The article reports new data on previously undescribed lamellar-like (linearly oriented) structures in clinopyroxenes from mantle xenoliths of garnet pyroxenites (Obnazhennaya pipe, Northern Siberia). The origin and mineral diversity of lamellar structures in xenoliths from the Obnazhennaya pipe are supposed to be related to a breakdown of solid solutions during a decrease of P–T parameters. Our study shows that metasomatic recrystallization of initial clinopyroxene with linear exsolution structures leads to the formation of new secondary mineral assemblages. The secondary clinopyroxene reproduces (inherits) framework with linearly oriented inclusions, which are morphologically similar to the primary exsolution structures. Thus, the pyroxenite xenoliths from the Obnazhennaya pipe contain two generations of mineral associations with lamellar structures: primary and secondary. The primary association is composed of diopside, containing lamellae of enstatite, pyrope, spinel and rutile. The secondary (metasomatic) clinopyroxene contains half as much Al2O3 (3.4 wt %) and Na2O (1.7 wt %) and is enriched in MgO and CaO compared to the primary clinopyroxene. Nevertheless, the chemical composition of the secondary pyroxene still corresponds to diopside end-member. The metasomatic association comprises aligned pargasite (Al-rich amphibole) instead of orthopyroxene (enstatite) lamellae, and the secondary rutile is enriched in chromium (up to 3.1 wt % Cr2O3) in contrast to rutile from the primary mineral assemblage.

Reconstructed whole-rock (RWR) and mineral major- and trace-element compositions, as well as new oxygen isotope data, for 22 mantle eclogite xenoliths from the Catoca pipe (Kasai Craton) were used to constrain their genesis and evolution. On the basis of mineralogical and major-element compositions, the Catoca eclogites can be divided into three groups: high-alumina (high-Al) (kyanite-bearing), low-magnesian (low-Mg#), and high-magnesian (high-Mg#) eclogites. The high-Al Catoca eclogites contain kyanite and corundum; high Al2O3 contents in rock-forming minerals; rare earth element (REE) patterns in garnets showing depleted LREEs, positive Eu anomalies (1.03-1.66), and near-flat HREEs; and high Sr contents in garnets and whole-rock REE compositions. All of these features point to a plagioclase-rich protolith (probably gabbro). RWR compositions (major elements, MREEs, HREEs, Li, V, Hf, Y, Zr, and Pb) and delta O-18 of 5.5-7.4 parts per thousand of the low-Mg# Catoca eclogites are in good agreement with the compositions of picrite basalts and average mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). The depleted LREEs and NMORB-normalised Nd/Yb values of 0.07-0.41 indicate that the degree of partial melting for the majority of the low-Mg# eclogites protolith was >= 30%. The narrow delta O-18 range of 5.5-7.4 parts per thousand near the 'gabbro-basalt' boundary (6 parts per thousand) obtained for the high-Al and low-Mg# Catoca eclogites reflects the influence of subduction-related processes. This case shows that mantle eclogites represented by two different lithologies and originating from different protoliths-plagioclase-rich precursor, presumably gabbro (for high-Al eclogites), and basalt (low-Mg# eclogites)-can provide similar and overlapping delta O-18 signatures on account of the influence of subduction-related processes. Chemical compositions of the high-Mg# eclogites indicate a complicated petrogenesis, and textural signatures reveal recrystallisation. The presence of Nb-rich rutile (8-12 wt% of Nb2O5) enriched with high field strength elements (HFSE) (Zr/Hf of 72.6-75.6) and multiple trace-element signatures (including RWR, NMORB-normalised Ce/Yb of 3.9-10.6 and Sr/Y of 5.8-9.6, MgO contents of 15.7-17.9 wt%, and high Ba and Sr) provide strong evidence for deep metasomatic alteration. High Cr contents in clinopyroxene (8003740 ppm), garnet (430-1400 ppm), and accessory rutile (700-2530 ppm), together with extremely low Li contents of 1.0-2.4 ppm in clinopyroxene, may indicate hybridisation of the eclogites with peridotite. Comparison of the chemical compositions (major and trace elements) of (1) unaltered fresh cores of coarse-grained garnets from the low-Mg# eclogites, (2) secondary garnet rims (ubiquitous in the low-Mg# eclogites), (3) proto-cores in the coarse-grained garnet (high-Mg# eclogites), and (4) homogeneous recrystallised fine-grained garnets (high-Mg# eclogites) suggests that the high-Mg# eclogites formed through recrystallisation of low-Mg# eclogite in the presence of an external fluid in the mantle. Four of the five high-Mg# samples show that mantle metasomatism inside the Kasai craton mantle beneath the Catoca pipe occurred at a depth range of 145-160 km (4.5-4.8 GPa).

