The Nature of Heterogeneity of High-Chromium Garnets in Xenolite of Deformed Lherzolite from Udachnaya Kimberlite Pipe (Yakutia)

Abstract

Significant variations in the composition of garnets, both within individual grains and in the rock, are found in the xenolith of deformed garnet lherzolite from the Udachnaya kimberlite pipe. The central parts of the grains, corresponding in composition to the garnets of the lherzolite paragenesis, demonstrate a sinusoidal distribution of rare earth elements (REEs). At the same time, the edge portions have a distribution characteristic of garnet mega-crystals from kimberlites. Despite being depleted in Y and HREE, the cores are enriched in light rare earth elements, Nb, Ta, Th, and U relative to garnet from primitive garnet peridotite. In terms of the REE distribution, the model melts, which are in equilibrium with the edge parts of garnet, are close to kimberlite but are significantly enriched in comparison with kimberlite in Nb, Ta, and Hf and depleted in Sr. Melts in equilibrium with the central parts of garnet are characterized by a steeper negative slope in the region of heavy and medium REEs and approach kimberlite in the region of light REEs. Based on the data obtained, several stages in the evolution of deformed garnet lherzolite are distinguished. The first stage involves the interaction of depleted peridotite with a melt similar in composition to carbonatite melts. This stage is associated with the formation of garnet with a sinusoidal REE distribution. At the next stage, which was preceded by the dissolution of garnet grains, garnet rims with increased Ti, Zr, and Y contents were formed and clinopyroxene appeared. At the final stage, garnet melted, caused by the inflow of a water–carbon dioxide fluid with a high potassium content, leading to polymineral inclusions and kelyphite rims.