Release of Uranium from Uraninite in Granites Through Alteration: Implications for the Source of Granite-Related Uranium Ores

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Zhang ◽  
Zhenyu Chen ◽  
Fangyue Wang ◽  
Noel C. White ◽  
Taofa Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Uranium Concentration ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Uranium Deposits ◽  
Bulk Rock ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Alkaline Granite ◽  
Compositional Evolution ◽  
High K ◽  
Backscattered Electron ◽  
Uranium Sources

Abstract Uraninite is the main contributor to the bulk-rock uranium concentration in many U-rich granites and is the most important uranium source for granite-related uranium deposits. However, detailed textural and compositional evolution of magmatic uraninite in granites during alteration and associated uranium mobilization have not been well documented. In this study, textures and geochemistry of uraninites from the Zhuguangshan batholith (South China) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The geochemical data indicate that the Longhuashan and Youdong plutons are peraluminous leucogranite, the Changjiang pluton is highly fractionated high-K calc-alkaline granite, and the Jiufeng pluton belongs to a high-K calc-alkaline association. Uraninites from the Longhuashan and Youdong granites have lower concentrations of ThO2 (0.9–4.0 wt %) and rare earth elements (REE)2O3 (0.1–1.0 wt %) than those from the Changjiang and Jiufeng granites (ThO2 = 4.4–7.6 wt %, REE2O3 = 0.7–5.1 wt %). Uraninites observed in the Longhuashan, Youdong, Changjiang, and Jiufeng granites yielded chemical ages of 223 ± 3, 222 ± 2, 157 ± 1, and 161 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The samples (including altered and unaltered) collected from the Longhuashan, Youdong, and Changjiang granites are characterized by highly variable whole-rock U concentrations of 6.9 to 44.7 ppm and Th/U ratios of 0.9 to 7.0, consistent with crystallization of uraninite in these granites being followed by uranium leaching during alteration. Alteration of uraninite, indicated by altered domains developing microcracks and appearing darker in backscattered electron (BSE) images compared to unaltered domains, results in the incorporation of Si and Ca and mobilization of U. In contrast, the least altered samples of the unmineralized Jiufeng granite have low U concentrations (5.3–16.4 ppm) and high ΣREE/U (13.6–49.4) and Th/U ratios (2.1–5.6), which inhibit crystallization of uraninite, as its crystallization occurs when the U concentration is high enough to exceed the substitution capacity of other U-bearing minerals. These results indicate that the Longhuashan, Youdong, and Changjiang granites were favorable uranium sources for the formation of uranium deposits in this area. This study highlights the potential of uraninite alteration and geochemistry to assist in deciphering uranium sources and enrichment processes of granite-related uranium deposits.

Early Cretaceous crust–mantle interaction linked to rollback of the Palaeo-Pacific flat-subducting slab: constraints from the intermediate–felsic volcanic rocks of the northern Great Xing’an Range, NE China

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Jia-Hao Jing ◽  
Hao Yang ◽  
Wen-Chun Ge ◽  
Yu Dong ◽  
Zheng Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Cretaceous ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Ne China ◽  
Asthenospheric Mantle ◽  
High K ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Great Xing’An Range ◽  
Subducting Slab

