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Mineralogical and geochemical study was done on weakly deformed, relatively thin pegmatites that intruded the marbles of the Rhodope metamorphic complex in the Djurkovo Pb-Zn deposit, Central Rhodopes. The pegmatites consist mainly of K-feldspar and quartz and contain minor garnet; the pegmatites lack clear zonation except for the preferable crystallization of the garnet in the central parts. The main accessory minerals are ishikawaite, zircon, monazite-(Ce), apatite, and titanite. The textural relationships indicate later hydrothermal alteration of pegmatites which led to the formation of albite, epidote, sericite, chlorite, carbonate, quartz and leucoxene. The (REE+Y, ACT, Nb, Ta, Ti)-bearing pegmatite minerals (oxides, silicates and phosphates) are partly leached and/or replaced by secondary ones. The newly-formed phases precipitated as anhedral grains along fractures and dissolved zones onto/ or close to the primary minerals due to the limited mobility of the incompatible elements in fluids conditioned by pH, ligand activity and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The system B2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 (BAS) includes two ternary phases occurring naturally, boromullite, Al9BSi2O19, and boralsilite, Al16B6Si2O37, as well as synthetic compounds structurally related to mullite. The new mineral vránaite, a third naturally occurring anhydrous ternary BAS phase, is found with albite and K-feldspar as a breakdown product of spodumene in the elbaite-subtype Manjaka granitic pegmatite, Sahatany Valley, Madagascar. Boralsilite also occurs in this association, although separately from vránaite; both minerals form rare aggregates of subparallel prisms up to 100 µm long. Optically, vránaite is biaxial (-), nα = 1.607(1), nβ = 1.634(1), nγ = 1.637(1) (white light), 2Vx(calc) = 36.4°, X ≈ c; Y ≈ a; Z = b. An averaged analysis by EMP and LA-ICP-MS (Li, Be) gives (wt%) SiO2 20.24, B2O3 11.73, Al2O3 64.77, BeO 1.03, MnO 0.01, FeO 0.13, Li2O 1.40, Sum 99.31. Raman spectroscopy in the 3000-4000 cm-1 region rules out the presence of significant OH or H2O. Vránaite is monoclinic, space group I2/m, a = 10.3832(12), b = 5.6682(7), c = 10.8228(12) Å, β = 90.106(11)°; V = 636.97(13) ų, Z = 1. In the structure [R1 = 0.0416 for 550 Fo > 4σFo], chains of AlO6 octahedra run parallel to [010] and are cross-linked by Si2O7 disilicate groups, BO3 triangles, and clusters of AlO4 and two AlO5 polyhedra. Two Al positions with fivefold coordination, Al4 and Al5, are too close to one another to be occupied simultaneously; their refined site-occupancy factors are 54% and 20% occupancy, respectively. Al5 is fivefold-coordinated Al when the Al9 site and both O9 sites are occupied, a situation giving a reasonable structure model as it explains why occupancies of the Al5 and O9 sites are almost equal. Bond valence calculations for the Al4 site suggest Li is likely to be sited here, whereas Be is most probably at the Al5 site. One of the nine O sites is only 20% occupied; this O9 site completes the coordination of the Al5 site and is located at the fourth corner of what could be a partially occupied BO4 tetrahedron, in which case the B site is shifted out of the plane of the BO3 triangle. However, this shift remains an inference as we have no evidence for a split position of the B atom. If all sites were filled (Al4 and Al5 to 50%), the formula becomes Al16B4Si4O38, close to Li1.08Be0.47Fe0.02Al14.65B3.89Si3.88O36.62 calculated from the analyses assuming cations sum to 24. The compatibility index based on the Gladstone-Dale relationship is 0.001 ("superior"). Assemblages with vránaite and boralsilite are inferred to represent initial reaction products of a residual liquid rich in Li, Be, Na, K, and B during a pressure and chemical quench, but at low H2O activities due to early melt contamination by carbonate in the host rocks. The two BAS phases are interpreted to have crystallized metastably in lieu of dumortierite in accordance with Ostwald Step Rule, possibly first as "boron mullite," then as monoclinic phases. The presence of such metastable phases is suggestive that pegmatites crystallize, at least partially, by disequilibrium processes, with significant undercooling, and at high viscosities, which limit diffusion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using type material from the Österby pegmatite in Dalarna, Sweden, the chemical composition and structural parameters of thalénite-(Y) [ideally Y3Si3O10(OH)] were examined by wavelength dispersive spectroscopy electron microprobe (WDS EMP) analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. High contrast back-scatter electron images of the Österby material show at least two generations of thalénite-(Y). The formula of the primary thalénite-(Y) normalized to 11 anions