The New Caledonia Ophiolite hosts one of the largest obducted mantle sections worldwide, offering a unique opportunity to investigate key mantle processes. The ophiolite comprises refractory harzburgites, locally overlain by mafic-ultramafic cumulates, and minor lherzolites. Previous geochemical studies indicated that the lherzolites are akin to abyssal-type peridotites, while the harzburgites underwent multiple melting episodes in MOR and supra-subduction zone environments, followed by late stage metasomatism. In this work, Os isotopes, highly siderophile (HSE) and chalcophile element data are reported for the New Caledonia peridotites, in order to constrain the behaviour of these elements in abyssal-type and fore-arc mantle. The variably serpentinised lherzolites (LOI = 6.4-10.7%) yield slightly subchondritic to suprachondritic initial Os isotopic compositions (Os-187/Os-188(i) = 0.1273-0.1329) and subchondritic to chondritic Re/Os ratios (0.04-0.11). The gently sloping HSE patterns with increasing depletion towards Au show concentrations in the range of other lherzolites from MOR or continental setting. Sulphur contents are high and variable (202-1268 ppm), and were likely increased during serpentinisation. By contrast, Se/Te ratios and concentrations are within the range of primitive mantle (PM) values, meaning that these elements were not significantly mobilised during serpentinisation. Although displaying homogenous petrographic and geochemical features, the harzburgites are characterised by extremely heterogeneous Re-Os and HSE compositions. Type-A harzburgites exhibit subchondritic Os-187/Os-188(i) (0.1203-0.1266) and low Re/Os ratios (0.01-0.04). The strong IPGE-PPGE fractionations (Pd-N/Ir-N = 0.21-0.56), coupled with positive Pt anomalies and S-Se-Te abundances often below the detection limit, suggest high melt extraction rates, resulting in sulphide consumption and Os-Ru metal alloy stabilisation. Type-B harzburgites possess strongly fractionated, Os-Ir-Pt poor (Os = 0.003-0.072 ng/g, Ir = 0.0015-0.079 ng/g) and Pd-Re enriched patterns, associated with chondritic to suprachondritic measured Os-187/Os-188 (0.127-0.153). These characters are uncommon for highly depleted mantle residues. Interaction with an oxidised component does not appear as a viable mechanism to account for the IPGE-depleted patterns of type-B harzburgites, as calculated oxygen fugacities are close to the FMQ buffer (Log Delta FMQ = 0.35 to 0.65). The strikingly uniform mineralogical and geochemical features displayed by both harzburgite sub-types suggest that the different HSE patterns are not linked to their recent evolution, implying that subduction-related processes were superimposed on geochemical heterogeneous mantle domains, which exerted an important control on HSE behaviour during melt extraction and post melting metasomatism. We propose that the HSE characters of the studied peridotites reflect the presence of a highly heterogeneous mantle source with a long term (>1 Ga) evolution, possibly linked to the Zealandia formation. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mantle xenoliths were found in alkaline basalts of Tokinsky Stanovik (TSt) in the Dzhugdzhur-Stanovoy superterrane (DS) and Vitim plateau (VP) in the Barguzin–Vitim superterrane (BV) (Stanovoy suture area) at junction of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) and the Siberian craton (SC). Xenoliths from TSt basalts are represented by spinel lherzolites, harzburgites, wehrlites; while VP basalts frequently contain spinel–garnet and garnet peridotites lherzolites, and pyroxenites. Xenoliths in kimberlites of the Siberian craton are mainly represented by garnet-bearing lherzolites with abundant eclogite xenoliths (age of 2.7–3.1 Ga), which were not found in mantle of superterranes. The Re-Os determinations point to the Early Archean age of peridotites and eclogites from mantle beneath the Siberian craton. The major and trace (rare-earth and high-filed strength) elements and Nd-Sr-Os composition were analyzed in the peridotites (predominant rocks) of lithospheric mantle at junction of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and Siberian Craton. The degree of rock depletion in CaO and Al2O3 and enrichment in MgO relative to the primitive mantle in the peridotites of the Dzhugdzhur–Stanovoy superterrane is close to that of the Siberian craton. The peridotites of the Barguzin–Vitim superterrane are characterized by much lower degree of depletion and have mainly a primitive composition. Mantle melting degree reaches up to 45–50% in the Siberian Craton and Dzhugdzhur-Stanovoy superterrane, and is less than 25% in the Barguzin–Vitim terrane. The mantle peridotites of the craton as compared to those of adjacent superterranes are enriched in Ba, Rb, Th, Nb, and Ta and depleted in Y and REE from Sm to Lu. However, all studied peridotites are characterized by mainly superchondritic values of Nb/Ta (>17.4), Zr/Hf (>36.1), Nb/Y (>0.158), and Zr/Y (>2.474). The Nb/Y ratio is predominantly >1.0 in SC peridotites and < 1.0 in the superterrane peridotites. The Nd and Sr isotopic compositions in the latter correspond to those of oceanic basalts. The 187Os/188Os ratio is low (0.108–0.115) in the peridotites of the Siberian Craton and > 0.115 but usually lower than 0.1296 (primitive upper mantle value) in the peridotites of the Dzhugdzhur–Stanovoy and Barguzin–Vitim superterranes. Thus, the geochemical and isotopic composition of peridotites indicates different compositions and types of mantle beneath the Siberian craton and adjacent superterranes of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in the Early Archean, prior to the formation of 2.7–3.1 Ga eclogites in the cratonic mantle.

