Petrochemical eigenvalues and diagrams for the identification of metamorphic rocks'protolith,taking the host rocks of Dashuigou tellurium deposit in China as an example

The Dashuigou tellurium deposit is the world’s only known independent tellurium deposit.By restoring metamorphic rocks’protolith,we seek to understand not only the development and evolution trajectory of the region but also the origin of the relevant deposits.While there are many ways to restore metamorphic rocks’protolith,we take the host metamorphic rocks of Dashuigou tellurium deposit and leverage various petrochemical eigenvalues and related diagrams previously proposed to reveal the deposit’s host metamorphic rocks’protolith.The petrochemical eigenvalues include molecular number,Niggli’s value,REE parity ratio,CaO/Al_(2)O_(3)ratio,Fe^(3+) /(Fe^(3+) -+Fe^(2+) )ratio,chondrite-normalized REE value,logarithmic REE value,various REE eigenvalues including scandium,Eu/Sm ratio,total REE amount,light and heavy REEs,δEu,Eu anomaly,Sm/Nd ratio,and silicon isotope δ^(30) SiNBS-29‰,etc.The petrochemical plots include ACMs,100 mg-c-(al+alk),SiO_(2)-(Na_(2)O+K_(2)O),(al+fm)-(c+alk)versus Si,FeO+Fe_(2)O^(3+) TiO)-Al_(2)O_(3)-MgO,c-mg,Al_(2)O_(3)-(Na_(2)O+K_(2)O),chondrite-normalized REE model,La/Yb-REE,and Sm/Nd ratio,etc.On the basis of these comprehensive analyses,the following conclusions are drawn,starting from the many mantle-derived types of basalt developed in the study area of different geological ages,combined with the previously published research results on the deposit s fluid inclusions and sulfur and lead isotopes.The deposit is formed by mantle degassing in the form of a mantle plume in the late Yanshanian orogeny.The degassed fluids are rich in nano-sc ale substances including Fe,Te,S,As,Bi,Au,Se,H_(2),CO_(2),N_(2),H_(2)O,and CH_(4),which are enriched by nano-effect,and then rise to a certain part of the crust in the form of mantle plume along the lithospheric fault to form the deposit.The ultimate power for tellurium mineralization was from H_(2)flow with high energy,which was produced through radiation from the melted iron of the Earth’s outer core.The H,flow results in the Earth’s degassing,as well as the mantle and crust’s uplift.

Comprehensive Review of Studies on Metamorphic Rocks

Marble is a metamorphic rock, which is one of the 3 basic rock types (magmatic, sedimentary, metamorphic) forming the earth’s crust. The major characteristic sought after in a rock mass in the field for it to be exportable and usable as marble is its suitability to be cut in blocks. In the process of producing marble slabs from marble blocks, the blocks are expected not to contain potentially problematic hard or weak zones and their geomechanical and chemical properties should conform to the relevant standards. Ignoring of the geological properties of the rock in the process of deciding for marble production at a marble site and determination of production location, direction and method is the most important parameter that would increase production loss. In order to reduce losses by determination of geological properties of marble, many academic studies have been conducted on the effects of water saturation, temperature, freezing and thawing on its mechanical and fracture properties. There are further studies on crack propagation in marble under stress. However, even those marble blocks that are obtained based on geological parameters may suffer serious cracks or fractures due to stresses caused by their weight and geometry. Therefore, cutting direction is of critical importance in order to minimize marble waste in the process of cutting a marble block which is brought to the inventory or processing site with cracks, cavities or fractures. Certain studies exist within such context, where the geometry of the discontinuity within a block is determined using non-destructive methods, such as ultrasonic testing, in order to determine the appropriate cutting direction. Such studies made use of ultrasonic waves to determine the physical and chemical structures of magmatic and sedimentary rocks by measuring the progress velocity of sonic waves in the rock. Said studies, however, mostly worked on sedimentary and magmatic rock specimens, focusing less on metamorphic rocks such as marble due to their anisotropic properties. Understanding the academic literature studies on marble would provide significant contribution to the reduction of production losses during the processing marble blocks in processing plants and the achievement of production efficiency levels that are within economic limits. Within such scope, this study has reviewed the past academic studies on marble, classified them under 6 categories, and comprehensively analyzed each category based on materials, testing setups, test specimens, test parameters and research techniques.

