Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mineral chemistry of melanite from calcitic ijolite, the Oka carbonatite complex, Canada: Implications for multi-pulse magma mixing

  • Published:
Journal of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Ti-rich garnet is found within calcitic ijolite from the Oka carbonatite complex in Canada, which is characterized by 58%–73% andradite component (2.12 wt.%–4.18 wt.% TiO2) and classified as melanite. The garnet displays complex zoning and contains abundant high field strength elements (HFSEs) and rare earth elements (REEs). Three groups (I, II, III) have been identified based on their petrographic nature. Compared to groups II and III, Group I garnet cores contain higher TiO2, MgO, HFSE, and REE and lower SiO2 abundances. The distinct chemical and petrographic signatures of the investigated garnets cannot be attributed to simple closed system crystallization, but they are consistent with the multi-pulse magma mixing. Combined with previously reported U-Pb ages for apatite from the calcitic ijolite, at least three stages of magma evolution and subsequent mixing have been involved in the generation of calcitic ijolite at Oka. The early-formed melt that generated Group I garnet core was later mixed with at least two small-volume, more evolved melts. The intermediate stage melt formed the remaining garnet along with some pyroxene, calcite, nepheline, and apatite at 127±3.6 Ma. The youngest, most evolved melt generated the majority of pyroxene, calcite, nepheline, and apatite within the calcitic ijolite at 115±3.1 Ma.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References Cited

  • Antao, S. M., Mohib, S., Zaman, M., et al., 2015. Ti-Rich Andradites: Chemistry, Structure, Multi-Phases, Optical Anisotropy, and Oscillatory Zoning. The Canadian Mineralogist, 53(1): 133–158. doi:10.3749/canmin.1400042

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Armbruster, T., Birrer, J., Libowitzky, E., et al., 1998. Crystal Chemistry of Ti-Bearing Andradites. European Journal of Mineralogy, 10(5): 907–922

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barbieri, M., Beccaluva, L., Brotzu, P., et al., 1987. Petrological and Geochemical Studies of Alkaline Rocks from Continental Brazil. 1. The Phonolite Suite from Piratini, RS.Geochimica Brasiliensis, 1: 109–138

    Google Scholar 

  • Chakhmouradian, A. R., McCammon, C. A., 2005. Schorlomite: A Discussion of the Crystal Chemistry, Formula, and Inter-Species Boundaries. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 32(4): 277–289. doi:10.1007/s00269-005-0466-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, W., Simonetti, A., 2013. In-Situ Determination of Major and Trace Elements in Calcite and Apatite, and U-Pb Ages of Apatite from the Oka Carbonatite Complex: Insights into a Complex Crystallization History. Chemical Geology, 353: 151–172. doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.04.022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, W., Simonetti, A., Burns, P. C., 2013. A Combined Geochemical and Geochronological Investigation of Niocalite from the Oka Carbonatite Complex, Canada. The Canadian Mineralogist, 51(5): 785–800. doi:10.3749/canmin.51.5.785

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, W., Simonetti, A., 2014. Evidence for the Multi-Stage Petrogenetic History of the Oka Carbonatite Complex (Québec, Canada) as Recorded by Perovskite and Apatite. Minerals, 4(2): 437–476. doi:10.3390/min4020437

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, A., Gold, D. P., Union, C. G., 1986. Carbonatites, Diatremes and Ultra-Alkaline Rocks in the Oka Area, Quebec. Geological Association of Canada

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, J. B., Smith, J. V., Steele, I. M., 1995. Petrology and Mineral Chemistry of Plutonic Igneous Xenoliths from the Carbonatite Volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania. Journal of Petrology, 36(3): 797–826. doi:10.1093/petrology/36.3.797

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, J., 1998. Peralkaline Nephelinite-Natrocarbonatite Relationships at Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania. Journal of Petrology, 39(11): 2077–2094. doi:10.1093/petrology/39.11.2077

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deer, W. A., Howie, R. A., Zussman, J., 1982. Rock-Forming Minerals: Orthosilicates, Volume 1A. Geological Society of London, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Dingwell, D. B., Brearley, M., 1985. Mineral Chemistry of Igneous Melanite Garnets from Analcite-Bearing Volcanic Rocks, Alberta, Canada. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 90(1): 29–35. doi:10.1007/bf00373038

