_(3)(10.19 wt%to 19.36wt%)with higher ZnO content ranging from 1.73 wt%to 4.08 wt%.Accordingly,their Cr#[Cr/(Cr+Al)]varies in a narrow range from 0.83 to 0.85.Its calculated melt composition supports metamorphic or post-magmatic nature rather than common occurrences such as inclusion in diamonds,meteorites,and association with any sulfide-rich mineralised belt.This reveals that the post-magmatic processes play a vital role in transforming chromite to zincian chromite.The empirical thermometric calculation from chromite,amphibole,and pyroxene support their metamorphic origin and formed during low-P and high-T amphibolite grade facies of metamorphism(~700℃).The Neoarchaean granitic magmatism has a significant role in generating and transferring the heat during contact metamorphism with hydration of ultramafic xenoliths and further alteration,i.e.,serpentinisation.The olivine is a major repository for Mn,Zn,and Co in peridotite/ultramafic;these elements get mobilised during the metamorphism and serpentinisation.This is a possible reason for the mobilisation of zinc and incorporation in the chromite within altered ultramafic.As a result,chromiterich ultramafic xenolith subjected to metamorphic process gets enrichment of Zn and Fe due to elemental exchange.It converts common chromite into zincian chromite,as reported in altered ultramafics elsewhere.

Geochemical characteristics of mafic and ultramafic rocks from the Naga Hills Ophiolite, India:Implications for petrogenesis

The Naga Hills Ophiolite(NHO) represents one of the fragments of Tethyan oceanic crust in the Himalayan Orogenic system which is exposed in the Phek and Kiphire districts of Nagaland, India. The NHO is composed of partially serpentinized dunite, peridotite, gabbro, basalt, minor plagiogranite,diorite dyke and marine sediments. The basalts are mainly composed of fine grained plagioclase feldspar, clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene and show quenching and variolitic textures. The gabbros are characterized by medium to coarse grained plagioclase, orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene with ophitic to sub-ophitic textures. The ultramafic cumulates are represented by olivine, Cpx and Opx.Geochemically, the basalts and gabbros are sub-alkaline to alkaline and show tholeiitic features.The basalts are characterized by 44.1-45.6 wt.% of SiO_2 with 28-38 of Mg#, and the gabbros by38.7-43.7 wt.% of SiO_2, and 26-79 of Mg#. The ultramafic rocks are characterized by 37.4-52.2 wt.% of SiO_2, and 80-88 of Mg#. In multi-element diagrams(spidergrams) both basalts and gabbros show fractionated trends with strong negative anomalies of Zr. Nb. Sr and a gentle negative anomaly of P.However, the rare earth element(REE) plots of the basalts and gabbros show two distinct patterns. The first pattern, represented by light REE(LREE) depletion, suggests N-MORB features and can be interpreted as a signature of Paleo-Tethyan oceanic crust. The second pattern, represented by LREE enrichment with negligible negative Eu anomaly, conforms to E-MORB, and may be related to an arc tectonic setting. In V vs. Ti/1000, Cr vs. Y and AFM diagrams, the basalts and gabbros plot within Island Arc Tholeiite(IAT) and MORB fields suggesting both ridge and arc related settings. The ultramafic rocks exhibit two distinct patterns both in spidergrams and in REE plots. In the spidergram, one group displays highly enriched pattern, whereas the other group shows near flat pattern compared to primordial mantle. In the REE plot, one group displays steeper slopes [(La/Yb)N = 4.340-4.341], whereas the other displays moderate to flat slopes [(La/Yb)N = 0.97-1.67] and negative Eu-anomalies. Our study suggests that the ultramafic rocks represent two possible mantle sources(fertile and refractory).

Zircon U-Pb Age and Geochemistry of the Ore-hosting Ultramafic Complex of Zhou'an PGE-Cu-Ni Deposit,Henan Province,Central China

The Zhou＇an PGE-Cu-Ni deposit was recently discovered in the Qinling orogenic belt bound by the Yangtze and the North China Cratons. It is a blind deposit thoroughly covered by the Cenozoic alluvial sediments in the Nanyang Basin. As the first large PGE-Cu-Ni deposit discovered in the Qinling-Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt, its geological and geochemical characteristic, isotope age, genesis and tectonic setting are of wide concern in both scientific studies and ore exploration. In this contribution, we report the results obtained from a pioneering study. The Zhou＇an ultramafic complex is ferruginous, with m/f = 4.79-5.08, and shows the nature of tholeiite series. It is rich in light rare earth elements, Rb, Th, U, La, Sm, Zr and Hf, and poor in heavy rare earth elements, Nd and Ta, suggesting an intraplate setting. It has high S7Sr/S6Sr and low 143Nd/144Nd ratios. The ratios of Zr/Nb, La/Nb, Ba/ Nb, Rb/Nb, Th/Nb, Th/La and Ba/La, suggest the magma originated from lithosphere mantle. The Fo values of olivine and Pd/Ir-Ni/Cu diagram suggest primary magma was High Mg basalt. The laser ablation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy zircon U-Pb age is 641.5 ± 3.7 Ma.