is (Y2.58Dy0.11Yb0.09Gd0.06Er0.06Ho0.02Sm0.02Tb0.02Lu0.02Nd0.01Tm0.01)Σ3.00Si3.01O10F0.97OH0.03. The secondary thalénite-(Y), replacing the primary material, is weakly enhanced in Y and depleted in the lightest and the heaviest rare-earth elements, yielding the formula (Y2.63Dy0.12Yb0.06Gd0.06Er0.05Ho0.02Sm0.02Tb0.02Tm0.01Nd0.01Lu0.01)Σ3.00Si3.01O10F0.98OH0.02. Structural data for thalénite-(Y) from Österby clearly indicate the monoclinic space group P21/n, with a= 7.3464(4), b= 11.1726(5), c= 10.4180(5) Å, β = 97.318(4)°, V= 848.13(7) Å3, Z= 4, which is consistent with previous investigations. The structure was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to R1= 0.0371 for 1503 unique observed reflections, and the final chemical composition obtained from the refinement, (Y2.64Dy0.36)Σ3.00F0.987[Si3O10], Z= 4, is in good agreement with the empirical formula resulting from electron microprobe (EMP) analysis. Both techniques reveal a strong dominance of F over OH, which means that the type material actually corresponds to the fluorine analogue. Moreover, new EMP analyses of samples of thalénite-(Y) from an additional seven localities (Åskagen and Reunavare in Sweden; White Cloud and Snow Flake in Colorado, USA; the Guy Hazel claim in Arizona, USA; Suishoyama and Souri in Japan) clearly show the prevalence of F over OH as well. Based on these observations, the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association has recommended a redefinition of the chemical composition of thalénite-(Y) to represent the F-dominant species with the ideal formula Y3Si3O10F, as it has historical priority. Consequently, the later described fluorthalénite-(Y) has to be discredited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary black thick-prismatic Al-rich schorl to rare fluor-schorl (TurP1), locally overgrown by brownish-green Li-rich fluor-schorl to fluor-elbaite (TurP2) from the Kracovice pegmatite (mixed NYF+LCT signature), was partly replaced by secondary Li-rich fluor-schorl to fluor-elbaite (TurS) plus the assemblage REE-bearing epidote-group mineral + chamosite. Primary Al-rich schorl (TurP1) shows high and variable contents of Sc (33-364 ppm) and Y+REE (40-458 ppm) with steep, LREE-enriched REE pattern. Overgrowing (TurP2) and replacing (TurS) Li-rich fluor-schorl to fluor-elbaite is typically depleted in Sc (21-60 ppm) and Y+REE (3-47 ppm) with well-developed tetrad effect in the first (La-Nd) and the second (Sm-Gd) tetrads. Scandium- and REE-rich black tourmaline (TurP1) crystallized earlier from the melt, whereas crystallization of primary Li-rich fluor-schorl to fluor-elbaite (TurP2) most likely took place during late magmatic to early hydrothermal conditions. Both the secondary Li-rich fluor-schorl to fluor-elbaite (TurS) and the unusual assemblage of REE-bearing epidotegroup mineral + chamosite are likely coeval products of subsolidus reactions of the magmatic Al-rich schorl (TurP1) with evolved REE-poor, Li,F-rich, alkaline pegmatite-derived fluids. Well-crystalline REE-bearing epidote-group mineral (Y+REE = 0.42-0.60 apfu) confirmed by Raman spectroscopy has a steep, LREE-rich chondrite-normalized REE pattern with significant negative Eu anomaly and shows variable and high contents of Sc (≤3.3 wt% Sc2O3) and Sn (≤1.0 wt% SnO2). Substitution ScAl-1 and minor vacancy in the octahedral sites are suggested in the REE-bearing epidote-group mineral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourmalines from NYF and mixed (NYF + LCT) pegmatites of the Třebíč Pluton (Moldanubian Zone, Czech Republic) are generally characterized by variable and relatively high concentrations of Y + REE (4-457 ppm) and Sc (18-765 ppm). They show enrichment in LREE (Ce > La); the chondrite-normalized REE patterns decrease uniformly from La to Tb; Tb to Tm are mostly below the detection limits (< 0.01-0.08 ppm) and are followed by an upturn to Yb and Lu. Our textural and paragenetic observations indicate that growth of magmatic tourmaline reflects Y + REE contents in the melt. Tourmaline is highly compatible with Sc and shows exceptionally high contents of Sc compared to the analyzed host pegmatite units (less than 1 ppm Sc). The contents of Sc positively correlate with ΣY + REE. Two distinct evolutionary trends of trace-elements in tourmaline were distinguished. (i) A conspicuous increase in Y + REE and Sc in tourmaline (dravite, Ca-rich dravite) from primitive euxenite-type pegmatites reflects their enrichment in the melt with the progressive crystallization and fractionation. It also was enhanced by low P (< 0.02 wt. % P205) and Ca contents (<0.8 wt. % CaO) in host pegmatite unit preventing precipitation of Y + REE phosphates and allanite, respectively. (ii) Tourmaline (schorl, fluor-schorl, fluor-elbaite) from more evolved pegmatites (evolved euxenite-type and mixed (NYF + LCT) pegmatite) show