This study presents detailed petrographical and geochemical investigations on remarkably fresh olivines in kimberlites from the EKATI Diamond Mine™ located in the Tertiary/Cretaceous Lac de Gras ...kimberlite field within the Slave craton of Canada.
Olivine, constituting about 42vol.% of the analyzed samples, can be divided into two textural groups: (i) macrocrystic olivines, >100μm sub-rounded crystals and (ii) groundmass olivines, <100μm subhedral crystals. Olivines from both populations define two distinct chemical trends; a “mantle trend” with angular cores, showing low Ca (<0.1wt.% CaO) and high Ni (0.3–0.4wt.% NiO) at varying Mg# (0.86–0.93), contrasts with a “melt trend” typified by thin (<100μm) rims with increasing Ca (up to 1.0wt.% CaO) and decreasing Ni (down to 0.1wt.% NiO) contents at constant Mg# (~0.915). These findings are in agreement with recent studies suggesting that virtually all olivine is composed of xenocrystic (i.e. mantle-related) cores with phenocrystic (i.e. melt-related) overgrowths, thereby challenging the traditional view that the origin of kimberlitic olivine can be distinguished based on size and morphology.
The two main trends can be further resolved into sub-groups refining the crystallization history of olivine; the mantle trend indicates a multi-source origin that samples the layered lithosphere below the Slave craton, whereas the melt trend represents multi-stage crystallization comprising a differentiation trend starting at mantle conditions and a second trend controlled by the crystallization of additional phases (e.g. chromite) and changing magma conditions (e.g. oxidation). These trends are also seen in the concentrations of trace elements not routinely measured in olivine (e.g. Na, P, Ti, Co, Sc, Zr). Trace element mapping with LA-ICP-MS reveals the distribution of these elements within olivine grains. The trace element distribution between the two trends appears to be consistent with phenocrystic olivine overgrowths mainly originating from dissolved orthopyroxene, showing enrichment in Zr, Ga, Nb, Sc, V, P, Al, Ti, Cr, Ca and Mn in the melt trend.
In a sample of magmatic kimberlite from the Leslie pipe, the amount of xenocrystic and phenocrystic olivine is estimated to be around 23vol.% and 19vol.%, respectively. Subtraction of this xenocrystic olivine from the Leslie bulk composition, aimed at estimating the parental kimberlite melt, results in a minor decrease of Mg# (by about 0.01) and SiO2 content (by about 3wt.%), whereas CaO increases (by about 3wt.%).
•Kimberlitic olivine has hybrid nature: phenocrystic rims (melt trend) on xenocrystic cores (mantle trend).•Mantle trend samples layered lithosphere below Slave craton•Melt trend is a product of multi-stage (polybaric) crystallization.•Amount of phenocrystic olivine is 19vol.%, notably higher than previous estimates.•Kimberlite magmas formed by reaction of carbonatitic melt with mantle minerals (orthopyroxene).
The origin of the lithospheric mantle beneath accretionary orogens is enigmatic; although severe compression of the buoyant crust occurs, the mantle lithosphere is generally thought to be removed and ...returned to the convecting mantle. We suggest that during the accretion of oceanic arcs and small continental blocks in the Mediterranean region, and more generally throughout the whole Alpine–Himalayan orogenic belt, the mantle lithosphere is newly created and composed of intimately mixed peridotite and crustal material from the forearc region. Potassium-rich volcanic rocks emplaced sometimes more than 30Ma after the formation of this lithosphere carry evidence for the presence of extremely depleted peridotite in their sources, but also for mica-bearing pyroxenites formed by reaction between subducted continental sediments and peridotite. Olivines crystallized from the magmas and mantle-xenocrysts derived from the enriched mantle, have elevated concentrations of Li that correlate positively with 87Sr/86Sr of the lavas, indicative of an origin from continental crust-derived sediments. If much of the continental crust is formed in accretionary orogens of this type, then extensive tracts of the continental lithosphere may contain mixtures of ultradepleted peridotite and recycled crustal material. In this case a portion of the subducted sediment is not returned to the convecting mantle, but becomes stored within the subcontinental lithospheric mantle.