ULTRAMAFIC XENOLITHS FROM A KAMAFUGITE LAVA IN CENOZOIC VOLCANIC FIELD OF WEST QINLING, CHINA AND ITS GEOLOGICAL IMPLICATION

Cenozoic potassic mafic volcanism (kamafugite magamtism) in West Qinling, Gansu province of China is a important section of Cenozoic volcanic belt of Qingzang (Tibet) plateau and adjacent area. The kamafugite magma show near\|primary magma characteristics. Strong incompatible elements concentrations in the volcanic rocks infer the kamafugite magmas may be origined from a enrichment mantle sources earlier.Four groups of deep\|seated xenoliths were collected from a kamafugite lava in West Qinling, Gansu province, China: (1)spinel Iherzolite and garnet Iherzolite; (2) harzburgite; (3) dunite and (4) clinopyroxenite. All suite of peridotite xenoliths are Cr\|diopside series. The main textures of peridotite xenoliths are granoblastic, porphyroclastic and granular, but the textures of clinopyroxenite are mainly poikilitic. The textural characteristics, mineral chemical variations and mineral geothermometric data show that the mantle source region of the Cenozoic kamafugite magam are very complex and undertook partial melting and enrichment associated with alkaline metasomatism by fluid and carbonatite melts. Geothermometry indicates the equilibration p and T conditions of the spinel lherzolite and garnet lherzolite are 970℃, 18 9GPa and 1219℃,27 61GPa corresponding to depth of 62km and 92km representatively. We suggest, combining with geophysical data, the spinel lherzolite formed at the top of upper mantle, the garnet lherzolite represent the base of lithosphere or the top of asthenosphere, but the clinopyroxenite is formed by cumulation in shallower magma reservoir. Kamafugite magmas formed within the stability field of garnet lherzolite by partial melting, the partial melting degree is only about 1%～2%. There is a superheating condition in Cenozoic mantle of West Qinling, which may be related to strong uplift of Qingzang (Tibet) plateau since cenozoic and extrusion east forward of asthenosphere beneath the Qingzang (Tibet) plateau.

Baddeleyite and zircon U-Pb ages of the ultramafic rocks in Chigu Tso area,Southeastern Tibet and their constraints on the timing of Comei Large Igneous Province

A suite of ultramafic and mafic rocks developed in the Chigu Tso area,eastern Tethyan Himalaya.Baddeleyite and zircon U-Pb ages acquired by SIMS and LA-ICP-MS from olivine pyroxenite rocks in the Chigu Tso area are 138.9±3.0 Ma and 139.0±1.9 Ma,respectively.These two Early Cretaceous ages are similar with the ages of the more abundant mafic rocks in the eastern Tethyan Himalaya,indicating that this suite of ultramafic and mafic rocks in the Chigu Tso area should be included in the outcrop area of the Comei Large Igneous Province(LIP).These ultramafic rocks provide significant evidence that the involvement of mantle plume/hot spot activities in the formation of the Comei LIP.Baddeleyite U-Pb dating by SIMS is one reliable and convenient method to constrain the formation time of ultramafic rocks.The dating results of baddeleyite and zircon from the olivine pyroxenite samples in this paper are consistent with each other within analytical uncertainties,suggesting that baddeleyite and zircon were both formed during the same magmatic process.The consistency of baddeleyite U-Pb ages in the Chigu Tso area with zircon U-Pb ages for a large number of Early Cretaceous mafic rocks in the eastern Tethyan Himalaya further support that zircon grains from such mafic rocks yielding Early Cretaceous ages are also magmatic in origin.

