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Petrology and Geochemistry of Igneous Complexes and Formations

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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 14915

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Prof. Dr. Antonios Koroneos

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School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: igneous petrology; geochemistry; mineralogy; geochronology; radioactivity of igneous rocks

Prof. Dr. Ioannis Baziotis

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Mineral Resources and Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural University of Athens, 118 55 Athens, Greece
Interests: mineralogy; petrology; mantle xenoliths; meteorites; basalts; melts modeling
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Prof. Dr. Kristina Šarić

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Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, Đušina 7, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: igneous petrology; geochemistry; applied petrology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known and widely accepted that the study of igneous rocks has many advantages. Igneous rocks are geologic tracers and can always help in unravelling the tectonomagmatic history of an area. The geochemistry and petrogenesis of these rocks give information for their sources and thus important information for the crust and mantle composition of an area. Petrology, geochemistry, magma genesis, and evolution of igneous complexes and formations have been demonstrated to be an important tool not only to understand crust and mantle evolution but also to constrain geodynamic conditions and/or specific tectonic changes in the existence of an orogen. Since the age of an igneous complex can be confidently and precisely determined using modern geochronological techniques (e.g., U-Pb zircon chronology or Lu-Hf), defining ages of different components of an igneous complex is helpful to comprehend the sequence of magmatic events in time. It is also possible to correlate timing and petrogenesis of different magmatic episodes with slight changes in geodynamic conditions. Moreover, study of igneous complexes offers the unique opportunity to investigate in detail multiple processes, including the complex interplay between geochemistry and magma dynamics during magma interaction processes between differently metasomatized mantle- and crust-derived magmas, contamination by metamorphic rocks as well as the relations between magmatism and ore deposits.

The mineral assemblages and the composition of minerals in magmatic rocks are related to the composition and evolving conditions of the melt during crystallization. Using the composition of minerals, the physicochemical parameters of crystallization pressure and temperature can be decoded, providing a tool to determine the depth of emplacement of an igneous rock. Additionally to that, thermodynamic modelling of natural silicate liquids and their equilibria with minerals are the modern attempts to systemize complex igneous phenomena computability. As such, modeling the magmatic evolution can be done by application of a series of steps in different variables (temperature, pressure, volume, enthalpy, entropy) exploring open- and closed-system magmatic processes.

The purpose of this Special Issue would be to collect detailed case studies of igneous complexes and formations, where the application of different methods—from classical optical mineralogy to advanced instrumental techniques, from major and trace element analyses to advanced isotope geochemistry, from fundamental thermodynamics to sophisticated computations—clarify the interplay between magma dynamics and geochemistry, explain the complex set of petrological and geochemical features of the complex and build a genetic model accounting for the evolution of a magmatic system in a specific geotectonic setting and geological time.

Prof. Dr. Antonios Koroneos
Prof. Dr. Ioannis Baziotis
Prof. Dr. Kristina Šarić
Guest Editors

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Keywords

igneous rocks
magma origin
magma evolution
magmatic differentiation
magma mixing
assimilation
geochemical modeling
mantle xenoliths
geochronology
geotectonic setting

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 6294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geochronology and Petrogenesis of Ahetala Granodiorite in South Tianshan Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang: New Constraints on the Tectonic Evolution of the South Tianshan Ocean

by Yang Xu, Jingwu Yin, Keyan Xiao, Chunlian Wang, Haiming Xu, Jingling Fang and Mingjing Fan

Minerals 2022, 12(12), 1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12121588 - 11 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1028