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► Recycled sediments play important role in geochemistry of orogenic mantle. ► We use olivine chemistry as a probe for this recycling. ► Olivine outlines the phlogopite-bearing clinopyroxenites within orogenic mantle.
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•We simulate mantle metasomatism by reacting sediment or basanite with dunite.•Sediment/dunite reaction is a precursor for K-rich magmatism with orogenic signature.•The reaction of ...melt with refractory mantle dynamically increases K/Na ratio.•K-enrichment of melts is independent from the experiments’ starting composition.
Potassium-rich lavas with K/Na of >2 are common in orogenic and anorogenic intraplate magmatic provinces. However, in the primitive mantle, the concentration of Na exceeds that of K by 10 times. The source of K-rich lavas thus needs to be either K-enriched or Na-depleted to account for high K/Na ratios. The geochemical and isotopic compositions of high 87Sr/86Sr post-collisional lavas show that their mantle source contains a recycled crustal component. These highly K-enriched lavas with crustal like trace element patterns are termed “orogenic lamproites” and are compositionally distinct from K-rich “anorogenic lamproites” that show lower 87Sr/86Sr and a trace element pattern that resembles that of primary mantle melts. For both groups the processes of K-enrichment within their source are uncertain and are thought to be linked to melts of sedimentary rocks for “orogenic lamproites” and low-degree melts of ultramafic mantle rocks for “anorogenic lamproites”. In both cases, metasomatism of the mantle lithosphere is the precursor to K-rich magmatism. In this study we experimentally determine the effects of mantle metasomatism by sediment- and hydrous mantle melts. The experiments simulate the interaction of refractory lithospheric mantle and metasomatizing melt in a 2-layer reaction experiment. The sediment/dunite reaction experiments lead to formation of a strongly K-enriched phlogopite-pyroxenite layer sandwiched between the two starting materials. The low temperature of the sediment/dunite reaction runs at <1000 °C simulates a fore-arc subduction environment, in which the melts of sediment are consumed during interaction with dunite as the temperature is below the solidus of the produced phlogopite-pyroxenites. The hydrous mantle melt/dunite reaction run is simulated by reacting a hydrated basanite with dunite. Since the temperature of the reaction is higher than the solidus of the resulting phlogopite-pyroxenites (1200 °C), the hydrous melt is not consumed but flows further, increasing in K2O and K/Na as it reacts with the refractory peridotite. In both cases, melts are enriched in K and K/Na increases by crystallizing a low K and low K/Na eclogitic residue. Compositions of glass and phlogopite from both types of reactions are comparable to glasses and phlogopites found within post-collisional lavas. Since the enrichment of K within the reaction zone is strongly controlled by the formation of low K/Na and low-K residues, metasomatic enrichment of the mantle lithosphere in K does not need a highly K-enriched metasomatic agent.