Milanriederite, a new vesuvianite-group mineral, was discovered in the Kombat deposit, Grootfontein district, Otjozondjupa region, Namibia, in association with baryte, calcite, jacobsite, hausmannite, glaucochroite and native copper. The new mineral forms dark brownish-red dipyramidal crystals up to 3 mm across. The major crystal form is {111} and the minor forms are {001}, {110}, and {100}. Milanriederite is brittle, has a Mohs hardness of six and an uneven fracture. Neither cleavage nor parting is observed. D meas = 3.53(2) g/cm3, D calc = 3.547 g/cm3. The new mineral is optically uniaxial (), ? = 1.744(3), e = 1.737(3). The infrared (IR) spectrum of milanriederite significantly differs from IR spectra of other vesuvianite-group minerals. According to Missbauer data, all iron in the mineral is trivalent. The chemical composition is (electron microprobe, H2O determined by gas chromatography of ignition products, wt%): Na2O 0.47, MgO 5.49, CaO 29.86, Mn2O3 1.40, Al2O3 9.75, Fe2O3 6.03, Y2O3 2.44, La2O3 4.43, Ce2O3 0.86, Pr2O3 0.32, Nd2O3 1.31, SiO2 34.84, H2O 2.9, total 100.10. The empirical formula based on 78 O atoms is [Ca16.48(La0.84Y0.67Ce0.16Nd0.24Pr0.06)Na0.47]S18.92(Al5.92Mg4.22 Fe 2.34 3 + Mn 0.55 3 + )S13.03Si17.95O68.04(OH)9.96. The simplified formula is (Ca,REE)19Fe3+Al4(Mg,Al,Fe3+)8Si18O68(OH,O)10. The crystal structure was refined to R = 0.027 for 1684 unique observed reflections with |F o| = 4sF. The mineral is tetragonal, P4/nnc, a = 15.6578(4), c = 11.8597(5) , V = 2907.6(2) 3, Z = 2. Milanriederite is the analogue of vesuvianite with Mg predominant at the Y3 site. The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [d, (I, %) (hkl)]: 2.970 (50) (511, 004), 2.774 (100) (204, 432, 440), 2.617 (87) (423, 531, 224, 522), 2.481 (30) (620), 2.143 (19) (315, 641), 1.676 (17) (921, 842, 436), 1.638 (38) (931, 526, 804, 922). The mineral is named in honour of Czech mineralogist Professor Milan Rieder (b. 1940), in recognition to his contributions to mineralogy and his service to the international mineralogical community.

The high-temperature (HT) behaviour of lobanovite, K2Na(Fe2+4Mg2Na)Ti2(Si4O12)2O2(OH)4, was studied using in situ powder X-ray diffraction in the temperature range 25-1000°C and ex situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction of 17 crystals quenched from different temperatures. HT iron oxidation associated with dehydroxylation starts at 450°C, similar to other ferrous-hydroxy-rich heterophyllosilicates such as astrophyllite and bafertisite. A prominent feature of lobanovite HT crystal chemistry is the redistribution of Fe and Mg+Mn cations over the M(2), M(3), M(4) sites of the octahedral (O) layer that accompanies iron oxidation and dehydroxylation. This HT redistribution of cations has not been observed in titanosilicates until now, and seems to be triggered by the need to maintain bond strengths at the apical oxygen atom of the TiO5 pyramid in the heteropolyhedral (H) layer during oxidation-dehydroxylation. Comparison of the HT behaviour of lobanovite with five-coordinated Ti and astrophyllite with six-coordinated Ti shows that the geometry of the Ti polyhedron plays a key role in the HT behaviour of heterophyllosilicates. The thermal expansion, geometrical changes and redistribution of site occupancies which occur in lobanovite under increasing temperature are reported. A brief discussion is given of minerals in which the cation ordering (usually for Fe and Mg) occurs together with iron oxidation-dehydroxylation at elevated temperatures: micas, amphiboles and tourmalines. Now this list is expanded by the inclusion of titanosilicate minerals.

The origin of spinel-garnet pyroxenite from xenoliths in Quaternary basaltoids of Spitsbergen Island (Svalbard Archipelago) is discussed. The rocks have a high concentration of Al2O3 and MgO and low Cr. The primary magmatic association Spl-Opx-Cpx and the high Al content in pyroxenes provide evidence for the formation of these rocks as cumulates of hydrous basaltic melts in the lower crust at a pressure of ~1.2 GPa. Transformation of the texture from the magmatic hypidiomorphic to the metamorphic granoblastic and growth of garnet at the expense of spinel and high-alumina pyroxenes indicate transport of rocks to a depth below the spinel/garnet phase transition boundary in the Cr2O3-free CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 system. The parameters of the Grt-Opx equilibrium range within 1060-1120 °C and 2.2-2.6 GPa. Thus, magmatic pyroxenite was transported to a great depth into the mantle, which provides evidence for delamination in the region of the lower continental crust containing ultramafic cumulates.

Using IR–Fourier spectrometry (FTIR) and simultaneous thermal analysis combined with quadrupole mass spectrometry of thermal decomposition products (STA + QMS), olivines and clinopyroxene from xenolites of spinel and garnet lherzolites contained in kimberlites and alkaline basalts were studied to confirm the occurrence of hydrogen and carbon within the structure of the minerals, as well as to specify the forms of H and C. The presence of hydroxyl ions (OH–) and molecules of crystal hydrate water (H2Ocryst) along with CO2, CH, CH2, and CH3 groups was detected, which remained within the structures of mantle minerals up to 1300°C (by the data of both techniques). The total water (OH–and H2Ocryst) was the prevailing component of the C–O–H system.

A line array of 14 ocean bottom seismographs was deployed on the Exmouth Plateau northwest of the North West Cape in Western Australia in December 2014–January 2015. Acoustic data collected with this array were used to evaluate the corridor of the southbound migration of pygmy blue whales of the eastern Indian Ocean population. It is found that pygmy blue whales tended to travel southward much further away from the Western Australian coast, at distances of up to 400 km from shore, than that expected from data on their northbound migration. This is an important observation providing additional information on the migration pattern of pygmy blue whales, which is crucial for assessing their population and migration by passive acoustic means.

