Showing papers in "Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology in 1969"

On the mechanism of prograde metamorphic reactions in quartz-bearing pelitic rocks

Abstract: An empirical method is described whereby the sequence of textural changes in pelitic rocks from one zone to the next may be reconciled with the balanced metamorphic reaction inferred to have been in progress. It consists in deducing from the textures of a single thin section a set of metasomatic cation-exchange reactions, which proceed in different microscopic domains of the rock, but which add up on the scale of the whole thin section to give the balanced metamorphic reaction. Each metasomatic subsystem is closed to aluminum, but open to the more mobile cations, which are free to diffuse from one subsystem to another, subject to the requirement of short-range electrostatic neutrality, and to the assumption that the system is closed on the scale of the whole thin section. Evidence in support of the central postulate that aluminum is relatively immobile is found in 1. the preservation of bedding laminations, on a finer scale than the staurolite porphyroblasts which transect them without disrupting them. 2. The fact that quartz, the only abundant aluminum-free mineral in pelitic rocks, is by far the most common mineral in veins and “pressure shadows”. 3. The fact that the reactions so deduced provide reasonably precise descriptions of such common textures as the sillimanite needles in biotite and quartz, and the abundant quartz “inclusions” in staurolite.

The stability of staurolite and chloritoid and their significance in metamorphism of pelitic rocks

Abstract: The reaction chlorite+muscovite=staurolite+biotite+quartz+vapor has been experimentally determined and reversible equilibrium has been demonstrated. At an oxygen fugacity corresponding to that of the FMQ buffer and using a starting mixture with a Mg/Mg+Fe ratio of 0.4, the equilibrium conditions of the reaction are 565±15°C at 7 kb and 540±15°C at 4 kb. The preliminary maximum stability of staurolite in the presence of quartz, muscovite, and biotite has been established at the following conditions: 675±15°C at 5.5 kb and 575±15°C at 2 kb. The results of both investigations are in good agreement with other experimental data and with petrographical observations. Furthermore, equilibria between minerals in medium-grade pelitic rocks are deduced from theoretical considerations and the effect of T, Psolid, \(P_{H_2 O}\), \(P_{O_2 }\) on some dehydration reactions is discussed.

Diversity and origin of abyssal tholeiite from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near 24° and 30° North latitude

Abstract: On cursory examination of hand specimens and thin sections, the abyssal tholeiite in a dredge haul may appear to be uniform in composition. Chemical analyses of a considerable number of fragments, however, have always revealed the existence of regular compositional variation in them. The MgO content decreases with increasing SiO2. In abyssal tholeiites with relatively low Al2O3 contents, the SiO2, total iron, Na2O and P2O5 contents tend to increase and the MgO content tends to decrease with increasing iron/magnesia ratio, probably owing to crystallization differentiation. In a certain dredge haul, high-alumina abyssal tholeiites (with Al2O3 contents near or over 17%) occur in association with low-alumina abyssal tholeiites. The magma of high-alumina abyssal tholeiites would be generated from that of low-alumina abyssal tholeiites by differentiation at a depth around 30 km. In pillow lavas of abyssal tholeiite free from weathering and metamorphism, the chilled rim of the pillow usually has virtually the same chemical composition as the more crystalline core except for a decrease of K2O content toward the rim. On the other hand, the weathered rim of pillow lavas shows marked compositional change. The Fe2O3/FeO ratio of unweathered abyssal tholeiite is in the range of 0.1 to 0.3. This ratio and the H2O− and H2O+ contents increase with advancing weathering.

Shock induced planar deformation structures in quartz from the Ries crater, Germany

Abstract: Crystalline rocks from breccias of the Ries basin, Germany, contain highly deformed quartz. Various planar deformation structures could be observed and classified into five different types: (1) Decorated planar elements, (2) Non-decorated planar elements, (3) Homogeneous lamellae, (4) Filled lamellae, (5) Planar fractures. All these structures are parallel to crystallographic planes: {10¯13}, {10¯12}, {10¯11}, {0001},{11¯21}, {11¯22}, {21¯31}, {51¯61}, {10¯10}. The most typical and most abundant planar structures are decorated and nondecorated planar elements parallel to {10¯13} and {10¯12}. Planar fractures are parallel to {0001} and {10¯11} and form at lower stress levels, probably earlier than the planar elements. Quartz containing planar elements, especially of the non-decorated type, has lower density, index of refraction and birefringence than normal quartz. This “quartz” is apparently a mixture of an amorphous phase and crystalline quartz, the amount of which can be calculated using average density or refractive index. Comparison of planar quartz structures found in tectonites and those produced artificially under static or dynamic high pressure conditions demonstrates that Ries quartz closely resembles deformed quartz recovered from shock wave experiments. The planar structures found in Ries quartz have been formed by shock wave actions with peak pressures in the 100–400 kbar range. Planar elements are explained to be traces of gliding processes during shock loading visible due to the fact that a high pressure phase (stishovite and/or a stishovite-like glass phase) has been produced along the glide planes. Upon pressure release most of the high pressure phase was transformed into an SiO2-glass (diaplectic glass). In comparison with experimental data the amount of residual crystalline quartz as well as type and orientation of planar structures in the quartz grains are clues to estimate the peak pressures responsible for these deformations. Shock waves with peak pressures exceeding about 400 kbar completely transform quartz into diaplectic SiO2-glass.

