Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

On the genetic classification and tectonic implications of the Early Yanshanian granitoids in the Nanling Range, South China

  • Frontiers
  • Geology
  • Published:
Chinese Science Bulletin

Abstract

Early Yanshanian (Jurassic) granitoids are widespread in the Nanling Range of South China, and are associated with numerous non-ferrous and rare metal mineral deposits. These granitoids consist mainly of slightly peraluminous biotite monzogranites and K-feldspar granites that are closely associated in time and space with subordinate amphibole-bearing granites and muscovite-and garnet-bearing granites. In most previous studies, the biotite-bearing granites were classified as crustal transformation-type (corresponding to the S-type) granites which were interpreted to be derived from the regional Paleoproterozoic meta-sedimentary rocks. In this paper, we re-analyze the geochemical characteristics of a number of representative Early Yanshanian Nanling granitoids. There exists a clear negative correlation between SiO2 and P2O5 for the studied granitoids. The Early Yanshanian Nanling granitoid suites (including amphibole-bearing granodiorites→biotite monzogranites→K-feldspar granites→two-mica (muscovite) granites) are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous I-type or fractionated I-type granites. They were derived predominantly from Proterozoic igneous protoliths. The juvenile crust and/or newly mantle-derived materials might also have been involved in some of these granites. In addition, the I-and fractionated I-type granites are closely associated in time and space with minor amount of A-type felsic and mafic volcanic and intrusive rocks as well as alkaline rocks. All these rocks constitute a typical assemblage of anorogenic, intraplate magmatism, suggesting a dominant lithospheric extensional regime for the Nanling Range and neighboring region during the Early Yanshanian period.

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

  1. Xu K, Sun N, Wang D, et al. On the origin and metallogeny of the granites in South China. In: Xu K, Tu G, eds. Geology of Granites and Their Metallogenetic Relations. Proceeding of International, Nanjing University. Beijing: Science Press, 1982. 1–3

    Google Scholar 

  2. Wang L K, Zhang S L, Yang W J, et al. Grenites of different series and types in South China: Their Sr, O, Pb and Ndisotoic composition and formation environment. Geol Prospect (in Chinese), 1989, 25: 29–33

    Google Scholar 

  3. Wang D Z, Shen W Z. Genesis of granitoids and crustal evolution of Southeast China. Earth Sci Frontier (in Chinese), 2003, 10: 209–220

    Google Scholar 

  4. Wang D Z. The study of granitic rocks in South China: Looking back and forward. Geol J China Univ (in Chinese), 2004, 10: 305–314

    Google Scholar 

  5. Li X H, Li Z X, Li W X, et al. U-Pb zircon, geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic constraints on age and origin of Jurassic I and A-type granites from central Guangdong, SE China: A majorigneous event in respond to foundering of a subducted flat-slab? Lithos, 2007, 96: 186–204, doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2006.09.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Li Z X, Li X H. Formation of the 1300 km-wide intra-continental orogen and post-orogenic magmatic province in Mesozoic South China: A flat-slab subduction model. Geology, 2007, 35: 179–182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Ding X, Chen P R, Chen W F, et al. Single zircon LA-ICPMS U-Pb dating of Weishan granite (Hunan, South China) and its petrogenetic significance. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2005, 35: 606–616

    Google Scholar 

  8. Chen P R, Kong X G, Wang Y X, et al. Rb-Sr isotopic dating and significance of Early Yanshanian bimodal volcanic-intrusive complex from southern Jiangxi province. Geol J China Univ (in Chinese), 1999, 5(4): 378–383

    Google Scholar 

  9. Chen P R, Kong X G, Ni Q S, et al. Confirmation of Early Yanshanian bimodal volcanic rocks in southern Jiangxi province. Geol Rev (in Chinese), 1999, 45(suppl): 734–741

    Google Scholar 

  10. Li X H, Chen Z G, Liu D Y, et al. Jurassic gabbro-granite-syenite suites from southern Jiangxi Province, SE China: Age, origin and tectonic significance. Int Geol Rev, 2003, 45: 898–921

    Google Scholar 

  11. Li X H, Chung S L, Zhou H W, et al. Jurassic intraplate magmatism in southern Hunan-eastern Guangxi: 40Ar/39Ar dating, geochemistry, Sr-Nd isotopes and implications for tectonic evolution of SE China. In: Malpas J, Fletcher C J, Aitchison J C, et al., eds. Aspects of the Tectonic Evolution of China. London: Geological Society London Special Publications, 2004. 193–216