A fleet of new Australian ocean bottom seismographs (OBSs) have broadband frequency range, and similar instruments are available at only five or six institutions globally. These OBSs are multi-purpose devices able to record passive-source seismic data (earthquakes, ambient noise) as well as active-source (airgun generated) data and, at the same time, to monitor seismic survey noise and whale calls for environmentally responsible exploration. OBS data collected during commercial seismic surveys in Australian waters prove that it is possible to image the velocity distribution of the whole crust and upper mantle from analysis of both reflected and refracted phases generated by an industry-standard broadband airgun array. This means that valuable information on a regional scale can be obtained as a by-product of commercial seismic surveys. Three-component recording capability of OBSs allows analysis of S-waves in addition to the P-waves that are conventionally used in marine reflection surveys.

The high-temperature behavior of bafertisite was studied by combination of techniques in order to characterize the temperature-induced iron oxidation associated with deprotonation of an octahedral layer. The chemical formula of bafertisite from Darai-Pioz alkaline complex (Tajikistan) determined by electron-microprobe analyzes and Mössbauer spectroscopy is Ba 2.11 (Fe _2.70^2+ Fe _0.17^3+ Mn 1.09 Zr 0.04 Na 0.03 ) (Ti 1.96 Nb 0.07 )(Si 2 O 7 ) 2 O 2 (OH 1.29 O 0.65 F 0.06 ) F 2 . In situ high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction revealed abrupt shift of reflections to the high-angle region and reduction of their intensity at T > 525 ∘ C. The Mössbauer spectroscopy studies indicated that the crystal structure of bafertisite contains Fe in octahedral sites as predominantly ferric ions with Fe 3+ / ΣFe = 0.06, whereas bafertisite annealed at T = 600 ∘ C has Fe in the same position with Fe 3+ / ΣFe up to 0.39. The differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyzes reveal the occurrence of a broad exothermic effect at T ∼ 537 ∘ C associated with the mass loss corresponding to deprotonation. Since in the studied sample of bafertisite, Fe 2+ apfu strongly prevails over OH apfu , the stoichiometric (charged-balanced) high-temperature oxidized modification cannot be obtained. In the paper, the high-temperature behavior of bafertisite is discussed and compared to that of astrophyllite.

The high-temperature behavior of bafertisite was studied by combination of techniques in order to characterize the temperature-induced iron oxidation associated with deprotonation of an octahedral layer. The chemical formula of bafertisite from Darai-Pioz alkaline complex (Tajikistan) determined by electron-microprobe analyzes and Mössbauer spectroscopy is Ba 2.11(Fe\({}_{2.70}^{2+}\)Fe\({}_{0.17}^{3+}\)Mn 1.09Zr 0.04Na 0.03) (Ti 1.96Nb 0.07)(Si 2 O 7)2 O 2(OH 1.29 O 0.65 F 0.06)F 2. In situ high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction revealed abrupt shift of reflections to the high-angle region and reduction of their intensity at T > 525 ∘C. The Mössbauer spectroscopy studies indicated that the crystal structure of bafertisite contains Fe in octahedral sites as predominantly ferric ions with Fe 3+/ ΣFe = 0.06, whereas bafertisite annealed at T = 600 ∘C has Fe in the same position with Fe 3+/ ΣFe up to 0.39. The differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyzes reveal the occurrence of a broad exothermic effect at T ∼ 537 ∘C associated with the mass loss corresponding to deprotonation. Since in the studied sample of bafertisite, Fe 2+ apfu strongly prevails over OH apfu, the stoichiometric (charged-balanced) high-temperature oxidized modification cannot be obtained. In the paper, the high-temperature behavior of bafertisite is discussed and compared to that of astrophyllite.