Abstract

The Ahetala granodiorite is located in the western section of the South Tianshan Orogenic Belt (STOB), which is of great significance regarding the dispute on the closing date of the South Tianshan Ocean (STO) and the tectonic evolution of STOB. To determine the tectonic setting and petrogenesis, the study of petrography, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb geochronology, and major and trace elements analyses are carried out for Ahetala granodiorite. Based on LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon dating, the granodiorite was emplaced at 282.1 ± 1.3 Ma (MSWD = 1.11). Geochemically, Ahetala granodiorite is characterized by metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.86–0.87), rich alkali (K₂O + Na₂O = 6.80–7.13), which belongs to high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite. They are enriched in LREE and depleted in HREE (LREE/HREE = 9.02–13.89) and exhibit insignificant Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.94–0.97). Ahetala granodiorite is enriched in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., K, Sr, Ba) and depleted in high field-strength elements (e.g., Ta, Ti, Nb, P). The Nb/Ta values (10.97–18.10), Zr/Hf values (39.41–40.19), and Mg# (54.87–56.02) of the granodiorite and the MgO content of biotites (13.42–14.16), the M value (M = Mg/(Mg + Fe²⁺)) of amphiboles (0.68–0.75), suggest that granodiorite originates from the crustal contamination of the mantle-derived magmas. Combined with regional geological background, previous research, and the nature of the Ahetala granodiorite, we suggest that Ahetala granodiorite was emplaced at a transitional stage of the volcanic arc (syn-collision) to post-collision setting and the South Tianshan Ocean was closed in the Early Permian. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrology and Geochemistry of Igneous Complexes and Formations)

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25 pages, 2790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Petrography, Geochemical Features and Absolute Dating of the Mesozoic Igneous Rocks of Medvedev and Taezhniy Massifs (Southeast Russia, Aldan Shield)

by Alexey Ivanov, Evgeny Loskutov, Michil Ivanov and Anatolii Zhuravlev

Minerals 2022, 12(12), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12121516 - 27 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1456

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the petrographic and geochemical studies of igneous rocks of the Medvedev and Taezhniy massifs, including their first absolute dating. The massifs are located in central Nimnyr block of the n shield within the Leglier ore cluster of the Evotinskiy ore district (Southeast Russia, Aldan Shield). For the first time, the three-phase structure of the Medvedev massif has been defined, as observed in our expedition and petrographic studies. Rocks from the three phases of the Medvedev massif include quartz syenites, syenites, and monzonites, and rocks from the two phases of the Taezhniy massif include quartz monzonites and syenites. Geochemically, the rocks are close to volcanic island arcs, the formation of which was related by subducted oceanic crust of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. The defined duality of the geochemical compositions of the igneous rocks of the massifs may be due to the presence of both mantle and crustal sources; however, it is most likely that these rocks resulted from the melting of a mixed mantle source or the latter was contaminated by the crust with further differentiation of melts in intermediate crust chambers. Additionally, geochemical characteristics suggest that the analyzed rocks are close to latite and shoshonite derivatives and can be considered as part of the monzonite–syenite formation type. The first identified periods of formation of igneous rocks in the Medvedev massif are 122.0–118.0 Ma and Taezhniy 117.5–114.5 Ma, which correspond to the Early Cretaceous (Aptian). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrology and Geochemistry of Igneous Complexes and Formations)

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20 pages, 4552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Geochronology, Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of the Volcanic Rocks in the Jiangling Basin, China

by Chunlian Wang, Kai Yan, Xiaocan Yu, Jiuyi Wang, Dianhe Liu, Lijian Shen, Ruiqin Li and Chao You

Minerals 2022, 12(9), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12091099 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2255

Abstract

In this study, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology and major and trace element data were presented for Paleogene basaltic rocks from the Jiangling Basin, China. The volcanic rocks erupted at ca. 53.19–60.78 Ma and belonged to the sub alkaline series. These basaltic rocks are generally characterized by enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) ((La/Yb)_cn = 6.14–11.72) and lack of Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.98–1.09), similar to ocean island basalts. The geochemical signatures of these rocks are similar to hotspot-related Paleogene volcanic rocks in the North China Block and late Cenozoic volcanic rocks in Southeast China. The Cenozoic lithospheric mantle, as well as the Mesozoic basalts that are beneath the northern Yangtze Blocks, might be inherited from the Mesozoic lithospheric mantle. The basaltic rocks from the Jiangling Basin in the northern Yangtze Block were generated from the partial melting of EMII (enrichedmantleII)-like lithospheric mantle due to the intracontinental extension. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrology and Geochemistry of Igneous Complexes and Formations)

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35 pages, 8760 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Major and Trace-Element Chemistry of Cr-Spinel in Upper Mantle Xenoliths from East Antarctica

by Alexandre V. Andronikov, Irina E. Andronikova and Ondrej Pour

Minerals 2022, 12(6), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12060720 - 04 Jun 2022