a depletion in REE and Sc with progressive crystallization reflecting most likely the coeval precipitation of REE-rich minerals, especially monazite-(Ce), xenotime-(Y), samarskite- and aeschynite-group minerals. The Eu anomalies in tourmaline vary significantly from positive (up to Eu/Eu* ∼ 16) to substantially negative ones and are related to the Eu contents in the melt and degree of its fractionation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allanite-(Nd), ideally CaNdAl2Fe2+ (SiO4+)(Si2O7)O(OH), the Nd-analog of allanite-(Ce), occurs in the Åskagen pegmatite, central Sweden. It forms fine-grained aggregates within altered thalénite-(Y). The other associated minerals include: iimoriite-(Y), keiviite-(Y), allanite-(Y), and tengerite-(Y). Allanite-(Nd) is biaxial (--); with refractive indices α = 1.723(5), β = 1.754(7), γ = 1.772(5), and measured 2V = 82°(±3°). Larger fragments of allanite-(Nd) are moderately pleochroic (α = pale grayish-brown, γ = grayish-brown); small fragments are colorless. Allanite-(Nd) is monoclinic, space group P21/m, with the following unit-cell parameters: a; = 8.8897(5), b = 5.7308(2), c = 10.1010(6) Å, β = 115.166(7)°, V = 465.75(4) ų, Z = 2. The strongest five peaks from the X-ray powder diffraction patterns [d (Å)(I )(hkl)] are: 3.51(46)(2̄11), 2.89(100)(1̄13), 2.87(45)(020), 2.70(60)(120), 2.61(60)( 4̄11). Allanite-(Nd) has a density of 3.98 g/cm³, vitreous luster, grayish-brown streak, and the Mohs hardness is ca. 6. It is brittle, with imperfect cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed Fe3+/Fetot ratio of 0.27 in the type sample. The refined empirical formula of the crystal used for the structure determination is: A1 (Ca0.957Mn0.043)Σ1.000 A2(Nd0.337Ca0.154Sm0.131 Ce0.125Y0.112Gd0.062Pr0.051 Dy0.016La0.007Er0.005) Σ1.000M1(Al0.860Due to image rights restrictions, multiple line equation(s) cannot be graphically displayed.)Σ1.000M2AlM3 (Due to image rights restrictions, multiple line equation(s) cannot be graphically displayed.)Σ1.000T1,2,3 Si3O11.978(OH)1.032. The allanite-(Nd) was approved by CNMNC (IMA 2010-060). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improperly described association, further called "pisekite" aggregate, of fine-grained, mostly metamict U, Th-enriched Y, REE, Nb, Ta, Ti-oxide minerals from Obrazek I pegmatite, Pisek, forms an intimate mixture of polycrase-(Y), samarskite-(Y) and fergusonite-(Y). It underwent a low-temperature hydrothermal alteration the products of which are depleted in Y and REE > U and significantly enriched in Si, As and P. Two distinct assemblages of secondary phases were recognized to be associated with "pisekite" aggregate, namely (i) that developed within the central parts of the aggregate and (ii) pocket assemblage in albite adjacent to it. Both assemblages are dominated by Fe-rich smectite. "Pisekite" aggregate is intensively replaced by U, Nb, Ti, Fe, As, P-rich phases of variable chemical composition: phase A (Nb > Ti > Fe > U > As) from the first assemblage, as well as phases B (U ~ Nb >Ti > As > P > Fe) and C (U > Nb > As > Fe > Ti) from the second assemblage. Associated pharmacosiderite and kahlerite/metakahlerite as well as Fe-rich smectite indicate a low temperature of the alteration processes (less than 150-200 °C). Whereas the "pisekite" aggregate was the likely source of U, Nb and Ti, arsenopyrite of the host pegmatite yielded As with Fe. The textural features show that the Fe-rich smectite replacement by the U, Nb-rich phases A, B and C took place on a micrometer scale, and these highly heterogeneous U, Nb-rich phases likely represent a mixture of nanoscale, possibly amorphous hydrated oxides, phosphates-arsenates as well as silicates of U, Fe and Ca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complex assemblage of Nb-Ta-(Sn) oxide minerals occur in a relatively narrow (~1−2 m thick) extensively albitized, Hercynian granitic pegmatite dike intruding biotite granodiorites near Bratislava, SW Slovakia. The dike shows enrichment in beryl (locally Cs-rich) but absence of Li- and B-rich phases. Compositions and textural relationships indicate complex evolutions of Nb-Ta oxide phases with several generations presenting distinct textural and compositional features. The first generation of the Nb-Ta minerals from the quartz-microcline-muscovite zone show Ta,Fe-rich compositions with Ta# [Ta/(Ta + Nb)] = 0.52−0.70 (Ct I columbite-tantalite), 0.88−0.90 (Tap I ferrotapiolite) and 0.73−0.86 (Fw I ferrowodginite); Mn# [Mn/(Mn + Fe)] = 0.32−0.49 (Ct I), 0.06−0.10 (Tap I) and 0.33−0.41 (Fw I). The 2nd generation is represented by ferrocolumbite to ferrotantalite (Ct II) in saccharoidal albite zone, replacement zones of Ct II in Ct I, and irregular overgrowths of ferrotapiolite (Tap II) and ferrowodginite (Fw II) on Tap I grains. The minerals of the 2nd generation show decreasing