    Google Scholar 

  12. Xie X, Xu X S, Zou H B, et al. Early J2 basalts in SE China: Incipience of large-scale late Mesozoic magmatism. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2005, 35: 587–605

    Google Scholar 

  13. Wang Y J, Fan W M, Guo F, et al. Zircon U-Pb dating and origin implication for Mesozoic granodiorites in southeastern Huinan province. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci, 2001, 31: 745–751

    Google Scholar 

  14. Wang Q, Xu J F, Jian P, et al. Petrogenesis of adakitic porphyries in an extensional tectonic setting, Dexing, South China: Implications for the genesis of porphyry copper mineralization. J Petrol, 2006, 47: 119–141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Zhao Z J, Ma D Q, Lin H K. Geochemical Characteristic and Formation Tectonic Implication for Longwo and Fogang Granitic Batholiths of Guangdong Province (in Chinese). Wuhan: China University of Geosciences Press, 1986. 28–67

    Google Scholar 

  16. Zhuang W M, Chen S Q, Huang Y Y. Geological and geochemical characteristics of Fogang composite pluton and its source rocks. Guangdong Geol (in Chinese), 2000, 15: 1–12

    Google Scholar 

  17. Chen X M, Wang R C, Liu C S, et al. Isotopic dating and genesis for Fogang biotite granites of Conghua Areae, Guangdong Province. Geol J China Univ (in Chinese), 2002, 8(3): 293–307

    Google Scholar 

  18. Bao Z W, Zhao Z H. Geochemistry and tectonic setting of the Fogang aluminous A-type granite, Guangdong province, China: A preliminary study. Geol Geochem (in Chinese), 2003, 30(1): 52–61

    Google Scholar 

  19. Watson E B. Apatite saturation in basic to intermediate magmas. Geophys Res Lett, 1979, 6: 937–940

    Google Scholar 

  20. Watson E B, Capobianco C J. Phosphorus and the rare earth elements in felsic magmas: An assessment of the role of apatite. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 1981, 45: 2349–2358

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Green T H, Watson E B. Crystallization of apatite in natural magmas under high pressure, hydrous conditions, with particular reference to “orogenic” rock series. Contrib Mineral Petrol, 1982, 79: 96–105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Harrison T M, Watson E B. The behavior of apatite during crustal anatexis: Equilibrium and kinetic considerations. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 1984, 48: 1468–1477

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Wolf M B, London D. Apatite dissolution into peraluminous haplogranitic melts: An experimental study of solubilities and mechanism. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 1994, 58: 4127–4145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. London D, Wolf M B, Morgan V I, et al. Experimental Silicate-Phosphate Equilibria in Peraluminous Granitic Magmas, with a Case Study of the Alburquerque Batholith at Tres Arroyos, Badajoz, Spain. J Petrol, 1999, 40: 215–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Broska I, Williams C T, Uher P, et al. The geochemistry of phosphorus in different granite suites of the Western Carpathians, Slovakia: The role of apatite and P-bearing feldspar. Chem Geol, 2004, 205: 1–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Chappell B W. Aluminium saturation in I and S-type granites and the characterization of fractionated haplogranites. Lithos, 1999, 46: 535–551

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Li X H, Li Z X, Ge W, et al. Neoproterozoic granitoids in South China: Crustal melting above a mantle plume at ca. 825 Ma? Precambrian Res, 2003, 122: 45–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Li X H, Zhou H W, Liu Y, et al. Mesozoic shoshonitic intrusives in the Yangchun Basin, western Guangdong, and their significance: I. petrology and isotope geochronology. Geochimica (in Chinese), 2000, 29: 513–520

    Google Scholar 

  29. Martin H, Bonin B, Capdevila R, et al. The Kuiqi peralkaline granitic complex (SE china) — petrology and geochemistry. J Petrol, 1994, 35: 983–1015

    Google Scholar 

  30. Qi C S, Deng X G, Li W X, et al. Origin of the Darongshan-Shiwandashan Granitoid Belt from southeastern Guangxi: Geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic constraints. Acta Geol Sin (in Chinese), 2007, 23: 403–412

    Google Scholar 

  31. Fang C F, Chen P R. Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of Pitou granitoid in southern Jiangxi province. Geol Prospect (in Chinese), 2000, 15: 282–287

