Podiform chromitites crop out in ophiolitic harzburgites as pod-like bodies associated with dunite envelopes with various thickness. It is widely accepted that the change of melt compositions caused by melt-rock react...Podiform chromitites crop out in ophiolitic harzburgites as pod-like bodies associated with dunite envelopes with various thickness. It is widely accepted that the change of melt compositions caused by melt-rock reaction, especially an increase in silica content, plays a crucial role in the generation of podiform chromitite(e.g., Arai and Yurimoto, 1994;Zhou et al., 1994). Due to the presence of ultrahigh pressure and highly reduced minerals, the genesis of some podiform chromitites was attributed to some deep processes(e.g., Arai, 2013;Yang et al., 2007). Although much progress has been achieved, the formation mechanism of podiform chromitites are still in dispute. Iron isotope may be a potential tool to give further insight to the issue, given that some high temperature processes, such as partial melting, metasomatism, magma differentiation and redox change, can result in measurable iron isotopic fractionation to different extent(e.g. Chen et al., 2014;Weyer and Ionov, 2007;Zhao et al., 2009). This study investigates the Fe isotope compositions of chromitites and chromite dunites from Dazhuqu and Luobusha ophiolites. For Dazhuqu chromite dunites, δ56 Fe(relative to the standard, IRMM-014) values range from-0.02‰ to 0.11‰ in olivines and from 0.03‰ to 0.08‰ in chromites. Chromites in Dazhuqu chromitites show δ56 Fe values varying from-0.03‰ to 0.02‰. In nodular and densely disseminated chromitites from Luobusha, olivines have δ56 Fe values of olivines and chromites are 0.09–0.35‰ and-0.15–0.08 ‰, respectively. Chromites from Luobusha massive chromitites have δ56 Fe values of 0.07–0.12 ‰. Based on theorical calculations, chromites should be heavier than olivines in Fe isotope compositions ?56 FeOl-Chr ≈-0.08‰ at 1300 ℃ according to the ionic model(e.g., Macris et al., 2015;Sossi and O’Neill, 2017). However, most of our samples, except for two samples, have ?56 FeOl-Chr values that are greater than zero, indicating a disequilibrium inter-mineral Fe isotopic fractionation. There is a positive correlation between Fo and δ56 Fe(or ?56 FeOl-Chr) of olivines but no positive correlation between Mg# and δ56 Fe(or ?56 FeOl-Chr) of chromites. This phenomenon suggests that the Fe isotopic dis-equilibration may be caused by migrating melts in dunitic channels rather than by the sub-solidus Fe-Mg exchange(Xiao et al., 2016;Zhang et al., 2019). Additionally, the wide δ56 Fe range of chromites is similar to those of the subduction-related basalts and boninites, inferring that their parental magmas form in the suprasubduction zone.展开更多
The Precambrian podiform chromitites associated with ophiolites are abundant in Pan-African belt in central Eastern Desert(CED)and south Eastern Desert(SED),Egypt and range from 690 to 890 Ma in age.The studied chromi...The Precambrian podiform chromitites associated with ophiolites are abundant in Pan-African belt in central Eastern Desert(CED)and south Eastern Desert(SED),Egypt and range from 690 to 890 Ma in age.The studied chromitites associated with Neoproterozoic ophiolites are distributed in southern Eastern Desert,Egypt in Baranis-Shalaten sheet and occur as lenticular bodies with variable dimensions in ultramafic component(serpentinites).We present geochemical and mineralogical data from three areas of ophiolites and associated chromitites namely Gebel Abu Dahr(D),Gebel Arais(A)and Gebel Anbat in the Wadi Hodein area(H)(Fig.1).The paper studies the compositional variations and tectonic settings of podiform chromitites associated with ultramafic rocks,in addition to the alteration process of chromite during metamorphism.The ophiolite in the present areas is composed of the ultramafic rocks(mainly serpentinites)with minor relics of fresh dunite and harzburgite.All these rocks are affected by metamorphism and subsequent retrograde during subduction and exhumation.Six samples selected from the serpentinites geochemically analyzed for major,trace and some REE elements and the geochemical results reflect that harzburgite and dunite compositions are typical of depleted mantle peridotite.Microprobe analyses and SIMS investigations were carried out for three massive podiform chromitite ore bodies and disseminated chromites in serpentinites(1215 spot probe analyses),and silicate minerals in serpentinite rocks such as serpentine and olivine(102 spots).Serpentine minerals are mainly antigorite with some chrysotile in serpentinite rocks and in chromitites,mainly filling cross-cutting veins.In this study,we consider that the alteration occurred in two stages:during the first one chromite reacted with olivine and water to form Cr-and Fe-rich,porous chromite and chlorite;during the second event magnetite filled the pores,created in the porous chromite and defused into this chromite to form homogeneous magnetite.According to this,the composition of chromite is a key factor controlling the metamorphic reaction between olivine and chromite because if the primary chromite is very poor in Al,the chlorite-forming reaction hardly takes place.In this case,during the second event,the addition of magnetite only contributes to create a magnetite corona around the former chromite grains without any diffusion at the chromite-magnetite boundary as suggested by Gerbilla et al.