of Ta# in comparison to the 1st group: 0.10−0.60 (Ct II), 0.85−0.87 (Tap II) and 0.73−0.77 (Fw II); Mn# attains 0.30−0.45 (Ct II), 0.06−0.09 (Tap II) and 0.26−0.37 (Fw II). The 3rd generation includes fissure fillings, overgrowths and replacement zones of manganocolumbite and manganotantalite (Ct III), ferrotapiolite (Tap III) and ferrowodginite (Fw III) on the older Nb-Ta phases (Ct I, Tap I, Fw I, Fw II), in the coarse-grained unit. The 3rd population displays distinct Mn# increasing (Ct III: 0.51−0.69, Tap III: 0.11−0.24, Fw III: 0.40−0.41), Ta# values reach 0.16−0.79 (Ct III), 0.88−0.92 (Tap III) and 0.80−0.81 (Fw III). The latest, 4th generation of the Nb-Ta phases represents irregular veinlets and patches of fluorcalciomicrolite, replacing Ct I, Tap I, Fw I, Ct II and Tap III. Decrease of Ta/(Ta + Nb) values in Ct II from the saccharoidal albite unit can be explained by crystallization from the albite-rich melt, which was significantly impoverished in Ta with respect to Nb, after crystallization of Ta-rich phases from the 1st generation (ferrotapiolite I, ferrowodginite I). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pegmatite from Vernéřov near Aš (W Bohemia) forms a steeply dipping, about 1 m stick, more than 1 km long dyke, examined to the depth more than 200 m. The pegmatite is homogeneous, without any type of zonality. The major pegmatite dyke is accompanied by a swarm of thin (up to 10 cm thick) veins. The minerals in dyke and veins originated in several episodes: (1) intrusion of granitic melt and crystalization of the main pegmatite dyke quartz+orthoclase+montebrasite, (2) origin of hydrothermal quartz-feldspar veins with common cassiterite and contemporary crystalization of cassiterite in the main pegmatite dyke, (3) crystallization of Sn-Zn-Fe-Cu-sulfides, namely stannite with admixtures of kësterite, (4) crystallization of Ag-Bi-Pb-sulfides, intenzive replacement of primary silicates with fine-grained muscovite, replacement of stannite with young cassiterite, replacement of montebrasite by hydrous Al-phosphates, (5) crystallization of strongly hydrated Al- and Fe-phosphates. The pegmatite is rich in P, Li, and Sn, but poor in F. Minerals of B or Be were not found. The only primary Li-mineral and substantial P-host is montebrasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gadolinite [REE2Fe2+Be2Si2O10] is a common mineral in certain types of rare element and rare earth element (REL-REE) pegmatites. Changes in pegmatite environment during and after gadolinite formation may be devised by studying its crystal-chemical properties and a thorough observation of microfeatures in the mineral matrix. Post-crystallization processes in pegmatite might trigger alteration mechanisms in gadolinite like in other REE-rich pegmatite minerals, whereby various latemagmatic or metasomatic events may affect mineral chemistry. Three gadolinite samples originating from various pegmatite occurrences in southern Norway offer an excellent opportunity in studying post-crystallization evolution of the pegmatites; by determining their crystallographic, chemical, and micro-textural features, imprints of the related processes in the pegmatites have been characterized in this study. Relevant mineral information was collected in recrystallization experiments of fully or slightly metamictized gadolinite samples and subsequent XRD analyses. Micro-Raman spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), and scanning electron microscope-backscattered electron-energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-BSE-EDS) analyses were employed to retrieve micro-chemical properties and related micro-textural features of the mineral matrix. With a reference to the gadolinite supergroup, a general alteration path can be envisaged outlining the pegmatite evolution and suggesting the occurrence of the secondary REE mineral phases: altered gadolinite domains prove Ca enrichment with a tendency toward the hingganite composition, while a slight fluorine increase and sporadic secondary fluorite occurrence imply a significant role of fluorine as a complexing agent in the dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism of metasomatic alteration in the mineral. Micro-Raman spectra show improved vibration statistics for the altered gadolinite domains, which could be linked to the substitution of rare earth elements (REE) by Ca and a possible increase of structural ordering within the gadolinite structure, being at the same time an indication of structural healing of metamictized domains by metasomatic processes. A study of microfeatures in the complex silicates like gadolinite proves to be an excellent tool to trace post-crystallization processes in a pegmatitic environment. With a slight redistribution of radionuclides during an alteration in gadolinite, a moderate precaution has to be