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunworth, E. A., Bell, K., 2003. The Turiy Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia: Mineral Chemistry of an Ultramafic-Alkaline-Carbonatite Intrusion. Mineralogical Magazine, 67(3): 423–451. doi:10.1180/0026461036730109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eby, G. N., 1975. Abundance and Distribution of the Rare-Earth Elements and Yttrium in the Rocks and Minerals of the Oka Carbonatite Complex, Quebec. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 39(5): 597–620. doi:10.1016/0016-7037(75)90005-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flohr, M. J., Ross, M., 1989. Alkaline Igneous Rocks of Magnet Cove, Arkansas: Metasomatized Ijolite Xenoliths from Diamond Jo Quarry. American Mineralogist, 74(1/2): 113–131

    Google Scholar 

  • Gold, D. P., 1972. The Monteregian Hills: Ultra-Alkaline Rocks and the Oka Carbonatite Complex. 24th International Geological Congress Guidebook B-11, Montreal

    Google Scholar 

  • Gold, D. P., Eby, G. N., Bell, K., et al., 1986. Carbonatites, Diatremes and Ultra-Alkaline Rocks in the Oka Area, Quebec. Geological Association of Canada Guidebook, Ottawa

    Google Scholar 

  • Gwalani, L. G., Rock, N. M. S., Ramasamy, R., et al., 2000. Complexly Zoned Ti-Rich Melanite-Schorlomite Garnets from Ambadungar Carbonatite-Alkalic Complex, Deccan Igneous Province, Gujarat State, Western India. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 18(2): 163–176. doi:10.1016/s1367-9120(99)00053-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holub, F. V., Rapprich, V., Erban, V., et al., 2010. Petrology and Geochemistry of the Tertiary Alkaline Intrusive Rocks at Doupov, Doupovské Hory Volcanic Complex (NW Bohemian Massif). Journal of Geosciences, 55: 251–278. doi:10.3190/jgeosci.074

    Google Scholar 

  • Huggins, F., Virgo, D., Huckenholz, H., 1977a. Titanium-Containing Silicate Garnet: I, The Distribution of Al, Fe3+, and Ti4+ between Octahedral and Tetrahedral Sites. American Mineralogist, 62(5/6): 475–490

    Google Scholar 

  • Huggins, F., Virgo, D., Huckenholz, H., 1977b. Titanium-Containing Silicate Garnets: II, The Crystal Chemistry of Melanites and Schorlomites. American Mineralogist, 62(7/8): 646–665

    Google Scholar 

  • Ivanova, T., Shtukenberg, A., Punin, Y. O., et al., 1998. On the Complex Zonality in Grandite Garnets and Implications. Mineralogical Magazine, 62(6): 857–868

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Le Bas, M. J., 1977. Carbonatite-Nephelinite Volcanism: An African Case History. John Wiley & Sons

    Google Scholar 

  • Locock, A. J., 2008. An Excel Spreadsheet to Recast Analyses of Garnet into End-Member Components, and a Synopsis of the Crystal Chemistry of Natural Silicate Garnets. Computers & Geosciences, 34(12): 1769–1780. doi:10.1016/j.cageo.2007.12.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Locock, A., Luth, R. W., Cavell, R. G., et al., 1995. Spectroscopy of the Cation Distribution in the Schorlomite Species of Garnet. American Mineralogist, 80(1/2): 27–38. doi:10.2138/am-1995-1-204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maitra, M., David, J. S., Bhaduri, S., 2011. Melanite Garnet-Bearing Nepheline Syenite Minor Intrusion in Mawpyut Ultramafic-Mafic Complex, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Journal of Earth System Science, 120(6): 1033–1041. doi:10.1007/s12040-011-0129-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manning, P., Harris, D., 1970. Optical-Absorption and Electron-Microprobe Studies of Some High-Ti Andradites. The Canadian Mineralogist, 10(2): 260–271

    Google Scholar 

  • Marks, M., Coulson, I., Schilling, J., et al., 2008. The Effect of Titanite and Other HFSE-Rich Mineral (Ti-Bearing Andradite, Zircon, Eudialyte) Fractionation on the Geochemical Evolution of Silicate Melts. Chemical Geology, 257(1/2): 153–172. doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2008.09.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDonough, W. F., Sun, S. S., 1995. The Composition of the Earth. Chemical Geology, 120(3/4): 223–253. doi:10.1016/0009-2541(94)00140-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melluso, L., Morra, V., Di Girolamo, P., 1996. The Mt. Vulture Volcanic Complex (Italy): Evidence for Distinct Parental Magmas and for Residual Melts with Melilite. Mineralogy and Petrology, 56(3/4): 225–250. doi:10.1007/bf01162605

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melluso, L., Srivastava, R. K., Guarino, V., et al., 2010. Mineral Compositions and Petrogenetic Evolution of the Ultramafic-Alkaline-Carbonatitic Complex of Sung Valley, Northeastern India. The Canadian Mineralogist, 48(1): 205–229. doi:10.3749/canmin.48.1.205

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niu, H. C., Zhang, H. X., Shan, Q., et al., 2008. Discovery of Super-Silicic and Super-Titanic Garnets in Garnet-Pyroxenite in Zhaheba and Its Geological Significance. Science Bulletin, 53(14): 2186–2191. doi:10.1007/s11434-008-0280-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Russell, J. K., Dipple, G. M., Lang, J. R., et al., 1999. Major-Element Discrimination of Titanian Andradite from Magmatic and Hydrothermal Environments: An Example from the Canadian Cordillera. European Journal of Mineralogy, 11(6): 919–936. doi:10.1127/ejm/11/6/0919

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saha, A., Ray, J., Ganguly, S., et al., 2011. Occurrence of Melanite Garnet in Syenite and Ijolite-Melteigite Rocks of Samchampi-Samteran Alkaline Complex, Mikir Hills, Northeastern India. Curr. Sci., 101: 95–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Simonetti, A., Bell, K., 1993. Isotopic Disequilibrium in Clinopyroxenes from Nephelinitic Lavas, Napak Volcano, Eastern Uganda. Geology, 21(3): 243–246. doi:10.1130/0091-7613(1993)021<0243:idicfn>2.3.co;2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simonetti, A., Bell, K., 1995. Nd, Pb and Sr Isotopic Data from the Mount Elgon Volcano, Eastern Uganda-Western Kenya: Implications for the Origin and Evolution of Nephelinite Lavas. Lithos, 36(2): 141–153. doi:10.1016/0024-4937(95)00011-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simonetti, A., Shore, M., Bell, K., 1996. Diopside Phenocrysts from Nephelinite Lavas, Napak Volcano, Eastern Uganda: Evidence for Magma Mixing. The Canadian Mineralogist, 34(2): 411–421

    Google Scholar 

  • Sparks, S. R. J., Sigurdsson, H., Wilson, L., 1977. Magma Mixing: A Mechanism for Triggering Acid Explosive Eruptions. Nature, 267(5609): 315–318. doi:10.1038/267315a0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun, S. S., McDonough, W. F., 1989. Chemical and Isotopic Systematics of Oceanic Basalts: Implications for Mantle Composition and Processes. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 42(1): 313–345. doi:10.1144/gsl.sp.1989.042.01.19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Treiman, A. H., Essene, E. J., 1985. The Oka Carbonatite Complex, Quebec: Geology and Evidence for Silicate-Carbonate Liquid Immiscibility. American Mineralogist, 70(11/12): 1101–1113

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Achterbergh, E., Ryan, C., Jackson, S., et al., 2001. Data Reduction Software for LA-ICP-MS. Laser-Ablation-ICPMS in the Earth Sciences—Principles and Applications. Miner Assoc Can (Short Course Series), 29: 239–243

    Google Scholar 

  • Vuorinen, J. H., Hålenius, U., Whitehouse, M. J., et al., 2005. Compositional Variations (Major and Trace Elements) of Clinopyroxene and Ti-Andradite from Pyroxenite, Ijolite and Nepheline Syenite, Alnö Island, Sweden. Lithos, 81(1–4): 55–77. doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2004.09.021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zurevinski, S. E., Mitchell, R. H., 2004. Extreme Compositional Variation of Pyrochlore-Group Minerals at the Oka Carbonatite Complex, Quebec: Evidence of Magma Mixing? The Canadian Mineralogist, 42(4): 1159–1168. doi:10.2113/gscanmin.42.4.1159

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Wei Chen, Weiqi Zhang & Shaoyong Jian

  2. Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA

    Antonio Simonetti

  3. State Key Laboratory for Mineral Deposits Research, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China

    Shaoyong Jian

Authors
  1. Wei Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Weiqi Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Antonio Simonetti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Shaoyong Jian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wei Chen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chen, W., Zhang, W., Simonetti, A. et al. Mineral chemistry of melanite from calcitic ijolite, the Oka carbonatite complex, Canada: Implications for multi-pulse magma mixing. J. Earth Sci. 27, 599–610 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0715-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0715-3

Key Words

Search

Navigation