(2012).Barnes(2000)studied the chromite in komatiites and modification during green schist to mid amphibolite facies metamorphism.He suggested that the chromite cores continually equilibrated with magnetite rims document metamorphic grade conditions.Barnes(2000)suggested that the relative proportions of Cr3+,Al3+and Fe3+of chromite are not affected by metamorphism up to lower temperature amphibolite facies implying restricted mobility of these elements occurred under lower amphibolite facies.So,the chromite in lower temperature amphibolite facies preserves its primary igneous chemistry and can be used to estimate the metamorphic grade.Sack and Ghiorso(1991)and Barnes(2000)suggested that all chromite cores are equilibrated at temperature below^500–550℃corresponding to lowest amphibolite facies metamorphism and reflect magmatic composition not influenced by metamorphism.In this study,there is no alteration but only nearly pure magnetite deposition and development with restricted Cr-solubility at<500℃in the chromite rims on crystal boundaries and within fractures as shown in Fig 2a,b.Also magnetite alters later to hematite.The podiform chromitites are common in the Moho transition zone(MTZ)to the mantle section of ophiolites or harzburgite dominant peridotite massifs(e.g.,Arai,1997;Miura et al.,2012).They have been interpreted as a product of peridotite/melt reaction and subsequent melt mixing within the MTZ to the upper mantle;they are basically magmatic cumulates that formed at the upper mantle level(e.g.,Arai and Yurimoto,1994;Zhou et al.,1994).They are thus a good marker of peridotite/melt reaction(e.g.,Arai,1997).The Pan-African podiform chromitites mayh ave formed in the same way as the Phanerozoic,namely by melt-harzburgite reaction and subsequent melt mixing.The podiform chromatites and disseminated chromites are high-Cr chromites and have range in Cr#(Cr/Cr+Al)atomic ratio from 0.75 to 0.95 and low Ti with boninitic affinity(Fig.3a),indicating an island arc setting in supra-subduction zone setting.The present massive chromitites and disseminated chromites in serpentinites fall in the field of chromites de Bou Azer,chromites de Cordoba,Argentinia in the Cr#versus Mg#diagram(Fig.3 b,c)(Gervilla et al.,2012)The studied chromatites contain some grains of platinumgroup minerals(PGM)such as sulfides(Os-rich laurite)and Os–Ir alloy as shown in Fig.4 and as reported in South Eastern Desert by Ahmed(2007).展开更多
The Chinese Camp mining district in the western Sierra Nevada of California,USA,contains a serpentinized,ultramafic dunite intrusion with podiform chromite deposits.Serpentine soils have developed over this intrusion,...The Chinese Camp mining district in the western Sierra Nevada of California,USA,contains a serpentinized,ultramafic dunite intrusion with podiform chromite deposits.Serpentine soils have developed over this intrusion,creating a unique ecosystem of endemic vegetation and soils characterized by low Ca/Mg ratios and high Ni and Cr contents.The vegetation and red coloration make it easy to visually distinguish between soils developed over intruded,serpentinized bedrock and unmineralized,adjacent andesite bedrock(Fig.1).The purpose of our study was to compare soil chemistry and vegetative parameters among 3 study-design levels:1)undisturbed serpentine soil,2)undisturbed background soil(non-serpentine,developed over andesite),and 3)serpentine soil disturbed by mining activities.Within each of these l e v*e ls,3 random locations were chosen where weestablished 3,30-m transects(spaced 120-degrees apart).One soil sample was collected at a random location along each transect(0-15 cm depth after removing litter/O horizon).This scheme resulted in the collection of 9replicate soil samples per study-design level.Samples were analyzed for total metal content by ICP-AES/MS(inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy),p H,electrical conductivity,and total C/N/S.The vegetative parameter of%canopy cover was measured with a line-point intercept survey along each transect,using 0.6m intervals.Above-ground net primary productivity(ANPP)was estimated by harvesting all aboveground living plant material within a 0.5 m quadrant at 3 random locations along each transect,drying,and weighting the material.Significant differences among design levels were observed for ANPP,canopy cover,total P,total N,and Ca/Mg,where the median values for these parameters decreased in the order