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Terms modified by Spinel Selected AbstractsFormation of spinel-cordierite-feldspar-glass coronas after garnet in metapelitic xenoliths: reaction modelling and geodynamic implicationsJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2007A. M. ÁLVAREZ-VALERO Abstract Spinel + cordierite + K-feldspar + plagioclase + glass form coronas around garnet in metapelitic xenoliths at El Hoyazo and Mazarrón, two localities of the Neogene Volcanic Province (NVP) of SE Spain. The presence of fresh glass (quenched melt) in all phases shows that corona development occurred under partial melting conditions. Algebraic analysis of mass balance in the NCKFMASH system suggests the reaction Grt + Sil + Bt + Pl = Spl + Crd + Kfs + melt as the most plausible model for the development of coronas in the El Hoyazo sample, and indicates that biotite was required as reactant for the formation of cordierite. The P,T conditions for the formation of coronas are estimated at ,820 ± 50 °C, 4.5 ± 0.6 kbar at El Hoyazo, and ,820 ± 50 °C, 4.0 ± 0.4 kbar at Mazarrón. The El Hoyazo xenoliths record a complex P,T history, characterized by early melt production during heating and additional melting during decompression. A local cooling event characterized by minor retrograde reaction and melt crystallization preceded ascent and eruption. This study shows that detailed xenolith analysis may be used to track magma evolution in a chamber. [source] Spinel,cordierite symplectites replacing andalusite: evidence for melt-assisted diapirism in the Bushveld Complex, South AfricaJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 6 2004T. Johnson Abstract Spinel,cordierite symplectites partially replacing andalusite occur in metapelitic rocks within the cores of several country rock diapirs that have ascended into the upper levels of layered mafic/ultramafic rocks in the Bushveld Complex. We investigate the petrogenesis of these symplectites in one of these diapirs, the Phepane dome. Petrographic evidence indicates that at conditions immediately below the solidus the rocks were characterized by a cordierite-, biotite- and K-feldspar-rich matrix and 5,10 mm long andalusite porphyroblasts surrounded by biotite-rich fringes. Phase relations in the MnNCKFMASHT model system constrain the near-solidus prograde path to around 3 kbar and imply that andalusite persisted metastably into the sillimanite + melt field, where the fringing relationship between biotite and andalusite provided spatially restricted equilibrium domains with silica-deficient effective bulk compositions that focused suprasolidus reaction. MnNCKFMASHT pseudosections that model these compositional domains suggest that volatile phase-absent melting reactions consuming andalusite and biotite initially produced a moat of cordierite surrounding andalusite; reaction progressed until all quartz was consumed. Spinel is predicted to grow with cordierite at around 720 °C. Formation of the aluminous solid products was strongly controlled by the receding edge of andalusite grains, with symplectites forming at the andalusite-cordierite moat interface. Decompression due to melt-assisted diapiric rise of the floor rocks into the overlying mafic/ultramafic rocks occurred close to the thermal peak. Re-crossing of the solidus at P = 1.5,2 kbar, T > 700 °C resulted in preservation of the symplectites. Two features of the silica-deficient domains inhibited resorption of spinel. First, the cordierite moat armoured the symplectites from reaction with crystallizing melt in the outer part of the pseudomorphs. Second, an up- T step in the solidus at low- P, which may be in excess of 100 °C higher than the quartz-saturated solidus, resulted in high- T crystallization of melt on decompression. Even in metapelitic rocks where melt is retained, preservation of spinel is favoured by decompression. [source] The Effect of Coating Patterns with Spinel-Based Investment on the Castability and Porosity of Titanium Cast into Three Phosphate-Bonded InvestmentsJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 7 2010Anelise R. F. Pieralini DDS Abstract Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of pattern coating with spinel-based investment Rematitan Ultra (RU) on the castability and internal porosity of commercially pure (CP) titanium invested into phosphate-bonded investments. The apparent porosity of the investment was also measured. Materials and Methods: Square patterns (15 × 15 × 0.3 mm3) were either coated with RU, or not and invested into the phosphate-bonded investments: Rematitan Plus (RP), Rema Exakt (RE), Castorit Super C (CA), and RU (control group). The castings were made in an Ar-arc vacuum-pressure machine. The castability area (mm2) was measured by an image-analysis system (n = 10). For internal porosity, the casting (12 × 12 × 2 mm3) was studied by the X-ray method, and the projected porous area percentage was measured by an image-analysis system (n = 10). The apparent porosity of the investment (n = 10) was measured in accordance with the ASTM C373-88 standard. Results: Analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) of castability was significant, and the Tukey test indicated that RU had the highest mean but the investing technique with coating increased the castability for all phosphate-bonded investments. The analysis of the internal porosity of the cast by the nonparametric test demonstrated that the RP, RE, and CA with coating and RP without coating did not differ from the control group (RU), while the CA and RE casts without coating were more porous. The one-way ANOVA of apparent porosity of the investment was significant, and the Tukey test showed that the means of RU (36.10%) and CA (37.22%) were higher than those of RP (25.91%) and RE (26.02%). Conclusion: Pattern coating with