Petrogenesis of the diamondiferous Pipe-8 ultramafic intrusion from the Wajrakarur kimberlite field of Southern India and its relation to the worldwide Mesoproterozoic(~1.1 Ga) magmatism of kimberlite and related rocks

Detailed mineralogy,bulk rock major,trace and Sr-Nd isotope compositions,and ^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar dating of the Pipe-8 diamondiferous ultramafic intrusion in the Wajrakarur cluster of southern India,is reported.Based on the presence of Ti-rich phlogopite,high Na/K content in amphibole,Al-and Ti-rich diopside,a titanomagnetite trend in spinel and the presence of Ti-rich schorlomite garnet and carbonates in the groundmass,the Pipe-8 intrusion is here more precisely classified as an ultramafic lamprophyre(i.e.,aillikite).An aillikite affinity of the Pipe-8 intrusion is further supported by the bulk rock major and trace element and Sr-Nd isotope geochemistry.Sr-Nd isotope data are consistent with a common,moderately depleted upper mantle source region for both the Pipe-8 aillikite as well as the Wajrakarur kimberlites of southern India.A phlogopite-rich groundmass ^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar plateau age of 1115.8±7.9 Ma(2σ) for the Pipe-8 intrusion falls within a restricted 100 Ma time bracket as defined by the 1053-1155 Ma emplacement ages of kimberlites and related rocks in India.The presence of ultramafic lamprophyres,carbonatites,kimberlites,and olivine lamproites in the Wajrakarur kimberlite field requires low degrees of partial melting of contrasting metasomatic assemblages in a heterogeneous sub-continental lithospheric mantle.The widespread association of kimberlite and other mantle-derived magmatism during the Mesoproterozoic(ca.1.1 Ga) have been interpreted as being part of a single large igneous province comprising of the Kalahari,Australian,West Laurentian and Indian blocks of the Rodinia supercontinent that were in existence during its assembly.In India only kimberlite/lamproite/ultramafic lamprophyre magmatism occurred at this time without the associated large igneous provinces as seen in other parts of Rodinia.This may be because of the separated paleo-latitudinal position of India from Australia during the assembly of Rodinia.It is speculated that the presence of a large plume at or close to 1.1 Ga within the Rodinian supercontinent,with the Indian block located on its periphery,could be the reason for incipient melting of lithospheric mantle and the consequent emplacement of only kimberlites and other ultramafic,volatile rich rocks in India due to comparatively low thermal effects from the distant plume.

The Evolution of Alpine Ultramafic Rocks and Partial Melting of the Upper Mantle

Ultramafic rocks of Tibet and Xinjiang are the products of partial melting of the upper mantle. The evolution of their mineral composition is marked by two parallel evolutionary series: one is the progressive increase of the 100 Mg/(Mg+Fe^(2+) ratio of silicate minerals in order of lherzolite→harzburgite→dunite, i.e. the increase in magnesium; the other is the increase of the 100 Cr/(Cr+Al) ratio of accessory chrome spinel in the same order, i. e. the increase in Chromium. The above-mentioned evolutionary trends are contrary to that of magmatic differentiation. The evolution of fabrics of ultramafic rocks is characterized by progressive variation in order of protogranular texture→melted residual texture, symplectic texture and clastophyritic texture→equigranular mosaic texture and tabular mosaic texture. Experiments of partial melting of lherzolite have convincingly shown that the evolution of Alpine ultramafic rocks resulted from the partial melting of pyrolite. Various subtypes of them represent different degrees of partial melting. The vertical zoning marked by more basic rocks in the upper part and more acid rocks in the lower actually belongs to the fusion zoning of pyrolite.

Sr AND Nd ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION OF THE ULTRAMAFIC XENOLITHS FROM EASTERM CHINA:INFERENCES ABOUT THE STRUCTURE OF THE SUBCONTINENTAL LITHOSPHERE MANTLE AND THE ORIGIN OF BASALTIC MAGMAS

Uliramafie xenoliths provide an important constraint on the composition,strueture and evolution of the lithosphere mantle beneath eastern China. Most of the xenoliths entrained by the Cenzoic basalts have de pleted Sr and Nd isotopie composition. Interestingly evidences have been found for old ehriehed lithosphere mantle beneath thick Arehaean and post-Arehaean erust (＞35 km ) and for relatively homogeneous and depleted lithosphere mantle bencath thin erust (＜ 35 km ). Furthermore the chemieal composition of the lithosphere mantle is overall fertile regardless of the age of the overlying erust. The spatial variability in ehemieal and Sr and Nd isotopie eompositions of the ultramafie xenoliths in relation to the lithospherie ages and geometry implies a mixture strueture of the lithosphere mantle beheath easiern China. which consists of recently aecreted asthenospherie diapirs and old modified remnants. Isotopie eomposition of the Cenozoie basalts show obvious similarities with ocein island basalt (OIH ). We argue that enriehed lithosphere mantle delamineted during Mesozoic-Cenozoie tectonie-thermal events was generally involved in the Cenozoie basaltic voleanism.