Metamorphic Rock-hosted Disseminated Gold Deposits——A Case Study of the Xiaotongjiapuzi Gold Depositof Eastern Liaoning

The Xiaotongjiapuzi gold deposit occurs in a Palaeoproterozoic rift accretionary terrene in eastern Liaoning and is hosted by a carbonate formation of the Dashiqiao Formation, Liaohe Group. The metamorphic grade of the host rock is low amphibolite-high greenschist facies. Gold, which is mainly invisible, is distributed in pyrite and arsenopyrite. The grains of Au-bearing sulphide minerals are fine, ranging from 0.0 n to 1 mm. The wall-rock alterations are characterized by low-temperature silification, hydro-sericitization, serialization and carbonatization. The homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions in quartz closely associated with gold mineralization range from 140 to 240℃. The metallogenic age represented by the Ar-Ar isotopic age of sericite is 167 Ma. Comparisons and studies show that the Xiaotongjiapuzi gold deposit can be classified as the submicron-sized disseminated deposit (analogous to the Carlin-type) hosted in metamorphic rocks.

Drillability prediction in some metamorphic rocks using composite penetration rate index(CPRI)–An approach

Assessment of drillability of rocks is vital in the selection,operation,and performance evaluation of cutting tools used in various excavation machinery deployed in mining and tunneling.The commonly used rock drillability prediction methods,namely,drilling rate index(DRI)and Cerchar hardness index(CHI)have limitations in predicting the penetration rate due to differential wear of the cutting tool in rocks with varied hardness and abrasivity.Since cutting tools get blunt differently in different rocks,the stress beneath the tip of the bit decreases until it reaches a threshold value beyond which the penetration rate becomes constant.In this research,a new composite penetration rate index(CPRI)is suggested based on the investigations on four metamorphic rocks viz.quartzite,gneiss,schist and phyllite with varied hardness-abrasivity values.The penetration-time behavior was classified into active,moderate,passive,and dormant phases based on the reduction in penetration rate at different stages of drilling.A comparison of predicted penetration rate values using DRI and CPRI with actual penetration rate values clearly establishes the supremacy of CPRI.Micro-structure and hardness-based index was also developed and correlated with CPRI.The new indices can help predict cutting tool penetration and its consumption more accurately.

The Key Influence of Fluid in Metamorphic Rock Preserves, Mineral Assemblages, Compositions and Structures: Study from High-Pressure Eclogite and Its Amphibolization in the Western Dabie Mountains,Central China

The most of high/ultrahigh-pressure(HP/UHP)terranes of the world are characterized by the occurrence of numerous pods,lenses or layered blocks of eclogite and amphibolites(e.g.O’Brien,1997;Elvevold and Gilotti,2000;Zhang et al.,2003;and references there in).Field and petrological features suggest that amphibolites

Palynomorphs from Metamorphic Rocks in Southern Anhui and Their Geological Significance

The southern Anhui metamorphic terrane is traditionally regarded as a part of middle-lateProterozoic "Jiangnan Old Land". Based on the occurrence of palynomorphsAsperatopsophosphaera sp., Trachysphaeridium sp. and Nucellosphaeridium sp.

Source of metals related to gold occurrences in Cameroon, Central African Belt

Suites of granitic and metamorphic rocks form a perfect geological environment in which to investigate the source of metals related to gold deposits.In the East Province of Cameroon,the source of metals-related gold(grade~4.6 g/t)that occurs within metamorphic and granitic rocks remains ambiguous.The host rocks were subjected to XRF and ICP-MS whole-rock geochemistry and BSE/EDS mineral analyses to investigate the source(s)of metals related to gold in the Province.Petrographically,chalcopyrite-pyrite and magnetite-ilmenite are the main sulfi des and oxides of granites,respectively.The low-grade metamorphic rocks are sulfi de-rich consisting of arsenopyrite,chalcopyrite,pyrite,and sphalerite,and oxides include magnetite,ilmenite,hematite,and rutile.Cu,Ni,Co,Sb,Sc,and Zn concentrations depleted in high-grade metamorphic rocks and granites compared to low-grade metamorphic rocks.As well,Bi,Cd,Co,Cu,Ni,Sb,V,W,and Zn concentrations decrease with increasing temperatures from low-grade rocks to high-grade rocks and granites.The suite of depleted elements in high-grade rocks and granites is almost identical to those enriched in gold occurrences.We conclude that metals(Bi,Cd,Co,Cu,Ni,Sb,and Zn)related to gold mineralization in the East Province of Cameroon likely originated from metal-rich low-grade metamorphic rocks during prograde metamorphic processes prior to partial melting.