Phase relations in the system NaAlSi3O8-KAlSi3O8-CaAl2Si2O8-SiO2 at 1 kilobar water vapour pressure

Abstract: Crystal-melt relations at a water vapour pressure of 1 kilobar have been determined for planes at 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 weight per cent anorthite in the system NaAlSi3O8KAlSi3O8-CaAl2Si2O8-SiO2. The ratio of the silicate components in the liquids which are in univariant equilibrium with plagioclase, alkali feldspar, quartz and gas are Ab31∶Or28∶Q38∶An3 (weight per cent) at 730°±5–10° C, Ab21∶Or34∶Q40∶An5 at 745°±5–10° C and Ab10∶Or39∶ Q43.5∶An7.5 at 780°±10° C. The univariant curve on which the above compositions lieoriginates on the H2O-saturated Or-An-Q plane at a composition containing less than 10 weight per cent An and terminates within 1.5 weight per cent An of the H2O-saturated Or-Ab-Q plane. Experimental data for the synthetic system have been used to illustrate a discussion on the partial melting of metasediments and the possible significance of such a process with respect to the genesis of granitic rocks. Data taken from the literature (Winkler and v. Platen, 1960, 1961a) have been used to illustrate that the normative salic composition of a sediment has a strong influence on the composition of any melt which form when such a rock is subjected to high temperatures and pressures.

Inorganic bedded cherts from the Magadi area, Kenya

Abstract: The High Magadi beds can be divided into a lower and an upper sequence, separated by a bed rich in Tilapia nilotica remains. The lower sequence contains one or more magadiite horizons. Through digging of trenches it has been possible to establish that the cherts of the “Chert Series” are stratigraphically equivalent to the magadiite horizons. The transition magadiite-chert has been observed in many places and may occur over a distance of less than 50 cm. It is accomplished by removal of sodium by percolating waters. The resulting bedded chert may preserve the fine lamination present in magadiite. The conversion is accompanied by many textural and structural features such as large desiccation polygons, buckling, reticulation, extrusion, casts of mud-cracks and calcite. The precipitation of magadiite is postulated to have taken place in annual increments in a stratified lake at the brine-epilimnion interface. The maximum duration is estimated at 4,000–6,000 years. Solubility measurements indicate that most Magadi waters at the present time are supersaturated with respect to magadiite and kenyaite, though no precipitation has been observed. The presence of chert chips in intraformational gravels indicates that the conversion to chert was already initiated during the magadiite precipitation interval. The inorganic mechanism for the formation of bedded chert observed at Magadi is suggested to apply also to the Dales Gorge Member of the Precambrian Brockman Iron Formation of W. Australia. Evidence for magadiite as chert precursor is found in the depositional rates, the presence of riebeckite and in textures such as macules and cross-pods. The proposed model is extended to include Precambrian banded iron formations in general and the restriction of these formations to the early history of the earth is explained by the likely compositions of waters from closed basins.

Composition and origin of serpentinites from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near 24° and 30° North Latitude

Abstract: Serpentinites occur in transverse fracture zones and adjacent areas in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near 24° and 30° N. In two fracture zones, about 700 km distant from each other, serpentinites show practically the same trend and range of variation in chemical composition. Their CaO content ranges from 2.05 to 0.07% by weight. Serpentinites relatively high in CaO content contain pargasite, whereas those relatively low in CaO do not. Serpentinites relatively high in CaO are chemically similar to high-temperature peridotites which are widely believed to have been derived from the upper mantle. With a decrease in CaO, the Al2O3, TiO2, K2O and FeO contents and the Fe/Mg ratio tend to decrease, whereas the H2O+ content tends to increase. This compositional variation is probably due partly to heterogeneity of uper mantle peridotite from which the serpentinites were derived, and partly to chemical migration during serpentinization. The interior of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge may be mainly made up of serpentinites. Alternatively, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge Serpentinites may have been formed by serpentinization of peridotites that were intruded into fracture zones from a great depth.

