Occurrence of metallic oxides and sulphides in ophiolitic peridotites; observations from Indus Suture Zone ophiolites.

The basal part of the ophiolite along the Indus Suture Zone (ISZ) in western Ladakh has been studied where the mantle part consists of thick dunite, chromitites, peridotites and serpentinite outcrops. The peridotites are found to be rich in transition metals, ,metallic oxides and sulphides. Unlike the other ophiolitic patches along the ISZ, the REE pattern of crustal rocks, peridotites and high Al/Cr spinel chemistry typify mid-oceanic ridge origin for western Ladakh ophiolites. Observations on inclusive and exsolved phases, such as its morphology, crystal structure-chemistry and density of silicate and metal oxides in olivine suggest a systematic stability gradation of phases routed from the base of the upper mantle to hydrous spreading ridge.
The basal part of the ophiolite along the Indus Suture Zone (ISZ) in western Ladakh has been studied where the mantle part consists of thick dunite, chromitites, peridotites and serpentinite outcrops. The peridotites are found to be rich in transition metals, ,metallic oxides and sulphides. Unlike the other ophiolitic patches along the ISZ, the REE pattern of crustal rocks, peridotites and high Al/Cr spinel chemistry typify mid-oceanic ridge origin for western Ladakh ophiolites. Observations on inclusive and exsolved phases, such as its morphology, crystal structure-chemistry and density of silicate and metal oxides in olivine suggest a systematic stability gradation of phases routed from the base of the upper mantle to hydrous spreading ridge.