Abstract Late Mesozoic igneous rocks are important for deciphering the Mesozoic tectonic setting of NE China. In this paper, we present whole-rock geochemical data, zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope data for Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks from the Tulihe area of the northern Great Xing’an Range (GXR), with the aim of evaluating the petrogenesis and genetic relationships of these rocks, inferring crust–mantle interactions and better constraining extension-related geodynamic processes in the GXR. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the rhyolites and trachytic volcanic rocks formed during late Early Cretaceous time (c. 130–126 Ma). Geochemically, the highly fractionated I-type rhyolites exhibit high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous characteristics. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) but depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), with their magmatic zircons ϵHf(t) values ranging from +4.1 to +9.0. These features suggest that the rhyolites were derived from the partial melting of a dominantly juvenile, K-rich basaltic lower crust. The trachytic volcanic rocks are high-K calc-alkaline series and exhibit metaluminous characteristics. They have a wide range of zircon ϵHf(t) values (−17.8 to +12.9), indicating that these trachytic volcanic rocks originated from a dominantly lithospheric-mantle source with the involvement of asthenospheric mantle materials, and subsequently underwent extensive assimilation and fractional crystallization processes. Combining our results and the spatiotemporal migration of the late Early Cretaceous magmatic events, we propose that intense Early Cretaceous crust–mantle interaction took place within the northern GXR, and possibly the whole of NE China, and that it was related to the upwelling of asthenospheric mantle induced by rollback of the Palaeo-Pacific flat-subducting slab.

Electron microscope and microprobe analysis of chlorite–mica stacks in the Wenlock turbidites, mid Wales, U.K.

1986 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Dimberline
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Microprobe Analysis ◽  
Electron Microprobe Analysis ◽  
Source Area ◽  
Pressure Solution ◽  
Pore Waters ◽  
Bulk Rock ◽  
High K ◽  
Backscattered Electron

AbstractChlorite–mica stacks in the Wenlock turbidites have been studied using backscattered electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis, combined with thin-section work and bulk rock chemical analysis. The stacks occur in fine sandstones and silt–mud turbidites and range in length from < 30 μm to 1.5 mm. They consist of interlayered packets of Fe-rich chlorite and mica.Combined textural and chemical data suggest that many of the stacks represent altered detrital biotite micas. A four-stage alteration sequence is proposed:(1) Subaerial alteration of biotite, in the source area, to interlayered biotite–hydrobiotite/vermiculite.(2) Post-depositional collapse of vermiculite to form a mica phase under conditions of high K+/H+ in the sediment pore waters.(3) Decrease in K+/H+ ratio, possibly due to H+ build up in the fermentation zone, causing alteration of biotite layers to chlorite.(4) Kinking of the stacks and pressure solution of chlorite early in the development of cleavage.

scholarly journals Widespread Permian granite magmatism in Lower Austroalpine units: significance for Permian rifting in the Eastern Alps

2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sihua Yuan ◽  
Franz Neubauer ◽  
Yongjiang Liu ◽  
Johann Genser ◽  
Boran Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Three Samples ◽  
High K ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Granite Magmatism ◽  
Austroalpine Unit ◽  
Granite Suite

Abstract The Grobgneis complex, located in the eastern Austroalpine unit of the Eastern Alps, exposes large volumes of pre-Alpine porphyric metagranites, sometimes associated with small gabbroic bodies. To better understand tectonic setting of the metagranites, we carried out detailed geochronological and geochemical investigations on the major part of the porphyric metagranites. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating of three metagranites sampled from the Grobgneis complex provides the first reliable evidence for large volumes of Permian plutonism within the pre-Alpine basement of the Lower Austroalpine units. Concordant zircons from three samples yield ages at 272.2 ± 1.2 Ma, 268.6 ± 2.3 Ma and 267.6 ± 2.9 Ma interpreted to date the emplacement of the granite suite. In combination with published ages for other Permian Alpine magmatic bodies, the new U–Pb ages provide evidence of a temporally restricted period of plutonism (“Grobgneis”) in the Raabalpen basement Complex during the Middle Permian. Comparing the investigated basement with that of the West Carpathian basement, we argue that widespread Permian granite magmatism occurred in the Lower Austroalpine units. They belong to the high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic S-type series on the base of geochemical data. Zircon Hf isotopic compositions of the Grobgneis metagranites show εHf(t) values of − 4.37 to − 0.6, with TDM2 model ages of 1.31–1.55 Ga, indicating that their protoliths were derived by the recycling of older continental crust. We suggest that the Permian granitic and gabbroic rocks are considered as rifted-related rocks in the Lower Austroalpine units and are contemporaneous with cover sediments.

