Regional and Contact Metamorphism of the Dizi Series (the Greater Caucasus)

Author(s):  
Irakli Javakhishvili ◽  
Tamara Tsutsunava ◽  
David Shengelia ◽  
Giorgi Chichinadze ◽  
Giorgi Beridze

<p>The Greater Caucasus - the complex geological structure of the Caucasus is an integrated part of the Mediterranean (Alpine-Himalayan) collision orogenic belt. The Dizi series is exposed within the Greater Caucasus Southern Slope zone, in the core of Svaneti anticlinorium. It is composed of faunistically dated from the Devonian to the Triassic inclusively thin-striped and crenulated terrigenous deposits, various volcanites and marbles. Despite the well-studied stratigraphy and tectonics of the Dizi series, the issues of metamorphism, unlike the other rocks of the pre-Alpine crystalline basement of the Greater Caucasus are less studied. The rocks of the Dizi series underwent regional metamorphism of the greenschist facies chlorite-sericite sub-facies under a temperature of 300-340°С and pressures of ≈ 2-2.5 kbar. Characteristic mineral assemblages are established on the basis of microprobe analysis of chlorite, K-mica, plagioclase, actinolite, actinolitic hornblende and prehnite. Due to the contact impact of the Bathonian intrusions on the regionally metamorphosed rocks of the Dizi series, various hornfelses, spotted schists and skarns were formed. Composition of minerals of contact-metamorphism - biotite, cordierite, muscovite, plagioclase, cummingtonite, hornblende, chlorite, clinopyroxene, clinozoisite and K-feldspar is determined. According to the results of studies of key mineral assemblages of contact-metamorphosed rocks, three exocontact zones are distinguished, corresponding to the albite-epidote-hornfels, andalusite-biotite-muscovite-chlorite-hornfels and andalusite-biotite-muscovite-hornfels sub-facies conditions. The first zone is marked by the appearance of biotite, muscovite and plagioclase of oligoclase-andesine series in metapelites; hornblende, biotite and clinozoisite in metabasites and amphibole schists; wollastonite and clinozoisite in carbonate-silicate schists. The beginning of the second zone is marked in the appearance of cordierite, corundum in metapelites and of scapolite in metabasites and carbonate-silicate schists. By the disappearance of chlorite in the metapelites, the appearance of cummingtonite in metabasites and garnet in carbonate-silicate schists, a transition to the third zone is established. In the high-temperature part of the last zone, in the metapelites fibrolite is formed. The maximum temperature in the aureole of contact metamorphism is 550⁰С, and the pressure is about 0.5-1 kbar. Due to very low pressure during the re-crystallization of rocks pyralspite garnet is missing in the mineral associations of the Dizi series rocks. Instead of garnet, the association of chlorite-quartz-muscovite appeared. Under the conditions of increasing temperature during the metamorphism a change in the characteristic features of the mineral composition is shown graphically. Based on the accessible data the authors have drawn the contact metamorphism fields on the existing general scheme of facies and subfacies of regional metamorphism.</p>

Baltica ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 185-202
Author(s):  
Irakli Javakhishvili ◽  
David Shengelia ◽  
Tamara Tsutsunava ◽  
Giorgi Chichinadze ◽  
Giorgi Beridze ◽  
...  

The Dizi Series is exposed within the Southern Slope zone of the Greater Caucasus, in the core of the Svaneti anticlinorium. It is mainly composed of terrigenous, volcanogenic and carbonate rocks faunistically dated from the Devonian to the Triassic inclusive. Regional and contact metamorphism of the Dizi Series rocks was studied. It is stated that the degree of regional metamorphism corresponds to the chlorite-sericite subfacies of the greenschist facies, occurring at a temperature of 300–350°C and a pressure of 1.5–2.3 kbar. As a result of the action of the Middle Jurassic intrusive rock bodies, the regionally metamorphosed rocks of the Dizi Series underwent contact metamorphism. Three zones of contact metamorphism were distinguished corresponding to albite-epidote-hornfels, andalusite-biotite-muscovite-chlorite-hornfels and andalusite-biotite-muscovite-hornfels subfacies. Contact metamorphism took place at a significantly higher temperature and lower pressure than the preceding regional metamorphism. The maximum temperature of the contact metamorphism reached ≈ 570°С, while pressure varied within the range of ≈ 0.3–0.8 kbar. The evolution of rock associations of regional and contact metamorphism of the Dizi Series was studied. The fields of facies and subfacies of regional and contact metamorphism are shown in the Ps-T diagram. Three age populations of zircons were identified using U-Pb LA-ICP-MS dating of the diorite-porphyrite intrusion in the Dizi Series: Zrn1 (ca. 2200 Ma) and Zrn2 (458 ± 29 Ma) that were captured by the diorite-porphyrite magma from the ancient magmatic and metamorphic rocks of the crystalline basement, and Zrn3 (166.5 ± 4.6 Ma) that corresponds to the age of diorite-porphyrite crystallization.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irakli Javakhishvili ◽  
David Shengelia ◽  
Tamara Tsutsunava ◽  
Giorgi Chichinadze ◽  
Giorgi Beridze ◽  
...  

<p>The Dizi Series is exposed within the Southern slope zone of the Greater Caucasus that occurs as a complex geological structure, which constitutes an integral part of the Mediterranean (Alpine-Himalayan) collisional orogenic belt. It is built up of terrigenous and volcanogenic-sedimentary rocks faunistically dated from the Devonian to Triassic inclusive (Somin, 1971; Somin, Belov, 1976; Kutelia 1983). Most of them are metamorphosed under conditions of chlorite-sericite subfacies of the greenschist facies of regional metamorphism (chlorite-phengite-albite±quartz, graphite-sericite-quartz phyllites and marbleized limestones), and only a minor part represented by clay-carbonaceous, phengite-chlorite-carbonaceous and prehnite-chlorite-carbonate schists underwent anchimetamorphism (Shengelia et al., 2015). The Dizi Series is intruded by numerous magmatic bodies of gabbro-diabases, diabases, diorites, diorite-porphyries, syenites, monzo-syenites and granitoids. The age of the intrusions was defined by K-Ar method at 176-165 Ma (Dudauri, Togonidze, 1998) and by U-Pb LA-ICP-MS zircon dating at 166.5 ± 4.6 Ma (authors` unpublished data) and corresponds to the Bathonian orogeny. The Middle Jurassic intrusions caused intense contact metamorphism of the rocks of the Dizi Series resulted in the formation of various hornfelses containing andalusite, cordierite, corundum, biotite, plagioclase, potassium feldspar, clinozoisite, hornblende, cummingtonite, clinopyroxene, wollastonite and scapolite. These rocks correspond to albite-epidote-hornfels, andalusite-biotite-muscovite-chlorite-hornfels and andalusite-biotite-muscovite-hornfels subfacies of the contact metamorphism (Javakhishvili et al., 2020). The analogues of the Dizi Series rocks have not previously been established either in the Greater Caucasus or in the neighboring regions. In our view, Paleozoic rocks similar to the Dizi Series occur under the Cretaceous and Jurassic deposits within the folded basement of the plain Crimea where they were recovered by wells. Most of these rocks, as in the Dizi Series, underwent metamorphism of chlorite subfacies of the greenschist facies and, to a lesser extent, deep epigenesis (clayey-carbonaceous, sericite-carbonaceous, actinolite-chlorite-prehnite, muscovite-albite-chlorite, epidote-actinolite-chlorite and graphite-talc-quartz schists) (Chernyak, 1969). These rocks are also intruded by Middle Jurassic igneous rocks, including gabbro-diabases, diabases, diorites, syenites, monzo-syenites, granite-porphyries, etc. (Shniukova, 2016; Shumlyanskyy, 2019). As a result of the contact metamorphism of the basement rocks, muscovite-quartz-cordierite and cordierite-quartz-feldspar micaceous hornfelses were formed. Quartz syenite yielded a K-Ar age of 158 Ma (Scherbak, 1981), while monzo-syenite was dated at 170 ± 5 Ma applying 40Ar/39Ar method (Meijers, 2010). Thus, based on the rock associations, the nature of metamorphism, the age of the metamorphic and igneous rocks, and on the spatial position of the Dizi Series and folded basement of the plain Crimea we assume that these units developed coevally in similar environment and geological conditions.<br><br>Acknowledgements.This work was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (SRNSF) [PHDF-19-159, Regional and Contact Metamorphism of the Dizi Series].</p>


1976 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee C. Pigage

Pelitic metasediments immediately southwest of Yale, British Columbia contain mineral assemblages characteristic of staurolite through sillimanite zones of the Barrovian facies series. Microprobe analyses of major constituent phases in the pelites are combined with linear regression techniques to formulate probable kyanite- and sillimanite-forming reactions.A zone some 3 km wide contains the assemblage staurolite–kyanite–garnet–biotite–muscovite–quartz–plagioclase-ilmenite-rutile, which is univariant in AFM projection. Within precision limits of microprobe analysis, this assemblage is also univariant using linear regression techniques. Univariant relations are possible if [Formula: see text] with the composition of the fluid phase being buffered by the progressing reaction. This assemblage emphasizes the need for precise analyses when using the regression method, since minor components are often within permissible error limits rather than being balanced.Pelitic and calc-silicate assemblages from the metasediments restrict estimates of pressure–temperature conditions during regional metamorphism to 6–8 kbar and 550–770 °C. Pseudomorphs after andalusite indicate that contact metamorphism preceded regional upgrading of the pelites.


1954 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 445-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. I. Harker

AbstractThe pelitic hornfelses surrounding the Carn Chuinneag–Inchbae complex have, with the other rocks in the area, been subjected to the regional metamorphism which affected the Moine Series as a whole. The minerals of the original hornfelses have reacted to form assemblages which are typical of regional rather than purely thermal metamorphism although the massive structure of the hornfelses is well preserved.By studying the changes which took place in the hornfelses during the regional metamorphism it has been possible to deduce the most likely mineral assemblages indigenous to the original hornfelses.The results of the chemical analyses of some of the pelitic hornfelses are presented and chemical data on some of the garnets are given. It is considered unlikely that all the garnets in the hornfelses, which are essentially almandines, formed as a result of the earlier contact metamorphism: some at least probably occur as a result of the later regional metamorphism.


2002 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 941-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J. Ings ◽  
J. V. Owen

Abstract Reaction textures including corona structures in granulites from the Proterozoic Long Range Inlier of western Newfoundland are spatially associated with a Silurian (0.34 Ga) mafic intrusion, the Taylor Brook Gabbro Complex. They comprise, in metabasites and tonalitic gneiss, coronal orthopyroxene and plagioclase on garnet and, in metapelites, cordierite and spinel formed at the expense of sillimanite, garnet and quartz. Although generally interpreted to indicate near-isothermal decompression (ITD) following regional metamorphism, which in the inlier occurred at ˜1.10–1.03 Ga, these features appear to be absent elsewhere. Therefore they are interpreted to be products of contact metamorphism (near-isobaric heating – IBH) within the thermal aureole of the gabbro. Thus, there is a ˜0.7 Ga difference (i.e. mid-Proterozoic vs. mid-Silurian) between the age of the regional metamorphic mineral assemblages and the contact aureole assemblages. The observation that classic ITD features occur in this aureole environment underscores the fact that P-sensitive reactions can progress during IBH as well as by pressure release.


Author(s):  
A. V. Snachev ◽  
V. I. Snachev ◽  
M. A. Romanovskaya

The article describes the geological structure of the Turgoyak granitoid massif (γϬС1–2ts), Urenga (RF2ur) and Uytash (RF3uš) suites. In the Late Vendian time the rocks first experienced regional metamorphism under the conditions of the cummingtonite-amphibolite facies at a temperature of 550–595 °C and a pressure of 250400 МПа, and then in local areas — diaftoresis (T=520530 °C and P=130170 МПа). During the formation of the Turgoyak massif (T=770810 °C and P=210250 МПа), the rocks of the Urengin and Uytash suites were subjected to contact metamorphism. This metamorphic processes made the black shale gold to remove from the black shale zone of the amphibole-hornfels facies and caused its redeposition within the albite-epidote-hornfly zone.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 1801-1820
Author(s):  
Giorgio Garuti ◽  
Federica Zaccarini

ABSTRACT Naldrettite (Pd2Sb) is a PGM discovered in 2005 in Mesamax Northwest deposit, Ungava region, Quebec, Canada. Before and after its approval, PGM with the naldrettite type composition have been reported from a number of localities worldwide. Most frequently, naldrettite has been documented in magmatic Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide deposits, hydrothermal veins in porphyry coppers of the Cu–Au type, and PGE deposits of Alaskan-type zoned intrusions. Naldrettite has been occasionally found in metasomatic Sb–As sulfide ore, metamorphic Ni–oxide ore, and podiform chromitites, although these occurrences have not been fully constrained by solid chemical analyses or paragenetic reconstruction. In this paper we report the first discovery of naldrettite in Brazil. This new finding occurs in a chromitite sample collected in the Luanga Complex, a Neo-archaean layered intrusion in the Carajás Mineral Province. Paragenetic association with alteration assemblages (ferrianchromite, Fe-hydroxides, chlorite) suggests precipitation of naldrettite from metamorphic hydrothermal fluids. The average composition of the Luanga sample (Pd1.76Pt0.24)Σ2.00(Sb0.57As0.43)Σ1.00 shows major substitution of Pt and As. These elements were derived from the breakdown of primary sperrylite, and were incorporated in naldrettite deposited by percolating fluids, at temperature below 350 °C (maximum temperature registered by the crystallization of associated chlorite). An overview of documented occurrences indicates that naldrettite can form in a variety of igneous rocks (ultramafic, mafic, felsic), even involving minimal concentrations of Pd and Sb. Crystallization of naldrettite generally occurs in the post-magmatic stage due to the activity of hydrothermal fluids containing volatile species Sb, As, Bi, Te, and Pd due to its higher mobility compared with the other PGE. A major issue concerns the origin of fluids that can be: (1) “residual”, after the main crystallization of the host magma, (2) “metamorphic”, during regional metamorphism or serpentinization, and (3) “metasomatic”, emanating from an exotic magma intrusion. The combination of two or three of these factors is the most likely process observed in the naldrettite-bearing complexes.