spinel-based material prior to phosphate-bonded investments can influence the castability and the internal porosity of CP Ti. [source] Characterizations of a Hot-Pressed Polycrystalline Spinel:Ce ScintillatorJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 8 2010Ching-Fong Chen Here, we report a new polycrystalline ceramic scintillator for possible use in ,-ray detection and medical imaging applications. The goal was to develop a cerium-doped spinel (MgAl2O4:Ce), which can be processed utilizing ceramic forming techniques. High-purity MgAl2O4 powders were used as the starting materials. Lithium fluoride (LiF) was used as a sintering aid and CeO2 powder was used as the dopant. The mixed and dried powders were hot pressed in a vacuum environment to achieve high-density MgAl2O4:Ce. The hot-pressed sample shows a transparent polycrystalline appearance. In-line transmission was measured to determine the transparency of the structure. Microstructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Fluorescence absorption and emission peaks were also measured in addition to the decay time measurement. [source] Formation and Densification Behavior of MgAl2O4 Spinel: The Influence of Processing ParametersJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 6 2008Ibram Ganesh Different types of dense stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) spinel (MAS) ceramics were prepared following a conventional double-stage firing process using different commercially available alumina and magnesia raw materials. Stoichiometric, magnesia-rich, and alumina-rich spinels were sintered at 1500°,1800°C for 1,2.5 h. The influence of the different processing parameters (average particle size, degree of spinel phase, green density, mass of the powder compact, sintering temperature, holding time at the peak temperature, and starting composition) on the densification behavior of MAS was assessed by measuring the bulk density, apparent porosity, and water absorption capacity, and microstructural observations. Most of the MAS compositions tested exhibited excellent sintering properties. [source] Effect of Controlling Parameters on the Reaction Sequences of Formation of Nitrogen-Containing Magnesium Aluminate Spinel from MgO, Al2O3, and AlNJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 3 2004Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay The reaction sequences of the formation of nitrogen-containing magnesium aluminate spinel from MgO, Al2O3, and AlN were investigated as a function of temperature through dilatometric study and as a function of time through isothermal heat treatments. The natures of reactions are described through the appearance of phases in conjunction with densification behavior and the change in lattice parameter of the spinel phase. Although the dilatometric study provides the detail insights of the formation sequence, the isothermal runs reveal new information about the differential rate of reactivity of the reacting species that suggested a tentative controlling mechanism. Through the initial formation of magnesium aluminate, oxygen-rich solid solution (MgAlON) forms, which ultimately reacts with the rest of AlN to reach its nominal composition. Nitrogen diffusion through MgAlON lattice seems to be rate controlling. [source] Deformation Mechanism of Fine-Grained Magnesium Aluminate Spinel Prepared Using an Alkoxide PrecursorJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 3 2000Takeshi Shiono Polycrystalline MgAl2O4 spinel with high purity and stoichiometric composition was prepared using alkoxide precursors. The average grain size of the polycrystal was fine (1.7 ,m). The deformation mechanism of the polycrystal was investigated in air at temperatures of 1300°,1400°C. At 1300°C, oxygen lattice diffusion controlled the deformation, despite the fine grain size; however, increases in the temperature and applied stress caused cavities to nucleate and grow. Spinel possessed better creep resistance than alumina of comparative grain size. The effective diffusion coefficient was determined as follows: [formula omitted] [source] Oxygen isotopic alteration in Ca-Al-rich inclusions from Efremovka: Nebular or parent body setting?METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 8 2004T. J. Fagan The coarse-grained CAI (CGI-10) is a sub-spherical object composed of elongate, euhedral, normally-zoned melilite crystals ranging up to several hundreds of Pm in length, coarse-grained anorthite and Al, Ti-diopside (fassaite), all with finegrained (,10 ,m across) inclusions of spinel. Similar to many previously examined coarse-grained CAIs from CV chondrites, spinel and fassaite are 16O-rich and melilite is 16O-poor, but in contrast to many previous results, anorthite is 16O-rich. Isotopic composition does not vary with textural setting in the CAI: analyses of melilite from the core and mantle and analyses from a variety of major element compositions yield consistent 16O-poor compositions. CGI-10 originated in an 16O-rich environment, and subsequent alteration resulted in complete isotopic exchange in melilite. The fine-grained CAI (FGI-12) also preserves evidence of a 1st-generation origin in an 16O-rich setting but underwent less severe isotopic alteration. FGI-12 is composed of spinel ± melilite nodules linked by a mass of Al-diopside and minor forsterite along the CAI rim. All minerals are very fine-grained (<5 ,m) with no apparent igneous textures or zoning. Spinel, Al-diopside, and forsterite are 16O-rich, while melilite is variably depleted in 16O (,17,18O from ,-40, to ,5,). The contrast in isotopic distributions in CGI-10 and FGI-12 is opposite to the pattern that would result from simultaneous alteration: the object with finer-grained melilite and a greater surface area/ volume has undergone less isotopic exchange than the coarser-grained