Jadeitite and Related Rocks in Serpentinite Mélanges from the Rio San Juan Complex, Dominican Republic: Evidence for Both Isochemical Replacement and Metasomatic Desilication of Igneous Protoliths with Fluid-Assisted Jadeite Growth

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 496-524
Author(s):  
A. Hertwig ◽  
W.V. Maresch ◽  
H.-P. Schertl
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Aqueous Fluid ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
San Juan ◽  
Continental Margins ◽  
Rock Types ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Major Argument ◽  
Rock Suite ◽  
P Type

Abstract —This study presents an overview of the systematic petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of jadeitite and jadeite-rich rocks found as blocks in the serpentinite mélanges of the Rio San Juan Complex (RSJC) of the northern Dominican Republic. The RSJC is one of the remnants of the subduction/accretionary complex of the Great Caribbean Arc that once spanned the gap between North and South America, moved relatively eastward to its present position as the Lesser Antilles island arc, and left collisional fragments along the two continental margins. Our systematic collection of heterogeneous samples ranges from jadeitite s.str. (sensu stricto) with ≥90 vol.% jadeite to quartz-rich rocks with jadeite and lawsonite. Two suites of rock types can be recognized. In the matrix-quartz-free rock suite, albite is the principal vein-filling or interstitial phase. Quartz is present only as inclusions in the cores of some jadeite crystals. In the matrix-quartz-bearing rock suite, quartz is abundant and albite is relatively rare. The first-order question concerning jadeite-rich rocks is whether jadeite precipitated from a high-pressure aqueous fluid (“vein precipitation” or “P-type”) or whether the jadeite-rich rock formed through comprehensive metasomatic replacement of an igneous protolith (“R-type”). Some examples occur as discordant veins and are clearly P-type. For most, however, classification has been equivocal. The systematic data on the petrography and whole-rock chemistry of jadeite rocks from the RSJC presented in this paper leads to significant clarification. A major argument against R-type genesis is that the metasomatic mass transfer required to produce jadeitite and jadeite-rich rocks from any normal igneous protolith is prohibitively complex. Using whole-rock, major-element compositions, we show that many members of the matrix-quartz-bearing rock suite from the RSJC can be derived by isochemical HP/LT metamorphism of normal oceanic plagiogranites subducted together with oceanic crust. Isocon analysis shows, furthermore, that more jadeite-rich rock types and also members of the matrix-quartz-free suite can be derived from such plagiogranites primarily by straightforward desilication, a realistic scenario in a serpentine-rich environment. The quartz inclusions found in jadeite crystals of the matrix-quartz-free suite corroborate a genetic path in which the plagioclase in a plagiogranite protolith reacts to jadeite + quartz. Later desilication and the formation of albite in the Si-undersaturated rock matrix leave tell-tale quartz inclusions as relics in jadeite crystals.

The Influence of RuO2 Addition on the Thermoelectric Properties of BiSbTe Alloys

2012 ◽  
Vol 512-515 ◽  
pp. 1651-1654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Kun Xiao ◽  
Zhi Xiang Li ◽  
Jun Jiang ◽  
Sheng Hui Yang ◽  
Ting Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Thermoelectric Properties ◽  
Lattice Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Combined Process ◽  
Plasma Sintering ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Spark Plasma ◽  
Xrd Patterns ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
P Type

P-type BiSbTe/RuO2 composite was fabricated using a combined process of melting and spark plasma sintering. The XRD patterns showed that RuO2 reacted with the matrix for the RuO2 content of 1.0 wt% and 4.0 wt% samples. The measured thermoelectric properties showed that the highest electrical conductivity was obtained for the sample with 2.0 wt% RuO2. The power factor (α2σ/κ) decreased with the increase of RuO2 below 450 K. The lattice thermal conductivity was lower than that of BiSbTe over the whole temperature range for BiSbTe/2.0 wt% RuO2.

scholarly journals Zoned Cr-spinel and ferritchromite alteration in forearc mantle serpentinites of the Rio San Juan Complex, Dominican Republic

2013 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. M. Saumur ◽  
K. Hattori
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Dominican Republic ◽  
San Juan ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Compositional Zoning ◽  
Grade Metamorphism ◽  
Zn Content ◽  
High Grade Metamorphism ◽  
Trace Constituents ◽  
Forearc Mantle