KT Boundary Chromites Determined to be Terrestrial:Cr Isotopic Evidence for Excavation and Ejection of Mafic/Ultramafic Rocks by the KT Boundary Impact

Evidence for a mantle and/or basaltic component in KT boundary distal ejecta is apparently inconsistent with ejection from Chicxulub Crater since it is located on;5km thick continental crust（De Paolo et al.,1983;Montanari et al.,1983;Hildebrand and Boynton,1988,1990）.Evidence for mafic/ultramafic target rocks was reinforced by discovery of chromites,some with shock planar deformation features（PDF）,in impact layer samples from sites in southern Colorado and eastern Wyoming（Bohor et al.,1990）.However,until now it was unclear whether the chromites originated with an impactor or with terrestrial target rocks.To this end,high-precision 54Cr/52Cr isotope ratios were measured on KT boundary chromites along with known terrestrial chromites.We find a terrestrial 54Cr/52Cr ratio in KT boundary chromites from impact layer samples collected at the above sites over the last several years（Fig.1）.Ejected terrestrial chromites suggest the impact sampled terrestrial mafic and/or ultramafic target rocks not known to exist in the Chicxulub target area.

Rift-associated ultramafic lamprophyre(damtjernite) from the middle part of the Lower Cretaceous(125 Ma) succession of Kutch,northwestern India: Tectonomagmatic implications

Mineralogical,geochemical and isotopic(Sr and Nd) studies on the recently reported ca. 124 Ma'anorogenic lamproite' dyke from the Palanpur area, Kutch seismogenic rift zone, northwestern India, are presented. We propose a new classification for the dyke as a damtjernite(ultramafic lamprophyre; UML)based on its porphyritic-panidiomorphic texture, abundance of phlogopite, presence of nepheline in the groundmass, and the composition of liquidus phases such as olivine, phlogopite, magnetite, and clinopyroxene(diopside). The Palanpur UML is primitive(Mg# =74-77),silica-undersaturated(SiO_2<40 wt.%),potassic to slightly sodic in nature, and is strikingly similar to the ～69 Ma UML dykes and sills of the Tethyan Indus suture zone, which are considered as the earliest yet known manifestations of the Deccan Large Igneous Province(LIP). Bulk-rock(^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)_i(0.70460-0.70461) and ε_(N)d(t)(+2.56 to-0.69) of the Palanpur UML signify derivation from a slightly depleted mantle source similar to that of asthenospheric magmas such as OIB. This is further attested to by the high incompatible trace element ratios(viz., La/Ba, Nb/U, Nb/La and Ta/Yb) that are typical of plume-type magmas. However, the Neoproterozoic T_(DM) depleted mantle Nd model ages( ～655-919 Ma) also necessitate some involvement of a lithospheric mantle component in its genesis. High bulk-rock Fe_2 O_3~t and TiO_2 contents require the involvement of a fertile peridotitic mantle source, whereas high La/Yb(60-80) implies a control by residual garnet. Higher Rb/Sr and lower Ba/Rb suggest phlogopite as a residual phase and high Nb and lower La/Sm favour carbonatite, rather than silicate melt as metasomatising agent. Low degrees of partial melting of a primitive garnet lherzolite mantle can account for the observed REE patterns in the Palanpur UML. The Palanpur UML shares a temporal similarity to the Kerguelen plume-derived Rajmahal basalts and associated alkaline rocks from the eastern India. The tectonomagmatic significance of its emplacement during the mid-Cretaceous vis-a-vis various models involving the timing of eruption of the Deccan and the Rahmahal Traps and the rifting in the Kutch basin induced by far-field plate reorganization is evaluated.

MINERALOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF ULTRAMAFIC ROCKS FROM THE INDUS SUTURE OPHIOLITE IN SWAT, NW PAKISTAN