Structural Characteristics and Evolution Process of the Metamorphic Buried Hill: A Case of BZ Oilfield in Bohai Bay, China

Bozhong oilfield which is abbreviated as BZ oilfield is the first oilfield with deep metamorphic buried hill that is discovered reserves of billion-ton in Bohai Bay. Affected by multi-stage tectonic movements, the distribution of fractures is very complex in this area, therefore it is significant to study the evolution of structures for understanding the distribution of fractures. In view of the complexity on the tectonic evolution of the buried hill region in the study area, the influence of tectonic movements on the formation of fractured reservoir is analyzed, and the research results lay the foundation for the efficient development in this type of the oilfield. The results show that main faults, which is formed during early Indosinian and Yanshanian period, are mainly developed in the BZ oilfield area, and the fracture strike has mainly east-west and north-east-east trend. Based on the analysis of the relationship among tectonic evolution, regional stress field and fracture development, it is considered that Indosinian extrusion is the main reason for the formation of main direction faults in the study area. Yanshanian strike-slip transformation and Himalayan reactivation further controlled the development of the fractured reservoirs in the later stage, and formed the present fracture network system. Well block 5 is located in passive plate system during Indosinian period, it is affected by Himalayan stretching and long-term activation of large faults in the later stage, so that the effective fractures are relatively developed. The result plays an important role in guiding the overall plan deployment of the BZ oilfield.

Mineralization of the Liwu large-scale stratiform copper deposits in Sichuan Province, China: Constraints from fluid inclusions

The Liwu stratiform copper deposit is located in the northwestern Jianglang dome,western China.Current studies mainly focus on the genetic type and mineralization of this deposit.Detailed fluid inclusion characteristics of metallogenic period quartz veins were studied to reveal the ore-forming fluid features.Laser Raman analysis indicates that the ore-forming fluids is a H_(2)O-NaCl-CH_(4)(-CO_(2))system.Fluid inclusions microthermometry shows a homogenization temperature of 181-375°C and a salinity of 5.26%-16.99%for the disseminated-banded Cu-Zn mineralization;but a homogenization temperature of 142-343°C and a salinity of 5.41%-21.19%for the massive-veined Cu-Zn mineralization.These features suggest a medium-high temperature and a medium salinity for the ore-forming fluids.H-O isotopic data indicates that the ore-forming fluids were mainly from the metamorphic and magmatic water,plus minor formation water.And sulfur isotopic data indicates that sulfur was mainly derived from the formation and magmatic rocks.Metallogenesis of the disseminated-banded mineralization was mainly correlated with fluid mixing and water-rock reaction;whereas that of the massive-veined mineralization was mainly correlated with fluid boiling.The genetic type of the deposit is a medium-high temperature hydrothermal deposit related to magmatism and controlled by shear zones.This study is beneficial to understand the stratiform copper deposit.

Geochronology and geological significance of the strata of the Neoproterozoic Nanhua System,SW North China Craton

A set of low-grade clastic metamorphic and carbonate rocks,and greenschists outcropping in the southwestern(SW)margin of the North China Craton(NCC),was originally classified as the Paleoproterozoic Xiong’er Group according to stratigraphic correlation.To verify the age,this paper carried out detrital zircon U–Pb LA-ICP-MS dating of low-grade clastic metamorphic rocks exposed in the Changqing area at the SW margin of the Ordos Block in the SW part of the NCC.Results from detrital zircon dating indicate that the metamorphic and carbonate rocks can be classified into the Neoproterozoic Nanhua System,which is the only Nanhua System stratum in this block so far,and it probably could provide new clues to Rodinia break-up and Snowball Earth of the NCC.The nine peak ages of the low-grade clastic metamorphic rocks reflected its relatively complex provenance,and almost all major geological events experienced by the NCC basement since the Neoarchean,but some age peaks were difficult to correspond to that of the NCC,indicating that the southwestern part of the Ordos Block was also affected by the Qinling and Qiliang orogenic belts during Nanhua System of Neoproterozoic.Combined with provenance analysis,it was revealed that the current southwest boundary of the Ordos Block was the previous southwest boundary of the Ordos Block during the Qingbaikou-Nanhua Period of the Neoproterozoic.