taken when selecting gadolinite for U-Th-Pb dating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At Arvogno, Vigezzo valley in the Central Alps, Italy, pegmatite dikes are unique in the scenario of a tertiary alpine pegmatite field because they show marked geochemical and mineralogical niobium–yttrium–fluorine features. These pegmatites contain AB2O6 aeschynite group minerals and ABX2O8 euxenite group minerals as typical accessory minerals including aeschynite-(Y), polycrase-(Y), and samarskite-(Y). They are associated with additional typical minerals such as fluorite, Y-dominant silicates, and xenotime-(Y). The Y–Nb–Ti–Ta AB2O6 and ABX2O8 oxides at the Arvogno pegmatites did not exhibit any textural and compositional features of oxidation or weathering. They are characterized by low self-radiation-induced structural damage, leading to the acquisition of unit-cell data for aeschynite-(Y), polycrase-(Y), and samarskite-(Y) by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Aeschynite-(Y) and polycrase-(Y) crystals allowed for both to provide space groups whereas samarskite-(Y) was the first crystal from pegmatites for which cell-data were obtained at room temperature but did not allow for the accurate determination of the space group. According to the chemical compositions defined by Ti-dominant content at the B-site, the cell parameters, respectively, corresponded to polycrase-(Y), aeschynite-(Y), and the monoclinic cell of samarskite-(Y). Emplacement of Alpine pegmatites can be related to the progressive regional metamorphic rejuvenation from east to west in the Central Alps, considering the progressive cooling of the thermal Lepontine Barrovian metamorphic dome. Previous studies considered magmatic pulses that led to emplace the pegmatite field in the Central Alps. As an example, the pegmatites that intruded the Bergell massif were aged at 28–25 millions of years or younger, around 20–22 m.y. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral assemblages of primary and secondary Be-minerals were examined in intraplutonic euxenite-type NYF pegmatites of the Třebíč Pluton, Moldanubian Zone occurring between Třebíč and Vladislav south of the Třebíč fault. Primary magmatic Be-minerals crystallized mainly in massive pegmatite (paragenetic type I) including common beryl I, helvite-danalite I, and a rare phenakite I. Rare primary hydrothermal beryl II and phenakite II occur in miarolitic pockets (paragenetic type II). Secondary hydrothermal Be-minerals replaced primary precursors or filled fractures and secondary cavities, or they are associated with ,,adularia" and quartz (paragenetic type III). They include minerals of bohseite-bavenite series, less abundant beryl III, bazzite III, helvite-danalite III, milarite-agakhanovite-(Y) III, phenakite III, and datolite-hingganite-(Y) III. Chemical composition of the individual minerals is characterized by elevated contents of Na, Cs, Mg, Fe, Sc in beryl I and II; Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al in bazzite III; REE in milarite-agakhanovite-(Y) III; variations in Fe/Mn in helvite-danalite and high variation of Al in bohseite-bavenite series. Replacement reactions of primary Be- -minerals are commonly complex and the sequence of crystallization of secondary Be-minerals is not defined; minerals of bohseite-bavenite series are mostly the latest. Beryl usually occurs in pegmatites with rare tourmaline, whereas helvite- -danalite bearing pegmatites are tourmaline-rich. Abundant tourmaline in pegmatites with helvite-danalite and its scarcity in beryl-bearing pegmatites indicate that early tourmaline crystallization affected activity of Al in the parental medium and thus may have controlled formation of primary Be-minerals (beryl - higher Al, helvite-danalite - lower Al) which crystallized later. Secondary Be-minerals with dominant minerals of bohseite-bavenite series and milarite suggest high activity of Ca in fluids. Variations in chemical composition (Al contents) of bohseite-bavenite series were controlled by the chemical composition of the precursor. High variability of primary magmatic Be-minerals within a single pegmatite district is exceptional and it is constrained by variable activities of Si and mainly Al, divalent cations - Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn and Mg, trivalent cations - REEs, Sc, and B, S, and fO2 in the individual pegmatites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paragenesis and composition of bavenite–bohseite were investigated in fifteen granitic pegmatites from the Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic. Three types distinct in their relation to primary Be precursors, mineral assemblages, morphology and origin were recognised: (1) primary hydrothermal bavenite–bohseite crystallised in miarolitic pockets from residual pegmatite fluids; and secondary