Genetically diverse lithologies, which include blueschist, greenschist, ultramafic, mafic plutonic, e.g. gabbros, and volcanic, e.g. pillowed basalts, and metasedimentary rocks, occur as a wedge\|shaped zone in the area to the north of the Mingora town in Swat, NW Pakistan. This zone of fault\|bounded rock bodies and blocks is distinguished into three principal groups, each of which is itself a composite of lithologies, or a melange—the blueschist melange, greenschist melange and ophiolitic melange. All these lie along the Main Mantle Thrust (MMT)—the westward extension of the Indus\|Tsangbo suture zone and the locus of collision between the Indo\|Pakistan plate and the Kohistan island arc—and, are therefore, collectively termed as the Main Mantle Thrust Melange Group (MMTMG).The ultramafic rocks, locally containing chromite pods and constituting a part of the ophiolitic member of the MMTMG, occur as small to large lenticular bodies, distributed along the marginal part of the Indo\|Pakistan plate. They are invariably serpentinized to varying degrees and, therefore, consist of abundant, fine grained serpentine which is mostly accompanied by subordinate amounts of completely bastitised, medium to coarse grained orthopyroxene, trace to accessory amounts of commonly altered (zoned with ferritchromite and/or magnetite) chrome spinel, variable proportions of olivine, and accessory amounts of diopside. In other words, the ultramafic rocks are mostly harzburgitic in mineralogy and, therefore, the ophiolite as a whole can be classified as the harzburgite sub\|type..Detailed field and mineralogical studies show that the present petrographic ch aracteristics and mineral\|chemical composition of these dominantly harburgitic rocks are the result of a number of phenomena involving partial melting, serpentinization, metamorphism and talc\|carbonate alteration.

TRACE ELEMENT CHARACTERISTICS OF ULTRAMAFIC INCLUSIONS IN THE EASTERN PART OF LIAONING-JILIN PROVINCES BY NAA

Cenozoic basalts in the eastern part of Liaoning-Jilin contain abundant mantle-derived inclusions. The rock types of the ultramafic inclusions are composed mostly of spinel lherzolite and a few websterites. In order to study the origin of inclusions, the concnetrations of several trace elements have been measured in samples by NAA. According to geochemical characteristics of trace elements, there are two types of spinel Iherzolite inclusions. The first type is refractory residues left after partial melting of the upper mantle and the second type is metasomatizing refractory residues. The websterites inclusions formed by segregation of basaltic melt derived from high degree of melting of mantle source rocks.

Genesis and Tectonic Implications of the Kabr El-Bonaya Ultramafic Rocks,Sinai Peninsula,Egypt:Constraints from Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics

The Kabr El-Bonaya mafic–ultramafic intrusion is exposed along the southeastern border of the Sinai Peninsula and the northernmost segment of the Arabian-Nubian Shield(ANS).It occurs as an elliptical intrusive body that is located along the major NE–SW trending fracture zones that prevail in the Kid metamorphic complex.The ultramafic rocks in the complex comprise ultramafic cumulates of peridotites(dunite,harzburgite and wehrlite)and pyroxenite.These rocks are generally unmetamorphosed and have intrusive contacts with the country rock.Mineral chemistry and whole-rock chemical compositions of these ultramafic rocks are mostly consistent with those of residual mantle peridotites from refractory suprasubduction tectonic settings.Based on the variations of the major elements,the studied ultramafic rocks are consistent with those of a supra-subduction zone mantle,as it seems to have melted at 1–2 GPa and 1300–1450℃.Linear variations of Al2O3,Ca O,V and Ni with Mg O,coupled with incompatible and rare-earth-element depletion and mineral compositions,suggest prior events of partial melting in both wehrlites and harzburgites.The LREE enrichment in the harzburgite,as well as the development of Cr-rich spinel,is consistent with a history of melt–peridotite interaction.The calculated(Sm/Yb)N variations for the studied peridotites indicate a general increase in the addition of fluids with an increasing degree of melting from the wehrlite(~13–15 wt%of fluid)in the source,after initial spinel peridotite melting to the harzburgite(~20–25 wt%of fluid)in the same source,which is contrary to normal abyssal peridotites.The estimated equilibration temperature ranges from 1214 to 1321℃for the studied wehrlites and from 1297 to 1374℃for harzburgites.The Mg-rich nature of the analysed olivines from the studied ultramafic rocks(Fo=81.41 to 91.77)reflect their primary composition and are similar to olivines in Alaskan-type ultramafic rocks.The Fo content of the analyzed olivines decrease slightly from the dunite to the harzburgite to the wehrlite and to pyroxenite,reflecting a fractional crystallization trend.The high Cr#and very low TiO_(2)contents(0.03–0.12 wt%)of the Cr-spinels from the studied peridotites are mostly consistent with modern highly refractory fore-arc peridotites,indicating that these peridotites developed in a supra-subduction zone environment.