Geochemistry, zircon geochronology, and isotopic systematics of the Zhanbuzhale granites in the East Kunlun, Qinghai Province, northwestern China: implications for the tectonic setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-291
Author(s):  
Hao-Ran Li ◽  
Ye Qian ◽  
Feng-Yue Sun ◽  
Liang Li
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Alkali Feldspar ◽  
Northwestern China ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Qinghai Province ◽  
East Kunlun ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
High K ◽  
Tethys Ocean

The Zhanbuzhale region, in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen of northwestern China, is characterized by large volumes of Phanerozoic granitoid rocks and is an ideal region for investigating the tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Tethys system. However, the exact timing of the final closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and initial continental collision remains controversial because of a lack of precise geochronological and detailed geochemical data. In this paper, we report new zircon U–Pb ages and mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemical data for samples of Middle Triassic granodiorite and alkali feldspar granite from the Zhanbuzhale region. The zircon U–Pb ages indicate that the granodiorite and alkali feldspar granite formed at 239 and 236 Ma, respectively. The granodiorites are high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous, high Sr content, high Sr/Y ratios, low Y content, and show adakite-like affinities. The alkali feldspar granites display high SiO2, extremely low MgO, and low Zr+Nb+Ce+Y contents as well as low Fe2O3t/MgO ratios, showing metaluminous to peraluminous and high-K calc-alkaline features. Geochemical and petrological characteristics of the alkali feldspar granites suggest that they are highly fractionated I-type granites. The granodiorites and alkali feldspar granites have zircon εHf(t) values ranging from –2.26 to –0.18, and from –2.17 to +2.18, respectively. Together with regional geological data, we propose that the Triassic (approximately 239–236 Ma) granitoids were generated during the later stages of northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic plate, and that the initial stage of collision between the East Kunlun and the Bayan Har–Songpan Ganzi terrane occurred at approximately 236–227 Ma.

Stratigraphy, geochemistry, and petrology of the Upper Cretaceous volcanic arc sequence north of Istanbul, Pontides, NW Turkey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cemre Ay ◽  
Gürsel Sunal ◽  
Aral I. Okay
Keyword(s):  
Black Sea ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
High Ratio ◽  
Primitive Mantle ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
The Black Sea ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
High K ◽  
Nw Turkey ◽  
Pattern Display

&lt;p&gt;Upper Cretaceous arc-related volcanic and volcanoclastic units overlying the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks of the Istanbul Zone are a key unit related to the opening of the Black Sea as a back-arc basin. They formed as a result of north dipping subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean beneath Laurasia. We studied the Upper Cretaceous volcanic units north of Istanbul along several stratigraphic sections, and present new geochemical data from the volcanic rocks in order to understand Cretaceous geodynamic evolution of the &amp;#304;stanbul Zone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Upper Cretaceous &amp;#160;volcanic units north of Istanbul are divided into two formations. At the base there is a fore-arc turbidite succession,the &amp;#304;shakl&amp;#305; Formation, which is made up of volcaniclastic sandstone, shale, marl, tuff, debris flow horizons and epiclastic rocks of Turonian age. The &amp;#304;shakl&amp;#305; Formation is conformably overlain by the volcanoclastics, &amp;#160;tuffs, andesite and basalt lavas and agglomerates- the Riva Formation, which represents the arc/ intra-arc series.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Geochemically, basalts and basaltic andesites of the Riva Formation are low K calc-alkaline to medium-high K calc-alkaline and with magnesium numbers ranging from 32.6% to 51.5% Primitive mantle normalized spider diagram of trace elements show&amp;#160; enrichment in LILE elements (K, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, Th and U) and depletion in HFS elements ( Nb,Ta and Ti) . The high ratio of LILE/ HFS and negative Nb-Ta anomalies indicate that the volcanism evolved in subduction setting. Chondirite-normalized REE pattern display slight negative Eu anomalies and the La/Yb ratios of the samples range between 2,76 and 4,89. Our new geochemical, stratigraphical and the regional geological data suggest that north of Istanbul there was a transition from fore-arc deposition to arc volcanism during the Late Cretaceous opening of the Western Black Sea.&amp;#160; Considering the whole Pontide &amp;#8211; Sredna-Gora Upper Cretaceous magmatic arc, it can be stated that calc-alkaline volcanism developed in relation to northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic lithosphere during the Turonian, and may have passed into high-K calc alkaline and shoshonitic magmatism as a result of the progressive extentional tectonism during the Campanian.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Geochronology of Magmatism and Mineralization in the Dongbulage Mo-Polymetallic Deposit, Northeast China: Implications for the Timing of Mineralization and Ore Genesis