object. Thus, the two CAIs were altered in different settings. As the CAIs are adjacent to each other in the meteorite, isotopic exchange in CGI-10 must have preceded incorporation of this CAI in the Efremovka parent body. This supports a nebular setting for isotopic alteration of the commonly observed 16O-poor melilite in coarse-grained CAIs from CV chondrites. [source] Self-Generated Template Pathway to High-Surface-Area Zinc Aluminate Spinel with Mesopore Network from a Single-Source Inorganic Precursor.CHEMINFORM, Issue 10 2007Lu Zou Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF. [source] Extensive Migration of Ni and Mn by Lithiation of Ordered LiMg0.1Ni0.4Mn1.5O4 Spinel.CHEMINFORM, Issue 52 2004Marnix Wagemaker Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] Local Structure and Chemical Bonding of Protonated LixMn2O4 Spinels from First Principles.CHEMINFORM, Issue 20 2006C. M. Fang Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF. [source] Structural Characterization and Physical Properties of LiMMnO4 (M: Cr, Ti) Spinels.CHEMINFORM, Issue 14 2005M. A. Arillo Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] A Study of the Influence of Composition on the Microstructural Properties of ZnO/Al2O3 Mixed Oxides,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2009Shaojun Miao Abstract A series of ZnO/Al2O3 mixed oxide samples with varyingZn/Al ratio is prepared by coprecipitation, ageing, drying, and calcination. Samples are investigated in the state after drying and calcination. The applied methods include X-ray diffraction, solid-state 27Al magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric experiments coupled with evolved gas analysis. Phases present in the dried precursor samples include hydrozincite, zaccagnaite, and an unknown phase. After calcination zinc oxide and spinel can be found. All results indicate the substitution of Al ions for Zn ions in zinc oxide of zinc-rich samples. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] Temperature-Dependent Solid-State Reactions With and Without Kirkendall Effect in Al2O3/ZnO, Fe2O3/ZnO, and CoXOY/ZnO Oxide Thin Film Systems,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 6 2010Andriy Zolotaryov Temperature-dependent solid-state reactions and the occurrence of the Kirkendall effect are studied in thin film oxide systems applying optical reflection microscopy, X-ray reflectivity, (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction measurements, and SQUID magnetometry. The efficiency of the simultaneous application of different analytical methods for the precise selection and investigation of the most interesting samples is demonstrated first on the example of the Al2O3/ZnO system, for which the spinel formation after a solid-state reaction and the formation of Kirkendall voids were already reported. The demonstrated methodology is then applied to study Fe2O3/ZnO and CoXOY/ZnO film pairs. The investigations clearly demonstrate the temperature-driven formation of a ferromagnetic spinel by a solid state reaction involving the Kirkendall effect in the Fe2O3/ZnO system, already after an annealing at 600,°C for 1,h. We also report on the solid state reaction in the CoXOY/ZnO system after annealing at 700,°C for 1,h, however without the Kirkendall effect and without any evidence of ferromagnetism of the final state. [source] Room temperature photoluminescence of the Li2ZnTi3O8 spinel: Experimental and theoretical studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2005M. S. C. Câmara Abstract This article describes the characterization of intense photoluminescence observed at room temperature of the Li2ZnTi3O8 spinel phase, obtained by the polymeric precursor method. The evolution of visible photoluminescence is demonstrated by measurement of the photoluminescence signal as a function of the annealing treatment time. The evolution indicates that PL can be attributed to the presence of an inorganic disordered phase. In addition, increased annealing treatment times cause not only a decrease in the total residual content of organic material in the samples, but also an intensified photoluminescence. We discuss the nature of visible photoluminescence at room temperature of the Li2ZnTi3O8 spinel phase in the light of results of both recent experimental and quantum mechanical theoretical studies. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005 [source] SHRIMP U,Pb zircon chronology of ultrahigh-temperature spinel,orthopyroxene,garnet granulite from South Altay orogenic belt, northwestern ChinaISLAND ARC, Issue 3 2010Zilong Li Abstract Diagnostic mineral assemblages, mineral compositions and zircon SHRIMP U,Pb ages are reported from an ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) spinel,orthopyroxene,garnet granulite (UHT rock) from the South Altay orogenic belt of northwestern China. This Altay orogenic belt defines an accretionary belt between the Siberian and Kazakhstan,Junggar Plates that formed during the Paleozoic. The UHT rock examined in this study preserves both peak and retrograde metamorphic assemblages and microstructures including equilibrium spinel + quartz, and intergrowth of orthopyroxene, spinel, sillimanite, and cordierite formed during decompression. Mineral chemistry shows that the spinel coexisting with quartz has low ZnO contents, and the orthopyroxene is of high alumina type with Al2O3 contents up to 9.3 wt%. The peak temperatures of metamorphism were >950°C, consistent with UHT conditions, and the rocks were exhumed along a clockwise P,T path. The zircons in this UHT rock display a zonal structure with a relict core and metamorphic rim. The cores yield bimodal ages of 499 ± 8 Ma (7 spots), and 855 Ma (2 spots), with the rounded clastic zircons having ages with 490,500 Ma. Since the granulite was metamorphosed at temperatures >900°C, exceeding