Ultramafic Zoned Complexes of the Urals and Siberia: New Geochemical Evidence of Magmatic Origin

Ultramafic(dunite-clinopyroxenite) complexes with platinum mineralization are common in different tectonic settings. Among them are zoned complexes of the Ural-Alaskan type, zoned complexes of platforms(Konder massif, Siberia), as well as layered intrusion complexes(Gulin massif, Siberia). In determining the genesis of these formations, an important role belongs to the study of melt inclusions and rock-forming minerals, including clinopyroxene. Clinopyroxenes of the ultramafic complexes exhibit a general trend of evolution, expressed as a decrease in magnesium content(Mg# = 0.95 to 0.7) and an increase in the contents of titanium and aluminum oxide(0–4.5% and 0.5–7.0%, respectively) in the dunite-clinopyroxenite series. In the coordinates of Ti-AL(IV) the clinopyroxenes of the Ural-Alaskan complexes of the Platinum belt form a linear trend of compositions with a slight increase(0–0.03 f.u.) in the titanium contents. In comparison with them the clinopyroxenes of the zoned platform complexes(Konder massif) demonstrate a shift in the trend of compositions, due to an increase in the titanium content to the moderate(0.05 f.u.) values. For the layered intrusions(Gulin pluton), it is typical another trend of clinopyroxene compositions with significantly higher titanium contents(0.04–0.12 f.u.) at the similar level of aluminum. Clinopyroxene compositions of zoned complexes of the Platinum belt are "controlled" by the area of boninites and tholeites of island arcs, and the zoned complexes of platforms by the areas of island arc tholeites and sub-alkaline intraplate basalts. Clinopyroxenes of the layered intrusions are located in the field of compositions of alkaline intraplate or MORB basalts. The geochemical study of clinopyroxenes, performed by laser ablation method(LA-ICP-MS) at the University of Kanazawa(Japan) and the Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the UB RAS(Zaitseva et al., 2018), established the following features:(1) In ultrabasites of zoned complexes of the Urals and Siberia(Konder massif), clinopyroxene is characterized by an arcshaped distribution of rare earth elements with increasing contents from dunites to pyroxenites at a relative deficit of heavy REE(LaN/YbN = 1.2–5.4). In magnetite clinopyroxenites(enriched REE), its composition is close or identical to that in orthoclase-bearing pyroxenites(tylaites). Negative anomalies of lead, zirconium, hafnium, and titanium, as well as positive anomalies of strontium, are typical for clinopyroxene zoned complexes.(2) In ultrabasites of layered intrusions(Gulin massif) clinopyroxene is characterized by higher level of light lanthanides with a steeper slope of the REE distribution spectra(LaN/YbN = 8–13). Lead, zirconium and hafnium anomalies are also inherent in the compositions;unlike the zoned complexes a weak negative anomaly of strontium and a positive anomaly of titanium are observed. Using the partition coefficients between clinopyroxene and the melt, the compositions of parental melts for ultramafic complexes were calculated. In general, these model melts are characterized by oblique spectra of compositions typical of island arc and intraplate environments(Fig. 1). Model melts corresponding to the Ural-Alaskan-type zoned complexes(Platinum belt) show low levels of REE with a noticeable deficiency of heavy lanthanides(LaN/YbN = 8–25). By their high(≥ 2) CaO/Al2O3 ratio, they are close to ankaramite type island arc melts, differing by a steeper slope of the REE distribution spectra. Model melts corresponding to the zoned platform complexes(Konder massif) demonstrate a higher level of REE content and a deficit of heavy REE(LaN/YbN = 38), with a similar distribution pattern. At a lower Ca/Al ratio(0.4–1.9), they are close to melts of the picritic type. In comparison with them, model melts corresponding to the layered intrusions(Gulin massif) demonstrate a significantly higher level of REE and a steeper slope of the distribution spectra(LaN/YbN = 67–103), typical of alkaline mechmitic melts. In general, the results of the mineralogical and geochemical study of clinopyroxenes of ultramafic complexes correlate well with the data on melt inclusions in spinels from dunites(Simonov et al., 2017).

Olivine and Cr-spinel as indicators of the petrogenesis and partial melting conditions of the high-MgO ultramafic volcanic rocks from NW Ad Dhala Province—Yemen

