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Magnetite layer formation in the Bushveld Complex of South Africa

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Listed:
  • Zhuosen Yao

    (State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources and School of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences
    Carleton University)

  • James E. Mungall

    (Carleton University)

Abstract

The great economic significance of layered mafic-ultramafic intrusions like the Bushveld Complex of South Africa results from the existence within them of some layers highly concentrated in valuable elements. Here we address the origins of the Main Magnetite Layer, a globally important resource of Fe-Ti-V-rich magnetite. Previous models of in situ fractional magnetite crystallization require frequent ad hoc adjustments to the boundary conditions. An alternative model incorporating compositional convection near the top of the pile and infiltration of the pile from beneath by migrating intercumulus melt fits observations without any adjustments. Lateral variations in Cr concentration formerly held as indisputable evidence for in situ crystallization can be accommodated better by models of reactive melt infiltration from below. The choice of models has pivotal ramifications for understanding of the fundamental processes by which crystals accumulate and layers form in layered intrusions.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhuosen Yao & James E. Mungall, 2022. "Magnetite layer formation in the Bushveld Complex of South Africa," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-28000-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28000-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhuosen Yao & James E. Mungall & M. Christopher Jenkins, 2021. "The Rustenburg Layered Suite formed as a stack of mush with transient magma chambers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. James E. Mungall & Sandra L. Kamo & Stewart McQuade, 2016. "U–Pb geochronology documents out-of-sequence emplacement of ultramafic layers in the Bushveld Igneous Complex of South Africa," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-13, December.
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