Minerals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wang ◽  
Li ◽  
Liu ◽  
Jiang ◽  
Chen
Keyword(s):  
Northeast China ◽  
Late Jurassic ◽  
Genetic Relationships ◽  
Molar Ratio ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Bulk Rock ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Porphyritic Granite ◽  
Polymetallic Deposit ◽  
High K

The recently discovered Dongbulage Mo-polymetallic deposit is located in the southern part of the Great Xing’an Range, northeast China. Mineralization is closely related to the emplacement of Middle–Late Jurassic granitoids. In order to understand the petrogenetic link between mineralization and host granitoids, this study presents new zircon U–Pb ages, bulk-rock geochemistry, and molybdenite Re–Os ages for the Dongbulage deposits. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating of the monzogranite and syenogranite intrusions yielded two weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages: of 164 ± 2 Ma and 165 ± 3 Ma, respectively. The subvolcanic rocks (red porphyritic granite and rhyolite) yielded a time interval between 161 ± 2 and 162 ± 3 Ma. In addition, molybdenite from the Dongbulage deposit gave a Re–Os isochron age of 162.6 ± 1.5 Ma, which was interpreted as the age of the mineralization. The new geochronology has established the close temporal and genetic relationships between the mineralization event and the emplacement of the Middle–Late Jurassic granitoids. Bulk-rock geochemistry shows that the Dongbulage granitoids are characterized by high SiO2, K2O, and A/CNK [Al2O3/(CaO + Na2O + K2O)(molar ratio)] values, and low TiO2, CaO, and MgO values, indicating a metaluminous to peraluminous, high-K calc-alkaline affinity. The granitoids also featured enrichments of large ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements (LREE), and a relative depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE), along with an increasing negative δEu anomaly. The high differentiation index (DI), ranging from 81.75 to 94.76, and obvious fractionation between LREE and HREE, indicate that the Dongbulage granitoids are highly fractionated, metaluminous–peraluminous, and high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites. Combined with the regional geology, the Dongbulage granitoids may have formed during post-orogenic extension that followed the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean closure coeval with subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate.

Middle−Late Triassic southward-younging granitoids: Tectonic transition from subduction to collision in the Eastern Tianshan−Beishan Orogen, NW China

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qigui Mao ◽  
Songjian Ao ◽  
Brian F. Windley ◽  
Zhiyong Zhang ◽  
Miao Sang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Triassic ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Accretionary Complex ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Eastern Tianshan ◽  
Nw China ◽  
Tectonic Transition ◽  
High K ◽  
Closure Mechanism ◽  
Oceanic Slab

To constrain the closure mechanism and time of the Paleo-Asian Ocean, we report new geochronological and geochemical data for Triassic granites along a NW−SE corridor from Eastern Tianshan to Beishan, NW China. Seven granites have U-Pb ages that young southwards from 245 Ma to 234 Ma in the Kanguer accretionary complex, to 237 Ma to 234 Ma in the eastern Central Tianshan block, to 229 Ma to 223 Ma in the Liuyuan accretionary complex. Granites in the Kanguer accretionary complex formed by fractional crystallization and are peraluminous, high-K, calc-alkaline, and crust-derived. They have very low MgO (Mg# = 6−9), Cr, and Ni contents, and their high εNd(t) (+3.40) and εHf(t) (+4.49 to +11.91) isotopes indicate that the Dananhu arc crust was juvenile. The Huaniushan pluton in the Liuyuan accretionary complex displays the geochemical signatures of both A1- and A2-type granites (Y/Nb = 0.32−3.39). All other granites in the Central Tianshan block and Liuyuan accretionary complex are aluminous A2-types with high K2O+Na2O, Al, rare earth elements (REE), Zr+Nb+Y, Ga, Fe/Mg, and Y/Nb and remarkable depletions of Eu, Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti. They have a broad range of MgO (Mg# = 9−59), Cr, and Ni contents, Isr (0.70741−0.70945) values, negative εNd (t) (−2.98 to −1.14), and low to moderate εHf(t) (−1.22 to +7.78), which suggests a mixture of mantle and crustal components. These 245−223 Ma granitoids show marked Nb-Ta depletions that point to a subduction origin. Notable enrichments in Nd-Hf isotopes of Late Triassic granites are likely an indication of collision. Integration with previous data enables us to conclude that the delamination of an oceanic slab and mantle upwelling induced partial melting of thickened arc crust during a tectonic transition from a multiple supra-subduction margin to a collisional setting in the Late Triassic.

scholarly journals GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ERENLERDAGI VOLCANICS, KONYA, CENTRAL TURKEY

2017 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 2057
Author(s):  
C. Uyanık ◽  
K. Koçak
Keyword(s):  
Fractional Crystallization ◽  
Magma Mixing ◽  
Primitive Mantle ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
High K ◽  
Microgranular Enclaves ◽  
Mafic Microgranular Enclaves ◽  
Central Turkey ◽  
Pyroclastic Fall

Late Miocene to Pliocene volcanism produced lava domes with mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs), nuée ardentes and pyroclastic fall and flow (ignimbrites) deposits in the WSW and NW of Konya city. All samples are predominantly high K-calc alkaline in composition but calc-alkaline and shoshonitic composition also exist. The felsic volcanics are mainly dacite, andesite, basaltic trachyandesite and rare trachyandesite in compositon. But, the MMEs have basaltic andesite and andesite compositon. SiO2 increases with decreasing TiO2, FeOt, MgO and CaO, suggesting fractional crystallization of mafic minerals. All samples have fractionated chondritenormalised REE pattern (La/YbN: 6.7-18.1), and negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*: 0.67- 0.89), indicating plagioclase fractionation. In primitive mantle-normalized spider diagram, the samples show an enrichment in large ion litophile elements (LILE) such as Cs and Ba, and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE), e.g. Dy and Y. They show negative Nb, Ta and Ti anomalies, indicating a subduction signature for their genesis. Based on geochemical data, the volcanics are suggested to have been formed by Assimilation-Fractional Crystallization (AFC) and/or magma mixing process. Various geotectonic diagrams imply volcanic arc to post collisional setting for the samples.

Geochemistry and geochronology of the gneisses east of the Southern Rocky Mountain Trench, near Valemount, British Columbia

1985 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 980-991
Author(s):  
V. E. Chamberlain ◽  
R. St J. Lambert ◽  
J. G. Holland
Keyword(s):  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
Tholeiitic Basalt ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Geological History ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Geochronological Data ◽  
Alkaline Granite ◽  
Facies Metamorphism ◽  
Major Fault ◽  
Southern Rocky Mountain