AbstractFerritchromite is rarely reported in forearc mantle peridotites. This contribution describes ferritchromite alteration and zoned Cr-spinel in serpentinites from the Rio San Juan Complex in the Dominican Republic. These rocks originated from the forearc mantle and protruded along lithosphere-scale faults in the mid Eocene. The cores of the Cr-spinel grains have Cr# ratios [i.e.atomic Cr/(Cr + Al)] between 0.48 and 0.66; such values are relatively high and are considered to represent primary compositions. Relatively high Zn contents in the grain cores (0.46 c 0.95 wt.% ZnO) are also thought to be primary; they reflect exceptionally cool conditions in the northern Caribbean forearc mantle. A progressive change in the zoning of Cr-spinel is recorded in the samples. Weakly zoned grains of Cr-spinel have rims with lower Mg# ratios [i.e.atomic Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)] and slightly higher Cr# ratios than the cores. More strongly zoned grains of Cr-spinel, in addition to low Mg# and high Cr# in their rims, have a marked increase in Fe3+# [i.e.Fe3+/(Fe3+ + Al + Cr)] of up to 0.35 in their rims and are partially coated by Mg-rich chlorite. All grains show core-to-rim decreases in their Zn content and increases in Ti, Mn and V. The association with Mg-rich chlorite and the compositional zoning are reminiscent of those reported for ferritchromite. Ferritchromite (with Fe3+# >0.5) is common in ultramafic rocks in amphibolite-grade terranes; however, the serpentinite samples described herein show little evidence of high-grade metamorphism. The lowtemperature serpentine-group mineral lizardite is dominant and high-temperature antigorite is either very rare or absent; other high-temperature minerals, such as talc, tremolite and cummingtonite, are trace constituents. The observed zoning in the Cr-spinel is thought to represent 'immature' ferritchromite, probably formed in response to a short-lived thermal event. This event appears to have been on too short a timescale to produce either proper ferritchromite or significant quantities of high-temperature minerals. It may be related to the emplacement of the nearby Rio Boba Intrusion, or the upward protrusion of the serpentinites along the lithosphere-scale Septentrional fault zone from the base of the mantle wedge through its hotter interior. We suggest that such alteration is rare in forearc serpentinites because they are not commonly heated during exhumation along the plane of subduction. This work demonstrates that Cr-spinel compositions can be modified by relatively low-grade metamorphism.

Provenance of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments from the Labrador and western Greenland continental margins

1978 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 1850-1860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Higgs
Keyword(s):  
Amphibolite Facies ◽  
Igneous Rocks ◽  
Continental Margins ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Baffin Island ◽  
Source Areas ◽  
Rock Types ◽  
Local Abundance ◽  
Principal Source ◽  
Cenozoic Sediments

Forty-two Cretaceous and Paleocene sand samples from offshore Labrador and onshore western Greenland were examined petrographically. The sands were found to be mineralogically and texturally immature, reflecting rapid erosion and transportation from local, high-relief source areas. The principal source-rock types were acidic plutonics and amphibolite-facies metasediments and metavolcanics. Basic igneous rocks provided minor quantities of detritus, whereas contributions from sedimentary and low-grade-metamorphic sources were negligible. Cretaceous and Paleocene sediment transport was essentially perpendicular to the axis of the 'Labrador–Baffin rift system.In view of the apparent local abundance of amphibolite-facies supracrustal rocks during the Cretaceous and Paleocene, extensive post-Paleocene denudation in Labrador, Baffin Island, and western Greenland is invoked to account for the present scarcity of such rock types.

A Discussion on natural strain and geological structure - The control of ductility on the deformation of pebbles and conglomerates

1976 ◽  
Vol 283 (1312) ◽  
pp. 109-128 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Confining Pressure ◽  
Geological Structure ◽  
Metamorphic Rocks ◽  
Tectonic Deformation ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Rock Types ◽  
Gravitational Loading ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Host Rocks

Pebbles are commonly used parameters for the determination of finite strain in deformed rocks. In high grade metamorphic environments, rocks probably behave as viscous fluids and a theory exists which relates the deformation experienced by a pebble to that of the host rocks. However, some deformed conglomerates are found in low grade metamorphic rocks where the assumption of viscous behaviour is unrealistic The deformation of artificial conglomerates made of geological materials, at room temperature and varying confining pressure is described. In these experiments, pebbles deform by cataclasis at surprisingly low applied loads and large finite strains are achieved. The amount of deformation experienced by pebbles of different rock types depends mainly on their yield strengths and ductility contrasts with respect to the matrix. A theoretical analysis assuming that pebble and matrix behave as workhardening Bingham materials during deformation relates the strain experienced by a pebble to that of the host rock. The results suggest that significant pebble deformation can occur during gravitational loading of sediments. An attempt is made to verify this idea by analysing the shape of pebbles in conglomerates of the Upper Witwatersrand System. At some sites the pebbles appear to have deformed during gravitational compaction while at others a tectonic deformation has been superimposed upon the pre-tectomic strain.

scholarly journals Serpentinization-Driven H2 Production From Continental Break-Up to Mid-Ocean Ridge Spreading: Unexpected High Rates at the West Iberia Margin