During convergence of Gondwana-derived microplates and Laurussia in the Palaeozoic, subduction of oceanic and continental crusts and their sedimentary cover introduced material of regionally ...contrasting chemical and isotopic compositions into the mantle. This slab material metasomatised the local mantle, producing a highly heterogeneous lithospheric mantle beneath the European Variscides. The eastern termination of the European Variscides (Moldanubian and Saxo-Thuringian zones of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and Poland) is unusual in that the mantle was modified by material from several subduction zones within a small area. Orogenic lamproites sampled this lithospheric mantle, which has a chemical signature reflecting extreme depletion (low CaO and Al2O3 contents and high Mg-number) followed by strong metasomatic enrichment, giving rise to crust-like trace element patterns, variable radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr(330) (0.7062–0.7127) and non-radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions (εNd(330)=−2.8 to −7.8), crustal Pb isotopic compositions, and a wide range of δ7Li values (−5.1 to +5.1). This metasomatic signature is variably expressed in the lamproites, depending on the extent of melting and the nature of the source of the metasomatic component. Preferential melting of the metasomatically enriched (veined) lithospheric mantle with K-rich amphibole resulted in lamproitic melts with very negative, crust-like δ7Li values, which correlate positively with peralkalinity, HFSE contents and lower εNd. Both the higher degree of melting and progressive consumption of the metasomatic component reduce the chemical and isotopic imprints of the metasomatic end member. The very positive δ7Li values of some lamproites indicate that the source of these lamproites may have been modified by subducted oceanic lithosphere. Fresh olivine from the Brloh (Moldanubian) lamproitic dyke shows very high Fo (up to 94%) and very high Li contents (up to 25ppm), demonstrating that the extremely depleted and later enriched lithospheric mantle may have contributed significantly to the Li budget of the lamproites. The regional distribution of lamproites with contrasting chemical and isotopic fingerprints mimics the distribution of the different Variscan subduction zones.
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•New variety of silica-rich lamproites•The first Li isotope data from lamproites•Model for lamproite formation in the Variscan orogenic belt
Leucite-bearing volcanic rocks are commonly found within and around the Mediterranean area. A specific type of this rock group are leucitites. They are found both in a hinterland position of active ...and fossil subduction systems as well as in foreland tectonic settings, but none have been found in the Maghreb (N Africa) and Mashreq (Middle East) areas. Here a review of the main leucitite occurrences in the circum-Mediterranean area is presented, with new whole-rock, mineral chemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic ratios on key districts, with the aim of clarifying the classification and genesis of this rock type.
Many of the rocks classified in literature as leucitites do not conform to the IUGS definition of leucitite (i.e., rocks with >10 vol% modal leucite and with foids/(foids + feldspars) ratio > 0.9, with leucite being the most abundant foid). Among circum-Mediterranean rocks classified as leucitites in the literature, we distinguish two types: clinopyroxene-olivine-phyric (COP) and leucite- phyric (LP) types. Only the second group can be truly classified as leucitite, being characterized by the absence or the very rare presence of feldspars, as well as by ultrapotassic composition.
The COP group can be distinguished from the LP group on the basis of lower SiO2, Na2O + K2O, K2O/Na2O, Al2O3, Rb and Ba, and higher MgO, TiO2, Nb, Cr and Ni. The LP group shows multi-elemental patterns resembling magmas emplaced in subduction-related settings, while COP rocks are much more variable, showing HIMU-OIB-like to subduction-related-like incompatible element patterns. COP rocks are also characterized generally by more homogeneous isotopic compositions clustering towards low Sr and high Nd isotopic ratios, while LP leucitites plot all in the enriched Sr-Nd isotopic quadrant. LP rocks usually have lower 206Pb/204Pb and higher 207Pb/204Pb.
This study shows that the geochemical signal of mantle melts does not always reflect the tectonic setting of magma emplacement, suggesting paying extreme attention in proposing geodynamic reconstructions on the basis of chemical data only.
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•Leucitites are reported in several localities within and around the Mediterranean area.•Literature data for 179 “leucititic” rocks plus new data for 23 samples are presented here and reported in a MS Excel file.•We distinguish two “leucitite” rocks on the basis of petrography, mineral chemistry, whole-rock chemistry and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions.•These two rock groups (clinopyroxene-olivine-phyric – COP – and leucite-phyric – LP) seem to be confined to different geodynamic settings.•The main result of our contribution is that true leucitites are extremely rare compositions and confined to subduction-related settings only.