Le massif ultrabasique des Beni Bouchera (Rif Interne, Maroc): Etude des péridotites de haute température et de haute pression, et des pyroxénolites, à grenat ou sans grenat, qui leur sont associées

Abstract: The ultrabasic rocks which form the Beni Bouchera massif are schistose and folded isoclinally. They outcrop at the center of a late formed anticline under a series of granulite facies precambrian or lower paleozoic rocks. The ultrabasic rocks appear to have been in situ during the major structural development of the series and were emplaced at the time of metamorphism. The massif itself is essentially a peridotite, apparently layered, which contains pyroxenite bands (about 3% of the total volume of the massif). The peridotites are olivinerich containing two aluminous pyroxenes and spinel. The pyroxenites are however quite varied. They are frequently banded themselves and in several centimeters thickness can vary from enstatite rocks at the exterior of the layers to garnet clinopyroxenites at the center with websterite and garnet websterite as intermediate rock type. They are also present as monofacies bands of enstatite or garnet clinopyroxenite rock. Occasionally the minerals in these bands show exsolution features.

Peralkaline acid liquids: A petrological study

Abstract: Electron-microprobe analyses of the feldspars and associated ferromagnesian minerals in the peralkaline volcanics, comendites and pantellerites, are presented together with new data on the major and trace-elements of the rocks and residual glasses. The feldspar phenocrysts in the pantellerites span a narrower range (Or33–Or39) than those of the comendites (Or30–Or46); both sets show only limited increase in Or outwards, and the zoning is greatest in quartz-bearing assemblages. The feldspar microlites in the residual glasses are invariably more potassic (2–4% Or) than their associated phenocrysts. In pantellerites the feldspars become more potassic as the residual liquids become more sodic; thus the most potassic feldspar is found in the most sodic (and peralkaline) pantellerite. Of the ferromagnesian phenocrysts, aenigmatite is the most ubiquitous and is commonly associated with hedenbergite±fayalite, or ferrorichterite; in the later stages of crystallization (groundmass), it is associated with acmite, arfvedsonite and tuhualite. Aside from slight variation in Ti/Fe+Ti ratio, aenigmatite is virtually constant in composition. The pyroxenes from the different assemblages have zones which together almost span the range acmitehedenbergite. Both ferrorichterite and arfvedsonite incorporate F but not Cl, and are slightly potassic. Tuhualite exists as two varieties; one blue and potassic, the other violet and sodic; both varieties reject halogens. Using (estimated) free-energy data, a field in fo2, T space is postulated in which Fe-Ti oxides are absent; their place is taken by pyroxene and aenigmatite. The no-oxide field will be intercepted by a cooling liquid in which peralkalinity is increasing and in which fo2 is near but above the FMQ buffer. The characteristic pattern of trace-elements in peralkaline volcanics (e.g., high Nb, Ta, Zr, Mo, Zn, Cd, R.E, etc; low Sr, Ba, Mg) are considered to be as much evidence for the peralkaline (salic) condition as of the genetic process. Several lines of evidence suggest that at liquidus temperatures, peralkaline rhyolites are essentially anhydrous.

Trace element abundances in andesites

Abstract: Abundance data for Cs, Rb, Tl, Ba, Pb, Sr, the rare earths, Th, U, Zr, Hf, Sn, Nb, Mo, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Sc, V, Cr, Ag, Sb and the major elements are reported for two andesites and a dacite from Saipan, nine andesites and a dacite from Bougainville and two andesites from Fiji. The Saipan rocks are low-K varieties and contain notably low abundances of Rb, Ba, Th and U and have rare earth patterns subparallel to chondritic patterns. The Bougainville andesites include low-Si and high-K varieties which have higher concentrations of the large cations. The Fijian samples are close to the average circum-Pacific andesite and have rareearth patterns sub-parallel to those of sedimentary rocks. All the andesites contain characteristically low ( 10. These data preclude derivation of calc-alkaline rocks by mixing of upper crustal material or by fractional crystallisation from basaltic parents. A two stage model is proposed involving sea-floor spreading and transportation of the oceanic crust down the dipping seismic plane into the mantle where it is remelted to form andesites.