The high-MgO ultramafic volcanic rocks in the NW Ad Dhala province are classified as meimechite according to the IUGS classification scheme.This province represents the southeastern outcrops of the Yemen Volcanic Group(YVG),which constitutes part of the AfroArabian continental large igneous province(LIP) and located within the boundary of the Afar mantle plume.In this study,we present the chemical compositions of olivine and Cr-spinel in meimechite rocks from Bagah Village in NW Ad Dhala province,aiming to characterize the genesis and partial melting conditions and to estimate the crystallization temperatures of these high-MgO rocks.Olivine crystals are characterized by high forsterite,ranges from Mg-rich core(up to Fo_(89.69)) to relatively Fe-rich rim(down to Fo_(78.57)),high CaO,MgO and MnO whereas Cr-spinel crystals have high TiO_(2) and Cr# values ranging from 0.49 to 0.63 which indicate that they are crystallized from primary magma and are typical of volcanic olivine and Crspinel that formed in intraplate tectonic setting.Olivine and Cr-spinel compositional data and primary melt composition(MgO ~ 23 wt.%) are compatible with the derivation of studied meimechite rocks from peridotite mantle source by small degrees of partial melting under conditions of high temperature and pressure at great depths,mostly within the garnet stability field.Also,these data provide a compelling indicator for the important role of upwelling Afar mantle plume in the genesis of these high-MgO ultramafic volcanic rocks.Finally,based on the different olivine-liquid equilibrium methods and Al-in-olivine thermometer approach the estimated crystallization temperature ranges from 1450 to 1490℃,and mantle potential temperature(Tp) ranges from 1617 to 1677℃,at high pressure(3-4.8 GPa).These high temperatures substantiate the existence of the Afar thermal mantle plume and its important role in the genesis of the studied meimechite rocks.

Comparison of Redox States between the Ultramafic Bodies of Xigaze and Luobusha Ophiolites, Tibet, China

The tectonic setting of podiform chromitite formation still remains highly debated. There is a close correlation between tectonic settings and oxygen fugacity(fO2)(e.g., Ballhaus, 1993;Dare et al., 2009;Parkinson and Arculus, 1999). Here we present results of fO2 of chromites determined by M?ssbauer spectroscopy from both the Luobusha and Dazhuqu areas along Yarlung Zangbo suture zone, Southern Tibet. The fO2 values(-1.02~0.04 log units against the FMQ buffer) and Cr#(22~54%) in chromites from lherzolites and harzburgites of both areas are similar to those of abyssal peridotites, indicating that they may be residues after partial melting at spreading centers. However, both dunite envelopes and chromitites from Luobusha have high fO2 values(0.04~2.25 log units) and Cr#(73~84%), showing an affinity to boninitic melts, and thus form in a suprasubduction zone. Dazhuqu dunites show diverse fO2 values(-0.22~2.19 log units) and Cr#(22~82%), indicating that they form in distinct settings. Chromitites and chromite dunites from Dazhuqu have low fO2 values(-0.3~0.71 log units) and Cr#(16~63%), both of which are similar to those of MORB-like basalts, inferring that they form in an extensional setting. Both high-Cr and high-Al chromitites from other typical podiform chromite ore deposits, such as Kempirsai, Oman, and Albania ophiolites, also show high fO2 values(e.g., Chashchukhin and Votyakov, 2009;Melcher et al., 1997;Quintiliani et al., 2006;Rollinson and Adetunji, 2015), while the distribution-limited small chromitites and chromite dunites from Dazhuqu exhibit low fO2 values. The phenomenon infers that the suprasubduction zone is more beneficial to the formation of podiform chromitites.

Geochemistry and zircon U–Pb ages of the Paleoproterozoic ultramafic rocks of the Mbi Valley, Boali area, Central African Republic

This paper investigates the geochemistry of bulk rock and infers the petrogenesis of ultramafic rocks in the Boali Precambrian terrane in Mbi Valley,in the North of the Central African Republic(CAR).The studied rocks comprise coarse primary olivine and orthopyroxene relics(dominant phase),magnesio-hornblende,magnetite,and antigorite.Whole-rock analysis indicates low SiO_(2)(average of 43.14 wt%)and high MgO(19.84–26.98 wt%)contents and their Mg number(Mg#)ranges from 74 to 82.TheydisplayhighNi(526–865 ppm),Cr(1500–3680 ppm)contents.AFM(Na_(2)O-K_(2)O)-FeO-MgO)and ACM(Al_(2)O_(3)-CaO-MgO)ternary diagrams have revealed that the studied samples correspond to arc-related ultramafic cumulates.Chondrite-normalized REE plots display an increasing trend from La to Sm(CeN/SmN:0.74–1.81),weak negative to no Eu(Eu/Eu*=0.72–1.05)and strong negative Ce(Ce/Ce*=0.33–0.98)anomalies.Primitive mantle normalized of multi-element diagrams exhibit LREE enrichment and large ion lithophile elements(LILE)relative to high field strength elements(HFSE),and notable negative anomalies in Nb.This suggests the generation of the parent melt by slab dehydration and wedge melting processes.In addition,incompatible trace element composition and ratios assumed that the source magma had an enhanced mantle source associated with a prominent influence of continental crust.Metasomatism of mantle wedge by plate-dehydrated,LILE-rich fluids and the incorporation of sediments derived from subduction explain the enhancement of the source.Integrated major and trace element compositions jointly with the tectonic reconstruction of this region and LA-ICP-MS U–Pb data on zircon constrain the emplacement age at ca.2099 Ma in a continental margin arc setting involving subduction of an oceanic plate beneath the continental lithosphere,dehydration of the slab and mantle wedge melting.This result intimate that the remnants of Paleoproterozoic oceanic crust or subduction event and subsequent basins closure extended from the Congo craton in Cameroon to CAR and NE Brazil.