The origin of Italian kamafugites and lamproites is a matter of debate, not least due to their “crustal signature” displayed by trace element compositions and isotopic ratios, but also due to ...puzzling geodynamic significance. We combine in situ EMPA and LA‐ICP‐MS analyses with in situ analyses of oxygen isotopes (SIMS) on olivine from the Pleistocene San Venanzo kamafugites and Torre Alfina lamproites. Lamproitic olivine shows extremely high Mg# and Ni concentrations whereas Ca and Mn concentrations are low. Their δ18OV‐SMOW values are very high up to +11.5 ‰. In kamafugites we recognize three genetically different olivine groups: (a) phenocrystic one with high Mg#, very low Ni, high Ca and Mn. Values of δ18OV‐SMOW are up to +10.9 ‰; (b) melt‐related xenocrystic grains that compositionally resemble lamproitic olivine; (c) skarn‐related almost pure forsterite of extreme δ18OV‐SMOW ∼27 ‰, with negligible amounts of minor and trace elements. The melting and crystallization conditions of Italian kamafugites and lamproites indicate compositionally heterogeneous mantle sources on very small scales. Distinct geochemical features of the olivine macrocryst populations observed in kamafugite point to a range of processes occurring both within the magma storage and transport system. We suggest that the diversity of metasomatic agents was involved in mantle processes on local scales, coupled with magma mixing and/or the uptake of xenocrysts during magma ascend.
Key Points
Using olivine composition, we observe small‐scale mantle heterogeneity resulted from the recycling of the different sediment compositions
Abstract
Sediment contribution to the mantle is the key step for the generation of orogenic magmatism to produce its isotopic and geochemical inventory. Even though they are exceptional for the ...post-collisional settings, there are worldwide examples of arc-related ultrapotassic mafic magmas which require complex multi-stage processes along with sediment melting e.g. in Italy or Pontides of Türkiye. To understand the metasomatism leading mantle to produce ultrapotassic mafic melts, we simulated the reactions of depleted (harzburgite) and fertile (lherzolite) mantle with subducted carbonate-rich sediment at relatively cold (800–850 °C) and shallow (2 GPa, 60–80 km) slab-mantle interfaces. The melting of sediments can trigger the formation of immiscible and conjugate carbonatitic and silicic melts which flux the mantle to develop hydrous minerals and dolomitic melt. The metasomatic growth product is a wehrlite composed of clinopyroxene, phlogopite, carbonate minerals and amphibole, representing a source of choice for Si-undersaturated ultrapotassic lavas. The occurrence of conjugate carbonatitic and silicic melts and their potential physical separation, offer a possibility for fractionation of several canonical trace element ratios such as Th/La, observed in Si-saturated ultrapotassic lavas. The synergy between peridotite-melt interaction and the physical separation of the carbonatitic and extremely K-enriched silicic melts are essential for the compositional evolution of ultrapotassic orogenic magmas and their mantle sources.
We present a new experimental dataset for reaction experiments between natural amphibole-clinopyroxene metasomes (hornblendite) and synthetic lherzolite that produced Na-rich alkaline melts. ...Experiments were conducted at 1, 3 and 4 GPa and 1000–1300 °C. The generated melts range from foidite over basanite to phonotephrite. At 1 GPa between 1000 and 1100 °C amphibole decompression-breakdown products generate a phonotephritic melt. Among the breakdown components rhönite was found to be stable up to 1100 °C and 1 GPa. At 3 and 4 GPa the melt compositions are affected by phlogopite melting and shift to more foiditic compositions. We find that the melting of hornblendites and the reaction of the melt with the lherzolite produce wehrlitic residues with different olivine/clinopyroxene ratios. Wehrlite formation does not always require separate metasomatic processes but can be a direct by-product of alkaline volcanism. We applied a metasome melting model to the magmas of the Kula volcanic province, Turkey, and show that at 1 GPa basanite melts and phonotephrite melts cover the whole range of known Kula lava compositions. The Kula lava compositional trend can be therefore generated by basanite-phonotephrite melt mixing. A comparison of high-pressure (3–4 GPa) melts with natural nephelinite data shows overlap with many major, minor, and trace elements but differences in SiO
2
, FeO, and TiO
2
argue that the natural nephelinite data do not represent primary metasome melts.