    Google Scholar 

  32. Li X H. Cretaceous Magmatism and Lithospheric Extension in Southeast China. J Asian Earth Sci, 2000, 18: 293–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Zhu J C, Li X D, Shen W Z, et al. Sr, Nd and O isotope studies on the Huashan granite complex. Acta Geol Sin (in Chinese), 1989, 3: 225–235

    Google Scholar 

  34. Zhu J C, Li X D. Petrology and geochemical characteristic and source materials of Huashan granites, Guangxi province. Acta Petrol Mineral (in Chinese), 1988, 7: 28–38

    Google Scholar 

  35. Deng X G, Li X H, Liu Y M, et al. Geochemical characteristic of Qitianling granites and their implications for mineralization. Acta Petrol Mineral (in Chinese), 2005, 24: 93–102

    Google Scholar 

  36. Yu J H, Zhou X M, Zhao L, et al. Crust-mantle interaction generating the Wuping granites: Evidenced from Sr-Nd-Hf-U-Pb isotopes. Acta Petrol Sin (in Chinese), 2005, 21: 651–664

    Google Scholar 

  37. Liu C S, Chen X M, Wang R C. The produces of partial melting of the lower crust: Origin of the Early Yanshanian Lapu monzogranite, Guangdong province. Geol J China Univ, 2005, 11(3): 343–357

    Google Scholar 

  38. Yuan Z X, Ni Y X, Wu C Y, et al. Traec element modeling for petrogenesis of granitoids in southern Hunan and northem Guangdong. Acta Petrol Mineral (in Chinese), 1993, 12: 97–107

    Google Scholar 

  39. Zhang M, Chen P R, Zhang W L, et al. Geochemical characteristic and petrogenesis of Dadongshan granite pluton in mid Nanling Range. Geochimica (in Chinese), 2003, 32: 225–235

    Google Scholar 

  40. Qiu J S, Hu J, Wang X L, et al. The Baimianshi pluton in Heyuan, Guangdong province: A highly fractionated I-type granite. Acta Geol Sin (in Chinese), 2005, 79: 504–514

    Google Scholar 

  41. Fu J M, Ma C Q, Xie C F, et al. Ascertainment of the Jinjiling aluminous A-type granite, Hunan province and its tectonic setting. Geochimica (in Chinese), 2005, 34: 215–226

    Google Scholar 

  42. Zhang B T, Dai Y S, Wang J, et al. Geology and magma-dynamical features of Jinjiling conposite granitic batholith in the western Nanling region. Geol J China Univ (in Chinese), 2001, 7: 50–61

    Google Scholar 

  43. Li J H, Wei S Y, Liang L, et al. Geologic-geochemical characteristics of Guidong granitic massif and recognition of geo-tectonic environment at the time of its emplacement. Uranium Geol (in Chinese), 2004, 20: 321–329

    Google Scholar 

  44. Liu C S, Chen X M, Wang R C. Origin of Nankunshan aluminous A-type granite, Longkou County, Guangdong province. Acta Petrol Mineral (in Chinese), 2003, 22(1): 1–10

    Google Scholar 

  45. Fu J M, Ma C Q, Xie C F, et al. Geochemistry and tectonic setting of Xishan aluminous A-type granitic volcanic-intrusive complex, southern Hunan. J Earth Sci Environ (in Chinese), 2004, 26: 15–23

    Google Scholar 

  46. Mao J W, Li H Y, Pei F R. Geology and geochemistry of the Qianglishan granite stock and its relationship to polymetallic tungsten mineralization. Mineral Deposit (in Chinese), 1995, 14: 12–25

    Google Scholar 

  47. Sun G A, Shi M K, Zhang H L, et al. Study on Petrology, Geochemistry and Metallization of Dajishan Granitic Granite Intrusive Body(in Chinese). Wuhan: China University of Geosciences Press, 1989. 326–363

    Google Scholar 

  48. Hua R M, Zhang W L, Chen P R, et al. Comparison in the characterixtics, origin, and related metallogeny between granites in Dajishan and Piaotang, Southern Jiangxi, China. Geol J China Univ (in Chinese), 2003, 9: 606–619

    Google Scholar 

  49. Wu Y L, Mei Y W, Liu P H, et al. Geology of the Xihuashan Tungsten Ore Field (in Chinese). Beijing: Geological Publishing, 1987. 1–319