the closure temperature of U,Pb system in zircon, a possible interpretation is that the 499 ± 8 Ma age obtained from the largest population of zircons in the rock marks the timing of formation of the protolith of the rock, with the zircons sourced from a ,500 Ma magmatic provenance, in a continental margin setting. We correlate the UHT metamorphism with the northward subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and associated accretion-collision tectonics of the Siberian and Kazakhstan,Junggar Plates followed by rapid exhumation leading to decompression. [source] Melt,wall rock interaction in the mantle shown by silicate melt inclusions in peridotite xenoliths from the central Pannonian Basin (western Hungary)ISLAND ARC, Issue 2 2009Csaba Szabó Abstract In this paper we present a detailed textural and geochemical study of two equigranular textured amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolite xenoliths from Szigliget, Bakony,Balaton Highland Volcanic Field (BBHVF, western Hungary) containing abundant primary silicate melt inclusions (SMIs) in clinopyroxene rims and secondary SMIs in orthopyroxene (and rarely spinel) along healed fractures. The SMIs are dominantly composed of silicate glass and CO2 -rich bubbles. Clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene are zoned in both studied xenoliths, especially with respect to Fe, Mg, Na, and Al contents. Cores of clinopyroxenes in both xenoliths show trace element distribution close to primitive mantle. Rims of clinopyroxenes are enriched in Th, U, light rare earth elements (LREEs) and medium REEs (MREEs). Amphiboles in the Szg08 xenolith exhibit elevated Rb, Ba, Nb, Ta, LREE, and MREE contents. The composition of silicate glass in the SMIs covers a wide range from the basaltic trachyandesite and andesite to phonolitic compositions. The glasses are particularly rich in P2O5. Both primary and secondary SMIs are strongly enriched in incompatible trace elements (mostly U, Th, La, Zr) and display a slight negative Hf anomaly. The development of zoned pyroxenes, as well as the entrapment of primary SMIs in the clinopyroxene rims, happened after partial melting and subsequent crystallization of clinopyroxenes, most probably due to an interaction between hot volatile-bearing evolved melt and mantle wall-rocks. This silicate melt filled microfractures in orthopyroxenes (and rarely spinels) resulting in secondary SMIs. [source] Provenance of sandstones from the Wakino Subgroup of the Lower Cretaceous Kanmon Group, northern Kyushu, JapanISLAND ARC, Issue 1 2000Daniel K. Asiedu Abstract The Wakino Subgroup is a lower stratigraphic unit of the Lower Cretaceous Kanmon Group. Previous studies on provenance of Wakino sediments have mainly concentrated on either petrography of major framework grains or bulk rock geochemistry of shales. This study addresses the provenance of the Wakino sandstones by integrating the petrographic, bulk rock geochemistry, and mineral chemistry approaches. The proportions of framework grains of the Wakino sandstones suggest derivation from either a single geologically heterogeneous source terrane or multiple source areas. Major source lithologies are granitic rocks and high-grade metamorphic rocks but notable amounts of detritus were also derived from felsic, intermediate and mafic volcanic rocks, older sedimentary rocks, and ophiolitic rocks. The heavy mineral assemblage include, in order of decreasing abundance: opaque minerals (ilmenite and magnetite with minor rutile), zircon, garnet, chromian spinel, aluminum silicate mineral (probably andalusite), rutile, epidote, tourmaline and pyroxene. Zircon morphology suggests its derivation from granitic rocks. Chemistry of chromian spinel indicates that the chromian spinel grains were derived from the ultramafic cumulate member of an ophiolite suite. Garnet and ilmenite chemistry suggests their derivation from metamorphic rocks of the epidote-amphibolite to upper amphibolite facies though other source rocks cannot be discounted entirely. Major and trace element data for the Wakino sediments suggest their derivation from igneous and/or metamorphic rocks of felsic composition. The major element compositions suggest that the type of tectonic environment was of an active continental margin. The trace element data indicate that the sediments were derived from crustal rocks with a minor contribution from mantle-derived rocks. The trace element data further suggest that recycled sedimentary rocks are not major contributors of detritus. It appears that the granitic and metamorphic rocks of the Precambrian Ryongnam Massif in South Korea were the major contributors of detritus to the Wakino basin. A minor but significant amount of detritus was derived from the basement rocks of the Akiyoshi and Sangun Terrane. The chromian spinel appears to have been derived from a missing terrane though the ultramafic rocks in the Ogcheon Belt cannot be discounted. [source] Cation distribution in spinel (Mn,Co,Cr)3O4 at room temperatureJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2010A. Purwanto As part of a study of the long-term operation of solid-oxide fuel cells, three (Mn,Co,Cr)3O4 samples have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray and neutron diffraction patterns from the powder samples at room temperature were measured and the data were co-refined. The neutron data were indispensible in locating Mn, Co and Cr within the crystallographic unit cell with their respective atomic occupancies. Two of these samples have been identified as cubic Mn0.76Co0.58Cr1.66O4 and Mn1.28Co1.72O4. The third is a two-phase sample containing cubic Mn1.66Co1.34O4 and tetragonal Mn2.05Co0.91O4 in a 59.1,(6):40.9,(6)% mass fraction ratio. Cr, which might be introduced from reaction with chromia during oxidation of interconnect