Petrographic, geochemical, and geochronological data are presented on the gneisses of the Bulldog Creek block, the Mount Blackman block, and the Hugh Allan Creek block, which lie to the east of the Southern Rocky Mountain Trench (SRMT) south of Valemount, British Columbia.Petrographical and geochemical data, especially immobile-trace-element ratios (Nb: Y, Ti: Zr), and CaO versus Y and AFM plots are used to deduce the probable origins and protoliths of the gneisses. The Mount Blackman block consists of a psammitic paragneiss, probably derived from an immature arkosic sedimentary protolith, intruded by sills of tholeiitic basalt, now amphibolites. The Bulldog Creek block consists of felsic orthogneisses of calc-alkaline affinity, which are structurally concordant with mafic orthogneisses of possible tholeiitic basalt parentage. The Hugh Allan Creek block consists of a felsic orthogneiss with a probable alkaline granite protolith.Rb–Sr, and some U–Pb analyses show that each block has experienced a separate geological history. The Mount Blackman block psammitic paragneisses are the only analysed gneisses east of SRMT with a probable Archean Rb–Sr model crustal residence age. U–Pb analyses on zircons from these gneisses give a 1950 Ma minimum source rock age, and Rb–Sr whole-rock analyses suggest a 1860 ± 50 Ma age for amphibolite-facies metamorphism of both paragneisses and amphibolites. The Bulldog Creek block gneisses have a metamorphic age of at least 640 Ma, but their Rb–Sr systematics have been extensively disturbed, possibly during Mesozoic retrogressive metamorphism. The Hugh Allan Creek block gneisses have a Rb–Sr model crustal residence age of ~900 Ma and a metamorphic age of 805 ± 11 Ma. It is not possible to correlate any of these lithologies or events across the SRMT with the Malton block, and it is concluded that the SRMT is the site of a major fault or faults at this latitude.

scholarly journals Metabasic rocks from the Variscan Schwarzwald (SW Germany): metamorphic evolution and igneous protoliths

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Altherr ◽  
Stefan Hepp ◽  
Hans Klein ◽  
Michael Hanel
Keyword(s):  
Amphibolite Facies ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Bulk Rock ◽  
Calc Alkaline ◽  
Small Bodies ◽  
Plate Margin ◽  
Intimate Association ◽  
Facies Metamorphism ◽  
Back Arc ◽  
Igneous Protoliths

AbstractIn the Variscan Schwarzwald metabasic rocks form small bodies included within anatectic plagioclase-biotite gneisses. Many metabasites first underwent an eclogite-facies metamorphism at about 2.0 GPa and 670–700 °C, resulting in the assemblage garnet + omphacite + rutile + quartz ± epidote ± amphibole ± kyanite. Since these eclogites are nearly free of an OH-bearing phase, they underwent almost complete dehydration during subduction, suggesting formation along an average to warm top-of-the-slab geotherm of 10–13 °C/km. The age of the Variscan high-P/high-T metamorphism is > 333 Ma. After partial exhumation from ~ 65 to ~ 15 km depth, the eclogites were overprinted under increasing activity of H2O by a number of retrograde reactions. The degree of this overprint under amphibolite-facies conditions (0.4–0.5 GPa/675–690 °C) was very different. Up to now, only retrograde eclogites have been found, but some samples still contain omphacite. Kyanite is at least partially transformed to aggregates of plagioclase + spinel ± corundum ± sapphirine. On the other hand, there are amphibolites that are extensively recrystallized and show the assemblage amphibole + plagioclase + ilmenite/titanite ± biotite ± quartz ± sulphides. The last relic phase that can be found in such otherwise completely recrystallized amphibolites is rutile. After the amphibolite-facies metamorphism at ~ 333 Ma, the metabasites underwent a number of low-temperature transformations, such as sericitization of plagioclase, chloritization of amphibole, and formation of prehnite. The intimate association of metabasite bodies with gneisses of dominantly meta-greywacke compositions suggests derivation from an active plate margin. This view is corroborated by bulk-rock geochemical data. Excluding elements that were mobile during metamorphism (Cs, Rb, Ba, K, Pb, Sr, U), the concentrations of the remaining elements in most of the metabasites are compatible with a derivation from island-arc tholeiites, back-arc basin basalts or calc-alkaline basalts. Only some samples have MORB precursor rocks.

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