    Google Scholar 

  50. Maruejol P, Cuney M, Turpin L. Magmatic and hydrothermal REE fractionation in the Xihuashan granites (SE China). Contrib Mineral Petrol, 1990, 104: 668–680

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Li X H, Liu D Y, Sun M, et al. Precise Sm-Nd and U-Pb isotopic dating of the super-giant Shizhuyuan polymetallic deposit and its host granite, Southeast China. Geol Mag, 2004, 141: 225–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Jiang G H, Hu R Z, Xie G Q, et al. K-Ar ages of plutonism and mineralization at the Dajishan tungsten deposit, Jiangxi province, China. Acta Mineral Sin (in Chinese), 2004, 24: 253–256

    Google Scholar 

  53. Zhao Z H, Xiong X L, Han X D, et al. Controls on the REE tetrad effect in granites: Evidence from the Qianlishan and Baerzhe granites, China. Geochem J, 2002, 36: 527–543

    Google Scholar 

  54. White A J R, Clemens J D, Holloway J R, et al. S-type granites and their probable absence in southwestern North America. Geology, 1986, 14: 115–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. White A J R, Clemens J D, Holloway J R, et al. Comment and Reply on “S-type granites and their probable absence in southwestern North America”. Geology, 1986, 14: 805–806

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Miller C F. Comment and Reply on “S-type granites and their probable absence in southwestern North America”. Geology, 1986, 14: 804–805

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Yu J H, Zhao L, Zhou X. Mineralogical characteristics and origin of garnet-bearing I-type granitoids in southeastern Fujian province. Geol J China Univ (in Chinese), 2004, 10: 365–377

    Google Scholar 

  58. Wang X, Griffin W L, Wang Z C, et al. Hf isotope composition of zircons and implication for the petrogenesis of Yajiangqiao granite, Hunan Province, China. Chin Sci Bull, 2003, 48: 379–382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Pitcher W S. Granite Type and Tectonic Environment. In: Hsü K, ed. Mountain Building Processes. London: Academic Press, 1983. 19–40

    Google Scholar 

  60. Barbarin B. A review of the relationships between granitoid types, their origins and their geodynamic environments. Lithos, 1999, 46: 605–626

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Pearce J A, Harris B W, Tindle A G. Trace element discrimination diagrams for the tectonic interpretation of granitic rocks. J Petrol, 1984, 25: 956–983

    Google Scholar 

  62. Harris N B, Pearce J A, Tindle A G. Geochemical characteristics of collision-zone magmatism. In: Coward M P, Reis A C, eds. Collision Tectonics. Geol Society Speci Publication, 1986, 19: 67–81

  63. Frost B R, Barnes C, Collins W J, et al. A geochemical classification for granitic rocks. J Petrol, 2001, 42: 2033–2048

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Clemens J D. S-type granitic magmas— petrogenetic issues, models and evidence. Earth-Sci Rev, 2003, 61: 1–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Li X H, Li Z X, Li W X, et al. Initiation of the indosinian orogeny in South China: Evidence for a Permian magmatic arc on the Hainan Island. J Geol, 2006, 114: 341–353

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. Zhao Z H, Bao Z W, Zhang B Y. The Geochemistry of Mesozoic basalts in south Hunan province, South China. Sci China Ser D-Earth Sci (in Chinese), 1998, 28(Suppl): 7–14

    Google Scholar 

  67. Wang Y J, Liao C L, Fan W M, et al. Early Mosozoic OIB-type alkaline basalt in central Jiangxi province and its implications. Geochemica (in Chinese), 2004, 33: 109–117

    Google Scholar 

  68. Zhou J C, Jiang S Y, Wang X L, et al. Re-Os isochron age of Fankeng basalts from Fujian of SE China and its geological significance. Geochem J, 2005, 39: 497–502

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Isotope Geochronology and Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China

    Li XianHua & Li WuXian

  2. State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Acadamy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China

    Li XianHua

  3. Institute of Geoscience Research, Department of Applied Geology, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U 1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia

    Li Zheng-Xiang

Authors
  1. Li XianHua
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Li WuXian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Li Zheng-Xiang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Li XianHua.

Additional information

Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40334039 and 40421303) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. 2003-2-1)

About this article

Cite this article

Li, X., Li, W. & Li, ZX. On the genetic classification and tectonic implications of the Early Yanshanian granitoids in the Nanling Range, South China. Chin. Sci. Bull. 52, 1873–1885 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-0259-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-0259-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation