Mantle-derived argon components in phlogopite from southern African kimberlites
Application of the /sup 40/Ar//sup 39/Ar dating technique to kimberlite geochronology often yields discordant spectra with ages that are much older than the inferred time of emplacement of the kimberlite body. In the past, these anomalously high ages have been attributed to the presence of excess radiogenic /sup 49/Ar incorporated into the mineral phases either pre- or syn- emplacement of the kimberlite. Detailed /sup 40/Ar//sup 39/Ar stepheating analyses on phlogopite xenocrysts from Southern African kimberlites revealed the presence of excess argon. Discrimination between different reservoirs of argon, contained in the phlogopite, was best achieved using plots of /sup 36/Ar//sup 40/Ar versus /sup 39/Ar//sup 40/Ar. High /sup 36/Ar//sup 40/Ar ratios for the low temperature steps are interpreted as resulting from atmospheric contamination (/sup 40/Ar//sup 36/Ar = 295.5). At the highest temperature steps (1100/sup 0/-1200/sup 0/C), the /sup 36/Ar//sup 40/Ar ratios increase dramatically. Least squares fits of the high temperature components yield /sup 40/Ar//sup 36/Ar initial ratios ranging from 340 to 366. These values correspond closely to those obtained by Allegre et al. (1983) for Hawaiian basalts. This suggest that either the xenocrystic phlogopites within the kimberlites or the vapor phase within which they crystallized were derived from an undegassed mantle source. The release of this mantle reservoir at high temperatures requires a high retentivity site for the argon within the phlogopite structure. As phlogopite appears to retain its structural water to high temperatures, the argon may be trapped within the hydroxyl sites of the mica.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Univ., NJ (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6457848
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8510489-
- Journal Information:
- Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Vol. 17; Conference: 98. annual meeting of the Geological Society of America, Orlando, FL, USA, 28 Oct 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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