bavenite– bohseite in two distinct types: (2) a proximal type restricted spatially to pseudomorphs after a primary Be mineral (beryl > phenakite, helvine–danalite); and (3) a distal type on brittle fractures and fissures of host pegmatite. The mineral assemblages are highly variable: (1) axinite-(Mn), smectite, calcite and pyrite; (2) bertrandite, milarite, secondary beryl, bazzite, K-feldspar, muscovite–illite, scolecite, gismondine-Ca, analcime, chlorite; and (3) muscovite, albite, quartz, epidote, pumpellyite-(Mg), pumpellyite-(Fe3+), titanite and chlorite. Electron microprobe analyses showed, in addition to major constituents (Si, Ca and Al), minor concentrations (in apfu) of Na (≤0.24), Fe (≤0.10), Mn (≤0.10) and F (≤0.36). The type 1 hydrothermal miarolitic bavenite–bohseite is mostly Al-rich (2.00–0.67 apfu) relative to type 2 proximal bavenite–bohseite and bohseite after beryl, phenakite and helvine–danalite (1.56–0.46, 0.70–0.05, 1.02–0.35 apfu, respectively); and type 3 distal bavenite–bohseite typically after beryl (1.63–0.09 apfu). Raman spectroscopy revealed that the distance between the OH– vibrational modes decreases with increasing bohseite component. The Al content of secondary type 2 proximal bavenite–bohseite is controlled by the composition of the Be precursor whereas type 3 distal bavenite–bohseite with beryl as the Be precursor is more variable and the composition is governed mainly by the composition of fluids. Calcium, a crucial component for bavenite– bohseite origins, was derived from residual pegmatite fluids (Vlastějovice, Vepice IV or Třebíč Plutons) or external sources (e.g. Drahonín IV, Věžná I or Maršíkov). Primary type 1 hydrothermal bavenite–bohseite from miarolitic pockets might have crystallised at T ≈ 300– 400°C and P ≈ 200 MPa, whereas the secondary type 2 and 3 bavenite–bohseite formed at T ≈ 300–100°C and P ≈ 200–20 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three distinct types (A, B and C) of secondary pretulite (ScPO 4 ) were found in a single andalusite-diaspore nodule from the quartz core of the pegmatite dyke No. 3, Dolní Bory, Czech Republic. Primary crystallization of the nodule containing pretulite precursors - Sc, Y, U, P-rich zircon and Sc,W-rich ixiolite - proceeded at T ≤ 410 °C and P ≤ 2 kbar. Subsequent subsolidus hydrothermal alteration at T ≈ 350–300 °C transformed part of the andalusite to pyrophyllite, and triggered complete dissolution of Sc, Y, U, P-rich zircon I. In-situ reprecipitation produced Y, U-depleted zircon II with common inclusions of xenotime II and pretulite A (0.88–0.92 apfu Sc, 0.04–0.07 apfu Zr, < 0.03 apfu Y). During the same process recrystallization of Sc, W-rich ixiolite produced heterogeneous pretulite B (0.21–0.89 apfu Sc, 0.09–0.78 apfu Zr, ≤ 0.07 apfu Y). The origin of pretulite C (almost ideal ScPO 4 ) closely associated with pyrophyllite replacing andalusite and distant from the potential Sc-precursors is explained by the separation of Sc from other HFSE present in the original precursors, which were immobile probably due to absence of suitable strong ligands in the fluids. Saturation of any Sc-dominant mineral (except thortveitite, Sc 2 Si 2 O 7 ) is almost never achieved during primary magmatic crystallization due to the extremely high compatibility of Sc; consequently, the processes of hydrothermal alteration of Sc-enriched precursors and the selective mobilization and fractionation of Sc from other HFSE are important for the formation of scandium minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mineral assemblage involving grandidierite, ominelite, boralsilite, werdingite, dumortierite (locally Sb, Ti-rich), tourmaline, and corundum, along with the matrix minerals K-feldspar, quartz, and plagioclase, was found in a veinlet cutting leucocratic granulite at Horní Bory, Bory Granulite Massif, Moldanubian Zone of the Bohemian Massif. Zoned crystals of primary grandidierite to ominelite enclosed in quartz are locally overgrown by prismatic crystals of boralsilite and Fe-rich werdingite. Boralsilite also occurs as separate cross-shaped plumose aggregates with Fe-rich werdingite in quartz. Grandidierite is commonly rimmed by a narrow zone of secondary tourmaline or is partially replaced by the assemblage tourmaline + corundum ± hercynite. Grandidierite (XFe = 0.34-0.71) exhibits dominant FeMg-1 substitution and elevated contents of Li (120-1890 ppm). Boralsilite formula ranges from Al15.97B6.20Si1.80O37 to Al15.65B5.29Si2.71O37 and the formula of werdingite ranges from (Fe,Mg)1.44Al14.61B4.00Si3.80 O37 to (Fe,Mg)1.22Al14.86B4.25Si3.55 O37. Dumortierite and Sb,Ti-rich dumortierite occur as zoned crystals with zones poor in minor elements (=0.12 apfu Fe+Mg) and zones enriched in Sb (=0.46 apfu) and Ti (=0.25 apfu). Secondary tourmaline (XFe = 0.44-0.75) of the schorl-magnesiofotite-foitite-olenite solid solution occurs as a replacement product of grandidierite, rarely boralsilite. Other accessory minerals in the veinlet include monazite-(Ce), ilmenite, rutile, ferberite, srilankite, löllingite, arsenopyrite, and apatite. Formation of the borosilicate-bearing veinlet post-dates the development of foliation in the host granulite and is related to the decompressional process. The assemblage most probably originated from a H2O-poor system at T ~ 750 °C and P ~ 6-8 kbar. Textural relations as well as geological position of the borosilicate veinlet suggest that it represents the earliest intrusion related to pegmatites in the Bory Granulite Massif. Younger granitic pegmatites in the area are characterized by high contents of B, Al, P, Fe, and minor concentrations of W, Ti, Zr, Sc, and Sb. All pegmatite types probably formed within a short time period of ~5 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thalénite-(Y), ideally Y3Si3O10F, is a heavy-rare-earth-rich silicate phase occurring in granite pegmatites that may help to illustrate rare-earth element (REE) chemistry and behaviour in natural systems. The crystal structure and mineral chemistry of thalénite-(Y) were analysed by electron microprobe analysis, X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy from a new locality in the peralkaline granite of the Golden Horn batholith, Okanogan County, Washington State, USA, in comparison with new analyses from the White Cloud pegmatite in the Pikes Peak batholith, Colorado, USA. The Golden Horn thalénite-(Y) occurs as late-stage sub-millimetre euhedral bladed transparent crystals in small miarolitic cavities in an arfvedsonite-bearing biotite granite. It exhibits growth zoning with distinct heavy-rare-earth element (HREE) vs. light-rare-earth element (LREE) enriched zones. The White Cloud thalénite-(Y) occurs in two distinct anhedral and botryoidal crystal habits of mostly homogenous composition. In addition, minor secondary thalénite-(Y) is recognized by its distinct Yb-rich composition (up to 0.8 atoms per formula unit (apfu) Yb). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and structure refinement reveals Y-site ordering with preferential HREE occupation of Y2 vs. Y1 and Y3 REE sites. Chondrite normalization shows continuous enrichment of HREE in White Cloud thalénite-(Y), in contrast to Golden Horn thalénite-(Y) with a slight depletion of the heaviest REE (Tm, Yb and Lu). The results suggest a hydrothermal origin of the Golden Horn miarolitic thalénite-(Y), compared to a combination of both primary magmatic followed by hydrothermal processes responsible for the multiple generations over a range of spatial scales in White Cloud thalénite-(Y). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes historical knowledge of pegmatite occurrences in the vicinity of the Skalsko near Jílové u Prahy (central Bohemia, Czech Republic) and presents the results of a new field and laboratory research. The granite pegmatites near Skalsko were subject of intensive mining of feldspar for ceramic industry especially during the 19th century. The pegmatites are spatially and genetically bound to western part of Hercynian intrusion of biotitic granodiorite of the Požáry type (I - type granite), which forms a part of Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex. Pegmatites, similary as aplites and aplitic granites, usually form subhorizontal embedded bodies with zonal structure with a predominance of granitic and blocky units. A part of pegmatite veins is characterized by anomalous accumulations of molybdenite (average content of about 0.19 wt. % Mo) and thus represents a unique type of Mo ores in the Bohemian Massif, although having a limited extent. Pegmatites have relatively simple mineral composition: K-feldspar, albite, quartz, molybdenite, biotite, occasionally muscovite, apatite and rarely tourmaline. The presence of coarse- and fine-grained aggregates of molybdenite and thinly columnar aggregates of apatite is characteristic. The dominant older K-feldspar (with content up to 3.97 wt. % BaO) is intensive replaced by younger much Ba-richer (4.43 - 9.81 wt. % BaO) K-feldspar. Ba-rich K-feldspar also contains very tiny barite grains. The occurrence of abundant monazite-(Ce) and xenotime-(Y) grains (up to 100 µm in size) is characteristic for aggregates of fluorapatite (with various REE contents). The rare zonal garnet corresponds to Mn-rich almadine with higher content of spessartite component (42 - 43 mol. %) in marginal parts of its aggregates. Biotite (annite) contains higher concentration of Ba (about 0.4 wt. % BaO) and low F (about 0.5 wt. %). The flat to dome embedded pegmatite bodies are formed by predominant older granitic and younger block units, sometimes in asymmetrically repeated positions. The structure of pegmatite bodies indicates their origin in flat fissures