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Cr-spinel records metasomatism not petrogenesis of mantle rocks

Author

Listed:
  • Hamed Gamal El Dien

    (Curtin University
    Tanta University)

  • Shoji Arai

    (Kanazawa University)

  • Luc-Serge Doucet

    (Curtin University)

  • Zheng-Xiang Li

    (Curtin University)

  • Youngwoo Kil

    (Chonnam National University)

  • Denis Fougerouse

    (Curtin University
    Curtin University)

  • Steven M. Reddy

    (Curtin University
    Curtin University)

  • David W. Saxey

    (Curtin University)

  • Mohamed Hamdy

    (Tanta University)

Abstract

Mantle melts provide a window on processes related to global plate tectonics. The composition of chromian spinel (Cr-spinel) from mafic-ultramafic rocks has been widely used for tracing the geotectonic environments, the degree of mantle melting and the rate of mid-ocean ridge spreading. The assumption is that Cr-spinel’s core composition (Cr# = Cr/(Cr + Al)) is homogenous, insensitive to post-formation modification and therefore a robust petrogenetic indicator. However, we demonstrate that the composition of Cr-spinel can be modified by fluid/melt-rock interactions in both sub-arc and sub-mid oceanic mantle. Metasomatism can produce Al-Cr heterogeneity in Cr-spinel that lowers the Cr/Al ratio, and therefore modifies the Cr#, making Cr# ineffective as a geotectonic and mantle melting indicator. Our analysis also demonstrates that Cr-spinel is a potential sink for fluid-mobile elements, especially in subduction zone environments. The heterogeneity of Cr# in Cr-spinel can, therefore, be used as an excellent tracer for metasomatic processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Hamed Gamal El Dien & Shoji Arai & Luc-Serge Doucet & Zheng-Xiang Li & Youngwoo Kil & Denis Fougerouse & Steven M. Reddy & David W. Saxey & Mohamed Hamdy, 2019. "Cr-spinel records metasomatism not petrogenesis of mantle rocks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-13117-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13117-1
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