materials, exhibits a preference for the octahedral site rather than the tetrahedral site. Without Cr, Mn dominates the octahedral site. [source] A comparative in situ Rietveld refinement study: thermal decomposition and transformation of CoAl and CoZnAl layered double hydroxidesJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2008Rune E. Johnsen Rietveld refinement based on in situ X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data was combined with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mass spectrometry (MS) to study and compare the phase transformations, thermal stability, microstructural and structural changes of two cobalt-containing nitrate-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) upon heating in a controlled inert atmosphere of nitrogen. The XRPD data were collected, using synchrotron X-ray radiation, with a time resolution of 107,s, which made it possible to carry out detailed structural studies of the initial layered double hydroxides as well as their decomposition products: spinel for a CoAl,NO3 LDH and spinel/zincite for a CoZnAl,NO3 LDH. Correlating these data with those from the TGA,MS analyses gives us information about the transformation mechanisms. Rietveld refinements of the two spinel phases reveal remarkable differences. The a axis of the spinel formed by decomposition of the CoAl,NO3 LDH increases almost linearly from approximately 598 to 1163,K, mainly due to the dominating thermal expansion, whereas the a axis of the spinel formed by decomposition of the CoZnAl,NO3 shows a more complex temperature dependency. Between approximately 698 and 1073,K, the a axis is almost constant due to pronounced chemical interaction with an additional amorphous phase and the zincite phase, whereas from 1073 up to 1163,K it increases linearly. Calculations, based on the results of the Rietveld refinements, of the size of the octahedral and tetrahedral coordination polyhedra in the spinel show that the octahedra shrink and the tetrahedra expand with increasing temperature. The unusual thermal behaviour of the octahedra is discussed and attributed to the low formation temperature of the cobalt aluminium spinel phase. Finally, the intensity of a low-angle scattering (LAS) signal observed in the XRPD patterns was correlated with the decomposition of the LDH, and determination of the specific surface areas gave the temperature-dependent BET surface areas. [source] Petrogenetic modelling of strongly residual metapelitic xenoliths within the southern Platreef, Bushveld Complex, South AfricaJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2010T. E. JOHNSON Abstract Xenoliths of quartz-absent Fe-rich aluminous metapelite are common within the platinum group element-rich mafic/ultramafic magmatic rocks of the Platreef. Relative to well-characterized protoliths, the xenoliths are strongly depleted in K2O and H2O, and have lost a substantial amount of melt (>50 vol.%). Mineral equilibria calculations in the NCKFMASHTO system yield results that are consistent with observations in natural samples. Lower-grade rocks that lack staurolite constrain peak pressures to ,2.5 kbar in the southern Platreef. Smaller xenoliths and the margins of larger xenoliths comprise micro-diatexite rich in coarse acicular corundum and spinel, which record evidence for the metastable persistence of lower-grade hydrous phases and rapid melting consequent on a temperature overstep of several hundred degrees following their incorporation in the mafic/ultramafic magmas. In the cores of larger xenoliths, temperatures increased more slowly enabling progressive metamorphism by continuous prograde equilibration and the loss of H2O by subsolidus dehydration; the H2O migrated to xenolith margins where it may have promoted increased melting. According to variations in the original compositional layering, layers became aluminosilicate- and/or cordierite-rich, commonly with spinel but only rarely with corundum. The differing mineralogical and microstructural evolution of the xenoliths depends on heating rates (governed by their size and, therefore, proximity to the Platreef magmas) and the pre-intrusive metamorphic grade of the protoliths. The presence or absence of certain phases, particularly corundum, is strongly influenced by the degree of metastable retention of lower-grade hydrates in otherwise identical protolith bulk compositions. The preservation of fine-scale compositional layering that is inferred to be relict bedding in xenolith cores implies that melt loss by compaction was extremely efficient. [source] High-performance HTLcs-derived CuZnAl catalysts for hydrogen production via methanol steam reformingAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2009Ying Tang Abstract A series of CuZnAl oxide-composite catalysts were prepared via decomposition of CuZnAl hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTLcs). The catalysts derived from CuZnAl HTLcs (Cu: 37%, Zn: 15%, Al: 48% mol; using metal nitrate or acetate precursors) at 600°C provided excellent activity and stability for the methanol steam reforming. CuZnAl HTLcs were almost decomposed completely at 600°C to form highly dispersed CuO with large specific surface area while forming CuAl2O4 spinel that played a key role in separating and stabilizing the nano-sized Cu and ZnO during the reaction. The CuZnAl catalyst prepared from metal acetates could highly convert H2O/MeOH (1.3/1, mol/mol) mixture into hydrogen with only ,0.05% CO at 250°C or ,0.005% at 210°C. It is evidenced that the former afforded stronger Cu-ZnO interaction, which might be the intrinsic reason for the significant promotion of catalyst selectivity. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source] Formation of clinopyroxene + spinel and amphibole + spinel symplectites in coronitic gabbros from the Sierra de San Luis (Argentina): a key to post-magmatic evolutionJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 7 2008G. CRUCIANI Abstract The El Arenal metagabbros preserve coronitic shells of orthopyroxene ± Fe-oxide around olivine, as well as three different types of symplectite consisting of amphibole + spinel, clinopyroxene + spinel and, more rarely, orthopyroxene + spinel. The textural features of the metagabbros can be explained by the breakdown of the olivine + plagioclase pair, producing orthopyroxene coronas and clinopyroxene + spinel symplectites, followed by the formation of amphibole + spinel symplectites, reflecting a decrease in temperature and, possibly, an increase in water activity with respect to the previous stage. The metagabbros underwent a complex P,T history consisting of an igneous stage followed by cooling in granulite, amphibolite and greenschist facies conditions. Although the P,T conditions of emplacement of the igneous protolith are still doubtful, the magmatic assemblage suggests that igneous crystallization occurred at a pressure lower than 6 kbar and at 900,1100 °C. Granulitic P,T conditions have been estimated at about 900 °C and 7,8 kbar combining conventional thermobarometry and pseudosection analysis. Pseudosection calculation has also shown that the formation of the amphibole + spinel symplectite could have been favoured by an increase in water activity during the amphibolite stage, as the temperature of formation of this symplectite strongly depends on aH2O (<740 °C for aH2O = 0.5; <790 °C for aH2O = 1). Furthermore, but not pervasive, re-equilibration under greenschist facies P,T conditions is documented by retrograde epidote and chlorite. The resulting counterclockwise P,T path consists of progressive, nearly isobaric cooling from the igneous stage down to the granulite, amphibolite and greenschist stage. [source] Petrology of corundum-spinel-sapphirine-anorthite rocks (sakenites) from the type locality in southern MadagascarJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 6 2008M. M. RAITH Abstract ,Sakenites' constitute a unique association of corundum-, spinel- and sapphirine-bearing anorthitic to phlogopitic rocks, first described in rocks from an exposure along the beds of the Sakena river to the NW of Ihosy, south Madagascar. The exposure has been revisited and subjected to a detailed petrological and geochemical study. The aluminous anorthitic rocks occur as boudinaged bands and lenses, closely associated with corundum-, spinel- and sapphirine-bearing phlogopitites, diverse calcsilicate rocks and marbles within a series of biotite-sillimanite-cordierite gneisses of the Ihosy granulite unit in the NW of the Pan-African Bongolava-Ranotsara shear zone. Bimineralic anorthite + corundum domains preserve the earliest record of a polyphasic evolutionary history that includes two distinct metasomatic episodes. Probable protoliths of these bimineralic rocks were kaolinite-rich sediments or calcareous bauxites that were altered by Ca or Si infiltration-metasomatism prior to or coeval with the development of the anorthite-corundum assemblage. P,T pseudosection modelling of metapelitic gneisses suggests peak-conditions around 800 °C and 6,7 kbar for the regional high-grade metamorphism and deformation in the NW part of the Bongolava-Ranotsara shear zone. The well-annealed granoblastic-polygonal textures indicate complete chemical and textural re-equilibration of the foliated bimineralic rocks during this event. Subsequently, at somewhat lower P,T conditions (750,700 °C, 6 kbar), the influx of Mg-, Si- and K-bearing fluids into the anorthite-corundum rocks caused significant metasomatic changes. In zones infiltrated by ,primary' potassic fluids, the bimineralic assemblage was completely replaced by phlogopite and Mg-Al minerals, thereby producing corundum-, spinel- and sapphirine-bearing phlogopitites. Further advance of the resulting ,residual' Mg- and Si-bearing fluids into anorthite-corundum domains led to partial to complete replacement of corundum porphyroblasts by spinel, spinel + sapphirine or sapphirine, depending on the activities of the solutes. The static textures developed during this second metasomatic episode suggest fluid influx subsequent to intense ductile deformation in the Bongolava-Ranotsara ductile shear zone c. 530,500 Ma ago. [source] Formation of eclogite, and reaction during exhumation to mid-crustal levels, Snowbird tectonic zone, western Canadian ShieldJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 9 2007J. A. BALDWIN Abstract A re-evaluation of the P,T history of eclogite within the East Athabasca granulite terrane of the Snowbird tectonic zone, northern Saskatchewan, Canada was undertaken. Using calculated pseudosections in combination with new garnet,clinopyroxene and zircon and rutile trace element thermometry, peak metamorphic conditions are constrained to ,16 kbar and 750 °C, followed by near-isothermal decompression to ,10 kbar. Associated with the eclogite are two types of occurrences of sapphirine-bearing rocks preserving a rich variety of reaction textures that allow examination of the retrograde history below 10 kbar. The first occurs as a 1,2 m zone adjacent to the eclogite body with a peak assemblage of garnet,kyanite,quartz interpreted to have formed during the eclogite facies metamorphism. Rims of orthopyroxene and plagioclase developed around garnet, and sapphirine,plagioclase and spinel,plagioclase symplectites developed around kyanite. The second variety of sapphirine-bearing rocks occurs in kyanite veins within the eclogite. The veins involve orthopyroxene, garnet and plagioclase layers spatially organized around a central kyanite layer that are interpreted to have formed following the eclogite facies metamorphism. The layering has itself been modified, with, in particular, kyanite being replaced