Author(s):  
A. N. Glukhov ◽  
◽  
M. I. Fomina ◽  
E. E. Kolova ◽  
◽  
...  

The authors briefly characterize the geology and structure of the Shtokovoye ore field attached to the area where the Khurchan-Orotukan zone of tectonic-magmatic activation overlays the structures of the Yana-Kolyma ore-bearing belt. Studied are mineral associations and physicochemical conditions of gold ore bodies, located both in granites and in hornfelsed sedimentary masses. By the main features of its geological structure, ore composition, and physicochemical formation conditions, the Shtokovoye ore field mineralization corresponds to the "depth" group of the gold-rare-metal formation, analogous to the Butarnoye, Basugunyinskiye, Dubach, and Nadezhda occurrences. Its ores are peculiar in the late epithermal mineralization, which is associated with the Okhotsk-Chukotka volcanic belt and overlays the sinaccretional gold-rare-metal mineralization.


1976 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 737-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred M. Kehlenbeck

In the de Courcey – Smiley Lakes Area, the boundary between the Quetico and Wabigoon Belts is expressed by a sequence of pelitic to semi-pelitic schists and gneisses. At the present level of erosion, these metasedimentary rocks are in contact with granodioritic gneisses, granites, and pegmatites, which are exposed to the south.To the north of this area, regional metamorphism of volcanic and sedimentary rocks has resulted in greenschist facies assemblages, which characterize the Wabigoon Belt in general. In the boundary zone, the metamorphic grade increases southward toward de Courcey and Smiley Lakes.Formation of three distinct foliation surfaces was accompanied by syn-tectonic as well as post-tectonic recrystallization, producing polymetamorphic schists.In the boundary zone, mineral assemblages comprising andalusile, sillimanite, cordierite, garnet. biotite, and muscovite form a facies series of the Abukuma type.The boundary between the Quetico and Wabigoon Belts in this area is a complex zone in which rocks of both belts have been reconstituted by multiple-phase metamorphism and partial melting.


Clay Minerals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-375
Author(s):  
Annette Süssenberger ◽  
Solveig Pospiech ◽  
Susanne Theodora Schmidt

ABSTRACTThe [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] balanced ratio (i.e. the isometric log-ratio of the MnO concentration relative to the concentration of SiO2, Al2O3, FeO and MgO) of chlorite and of whole-rock composition is an effective discriminant between Mesozoic stratigraphic formations in the Magallanes Basin (Chile). The MnO content in chlorite is only controlled by the host rock chemistry and is dependent on the geological environment. The MnO content in chlorite remains unchanged at low-grade metamorphic conditions. Single-grain chlorite analysis (n = 1042, electron microprobe) and whole-rock analysis (n = 40, X-ray fluorescence) were used to discriminate stratigraphic formations and to decipher differences in the depositional environment in the Magallanes Basin. The samples are from one Upper Jurassic and three Cretaceous sedimentary units that were affected either by low-grade regional metamorphism or by Miocene contact metamorphism. The highest [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] values are recorded in the upper Zapata Formation. The Punta Barrosa, Cerro Toro and Tobífera Formations show slightly lower [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] values. Elevated [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] values at the transition between Zapata and Punta Barrosa Formations record an oxygenated shallow marine environment that can be linked to the closure of the Rocas Verdes Basin and the onset of fold-and-thrust belt formation. Decreasing [MnO|SiO2,Al2O3,FeO,MgO] values from the Punta Barrosa towards the Cerro Toro Formation indicate gradually increasing water depths during the Upper Cretaceous that correlate well with the global sea level.


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