Viewed by 2553

Abstract

Cr-spinels in the upper mantle peridotite xenoliths from two Late Mesozoic intrusions of alkaline-ultramafic rocks in Jetty Peninsula (East Antarctica) were studied in situ for their major and trace-element compositions by SEM and LA-ICP-MS. The upper mantle xenoliths were collected from the magmatic bodies “sampled” from different upper mantle domains. One domain was represented by mostly lherzolites (Cpx-poor Spl, Cpx-rich Spl and Spl-Grt) and another one by Spl harzburgites and dunites. Spinels occur as grains of different shapes, sizes and origins. Three main textural types of spinel were identified: primary spinel represented by clean homogeneous grains, a rim of recrystallization/resorption surrounding primary spinel grains and irregular interstitial resorbed grains. Primary spinels are characterized by the concentrations of Al₂O₃ 21–51 wt%, MgO 15–20 wt%, FeO 10–24 wt% and Cr₂O₃ 14–37 wt% with the Cr# of 0.16–0.54. Most trace elements are present in spinels in very low amounts. Only Ti, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn and Ga display concentrations in the range of tens to hundreds (up to thousands) ppm. Concentrations of other trace elements vary from below the detection limit to <10 ppm. Spinel major oxide and trace element features allowed the suggestion that the studied upper mantle peridotites represent both simple melt residues and residues strongly influenced by the MORB-like and the SSZ-related melts. The MORB-like melts may be related to the beginning of the Lambert–Amery rift system development, whereas SSZ-like melts could be related to reactivation of SSZ material buried during much earlier amalgamation of East Antarctica. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrology and Geochemistry of Igneous Complexes and Formations)

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39 pages, 12246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Petro-Geochemical Data on Carboniferous Mafic Rocks in the Achemmach Area (NW, Fourhal Basin-Moroccan Central Massif)

by Hafid Mezougane, Mohamed Aissa, Mourad Essalhi, Azizi Moussaid, Muhammad Souiri, Ahmed Touil, Essaid Bilal and Mohamed Souiah

Minerals 2022, 12(5), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12050622 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1735

Abstract

The Achemmach region is located 40 km to the SW from Meknes city and 6 km to the NE frm the Hammam mine. It is part of the Paleozoic massif of Central Morocco. The studied area is formed by two Paleozoic rock-types: (i) a meta-sedimentary sequence composed of Middle Visean limestone and shale-sandstone withflyschoid of Upper Visean-Namurian age, and (ii) a magmatic rock series represented by volcanic rocks (pillow-lavas), hypovolcanic rocks (dolerites) and olivine-bearing gabbros.Based on the emplacement model, structural framework, relative chronology and petrogeochemistry of the magmatic rocks, for the first time in this area we distinguish: (i) dm to m-sized greenish pillow-lavas, with sharp borders and radius fractures underlined by fine greenish pelitic sedimentary intercalations, indicating recurrent volcanic activity in short episodes. Plagioclases and pyroxenes (augite) microlites, and more rarely phenocrystals, are recognizable in a glassy matrix devoid of recognizable olivine. (ii) Deformed, metamorphosed and altered dolerites dikes intrude the Middle to Upper Visean shale-sandstone formations. They have an overall NE-SW direction with a NW dip. They are composed of sericitized plagioclases, associated with partially to totally amphibolitized pyroxenes, tourmaline with differentdegrees of chlorite substitution, rutile and opaque minerals, in a microliticmesostasis and (iii) olivine-bearing gabbros, outcropping in variable dimensions (a few meters to 20 m). The olivine-bearing gabbros have a granular texture and are mainly made of plagioclases, pyroxenes, olivine, titanite, rutile, apatite and opaque minerals. All igneous minerals have undergone different degrees of replacement by secondary minerals; plagioclases are sericitized and albitized, pyroxenes are amphibolitized and epidotized and olivine is serpentinized and chloritized. Thepetro-geochemical study of these magmatic bodies demonstrates that pillow-lavas basalts and olivine-bearing gabbros have an alkaline affinity, while dolerites are thought to have a transitional alkaline affinity (alkaline-tholeiitic). Therefore, these formations would have been set up in anorogenic intra-continental geodynamic context, corresponding to a basin magmatism in the little evolved opening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrology and Geochemistry of Igneous Complexes and Formations)

