Mantle metasomatism by P- and F-rich melt/fluids: evidence from phosphate glass in spinel lherzolite xenolith in Keluo, Heilongjiang Province

Spinel lherzolite xenoliths were found in phonolitic alkaline basalt in the Keluo area, Heilongjiang Province. Detailed electron-microprobe study revealed abundant phosphates and associated metasomatic minerals between primary phases in xenolith. The phosphates are considered special residual phases (coagulation) of P- and F-rich mantle melt/fluid, most of which were identified as glass phases based on Raman spectroscopic analyses. Such melt/fluid also further metasomatized primary minerals, thus leading to formation of reaction rims successively composed of Cr-spinel symplectitic zone and olivine diopside zone. Therefore, the P- and F-rich melt/fluid played an important role in the upper-mantle metasomatism in the Keluo area. It is suggested that this kind of metasomstism may occur in some other places of eastern China. The present results may also have significance in study-ing types of metasomatic melt/fluid and its evolution in the lithospheric mantle beneath eastern China.

Mantle metasomatism by P- and F-rich melt/fluids:evidence from phosphate glass in spinel lherzolite xenolith in Keluo,Heilongjiang Province

Spinel lherzolite xenoliths were found in phonolitic alkaline basalt in the Keluo area, Heilongjiang Province. Detailed electron-microprobe study revealed abundant phosphates and associated metasomatic minerals between primary phases in xenolith. The phosphates are considered special residual phases (coagulation) of P- and F-rich mantle melt/fluid, most of which were identified as glass phases based on Raman spectroscopic analyses. Such melt/fluid also further metasomatized primary minerals, thus leading to formation of reaction rims successively composed of Cr-spinel symplectitic zone and olivine diopside zone. Therefore, the P- and F-rich melt/fluid played an important role in the upper-mantle metasomatism in the Keluo area. It is suggested that this kind of metasomstism may occur in some other places of eastern China. The present results may also have significance in study-ing types of metasomatic melt/fluid and its evolution in the lithospheric mantle beneath eastern China.