Reservoir Characteristics and Controlling Factors of the Metamorphic Buried Hill of Bozhong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin

The burial depth of the metamorphic buried hill of the Bozhong sag is more than 4500 m,however,the controlling factors of the reservoirs are not clear.Based on cores and sidewall cores obtained from 15 wells,this paper describes the reservoir characteristics and discussed their controlling factors.The metamorphic basement of the Bozhong sag consists of metamorphic granite,migmatitic granite and gneiss.These felsic rocks are more likely to develop fractures,thereby improving the reservoir properties.The Indosinian,Yanshanian and Himalayan tectonic events greatly reformed the Bozhong 19-6 metamorphic buried hill,forming a large scale fracture system.Weathering and deep thermal fluid contributed to the development of dissolved pores of the reservoirs.In general,controlled by lithology,tectonics,weathering and deep thermal fluid,the reservoir pattern of the metamorphic buried hill of the Bozhong 19-6 structure was established.

Pressure-Temperature Evolution of a Mylonitic Gneiss from the Lower Seve Nappe in the Handol Area,Central Sweden

Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism has recently been reported from various crustal rocks in the Seve Nappe Complex(SNC)in which microdiamonds were found.However,in gneiss from the Lower Seve Nappe(LSN),neither any direct petrographic indication for UHP was reported nor the metamorphic evolution was well constrained.We studied a mylonitic gneiss from the Handol area of the LSN and applied phase-diagram modeling and Ti-in-biotite thermometry.Based on the compositions of garnet and biotite and observed mineral assemblages,a path was reconstructed passing through about 8 kbar and 730℃at prograde metamorphism.Peak-pressure and initial retrograde stages occurred at 9.0–10.2 kbar at 745-775℃,and 7–9 kbar at<750℃,respectively.No ultrahigh-pressure evidence was recognized compatible with medium-pressure metamorphism deduced in earlier studies of gneiss from the SNC.As higher peak pressures were reported recently for metamorphic rocks of the LSN,a possible interpretation is that slices or erased blocks were subducted,metamorphosed at different depths,and exhumed in a subduction channel.However,the dominant gneiss of the SNC experienced only a medium-pressure metamorphism in the upper part of the downgoing Baltica Plate.Rocks from different depth levels were brought together in an exhumation channel located between Baltica and the overlying plate.

Electrical Conductivity of Eclogite, Amphibolite and Garnet-Quartz-Mica Schist with Implications for the Conductivity in the Qiangtang Terrane of Northern Tibetan Plateau

Understanding the electrical conductivity of high pressure metamorphic rocks is essential to constrain the compositions in the subduction zone and continental crust. In this study, we calculated the electrical conductivity for such rocks sampled from the central Qiangtang metamorphic belt in the northern Tibetan Plateau. The results reveal that, when aqueous fluids are absent, the conductivity of meta-mafic rocks(e.g., eclogite and amphibolite) is strikingly higher than that of meta-felsic rocks(e.g., garnet-quartz-mica schist). The conductivity of eclogite decreases due to the enrichment of amphibole, but this effect is diminished when a critical degree of amphibolization is reached. Our calculated conductivity of eclogite and amphibolite differs greatly from the experimentally derived results for the eclogites from other localities, partly owing to the strong effects of different mineral assemblages and chemical compositions on the conduction mechanisms and efficiencies. However, the disparity of conductivity between our calculated and the previously measured results for a similar amphibole-rich eclogite sampled from the same locality suggests that trails of highly conductive rutile-ilmenite aggregates may contribute to the higher bulk-rock conductivity in the laboratory measurements. Moreover, since the calculated conductivity of eclogite and amphibolite is not high enough at the temperatures relevant to their metamorphic thermal condition, partial melts or aqueous fluids originated from the upwelling asthenosphere are more likely to explain the anomalously high electrical conductivity zones in magnetotelluric images in the Qiangtang terrane in the northern Tibetan Plateau.