by sapphirine,plagioclase, spinel,plagioclase and corundum,plagioclase symplectites, as well as the kyanite being replaced by sillimanite. Petrological modelling in the CFMAS system examining chemical potential gradients between kyanite and surrounding quartz indicates that these vein textures probably formed during further essentially isothermal decompression, ultimately reaching ,7 kbar and 750 °C. These results indicate that the final reaction in these rocks occurred at mid-crustal levels at upper amphibolite facies conditions. Previous geochronological and thermochronological constraints bracket the time interval of decompression to <5,10 Myr, indicating that ,25 km of exhumation took place during this interval. This corresponds to minimum unroofing rates of ,2,5 mm year,1 following eclogite facies metamorphism, after which the rocks resided at mid-crustal levels for 80,100 Myr. [source] Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism and exhumation of garnet peridotite in Pohorje, Eastern AlpsJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 1 2006M. JANÁK Abstract New evidence for ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism (UHPM) in the Eastern Alps is reported from garnet-bearing ultramafic rocks from the Pohorje Mountains in Slovenia. The garnet peridotites are closely associated with UHP kyanite eclogites. These rocks belong to the Lower Central Austroalpine basement unit of the Eastern Alps, exposed in the proximity of the Periadriatic fault. Ultramafic rocks have experienced a complex metamorphic history. On the basis of petrochemical data, garnet peridotites could have been derived from depleted mantle rocks that were subsequently metasomatized by melts and/or fluids either in the plagioclase-peridotite or the spinel-peridotite field. At least four stages of recrystallization have been identified in the garnet peridotites based on an analysis of reaction textures and mineral compositions. Stage I was most probably a spinel peridotite stage, as inferred from the presence of chromian spinel and aluminous pyroxenes. Stage II is a UHPM stage defined by the assemblage garnet + olivine + low-Al orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + Cr-spinel. Garnet formed as exsolutions from clinopyroxene, coronas around Cr-spinel, and porphyroblasts. Stage III is a decompression stage, manifested by the formation of kelyphitic rims of high-Al orthopyroxene, aluminous spinel, diopside and pargasitic hornblende replacing garnet. Stage IV is represented by the formation of tremolitic amphibole, chlorite, serpentine and talc. Geothermobarometric calculations using (i) garnet-olivine and garnet-orthopyroxene Fe-Mg exchange thermometers and (ii) the Al-in-orthopyroxene barometer indicate that the peak of metamorphism (stage II) occurred at conditions of around 900 °C and 4 GPa. These results suggest that garnet peridotites in the Pohorje Mountains experienced UHPM during the Cretaceous orogeny. We propose that UHPM resulted from deep subduction of continental crust, which incorporated mantle peridotites from the upper plate, in an intracontinental subduction zone. Sinking of the overlying mantle and lower crustal wedge into the asthenosphere (slab extraction) caused the main stage of unroofing of the UHP rocks during the Upper Cretaceous. Final exhumation was achieved by Miocene extensional core complex formation. [source] Spinel,cordierite symplectites replacing andalusite: evidence for melt-assisted diapirism in the Bushveld Complex, South AfricaJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 6 2004T. Johnson Abstract Spinel,cordierite symplectites partially replacing andalusite occur in metapelitic rocks within the cores of several country rock diapirs that have ascended into the upper levels of layered mafic/ultramafic rocks in the Bushveld Complex. We investigate the petrogenesis of these symplectites in one of these diapirs, the Phepane dome. Petrographic evidence indicates that at conditions immediately below the solidus the rocks were characterized by a cordierite-, biotite- and K-feldspar-rich matrix and 5,10 mm long andalusite porphyroblasts surrounded by biotite-rich fringes. Phase relations in the MnNCKFMASHT model system constrain the near-solidus prograde path to around 3 kbar and imply that andalusite persisted metastably into the sillimanite + melt field, where the fringing relationship between biotite and andalusite provided spatially restricted equilibrium domains with silica-deficient effective bulk compositions that focused suprasolidus reaction. MnNCKFMASHT pseudosections that model these compositional domains suggest that volatile phase-absent melting reactions consuming andalusite and biotite initially produced a moat of cordierite surrounding andalusite; reaction progressed until all quartz was consumed. Spinel is predicted to grow with cordierite at around 720 °C. Formation of the aluminous solid products was strongly controlled by the receding edge of andalusite grains, with symplectites forming at the andalusite-cordierite moat interface. Decompression due to melt-assisted diapiric rise of the floor rocks into the overlying mafic/ultramafic rocks occurred close to the thermal peak. Re-crossing of the solidus at P = 1.5,2 kbar, T > 700 °C resulted in preservation of the symplectites. Two features of the silica-deficient domains inhibited resorption of spinel. First, the cordierite moat armoured the symplectites from reaction with crystallizing melt in the outer part of the pseudomorphs. Second, an up- T step in the solidus at low- P, which may be in excess of 100 °C higher than the quartz-saturated solidus, resulted in high- T crystallization of melt on decompression. Even in metapelitic rocks where melt is retained, preservation of spinel is favoured by decompression. [source] Metamorphic evolution of kyanite,staurolite-bearing epidote,amphibolite from the Early Palaeozoic Oeyama belt, SW JapanJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 4 2004T. Tsujimori Abstract Early Palaeozoic kyanite,staurolite-bearing epidote,amphibolites including foliated epidote,amphibolite (FEA), and nonfoliated leucocratic or melanocratic metagabbros (LMG, MMG), occur in the Fuko Pass metacumulate unit (FPM) of the Oeyama belt, SW Japan. Microtextural relationships and mineral chemistry define three metamorphic stages: relict granulite facies metamorphism (M1), high- P (HP) epidote,amphibolite facies metamorphism (M2), and retrogression (M3). M1 is preserved as relict Al-rich diopside (up to 8.5 wt.