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Retention of Sm–Nd isotopic ages in garnets subjected to high-grade thermal reworking: implications for diffusion rates of major and rare earth elements and the Sm–Nd closure temperature in garnet

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Abstract

Garnet is a vital mineral for determining constrained P–T–t paths as it can give both the P–T and t information directly. However, estimates of the closure temperature of the Sm–Nd system in garnet vary considerably leading to significant uncertainties in the timing of peak conditions. In this study, five igneous garnets from an early Proterozoic 2414 ± 6 Ma garnet—cordierite bearing s-type granite—which was subjected to high-T reworking have been dated to examine their diffusional behaviour in the Sm–Nd system. Garnets 8, 7, 6 and 2.5 mm in diameter were compositionally profiled and then dated, producing two-point Sm–Nd isochron ages of 2412 ± 10, 2377 ± 5, 2370 ± 5 and 2365 ± 8 and 2313 ± 11 Ma, respectively. A direct correlation exists between grain size and amount of resetting highlighting the effect of grain size on closure temperature. Major element EMPA and LA-ICPMS REE traverses reveal homogenous major element profiles and relict igneous REE profiles. The retention of REE zoning and homogenisation of major element zoning suggest that diffusion rates of REEs are considerably slower than that of the major cations. The retention of REE zoning and the lack of resetting in the largest grains suggest that Sm–Nd closure temperature in garnet is a function of grain size, thermal history and REE zoning in garnet.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank James Van Orman and an anonymous reviewer for helpful and constructive reviews which significantly improved this contribution. Ben Wade and Justin Payne for assistance with LA-ICP-MS analyses. David Bruce for assistance with the garnet geochronology. The department of Primary Industries and Resources, South Australia, is acknowledged for logistical support during sample collection. Funding for this study has been provided by Australian Research Council Grant LP 0454301 in conjunction with the department of Primary Industry and Resources, South Australia. This contribution is TRaX paper number 10.

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  1. Rian Dutch

    Present address: Geological Survey, PIRSA, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia

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  1. Centre for Tectonics, Resources and Exploration, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia

    Rian Dutch & Martin Hand

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Dutch, R., Hand, M. Retention of Sm–Nd isotopic ages in garnets subjected to high-grade thermal reworking: implications for diffusion rates of major and rare earth elements and the Sm–Nd closure temperature in garnet. Contrib Mineral Petrol 159, 93–112 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-009-0418-1

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