undisturbed background>undisturbed serpentine>mining-disturbed serpentine.The highest concentrations of Cr and Ni were found in undisturbed serpentine(medians of 1960 ppm and 2529ppm,respectively)followed by mining-disturbed serpentine(medians of 420 and 2120,respectively)then undisturbed non-serpentine(medians 47.0 and 32.2 ppm,respectively).Soil p H varied significantly among the design levels with a median 5.74 in undisturbed background,median 6.25 in undisturbed serpentine,and median of 7.17 in mining-disturbed serpentine.These data document the distinct differences in soil chemistry and vegetation parameters between undisturbed serpentine soil and adjacent,undisturbed background soil.Efforts toward mining reclamation must recognize these differences and include the correct baseline conditions in the reclamation plan.展开更多
Podiform chromite deposits are a characteristic feature of the mantle sequences of harzburgitic ophiolites. The chromites usually have very low Re and high Os con- tents, which makes it the most resistant phase remain...Podiform chromite deposits are a characteristic feature of the mantle sequences of harzburgitic ophiolites. The chromites usually have very low Re and high Os con- tents, which makes it the most resistant phase remaining from the primary magmatic history of the ultramafic sec- tions of ophiolites. The podiform chromite is one of the ro- bust indicators of initial Os isotopic compositions of the ophiolites where podiform chromites were derived from, which provides strong evidence for the origin and evolution of oceanic lithosphere. The Re and Os contents and the Os isotopic compositions of seven podiform chromitites from Zunhua ophiolitic mélange belt, North China are reported in this study. The Re contents range from 0.019 to 0.128 ng/g, Os from 8.828 to 354.0 ng/g, and the 187Os/188Os ratio from 0.11003 to 0.11145. Three massive chromitites among the sample set have very high Os contents (>300 ng/g), and their 187Os/188Os ratios range from 0.11021 to 0.11030, averaging 0.11026 ± 0.00005 (σ ), equivalent to a γOs = ?0.12 ± 0.06 at 2.6 Ga, which means that the Os isotopic composition of con- vecting upper mantle is chondritic in late Archean. It is the Os isotopic composition of podiform chromitites that are derived from the oldest ophiolite in the world till now.展开更多
基金granted by the China Geological Survey(Grant No.121201102000150069)
文摘Podiform chromitites crop out in ophiolitic harzburgites as pod-like bodies associated with dunite envelopes with various thickness. It is widely accepted that the change of melt compositions caused by melt-rock reaction, especially an increase in silica content, plays a crucial role in the generation of podiform chromitite(e.g., Arai and Yurimoto, 1994;Zhou et al., 1994). Due to the presence of ultrahigh pressure and highly reduced minerals, the genesis of some podiform chromitites was attributed to some deep processes(e.g., Arai, 2013;Yang et al., 2007). Although much progress has been achieved, the formation mechanism of podiform chromitites are still in dispute. Iron isotope may be a potential tool to give further insight to the issue, given that some high temperature processes, such as partial melting, metasomatism, magma differentiation and redox change, can result in measurable iron isotopic fractionation to different extent(e.g. Chen et al., 2014;Weyer and Ionov, 2007;Zhao et al., 2009). This study investigates the Fe isotope compositions of chromitites and chromite dunites from Dazhuqu and Luobusha ophiolites. For Dazhuqu chromite dunites, δ56 Fe(relative to the standard, IRMM-014) values range from-0.02‰ to 0.11‰ in olivines and from 0.03‰ to 0.08‰ in chromites. Chromites in Dazhuqu chromitites show δ56 Fe values varying from-0.03‰ to 0.02‰. In nodular and densely disseminated chromitites from Luobusha, olivines have δ56 Fe values of olivines and chromites are 0.09–0.35‰ and-0.15–0.08 ‰, respectively. Chromites from Luobusha massive chromitites have δ56 Fe values of 0.07–0.12 ‰. Based on theorical calculations, chromites should be heavier than olivines in Fe isotope compositions ?56 FeOl-Chr ≈-0.08‰ at 1300 ℃ according to the ionic model(e.g., Macris et al., 2015;Sossi and O’Neill, 2017). However, most of our samples, except for two samples, have ?56 FeOl-Chr values that are greater than zero, indicating a disequilibrium inter-mineral Fe isotopic fractionation. There is a positive correlation between Fo and δ56 Fe(or ?56 FeOl-Chr) of olivines but no positive correlation between Mg# and δ56 Fe(or ?56 FeOl-Chr) of chromites. This phenomenon suggests that the Fe isotopic dis-equilibration may be caused by migrating melts in dunitic channels rather than by the sub-solidus Fe-Mg exchange(Xiao et al., 2016;Zhang et al., 2019). Additionally, the wide δ56 Fe range of chromites is similar to those of the subduction-related basalts and boninites, inferring that their parental magmas form in the suprasubduction zone.
