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LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating, geochemistry and tectonic implications of the Neoproterozoic Xiaoxigong granite at Dunhuang block, northeastern Tarim, NW China

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Abstract

We present new zircon U-Pb ages, Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemistry of the Xiaoxigong granite pluton in the Dunhuang block, northeastern Tarim Craton. LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb dating yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 841.3 ± 8.1 Ma (MSWD = 4.4), interpreted as the emplacement age of the Xiaoxigong granite. Zircons have εHf(t) values ranging from +4.53 to +8.63 and TDM2 model ages from 1.16 to 1.38 Ga. Geochemical characteristics show that the granite belongs to the shoshonite series and has weakly peraluminous-metaluminous features. It is enriched in Si, K, Na, Rb, Th and REE, and has elevated Ga/Al ratios and high (Zr + Nb + Ce + Y) abundance, and is depleted in Mg, Ca, Mn, Ba, Sr, P and Ti. The REE composition shows significant negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.18–0.31) and low (La/Yb)N (4.54–7.33). It is typical aluminous A-type granite. The geochemical and Hf isotopic signatures suggest that the Neoproterozoic Xiaoxigong granite was generated by partial melting of crustal rocks during the the post-orogenic period.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wuhan Center, China Geological Survey, Wuhan, 430205, China

    Jiang Zhu & Sanguo Peng

  2. Research Center of Granitic Diagenesis and Mineralization, China Geological Survey, Wuhan, 430205, China

    Jiang Zhu

  3. Faculty of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Jiang Zhu & Xinbiao Lv

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  1. Jiang Zhu
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  2. Xinbiao Lv
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  3. Sanguo Peng
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Correspondence to Jiang Zhu.

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Zhu, J., Lv, X. & Peng, S. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating, geochemistry and tectonic implications of the Neoproterozoic Xiaoxigong granite at Dunhuang block, northeastern Tarim, NW China. Geosci J 19, 697–708 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-015-0010-9

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