Granulitic and eclogitic inclusions from basic pipes at Delegate, Australia

Abstract: Basic breccia-nephelinite pipes at Delegate (N.S.W., Australia) contain abundant two-pyroxene granulite, garnet granulite and fassaite eclogite inclusions and rare spinel pyroxenite, peridotite and charnockite inclusions.

Rare earth contribution to the origin of Hawaiian lavas

Abstract: Rare earth abundances were determined by neutron activation in twenty Hawaiian lavas and one diabase of known chemical and mineralogical compositions. These results demonstrate a systematic relationship between the absolute or relative rare earth abundances and the petrochemistry of these rocks. Three distinct lava groups are recognized. These correspond to: (1) tholeiites, (2) alkali series, (3) nepheline-melilite basalts.

Oxygen and hydrogen isotope studies of contact metamorphism in the Santa Rosa Range, Nevada and other areas

Abstract: The O18/O16 and D/H ratios have been determined for rocks and coexisting minerals from several granitic plutons and their contact metamorphic aureoles in the Santa Rosa Range, Nevada, and the Eldora area, Colorado, with emphasis on pelitic rocks. A consistent order of O18/O16 and D/H enrichment in coexisting minerals, and a correlation between isotopic fractionations among coexisting mineral pairs are commonly observed, suggesting that mineral assemblages tend to approach isotopic equilibrium during contact metamorphism. In certain cases, a systematic decrease is observed in the oxygen isotopic fractionations of mineral pairs as one approaches the intrusive contacts. Isotopic temperatures generally show good agreement with heat flow considerations. Based on the experimentally determined quartz-muscovite O18/O16 fractionation calibration curve, temperatures are estimated to be 525 to 625° C at the contacts of the granitic stocks studied.

Structural and mineralogical evaluation of an experimentally produced impact crater in granite

Abstract: A crater 30 cm in diameter and 4.4 cm in depth was produced upon impact of an aluminium sphere with a homogeneous granite target. The volume excavated was 748 cm3, the mass ejected 1933 g. The crater geometry is compared with previous laboratory experiments. Mineralogical investigations revealed that shock induced, microscopic fracturing is lowest in the direction of uniaxial compression, followed by a 45° profile. Due to reflections of stress waves at the free surface, the horizontal profile displayed the highest fracture index. Kinking of biotite was very common in samples close to the crater walls (≈ 50 kb). However it faded out at a distance which corresponds to approximately 10 kb. This seems to be the lower pressure limit for the formation of kink bands under shock conditions.

The metamorphic paragenesis of cordierite in pelitic rocks

Abstract: A petrogenetic grid is constructed for mineral assemblages occurring in metapelitic rocks, particularly those involved in the paragenesis of cordierite. The most useful assemblages for estimating pressures and temperatures are staurolite-cordierite, cordierite-biotite-Al2SiO5 and cordierite-hypersthene. Cordierite is stable with kyanite, sillimanite or andalusite. At high pressures cordierite is Mg-rich so that pelitic rocks typically do not contain the phase. Cordierite is stable at temperatures less than 500° C but does not commonly appear in metapelitic rocks until the garnet-chlorite, chlorite-staurolite or chlorite-Al2SiO5 tie-lines are broken. At high metamorphic grades, the assemblage garnet-hypersthene-cordierite indicates relatively low pressures, and the assemblage hypersthene-cordierite-sillimanite relatively high pressures. It is clear however, that the absence of cordierite is of little use in characterizing a metamorphic facies unless an alternate mineral assemblage can be shown to be more stable.

The hydrothermal synthesis of low albite

Abstract: Glasses on the join NaAlSi3O8-Na2Si2O5 were devitrified hydrothermally at pressures of 1 to 10 kb and at temperatures in the range 200 to 700° C to define more adequately the physical and chemical environments which favor crystallization of the fully ordered polymorph of albite. The presence of Na2Si2O5 allows the synthesis of low albite with an obliquity of 1.140° (Cu Kα radiation) in runs of relatively short duration. The effect of increasing total pressure and time, and of decreasing temperature and amount of water down to critical values, is to favor the synthesis of ordered albite. Excess sodium is the chemical constituent necessary for ordering to proceed at a relatively rapid rate; this rate seems to vary with the ratio aNa+/aH+, and hence with the peralkalinity of the aqueous fluid attending recrystallization. The chemical environment of recrystallization thus seems as important as temperature in determining the ultimate degree of Si-Al order attained in albite.

