In Situ Geochemical and Sr–Nd Isotope Analyses of Apatite from the Shaxiongdong Alkaline–Carbonatite Complex (South Qinling, China): Implications for Magma Evolution and Mantle Source

Abstract

We present in situ major element, trace element, and Sr–Nd isotope data of apatite from an alkaline–carbonatite intrusion in the South Qinling Belt (SQB) to investigate their magma evolution and mantle sources. The Shaxiongdong (SXD) complex consists predominantly of the early Paleozoic hornblendite, nepheline syenite, and subordinate Triassic carbonatite. Apatites from all lithologies are euhedral to subhedral and belong to fluorapatite. Elemental substitution varies from REE3+ + Na+ + Sr2+ ↔ 3Ca2+ in carbonatite and syenite apatite to Si4+ + 2Na+ + 2S6+ + 4REE3+ ↔ 4P5+ + 5Ca2+ in hornblendite apatite. Apatites are characterized by enriched rare earth elements (REEs) and depleted high field strength elements (HFSEs). They record the distinct evolution of their parental magmas. The weak, negative Eu anomaly in hornblendite apatite, together with the lack of Eu anomalies in the bulk rocks, indicates a relatively reduced magma. The Sr–Nd isotope data of the apatite in SXD carbonatite, falling on the East African carbonatite line (EACL) and close to the field of Oldoinyo Lengai carbonatite, indicate that the SXD carbonatite is derived from a mixed mantle source consisting of the HIMU component and subducted sedimentary carbonates. The similarity in Sr and Nd isotopic compositions between the SXD hornblendite and syenite apatites and the early Paleozoic mafic-ultramafic dykes in the SQB suggests that they may share a common metasomatized lithospheric mantle source.