with an extense character; sometimes with fuzzy transition between magmatic and hydrothermal stages. Older authors mostly assumed the molybdenite origin in younger hydrothermal stage (and only spatial relation of molybdenite and pegmatites); the results of this new study confirmed that molybdenite is an integral part of pegmatites. Pegmatites from the vicinity of Skalsko has some features of NYF pegmatites (low P in feldspars, elevated Y in garnet) with specified molybdenite enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reveals the relationships between crystal-chemical and genetic properties of beryl from several rare-element granitic pegmatites of the LCT family from the Damara Belt, Namibia. Based on their chemical compositions, the studied beryl samples can be divided into two groups. Beryl from the first group (the Engelbrecht's and Etusis pegmatites) is poor in Fe, Mg and Mn; however, slightly enriched in Zn and alkali elements (Na > Li, Rb, Cs). The samples from the second group (Kuduberge and Tsaobismund) are slightly enriched in Fe and Mg, in which they are mostly charge-balanced by Na, while other octahedral and channel constituents are negligible. The affinity of the first group of beryl to the dominant tetrahedral substitution is manifested in cell dimensions and the c / a ratio. Based on Raman and infrared spectroscopy, the Kuduberge and Tsaobismund samples have a very similar position and intensity of water FTIR bands, indicating the presence of both water types in the channels. The Englebrecht's sample is similar, however, the Etusis sample exhibits a shift of H 2 O II ν 1 band, which could be attributed to a smaller Na content and strong dominance of doubly coordinating water. Our results indicate preferential occupancy of Na in the octahedral Na + (Fe,Mg)2+ = + Al substitution, which is typical for beryl from less fractionated pegmatites (Kuduberge and Tsaobismund), however, Na can also be a part of the complex tetrahedral substitution found in Englebrecht's beryl. Higher concentrations of Mn, Sc and Ti indicate a less fractionated genetic environment due to their affinity to Mg and Fe2+, whereas Cs, Rb and Zn prefer tetrahedral substitution, which is typical in highly evolved pegmatites. • Detailed crystal chemistry of beryl from Namibia • Trace-elements composition of beryl • Relationship between chemical composition and fractionation of host pegmatite [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal differentiation and consequent geochemical evolution in pegmatites are significant processes in the development of economically viable deposits of metal-bearing minerals. Albite-spodumene pegmatites, which represent important resources of Li and Ta worldwide, challenge the general rules of pegmatite petrogenesis as these are nearly homogeneous bodies with little or no intrusion-scale pegmatite zonation. Bulk intrusion concentrations of Li are in the uppermost range obtained by magmatic enrichment experiments, around 2 wt% Li 2 O, and extensive volumes of saccharoidal or platy albite are present. In Leinster, southeast Ireland, weakly zoned to homogeneous albitised spodumene pegmatites and their wallrocks were studied to compare mineral chemistry variations and understand the internal evolution of pegmatites, characteristics linked to the poor development of zonation, and links between internal evolution and pegmatite-wallrock interactions. Leinster pegmatites present mineralogical, textural and geochemical characteristics coherent with Li-saturation, and possibly supersaturation, prior to crystallisation. Weak border to centre zonation in the thickest bodies can be attributed to geochemically evolved initial melt, likely leading to nearly contemporaneous crystallisation throughout the intrusion and resulting in limited internal geochemical fractionation. Increased abundance of minerals bearing highly incompatible elements (e.g. columbite-group minerals and cassiterite) and network modifiers (e.g. phosphates) in albitite indicates it is a fractionation product from pegmatite crystallisation. Enrichment in incompatible elements B, Li, Rb, Cs and F in spodumene pegmatite exocontacts in different country rock types suggests unmixing of a hydrous fluid from the residual melt after the crystallisation of main pegmatitic assemblages, and that the H 2 O-rich component was mobilised into country rocks. Unlabelled Image • Pegmatite major mineral compositions reveal limited early geochemical fractionation. • Lack of typical pegmatite zonation is linked to small degree of fractionation. • Rare element saturation is achieved early in the crystallisation process. • Generation of late metasomatic fluids is favoured by highly evolved initial melt. • Fractionation leads to autometasomatic albitisation and loss of fluid to wallrocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]