% Al2O3) and pseudomorphs after spinel and plagioclase in the MMG, suggesting a medium- P granulite facies condition (0.8,1.3 GPa at >,850 °C). An unusually low-variance M2 assemblage, Hbl + Czo + Ky ± St + Pg + Rt ± Ab ± Crn, occurs in the matrix of all rock types. The presence of relict plagioclase inclusions in M2 kyanite associated with clinozoisite indicates a hydration reaction to form the kyanite-bearing M2 assemblage during cooling. The corundum-bearing phase equilibria constrain a qualitative metamorphic P,T condition of 1.1,1.9 GPa at 550,800 °C for M2. The M2 minerals were locally replaced by M3 margarite, paragonite, plagioclase and/or chlorite. The breakdown of M2 kyanite to produce the M3 assemblage at <,0.5 GPa and 450,500 °C suggests a greenschist facies overprint during decompression. The P,T evolution of the FPM may represent subduction of an oceanic plateau with a granulite facies lower crust and subsequent exhumation in a Pacific-type orogen. [source] Hydrothermal alteration, fluid flow and volume change in shear zones: the layered mafic,ultramafic Kettara intrusion (Jebilet Massif, Variscan belt, Morocco)JOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 1 2004A. Essaifi Abstract During emplacement and cooling, the layered mafic,ultramafic Kettara intrusion (Jebilet, Morocco) underwent coeval effects of deformation and pervasive fluid infiltration at the scale of the intrusion. In the zones not affected by deformation, primary minerals (olivine, plagioclase, clinopyroxene) were partially or totally altered into Ca-amphibole, Mg-chlorite and CaAl-silicates. In the zones of active deformation (centimetre-scale shear zones), focused fluid flow transformed the metacumulates (peridotites and leucogabbros) into ultramylonites where insoluble primary minerals (ilmenite, spinel and apatite) persist in a Ca-amphibole-rich matrix. Mass-balance calculations indicate that shearing was accompanied by up to 200% volume gain; the ultramylonites being enriched in Si, Ca, Mg, and Fe, and depleted in Na and K. The gains in Ca and Mg and losses in Na and K are consistent with fluid flow in the direction of increasing temperature. When the intrusion had cooled to temperatures prevailing in the country rock (lower greenschist facies), deformation was still active along the shear zones. Intense intragranular fracturing in the shear zone walls and subsequent fluid infiltration allowed shear zones to thicken to metre-scale shear zones with time. The inner parts of the shear zones were transformed into chlorite-rich ultramylonites. In the shear zone walls, muscovite crystallized at the expense of Ca,Al silicates, while calcite and quartz were deposited in ,en echelon' veins. Mass-balance calculations indicate that formation of the chlorite-rich shear zones was accompanied by up to 60% volume loss near the centre of the shear zones; the ultramylonites being enriched in Fe and depleted in Si, Ca, Mg, Na and K while the shear zones walls are enriched in K and depleted in Ca and Si. The alteration observed in, and adjacent to the chlorite shear zones is consistent with an upward migrating regional fluid which flows laterally into the shear zone walls. Isotopic (Sr, O) signatures inferred for the fluid indicate it was deeply equilibrated with host lithologies. [source] Kinetics of decompressional reactions in eclogitic rocks , formation of plagioclase coronas around kyaniteJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 3 2002D. Nakamura Abstract This paper describes a kinetic study on reaction textures in eclogitic rocks from the Sulu region, eastern China. Some of the eclogitic rocks display a decompressional reaction texture, whereby kyanite grains are surrounded by plagioclase coronas and are never in contact with quartz. The change in mineral parageneses with progress of the reaction was predicted by constructing chemical potential diagrams in a model system. The chemical potential diagrams indicated that the chemical potential of 2Na2O + CaO (2µNa2O + µCaO) in intergranular regions between kyanite and quartz should decrease with decreasing pressure, whereas 2µNa2O + µCaO in intergranular regions between garnet and omphacite should increase with decreasing pressure. Thus, upon decompression, an inequality in chemical potential arises in the rock. To reduce this inequality, garnet and omphacite react to produce amphibole and plagioclase and release Na2O and CaO. Then, the released Na2O and CaO components diffuse into the regions between kyanite and quartz grains and react to produce plagioclase between them. This model also indicates that the chemical potential of SiO2 should decrease around kyanite grains during the progress of the decompressional reaction, and Si-undersaturated conditions should have formed around kyanite grains in spite of the presence of quartz in these eclogitic rocks. Thus, spinel or corundum that are not stable in the system with excess quartz can form as a metastable phase, as observed in eclogitic rocks from the study areas. Phase diagrams in the system with excess quartz should be carefully applied for analysis of such reaction textures. [source] |