High-MgO ultrapotassic rocks are found in four different areas of the Western Mediterranean basin associated in space and time with shoshonitic and calc-alkaline rocks. They represent different ...magmatic events at the active continental plate margin from Oligocene to Pleistocene. These rocks are found within the Western Alps (Northern Italy), in Corsica (France), in Murcia-Almeria (South-Eastern Spain), and in Southern Tuscany (Central Italy). Ultrapotassic terms are mostly lamprophyres, but olivine latitic lavas with a clear lamproitic affinity are also found. Lamproite-like rocks range from slightly silica under-saturated to silica over-saturated, and they are characterised by low Al
2O
3, CaO, and Na
2O contents. They are plagioclase-free rocks, but K-feldspar is abundant beside other K-bearing phases. Shoshonitic and calc-alkaline rocks are invariably space associated to lamproites, and they either precede or follow them. High-Mg ultrapotassic rocks are characterised by strong enrichment of incompatible elements, which prevent further enrichment due to shallow level crustal contamination. K
2O and incompatible element contents decrease passing from high-Mg ultrapotassic to high-Mg shoshonitic and calc-alkaline rocks suggesting that K and incompatible trace elements enrichments are a primary characteristic. Ultrapotassic to calc-alkaline rocks from Western Mediterranean regions, in spite of their different age of emplacement, are characterised by similar incompatible trace elements distribution. Depletion of High Field Strength elements with respect to Large Ion Lithophile elements is observed. Positive spikes at Th, U, and Pb, with negative spikes at Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti, are common characteristics of ultrapotassic (lamproitic) to high-K calc-alkaline rocks. Ultrapotassic rocks are extremely enriched in radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd with respect to the associated shoshonitic and calc-alkaline rocks. Different isotopic values are distinctive of the different magmatic provinces irrespective of magmatic affinities.
87Sr/
86Sr
i ranges between 0.71645 and 0.71759 for Western Alps lamproites, between 0.71226 and 0.71230 for Corsica lamproite, between 0.71642 and 0.72259 for Murcia-Almeria lamproites, and between 0.71578 and 0.71672 for Tuscany lamproites. Radiogenic Sr decreases along with K
2O through shoshonitic to calc-alkaline rocks. Conversely
143Nd/
144Nd
i values increase with decreasing K
2O, with the highest value of 0.51243 found for the one samples from Murcia-Almeria. Contrasting trends are observed among initial values of lead isotopes, but all falling well within the field of upper crustal rocks. Different trends of
207Pb/
204Pb
i and
208Pb/
204Pb
i vs.
206Pb/
204Pb
i for samples from the different provinces are observed. Several evidences indicate that most of the magmas of the different provinces have been generated in a depleted upper mantle (i.e., lithospheric) modified by metasomatism, but an asthenospheric component is also recognised in Corsica. At least two different subduction-related metasomatic agents re-fertilised the depleted original upper mantle source. Carbonate-free siliciclastic sediments and carbonate-rich sediments have been recycled within the upper mantle through subduction and partial melting. Assuming that metasomatic component is concentrated in a vein network, in Tuscany and Corsica, time relationships indicate that low degree of partial melting of the pure vein produced lamproitic-like magmas, whereas an increase in the partial melting involve the surrounding upper mantle, then diluting the alkaline component and produced the entire spectra of magma observed. In South-Eastern Spain calc-alkaline magmatism preceded lamproitic ones, and might be generated by partial melting of mantle wedge metasomatised by fluids from oceanic slab prior to collision. Lamproitic magmas followed after melt-dominated metasomatic agents invaded the lithospheric upper mantle domain. Migration of the magmatism with time is the result of eastward migration of subduction with subsequent opening of Balearic, Ligure-Provençal, and Tyrrhenian basins.
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