Mafic, Ultramafic and Carbonatitic Dykes in the Southern Siberian Craton with Age of ca 1 Ga: Remnants of a New Large Igneous Province?

Virtual absence of igneous complexes with ages between1.8 Ga and 0.8 Ga in southern part of the Siberian Craton allowed to Galdkochub et al.(2010)to formulate a hypothesis of long magmatic quiescence.Most reliable

The Fate of Chromium in Weathered Ultramafic Rocks and Their Derivitative Soils in Cuba: Clues from Spectroscopic Studies

In its cationic,trivalent form,Chromium(Cr)it is a micronutrient,and exhibits low environmental mobility.In hexavalent form,however,it is a human carcinogen and also highly mobile.Climate is a key environmental factor controlling weathering rates and stability of primary and secondary Cr-bearing minerals.Knowledge of Cr oxidation state and mineral residence is therefore essential to estimating the risk posed by Cr in serpentinites,chromite mine wastes,and soils developed on these parent materials.X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS)is currently the best available technique for determination of the relative abundance of Cr(III)and Cr(VI)in situ(that is,without digestion of solid phases).A brief review of relevant XAS studies of is presented below,focusing on studies in tropical climates1,as they will be most relevant to eastern Cuba’s extensively serpentinized ophiolite belt.Cr(III)-bearing spinels are usually the dominant and most refractory Cr host in ultramafic rocks.Previous XAS studies2 indicate that in tropical climates,Cr-spinels weather rapidly to form Cr(III)-bearing secondary Fe(III)(hydr)oxides(goethite,hematite).Manganese(Mn)is also enriched in ultramafic rocks2;as Mn(IV),it can also co-precipitate with Fe(III)(hydr)oxides,or form its own secondary(hydr)oxides.A previous study found up to 20%Cr(VI)in in a tropical,serpentine soil that contained substantial Mn,and a strong correlation between the*amounts of Cr(VI)and Mn(IV)in the soil profile2.Theresults of several XAS studies suggest that a close association of Mn(IV)and Cr(III)in secondary Fe(hydr)oxides is necessary for oxidation of Cr(III)to Cr(VI)via electron transfer reactions with Mn(IV);however,additional XAS studies have shown that organic matter3and Cr-bearing aluminosilicates4 may also be important sources of Cr(III)to the environment under specific conditions.The stability and fate of Cr has not been studied in detail for these two host phase types,to the best of our knowledge.Access to XAS facilities to perform Cr geochemical experiments is limited and will only become more so in the future.We are working to develop and apply(micro)Raman spectroscopy to evaluate Cr oxidation state and mineral residence(in crystalline and amorphous materials).In addition to standard Raman scattering,we are employing resonance Raman(785 nm laser)to enhance signal from Cr(VI)-bearing phases and laser-stimulated photoluminescence to identify Cr(III)associated with Al-rich alteration products

Nickel uptake and intracellular localization in Cupriavidus pauculus KPS 201, native to ultramafic ecosystem

The nickel-resistant bacterium, Cupriavidus pauculus KPS 201 was isolated from the rhizosphere of Rinorea bengalensis (Wall.) O. K. endemic to metal-percolated ultramafic ecosystem of Andaman, India. This study investigates nature of Ni resistance, growth associated uptake and localization of Ni in cellular compartments of KPS 201. Growth kinetics of C. pauculus KPS 201 exhibited a typical inducible Ni resistance in Ni-supplemented (1.0-10.0 mM) Tris-minimal medium. The Ni-induced cells showed a high degree of Ni resistance and accumulated a maximum of 29.3 μM Ni/g protein after 48 h of growth in 5 mM Ni. The accumulated Ni was preferentially retained (90.6%) in the periplasm and was associated with the expression of two periplasmic proteins (74 and 66 kDa) under Ni-induced condition. Inducible nickel resistance in C. pauculus KPS 201 may possibly be due to extracytoplasmic binding and accumulation coupled with expression of specific periplasmic proteins. These findings will provide an insight in understanding metal-microbe interaction in geogenous environments and their exploitation in bioremediation of heavy metal pollutants.