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Systematics of zircon crystallisation in the Cretaceous Separation Point Suite, New Zealand, using U/Pb isotopes, REE and Ti geothermometry

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Abstract

Plutonic zircons from the Cretaceous Separation Point Suite (SPS) were analysed by LA-ICPMS for U–Pb isotope ratios and trace element concentrations. Pooled 206Pb/238U ages range from 112 to 124 Ma. Cathodoluminescence imaging reveals minor inheritence and textural evidence of repeated dissolution and re-precipitation of zircon. Core and rim spot analyses, however, document zircon growth during extended periods of time (>2 myr). Protracted crystallisation histories for simple plutonic systems are inconsistent with generalised thermal constraints, which predict cooling below the solidus within <1 myr. Consequently, we conclude that the SPS granitoids sampled in this study were not emplaced rapidly but incrementally over extended time periods. Zircon Th/U and Zr/Hf ratios are positively correlated with crystallisation temperatures, consistent with crystallisation from evolving melts. However, highly variable trace element concentrations, along with temperature reversals are indicative of complex crystallisation histories involving continuous fractional crystallisation repeatedly punctuated by hotter, more mafic magma recharge. Normalised abundances of the redox-sensitive elements Eu and Ce in zircon vary systematically with degrees of whole rock differentiation, pointing to evolutionary trends in magmatic oxidation states coupled with feldspar crystallisation.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded through a Marsden grant to JWC and SDW and a University of Otago Research Grant to JMP. RB acknowledges a postdoctoral fellowship from the University of Canterbury. Charlotte Allen and Mike Shelley (Australian National University) and Michelle Herd, Rob Spiers, Jennifer Jackson, Kerry Swanson and Sacha Baldwin-Cunningham (University of Canterbury) are thanked for assistance with ICPMS analysis and mineral separation. Constructive and detailed criticism by two anonymous reviewers as well as editorial input from Bill Collins helped to improve the clarity of this paper. Anekant Wandres provided an electronic copy of the geological map and helpful advice.

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  1. Department of Geological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, 8020, New Zealand

    Robert Bolhar, Steve D. Weaver & Jim W. Cole

  2. Department of Geology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand

    J. Michael Palin & Lorraine A. Paterson

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  1. Robert Bolhar
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Correspondence to Steve D. Weaver.

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Communicated by T.L. Grove.

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Bolhar, R., Weaver, S.D., Palin, J.M. et al. Systematics of zircon crystallisation in the Cretaceous Separation Point Suite, New Zealand, using U/Pb isotopes, REE and Ti geothermometry. Contrib Mineral Petrol 156, 133–160 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-007-0278-5

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