文摘The Precambrian podiform chromitites associated with ophiolites are abundant in Pan-African belt in central Eastern Desert(CED)and south Eastern Desert(SED),Egypt and range from 690 to 890 Ma in age.The studied chromitites associated with Neoproterozoic ophiolites are distributed in southern Eastern Desert,Egypt in Baranis-Shalaten sheet and occur as lenticular bodies with variable dimensions in ultramafic component(serpentinites).We present geochemical and mineralogical data from three areas of ophiolites and associated chromitites namely Gebel Abu Dahr(D),Gebel Arais(A)and Gebel Anbat in the Wadi Hodein area(H)(Fig.1).The paper studies the compositional variations and tectonic settings of podiform chromitites associated with ultramafic rocks,in addition to the alteration process of chromite during metamorphism.The ophiolite in the present areas is composed of the ultramafic rocks(mainly serpentinites)with minor relics of fresh dunite and harzburgite.All these rocks are affected by metamorphism and subsequent retrograde during subduction and exhumation.Six samples selected from the serpentinites geochemically analyzed for major,trace and some REE elements and the geochemical results reflect that harzburgite and dunite compositions are typical of depleted mantle peridotite.Microprobe analyses and SIMS investigations were carried out for three massive podiform chromitite ore bodies and disseminated chromites in serpentinites(1215 spot probe analyses),and silicate minerals in serpentinite rocks such as serpentine and olivine(102 spots).Serpentine minerals are mainly antigorite with some chrysotile in serpentinite rocks and in chromitites,mainly filling cross-cutting veins.In this study,we consider that the alteration occurred in two stages:during the first one chromite reacted with olivine and water to form Cr-and Fe-rich,porous chromite and chlorite;during the second event magnetite filled the pores,created in the porous chromite and defused into this chromite to form homogeneous magnetite.According to this,the composition of chromite is a key factor controlling the metamorphic reaction between olivine and chromite because if the primary chromite is very poor in Al,the chlorite-forming reaction hardly takes place.In this case,during the second event,the addition of magnetite only contributes to create a magnetite corona around the former chromite grains without any diffusion at the chromite-magnetite boundary as suggested by Gerbilla et al.(2012).Barnes(2000)studied the chromite in komatiites and modification during green schist to mid amphibolite facies metamorphism.He suggested that the chromite cores continually equilibrated with magnetite rims document metamorphic grade conditions.Barnes(2000)suggested that the relative proportions of Cr3+,Al3+and Fe3+of chromite are not affected by metamorphism up to lower temperature amphibolite facies implying restricted mobility of these elements occurred under lower amphibolite facies.So,the chromite in lower temperature amphibolite facies preserves its primary igneous chemistry and can be used to estimate the metamorphic grade.Sack and Ghiorso(1991)and Barnes(2000)suggested that all chromite cores are equilibrated at temperature below^500–550℃corresponding to lowest amphibolite facies metamorphism and reflect magmatic composition not influenced by metamorphism.In this study,there is no alteration but only nearly pure magnetite deposition and development with restricted Cr-solubility at<500℃in the chromite rims on crystal boundaries and within fractures as shown in Fig 2a,b.Also magnetite alters later to hematite.The podiform chromitites are common in the Moho transition zone(MTZ)to the mantle section of ophiolites or harzburgite dominant peridotite massifs(e.g.,Arai,1997;Miura et al.,2012).They have been interpreted as a product of peridotite/melt reaction and subsequent melt mixing within the MTZ to the upper mantle;they are basically magmatic cumulates that formed at the upper mantle level(e.g.,Arai and Yurimoto,1994;Zhou et al.,1994).They are thus a good marker of peridotite/melt reaction(e.g.,Arai,1997).The Pan-African podiform chromitites mayh ave formed in the same way as the Phanerozoic,namely by melt-harzburgite reaction and subsequent melt mixing.The podiform chromatites and disseminated chromites are high-Cr chromites and have range in Cr#(Cr/Cr+Al)atomic ratio from 0.75 to 0.95 and low Ti with boninitic affinity(Fig.3a),indicating an island arc setting in supra-subduction zone setting.The present massive chromitites and disseminated chromites in serpentinites fall in the field of chromites de Bou Azer,chromites de Cordoba,Argentinia in the Cr#versus Mg#diagram(Fig.3 b,c)(Gervilla et al.,2012)The studied chromatites contain some grains of platinumgroup minerals(PGM)such as sulfides(Os-rich laurite)and Os–Ir alloy as shown in Fig.4 and as reported in South Eastern Desert by Ahmed(2007).
