Ultrahigh-pressure (4.5–5.5 GPa) experimental research on pyroxene-garnet transition and its significance

Conclusions

The transition from natural Al-enstatite to garnet and Al-poor pyroxene has taken place under the condition of about 1000°C and 4.5–5.5 GPa, and new phases of garnet and corundum have formed when 15% Al₂O₃ was added to the initial natural Al-enstatite. This experimental result has explained the ultrahigh pressure (3.5–5.0 GPa) and relatively low temperature (< 1000°C) genesis of the ultramafic rock of high-pressure metamorphic zone in Dabieshan-northern Jiangsu-Jiaodong and of red corundum garnetite coexisting with garnet peridotite. From the genetic mineralogy, petrology andP-T equilibrium conditions of garnet peridotite of the high-pressure metamorphic zone, kimberlite and Cenozoic basalt and the ultrahigh pressure experimental result, it is inferred that the upper mantle garnet peridotite is transformed with the increase of depth from Al-rich pyroxene garnet peridotite (80–120 km) to Al-poor pyroxene garnet peridotite (greater than 120–150 km).