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elmar Albers ◽  
Wolfgang Bach ◽  
Marta Pérez-Gussinyé ◽  
Catherine McCammon ◽  
Thomas Frederichs
Keyword(s):  
H2 Production ◽  
Continental Margins ◽  
The West ◽  
Microbial Life ◽  
Ocean Ridges ◽  
Rock Types ◽  
Rifted Margins ◽  
Slow Spreading ◽  
Break Up ◽  
Ocean Ridge

Molecular hydrogen (H2) released during serpentinization of mantle rocks is one of the main fuels for chemosynthetic life. Processes of H2 production at slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges (MORs) have received much attention in the past. Less well understood is serpentinization at passive continental margins where different rock types are involved (lherzolite instead of harzburgite/dunite at MORs) and the alteration temperatures tend to be lower (<200°C vs. >200°C). To help closing this knowledge gap we investigated drill core samples from the West Iberia margin. Lherzolitic compositions and spinel geochemistry indicate that the exhumed peridotites resemble sub-continental lithospheric mantle. The rocks are strongly serpentinized, mainly consist of serpentine with little magnetite, and are generally brucite-free. Serpentine can be uncommonly Fe-rich, with XMg = Mg/(Mg + Fe) < 0.8, and shows distinct compositional trends toward a cronstedtite endmember. Bulk rock and silicate fraction Fe(III)/∑Fe ratios are 0.6–0.92 and 0.58–0.8, respectively; our data show that 2/3 of the ferric Fe is accounted for by Fe(III)-serpentine. Mass balance and thermodynamic calculations suggest that the sample’s initial serpentinization produced ∼120 to >300 mmol H2 per kg rock. The cold, late-stage weathering of the serpentinites at the seafloor caused additional H2 formation. These results suggest that the H2 generation potential evolves during the transition from continental break-up to ultraslow and, eventually, slow MOR spreading. Metamorphic phase assemblages systematically vary between these settings, which has consequences for H2 yields during serpentinization. At magma-poor rifted margins and ultraslow-spreading MORs, serpentine hosts most Fe(III). Hydrogen yields of 120 to >300 mmol and 50–150 mmol H2 per kg rock, respectively, may be expected at temperatures of <200°C. At slow-spreading MORs, in contrast, serpentinization may produce 200–350 mmol H2, most of which is related to magnetite formation at >200°C. Since, in comparison to slow-spreading MORs, geothermal gradients at magma-poor margins and ultraslow-spreading MORs are lower, larger volumes of low-temperature serpentinite should form in these settings. Serpentinization of lherzolitic rocks at magma-poor margins should produce particularly high amounts of H2 under conditions within the habitable zone. Magma-poor margins may hence be more relevant environments for hydrogenotrophic microbial life than previously thought.

Geological correlations between Cape Breton Island and Newfoundland, northern Appalachian orogen

1998 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 1252-1270 ◽  
Author(s):  
S M Barr ◽  
R P Raeside ◽  
C E White
Keyword(s):  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Mobile Belt ◽  
Cape Breton Island ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
Isotopic Signatures ◽  
The North ◽  
Rock Types ◽  
Cape Breton ◽  
Appalachian Orogen ◽  
Back Arc

Geological correlations between Cape Breton Island and Newfoundland are apparent both in surface geology and at deeper crustal levels, based on similarities in Sm-Nd isotopic signatures. The Mira terrane of southeastern Cape Breton Island is part of the Avalon terrane sensu stricto and is composed of Neoproterozoic volcanic-sedimentary-plutonic belts and overlying Cambrian rocks directly comparable to those in the western part of the Newfoundland Avalon terrane. The Bras d'Or terrane is also mainly of Neoproterozoic age, but shows lithological and isotopic contrasts with the Mira terrane. Small areas of similar Neoproterozoic rocks occur in southern Newfoundland and to the north as inliers in the Exploits terrane. The Bras d'Or terrane and similar rocks in Newfoundland are interpreted to represent a peri-Gondwanan terrane where rocks of the Gander terrane were later formed. Hence this area is part of the Central Mobile Belt and distinct from Avalon terrane sensu stricto. The Aspy terrane is a complex area that may include fragments of Bras d'Or crust and components of the Gander, Exploits, and possibly Notre Dame terranes of Newfoundland. It formed by subduction and back-arc basin opening and closure during the Silurian to Early Devonian. The Blair River Inlier is a fragment of Grenvillian rocks, similar to those in the Grenvillian inliers in the Humber zone of western Newfoundland in terms of age, rock types, and isotopic composition. Silurian and Devonian promontory-promontory collision resulted in juxtaposition and stacking of these elements in Cape Breton Island, as in the Hermitage Flexure - Port aux Basques area of Newfoundland. Because the lower crust under Bras d'Or - Gander - Aspy terranes seems distinct from that under Avalon terrane sensu stricto, it is preferable to use the term peri-Gondwanan rather than Avalonian to refer to these areas.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document