Atomic movements in plagioclase feldspars: Kinetic interpretation

Abstract: The diffraction, n.q.r. and optical data on plagioclase feldspars are used to derive kinetic interpretations of structural changes induced by laboratory heat treatment and by geological processes. For anorthite, the Si, Al configuration is essentially ordered except for unusual transient processes. Cooperation between Ca atoms, and random nucleation, produces a domain texture in the primitive structure which is highly sensitive to temperature. The rapid inversion from the primitive to the body-centered structure is explained by increasingly rapid “rattling” of the Ca ions in the interstices of the semi-flexible alumino-silicate framework. The weakening of “b” reflections at higher temperatures is ascribed to incipient Si, Al disorder associated with irregular vibration of the alumino-silicate framework and the Ca atoms. Quenching phenomena are explained by variation of the domain boundary texture inherited from disorder at high temperature. For albite, the Si, Al configuration changes sluggishly from an ordered to a disordered pattern, and vice versa. Kinetic data are reinterpreted using a model in which the cell dimensions depend on local rather than distant order: the major change in distant order is deduced to occur at 450–600° C. Sodic plagioclase grown at high temperature shows distant disorder of the atoms, but cell dimensions suggest development of strong local order for calcic compositions. Low-entropy plagioclases of intermediate composition show complex intergrowths and domain structures because of kinetic barriers to atomic diffusion. X-ray diffraction data for slowly-cooled specimens are consistent with nucleation of albite- and anorthite-like regions from a high-temperature disordered phase. Electrostatic energy calculations show that Na and Ca atoms, although they face smaller energy barriers for diffusion, cannot form domains until the Si and Al atoms have moved jointly. The Si, Al ordering patterns of low albite and anorthite are topologically incompatible in a continuous framework if oxygen is not to be bonded to two Al. Therefore domains of low-albite and anorthite must be separated by disordered boundaries. For intermediate compositions, An15-An75, domains remain small. The anorthite-like domains probably form at higher temperatures than the albite-like domains. The latter tend to be about the same size for all bulk compositions. The atomic positions are influenced by neighboring atoms. Upon heating rapidly, Si and Al atoms remain in position and provide a memory for reformation of an identical structure upon cooling. The framework changes shape, and some Na, Ca atoms inter-diffuse to yield a quasi-homogeneous structure with a diffraction pattern which qualitatively approaches that of high albite. Upon prolonged heating at high temperature, Si, Al atoms inter-diffuse producing nonquenchable changes to the high-albite structure. At Na-rich bulk compositions, some domains of low albite grow into large lamellae while others remain small in contact with anorthite domains producing alternate lamellae of intermediate structure type; hence the peristerite intergrowth. A similar but opposite process could cause an intergrowth of lamellae of anorthite structure interposed with an intermediate type structure. A unique low plagioclase series is not expected. Plagioclases of intermediate composition trend towards slightly different endproducts depending on the details of the cooling history. Breaks and bends in plots of physical properties, and intergrowths for certain specimens, depend on special compositional, growth and annealing factors. The intergrowth responsible for iridescence of intermediate plagioclase is ascribed to Na, K segregation prior to development of the complex domain structure. Prolonged annealing at high temperature in a dry environment is suggested. It is futile to attempt to describe low entropy plagioclases in terms of classical thermodynamics: only a kinetic interpretation based on atomic and sub-microscopic textural factors can be viable.

Schwefel-, Kohlenstoff- und Sauerstoff-Isotopenuntersuchungen am Kupferschiefer als Beitrag zur genetischen Deutung

Abstract: The isotopic composition of sulfur, carbon and oxygen was determined in 106 samples mainly from profiles of “Kupferschiefer” occurences in N.W. Germany and N. Holland. From the bulk samples pyrite, non-pyritic sulfides and gypsum have been concentrated for isotopical analysis. C13/C12-ratios were measured in carbonates and in organic carbon and O18/O16-ratios in carbonates and in sulfates. Analytical data on CO2, C, S in all samples and on Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb in a part of the profile samples are presented.

Primitive and contaminated basalts from the Southern Rocky Mountains, U.S.A.

Abstract: Basalts in the Southern Rocky Mountains province have been analyzed to determine if any of them are primitive. Alkali plagioclase xenocrysts armored with calcic plagioclase seem to be the best petrographic indicator of contamination. The next best indicator of contamination is quartz xenocrysts armored with clinopyroxene. On the rocks and the region studied, K2O apparently is the only major element with promise of separating primitive basalt from contaminated basalt inasmuch as it constitutes more than 1 % in all the obviously contaminated basalts. K2O: lead (> 4 ppm) and thorium (> 2 ppm) contents and Rb/Sr (> 0.035) are the most indicative of the trace elements studied. Using these criteria, three basalt samples are primitive (although one contains 1.7% K2O) and are similar in traceelement contents to Hawaiian and Eastern Honshu, Japan, primitive basalts. Contamination causes lead isotope ratios, 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb, to become less radiogenic, but it has little or no effect on 87Sr/86Sr. We interpret the effect on lead isotopes to be due to assimilation either of lower crustal granitic rocks, which contain 5–10 times as much lead as basalt and which have been low in U/Pb and Th/Pb since Precambrian times, or of upper crustal Precambrian or Paleozoic rocks, which have lost much of their radiogenic lead because of heating prior to assimilation. The lack of definite effects on strontium isotopes may be due to the lesser strontium contents of granitic crustal rocks relative to basaltic rocks coupled with lack of a large radiogenic enrichment in the crustal rocks. Lead isotope ratios were found to be less radiogenic in plagioclase separates from an obviously contaminated basalt than in the primitive basalts. The feldspar separate that is rich in sodic plagioclase xenocrysts was found to be similar to the whole-rock composition for 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb whereas a more dense fraction probably enriched in more calcic plagioclase phenocrysts is more similar to the primitive basalts in lead isotope ratios. The primitive basalts have: 206Pb/204Pb ∼ 18.09–18.34, 207Pb/204Pb ∼ 15.5, 208Pb/204Pb ∼ 37.6–37.9, 87Sr/86Sr ∼ 0.704–0.705. In the primitive basalts from the Southern Rocky Mountains the values of 206Pb/204Pb are similar to values reported by others for Hawaiian and eastern Honshu basalts and abyssal basalts, whereas 208Pb/204Pb tends to be equal to or a little less radiogenic than those from the oceanic localities. 87Sr/86Sr appears to be equal to or a little greater than those of the oceanic localities. These 206Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios are distinctly less radiogenic and 87Sr/86Sr values are about equal to those reported by others for volcanic islands on oceanic ridges and rises.

A mixed-layer paragonite/phengite of low-grade metamorphic origin

Abstract: A mixed-layer paragonite/phengite from low-grade metamorphic slates is described, showing strong tendency to regular mixed-layering with a paragonite/phengite ratio of about 6∶4. It is suggested that the mixed-layer paragonite/phengite is an intermediate phase in the formation of paragonite from Na-bearing illite or montmorillonite.

Stoßwellenmetamorphose des Anorthosits vom Manicouagan Krater, Québec, Canada

Abstract: The central anorthosite peak of the Maniconagan crater displays characteristic shock deformation and transition phenomena in plagioclase feldspars, scapolithe, apatite and other maphitic minerals. The optical orientation of plagioclases is determined. With increasing shock, a trend to a highly disordered structure of the plagioclase lattice can be observed. Rock fracturing occurs at low pressures. At higher pressures different kinds of isotropisation features and planar deformation structures in plagioclase, scapolithe and apatite can be distinguished. These planar elements can be interpreted as glide planes of low crystallographic indices, set in motion during shock compression by plastic deformation. Their optical orientation is measured. At very high pressures a completely isotropic phase, the s. c. diaplectic glass is formed. The physical properties of diaplectic plagioclase crystals and diaplectic glass are determined which are different from those of an unshocked crystal and its molten plagioclase glass of the same chemical composition. The diaplectic plagioclase phases are apparently mixed phases of molten glass and normal crystal. This can be proved by x-ray and infrared absorption studies. These results are correlated to shock recovery experiments and hugoniot states of plagioclase. All shock effects of plagioclases are classified into three groups according to the low pressure regime, mixed phase regime and high pressure regime. The low pressure regime is characterised by strong fracturing, the mixed phase regime by the development of planar elements, which were transformed during shock compression into the high pressure plagioclase phase with hollandite structure. The latter is converted into diaplectic glass after pressure release. The high pressure regime is characterised by complete transformation of plagioclase into the high pressure phase, which is unstable and reverts completely to the amorphous phase (diaplectic glass or maskelynite) at zero pressure density.

Petrology of the Nandewar Volcano, N.S.W., Australia

Abstract: The Nandewar Mountains, N.S.W., Australia, are the remains of a Miocene continental alkaline volcano whose products range from olivine basalts to comendites and alkali rhyolites. Intermediate hawaiites, mugearites and benmoreites predominate in the shield, in which olivine basalts are rare, and the trachytic rocks form many intrusions into the shield. The Nandewar alkaline series shows extreme fractionation of a relatively differentiated alkali olivine basalt magma, saturated with silica, to yield extremely oversaturated peralkaline comendites and peraluminous alkali rhyolites. The nature of the ferromagnesian phases forming was controlled by low oxygen fugacities. Throughout the series clinopyroxenes range from diopsidic augite, through sodic ferrohedenbergites to hedenbergite-acmite solid solutions. Riebeckite-arfvedsonite solid solutions appear in the trachytes and comendites, and aenigmatite appears in some of the peralkaline rocks. The feldspars in the series fractionate from calcic labradorite through potash oligoclase and calcic anothoclase towards the minimum melting alkali feldspar composition, Ab65Or35. The compositions of the alkali rhyolites approach the minimum in the system SiO2-KAlSi3O8-NaAlSi3O8. All the mineralogical and chemical evidence points to the development of the Nandewar series by the processes of extreme crystallization differentiation of an alkali olivine basalt parent magma. No significant contamination occurred, xenoliths and xenocrysts are absent, and volatile transfer and metasomatism played a minor role.

Trace element geochemistry of the rhyolitic volcanic rocks, Central North Island, New Zealand. Phenocryst data

Abstract: Data are presented for K, Ba, Sr, Rb, Li, Ga, Mg, Mn, and Fe for twelve rhyolitic plagioclases (An28-An46), one dacitic (An53), and three andesitic plagioclases (An68-An81). Additional data are presented for Ga, Gr, V, Ni, Co, Sc, Y, La, Sr, and Ba for two augites, nine hypersthenes, and five hornblendes separated from the same rocks. Distribution factors have been calculated, using these data, and previously published results for coexisting groundmass compositions (=“liquids”).

Mechanical twinning and slip in experimentally deformed plagioclases

Abstract: Mechanical albite and pericline twins were induced in seven feldspars, (Na, Ca) (Al, Si)4O8, in triaxial compression tests at 800° C, 8 to 10 kb confining pressure. Two were initially in a high temperature structural state (disordered) (An1, An59). Three (An32, An39, and An53) were slightly disordered, and two (An76 and An95) had the transitional and primitive anorthite structure, respectively. No microscopic twinning was detected in comparable tests on ordered albite and oligoclase (An1, An20), feldspars in the peristerite range (An11 An14) or in a low structural state labradorite (An51). Other deformational features include lamellae 60 to 80° from the c axis and (010) slip in the opposite sense for (010) twinning.

Strontium isotopic composition of some recent basic volcanites of the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea and Sicily Channel

Abstract: The 87Sr/86Sr ratios have been determined on the volcanic rocks of Ustica, Linosa and Pantelleria Islands. The petrology of these islands is typical of volcanic products belonging to the alkalic suite. The volcanites of Ustica and Linosa Islands are mainly represented by basic terms (alkalibasalts and hawaiites), with minor mugearitic and trachytic differentiates. In addition to alkali-basalts and hawaiites, also some alkaline and peralkaline rocks of Pantelleria have been isotopically analysed. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios are consistent with a subcrustal origin for all the volcanic products of these islands. Some differences in the 87Sr/86Sr ratios have been found and tentatively related to an inhomogeneous Rb/Sr distribution in the mantle source material. The genetic relationships of these rocks with some products of the recent Tyrrhenian volcanism are also briefly discussed.

Les granites du Massif Central Français: étude comparée des leucogranites et granodiorites

Abstract: Chemical and mineralogical compositions of granitic rocks of the French Massif Central enable us to classify them into two distinct groups: (i) leucogranites, (ii) granodiorites or quartz-monzonites, separated by a natural gap.

K-Rb ratio in high grade metamorphism: A confirmation of the hypothesis of a continual crustal evolution

Abstract: The K:Rb ratio (R) in a metamorphic sequence with increasing metamorphism of the West Alps has been analysed. By a regression analysis a comparison is made with the trends observed for R byShaw (1968) in many magmatic processes. The K:Rb ratio in the metamorphic rocks shows a marked increase with increasing metamorphism in relation to a removal of the K content. The arithmetic averages of R in the rocks of amphibolite and granulite facies are 231 and 505 respectively. In some samples of granulite facies the R values are higher than those of the continental alkalic basalts and approximate to the oceanic tholeiites. The variations in the K:Rb ratio may be imputed, according toShaw, to an anatexis process which took place under high grade metamorphic conditions. The marked increase of the K:Rb ratio in the deep material would be caused by partial separation between K and Rb in the granulite assemblages and by an upward migration of Rb, relative to K, from the deep crustal levels of granulite facies.

O-H stretching vibrations in kaolinite, and related minerals

Abstract: The grades of ordering as represented by IR and X-ray spectra for platy kaolinite, fire clay mineral, ball clay, dickite, nacrite and tubular dehydrated halloysite samples of various origin, are related Well ordered kaolinite, has four bands 3,693, 3,668, 3,652 and 3,620 cm−1 In less ordered kaolinite, fire clay mineral and ball clay these bands have shifted a little or of the middle two, which are the weakest, only one band may be left (between brackets): less ordered kaolinite: 3,695, 3,667, 3,652 (3,653) and 3,620 cm−1; fire clay mineral 3,696, 3,668, 3,653 (3,653) and 3,621 cm−1; ball clay 3,697, 3,652 and 3,621 cm−1 Dehydrated halloysite has 3,693–3,698, 3,668, 3,650–3,654 and 3,620–3,626 cm−1 bands In the most disordered dehydrated halloysite samples (Martinsberg and Baia Mare) only two bands are left at 3,696 and 3,624 cm−1 Dickite has four bands: 3,708, 3,656, 3,627 and 3,622 cm−1 For the lesser ordered Mexico sample it is 3,701, 3,652, 3,627 and 3,621 cm−1 Nacrite also has four bands ie: 3,700, 3,650, 3,627 and 3,620 cm−1 There is, apart from orientation effects, a wide variation in the absolute and especially in the relative intensities of the IR bands and X-ray reflections for each of the mineral groups investigated here, but of various origin The need of a nomenclature adapted to the level of our knowledge about this matter to day and comprising all these variations included those in morphology is emphasized Quantitative analyses, the adjective meant in the sense of an accuracy of minimal 5%, constitute a difficult problem which is perhaps even wholly impossible to solve with the conventional methods of today

Aragonite crystallization from strained calcite at reduced pressures and its bearing on aragonite in low-grade metamorphism

Abstract: Aragonite, the dense form of CaCO3, grew hydrothermally at 100–300° C and dry at 300–400° C at very low pressures from calcite strained by grinding Nearly complete inversion to aragonite occurred in some runs with Ca-Mg chloride solutions at 0–24 kb and 100–200° C on strained calcite having a (10¯14) reflection with a half-width of 048° 2 Θ Cu Kα A little aragonite grew dry at one atm from the ground calcite at 300–400° C in a few hrs Simultaneous shear during recrystallization of calcite in a rotating squeezer resulted in significant aragonite at 300–400° C several kb below the stability field No inversion occurred in any ground calcite when previously annealed in CO2 at 500° C for a few hrs Thermochemical data show that at least 200 cal/mole of strain energy can be produced in calcite by mild deformation This much stored energy would lower the pressure requirements of aragonite, relative to the strained calcite by more than 3 kb, and our observation that aragonite growth was faster than strain recovery of calcite indicates that aragonite can grow in nature at reduced pressures from strained calcite Some experiments were also carried out on highly magnesian calcites with the thought that aragonite might also form at the expense of this metastable material No aragonite was produced, but the possibility that this mechanism could be operative in nature cannot be discounted The microtexture of aragonitic deformed marbles from NW Washington (prehnite-pumpellyite facies rocks, courtesy of J A Vance) as well as electron probe microanalysis of these rocks indicates that aragonite selectively replaced highly strained calcite The calcite-aragonite transition is thus a questionable indicator of high-pressure in certain metamorphic rocks

Parageneses of garnet in granulite-facies rocks, Lofoten-Vesteraalen, Norway

Abstract: Garnet occurs widely as a secondary mineral in the granulite-facies rocks of the Lofoten-Vesteraalen islands of North Norway. The garnet-forming reactions may be inferred from the resulting textures and are interpreted as being retrograde reactions. Microprobe analyses show that garnets with high proportions of CaO and MgO occur in coronas around olivine grains in anorthosites, whereas the most iron-rich garnets formed by reaction between plagioclase and the very iron-rich pyroxenes of some monzonitic (mangeritic) rocks. Garnets ranging in composition between these extremes formed by reactions involving biotite, plagioclase and magnetite. Textural features indicate that these reactions have been induced by oxidation of the biotite; the liberated water has converted the pyroxenes to amphibole. The net effect of the reactions is to transform the granulite-facies assemblages to amphibolite-facies assemblages.