High-temperature X-ray powder-diffraction study of astrophyllite, K2NaFe7 2+Ti2(Si4O12)2O2(OH)4F, and investigation of the samples annealed at 600 and 700 °C, reveal the occurrence of a phase transformation due to the thermal iron oxidation coupled with (1) deprotonation according to the scheme Fe2+ + OH− → Fe3+ + O2− + ½H2 ↑, and (2) defluorination according to the scheme Fe2+ + F− → Fe3+ + O2−. The phase transformation occurs at 500 °C, it is irreversible and without symmetry changes. The mineral decomposes at 775 °C. Both astrophyllite and its high-temperature dehydroxylated (HT) modification are triclinic, P-1. The unit-cell parameters are a = 5.3752(1), b = 11.8956(3), c = 11.6554(3) Å, α = 113.157(3), β = 94.531(2), γ = 103.112(2)º, V = 655.47(3) Å3 for unheated astrophyllite, and a = 5.3287(4), b = 11.790(1), c = 11.4332(9) Å, α = 112.530(8), β = 94.539(6), γ = 103.683(7)º, V = 633.01(9) Å3 for the HT (annealed) modification of astrophyllite. The oxidation of iron is confirmed: (1) by the presence of an exothermic effect at 584 °C in the DTA/TG curves in an Ar–O atmosphere and its absence in an Ar–Ar atmosphere and (2) by ex situ Mössbauer spectroscopy that showed the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ in the samples heated to 700 °C. Deprotonation was detected by the evolution of IR spectra in the region 3600–3000 cm−1 for astrophyllite and its HT modification. Defluorination was detected by the presence of F in the electron microprobe analysis of unheated astrophyllite and the absence of F in the analysis of unpolished heated astrophyllite. The significant difference between astrophyllite and its HT modification is in the reduction of the M–O interatomic distances after heating to 500 °C and the distortion indices of the MO6 and Dφ6 octahedra. Thermal behaviour of astrophyllite in the 25–475 °C temperature range can be described as a volume thermal expansion with maximal coefficient of thermal expansion in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the HOH layers. In contrast, the HT phase experiences a strong contraction in the 600–775 °C temperature range, again in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the HOH layers.

High-temperature X-ray powder-diffraction study of astrophyllite, K2NaFe7 2+Ti2(Si4O12)2O2(OH)4F, and investigation of the samples annealed at 600 and 700 °C, reveal the occurrence of a phase transformation due to the thermal iron oxidation coupled with (1) deprotonation according to the scheme Fe2+ + OH− → Fe3+ + O2− + ½H2 ↑, and (2) defluorination according to the scheme Fe2+ + F− → Fe3+ + O2−. The phase transformation occurs at 500 °C, it is irreversible and without symmetry changes. The mineral decomposes at 775 °C. Both astrophyllite and its high-temperature dehydroxylated (HT) modification are triclinic, P-1. The unit-cell parameters are a = 5.3752(1), b = 11.8956(3), c = 11.6554(3) Å, α = 113.157(3), β = 94.531(2), γ = 103.112(2)º, V = 655.47(3) Å3 for unheated astrophyllite, and a = 5.3287(4), b = 11.790(1), c = 11.4332(9) Å, α = 112.530(8), β = 94.539(6), γ = 103.683(7)º, V = 633.01(9) Å3 for the HT (annealed) modification of astrophyllite. The oxidation of iron is confirmed: (1) by the presence of an exothermic effect at 584 °C in the DTA/TG curves in an Ar–O atmosphere and its absence in an Ar–Ar atmosphere and (2) by ex situ Mössbauer spectroscopy that showed the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ in the samples heated to 700 °C. Deprotonation was detected by the evolution of IR spectra in the region 3600–3000 cm−1 for astrophyllite and its HT modification. Defluorination was detected by the presence of F in the electron microprobe analysis of unheated astrophyllite and the absence of F in the analysis of unpolished heated astrophyllite. The significant difference between astrophyllite and its HT modification is in the reduction of the M–O interatomic distances after heating to 500 °C and the distortion indices of the MO6 and Dφ6 octahedra. Thermal behaviour of astrophyllite in the 25–475 °C temperature range can be described as a volume thermal expansion with maximal coefficient of thermal expansion in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the HOH layers. In contrast, the HT phase experiences a strong contraction in the 600–775 °C temperature range, again in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the HOH layers.