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22 pages, 8910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changing Carboniferous Arc Magmatism in the Ossa-Morena Zone (Southwest Iberia): Implications for the Variscan Belt

by Manuel Francisco Pereira, José Manuel Fuenlabrada, Carmen Rodríguez and António Castro

Minerals 2022, 12(5), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12050597 - 09 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2040

Abstract

Carboniferous magmatism in southwestern Iberia was continuously active for more than 60 m.y. during the development of the Appalachian-Variscan belt of North America, North Africa and Western-Central Europe. This collisional orogen that records the closure of the Rheic Ocean is essential to understanding the late Paleozoic amalgamation of the Pangea supercontinent. However, the oblique convergence between Laurussia and Gondwana that lasted from the Devonian to the Carboniferous was likely more complex. Recently, a new tectonic model has regarded the Iberia Variscan belt as the site of coeval collisional and accretionary orogenic processes. Early Carboniferous plutonic rocks of southwest Iberia indicate arc magmatism in Gondwana. The Ossa-Morena Zone (OMZ) acted as the upper plate in relation to the geometry of the Paleotethys subduction. This active accretionary-extensional margin was progressively involved in a collisional phase during the Late Carboniferous. Together, the Évora Massif and the Beja Igneous Complex include three successive stages of bimodal magmatism, with a chemical composition indicative of a long-lived subduction process lasting from the Tournaisian to the Moscovian in the OMZ. The earliest stage of arc magmatism includes the Tournaisian Beja and Torrão gabbro-dioritic rocks of the Layered Gabbroic Sequence. We present new geochemical and Nd isotopic and U-Pb geochronological data for magmatic rocks from the Main (Visean-Serpukhovian) and Latest (Bashkirian-Moscovian) stages of arc magmatism. Visean Toca da Moura trachyandesite and rhyolites and Bashkirian Baleizão porphyries and Alcáçovas quartz diorite share enriched, continental-crust like characteristics, as indicated by major and trace elements, mainly suggesting the addition of calc-alkaline magma extracted from various mantle sources in a subduction-related setting (i.e., Paleotethys subduction). New U-Pb zircon geochronology data have allowed us to establish a crystallization age of 317 ± 3 Ma (Bashkirian) for Alcáçovas quartz diorite that confirms a temporal link with Baleizão porphyry. Positive εNd(t) values for the Carboniferous igneous rocks of the Beja Igneous Complex and the Évora gneiss dome indicate production of new juvenile crust, whereas negative εNd(t) values also suggest different grades of magma evolution involving crustal contamination. The production and evolution of Carboniferous continental crust in the OMZ was most likely associated with the development of an active continental margin during the convergence of the Paleotethys Ocean with Gondwana, involving juvenile materials and different grades of crustal contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrology and Geochemistry of Igneous Complexes and Formations)

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15 pages, 3030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sulfide/Silicate Coefficients of Nd and Sm: Geochemical “Fingerprints” for the Syn- and Epigenetic Cu-Ni-(PGE) Ores in the NE Fennoscandian Shield

by Pavel A. Serov and Tamara B. Bayanova

Minerals 2021, 11(10), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11101069 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1648

Abstract

One of the current directions of the Sm-Nd isotope systematics development is a dating of the ore process using sulfide minerals. Yet, the issue of the existence of rare earth elements (REE) in sulfides is still a matter for discussion. Sulfides from ore-bearing rocks of Proterozoic (2.53–1.98 Ga) Cu-Ni and platinum group elements (PGE) deposits of the Fennoscandian Shield were studied. It is found that the most probable source of REE in sulfide minerals from Cu-Ni-PGE complexes could be submicronic fluid inclusions, which are trapped at the mineral crystallization stage. In such a case, fluid or melt inclusions are specimens of the syngenetic parental melt, from which the base mineral formed, and these reflect a composition of the parental fluid. The mineral–rock partition coefficients for Nd and Sm can be used as “fingerprints” for individual deposits, and these are isotope-geochemical indicators of the ore-caused fluid that is syngenetic to sulfide. Moreover, the D_Nd/D_Sm ratio for various sulfide minerals can be used as a prospective geochemical tool for reconstructing a mineral formation sequence in ore complexes. On the other hand, differences in isotope compositions of sulfide neodymium could be markers of some ore-caused fluids and related to certain generations of sulfide minerals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrology and Geochemistry of Igneous Complexes and Formations)

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