文摘The Chinese Camp mining district in the western Sierra Nevada of California,USA,contains a serpentinized,ultramafic dunite intrusion with podiform chromite deposits.Serpentine soils have developed over this intrusion,creating a unique ecosystem of endemic vegetation and soils characterized by low Ca/Mg ratios and high Ni and Cr contents.The vegetation and red coloration make it easy to visually distinguish between soils developed over intruded,serpentinized bedrock and unmineralized,adjacent andesite bedrock(Fig.1).The purpose of our study was to compare soil chemistry and vegetative parameters among 3 study-design levels:1)undisturbed serpentine soil,2)undisturbed background soil(non-serpentine,developed over andesite),and 3)serpentine soil disturbed by mining activities.Within each of these l e v*e ls,3 random locations were chosen where weestablished 3,30-m transects(spaced 120-degrees apart).One soil sample was collected at a random location along each transect(0-15 cm depth after removing litter/O horizon).This scheme resulted in the collection of 9replicate soil samples per study-design level.Samples were analyzed for total metal content by ICP-AES/MS(inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy),p H,electrical conductivity,and total C/N/S.The vegetative parameter of%canopy cover was measured with a line-point intercept survey along each transect,using 0.6m intervals.Above-ground net primary productivity(ANPP)was estimated by harvesting all aboveground living plant material within a 0.5 m quadrant at 3 random locations along each transect,drying,and weighting the material.Significant differences among design levels were observed for ANPP,canopy cover,total P,total N,and Ca/Mg,where the median values for these parameters decreased in the order undisturbed background>undisturbed serpentine>mining-disturbed serpentine.The highest concentrations of Cr and Ni were found in undisturbed serpentine(medians of 1960 ppm and 2529ppm,respectively)followed by mining-disturbed serpentine(medians of 420 and 2120,respectively)then undisturbed non-serpentine(medians 47.0 and 32.2 ppm,respectively).Soil p H varied significantly among the design levels with a median 5.74 in undisturbed background,median 6.25 in undisturbed serpentine,and median of 7.17 in mining-disturbed serpentine.These data document the distinct differences in soil chemistry and vegetation parameters between undisturbed serpentine soil and adjacent,undisturbed background soil.Efforts toward mining reclamation must recognize these differences and include the correct baseline conditions in the reclamation plan.
文摘Podiform chromite deposits are a characteristic feature of the mantle sequences of harzburgitic ophiolites. The chromites usually have very low Re and high Os con- tents, which makes it the most resistant phase remaining from the primary magmatic history of the ultramafic sec- tions of ophiolites. The podiform chromite is one of the ro- bust indicators of initial Os isotopic compositions of the ophiolites where podiform chromites were derived from, which provides strong evidence for the origin and evolution of oceanic lithosphere. The Re and Os contents and the Os isotopic compositions of seven podiform chromitites from Zunhua ophiolitic mélange belt, North China are reported in this study. The Re contents range from 0.019 to 0.128 ng/g, Os from 8.828 to 354.0 ng/g, and the 187Os/188Os ratio from 0.11003 to 0.11145. Three massive chromitites among the sample set have very high Os contents (>300 ng/g), and their 187Os/188Os ratios range from 0.11021 to 0.11030, averaging 0.11026 ± 0.00005 (σ ), equivalent to a γOs = ?0.12 ± 0.06 at 2.6 Ga, which means that the Os isotopic composition of con- vecting upper mantle is chondritic in late Archean. It is the Os isotopic composition of podiform chromitites that are derived from the oldest ophiolite in the world till now.
