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1. Chapter 26: Metamorphic Reactions If we treat isograds as reactions, we can:
Understand what physical variables might affect the location of a particular isograd
We may also be able to estimate the P-T-X conditions that an isograd represents
Some workers have advocated that we distinguish field-based isograds in the classical sense from reaction-based isograds Reactions are always responsible for introducing or consuming mineral phases during metamorphism
The classic notion of an isograd as the first appearance of a new mineral phase as one progresses up metamorphic grade is quite useful in the field, because a worker need only be able to recognize new minerals in a hand specimen
If we understand the reactions that produce minerals, the physical conditions under which reactions occur, and what controls them, we can use this knowledge to better understand metamorphic processes
If we have good experimental and theoretical data on minerals and reactions, we can locate a reaction in P-T-X space and constrain the conditions under which a particular metamorphic rock formed
We will review the various types of metamorphic reactions, and discuss what controls them
Reactions are always responsible for introducing or consuming mineral phases during metamorphism
The classic notion of an isograd as the first appearance of a new mineral phase as one progresses up metamorphic grade is quite useful in the field, because a worker need only be able to recognize new minerals in a hand specimen
If we understand the reactions that produce minerals, the physical conditions under which reactions occur, and what controls them, we can use this knowledge to better understand metamorphic processes
If we have good experimental and theoretical data on minerals and reactions, we can locate a reaction in P-T-X space and constrain the conditions under which a particular metamorphic rock formed
We will review the various types of metamorphic reactions, and discuss what controls them
2. 1. Phase Transformations Isochemical phase transformations (the polymorphs of SiO2 or Al2SiO5 or graphite-diamond or calcite-aragonite are in many ways the simplest to deal with
The transformations depend on temperature and pressure only
3. 1. Phase Transformations For example, if CaCO3 is stable in a rock system, it should occur as calcite at temperatures and pressures below the equilibrium curve, and as aragonite at temperatures and pressures above the curve
This explains why aragonite is the stable CaCO3 polymorph commonly found in blueschist facies terranes
Providing that the boundary curves have been experimentally located accurately and that the mineralogy reflects equilibrium conditions, the presence of any polymorph may conveniently be used to set limits on the temperature and pressure conditions under which a rock formed
For example, if CaCO3 is stable in a rock system, it should occur as calcite at temperatures and pressures below the equilibrium curve, and as aragonite at temperatures and pressures above the curve
This explains why aragonite is the stable CaCO3 polymorph commonly found in blueschist facies terranes
Providing that the boundary curves have been experimentally located accurately and that the mineralogy reflects equilibrium conditions, the presence of any polymorph may conveniently be used to set limits on the temperature and pressure conditions under which a rock formed
4. Independent of other minerals present, fluids, etc.
Andalusite + Ms + Qtz + Bt + will -> Sill at the transition grade regardless of other phases
We used the presence of andalusite to indicate low-pressure metamorphic conditions, and by referring to Fig. 21-9 we can effectively limit the pressure of andalusite-bearing rocks to values below about 0.38 GPa
The presence of two coexisting polymorphs in a single rock has often been taken to indicate that the metamorphic peak corresponded to equilibrium conditions along the univariant boundary curve separating the pair
If an independent estimate of either pressure or temperature is available, the other parameter may then be estimated from the location of the equilibrium curve
Thus if kyanite and sillimanite were to be observed together, for example, and the pressure were estimated via geobarometry to be 0.5 GPa, then the temperature of equilibration could be determined from Fig. 21-9 to be approximately 560oC
If all three Al2SiO5 polymorphs were to be found in stable coexistence, the assemblage would indicate conditions at the invariant point (ca. 500oC and 3.8 GPa)Independent of other minerals present, fluids, etc.
Andalusite + Ms + Qtz + Bt + will -> Sill at the transition grade regardless of other phases
We used the presence of andalusite to indicate low-pressure metamorphic conditions, and by referring to Fig. 21-9 we can effectively limit the pressure of andalusite-bearing rocks to values below about 0.38 GPa
The presence of two coexisting polymorphs in a single rock has often been taken to indicate that the metamorphic peak corresponded to equilibrium conditions along the univariant boundary curve separating the pair
If an independent estimate of either pressure or temperature is available, the other parameter may then be estimated from the location of the equilibrium curve
Thus if kyanite and sillimanite were to be observed together, for example, and the pressure were estimated via geobarometry to be 0.5 GPa, then the temperature of equilibration could be determined from Fig. 21-9 to be approximately 560oC
If all three Al2SiO5 polymorphs were to be found in stable coexistence, the assemblage would indicate conditions at the invariant point (ca. 500oC and 3.8 GPa)
5. 1. Phase Transformations Small DS for most polymorphic transformations
? small DG between two alternative polymorphs, even several tens of degrees from the equilibrium boundary
? little driving force for the reaction to proceed common metastable relics in the stability field of other
Coexisting polymorphs may therefore represent non-equilibrium states (overstepped equilibrium curves or polymetamorphic overprints) Often by carefully observing the textures one can distinguish partial replacement and metastable coexistence from true stable equilibrium grain boundaries
Hietanen (1956) reported all three Al2SiO5 polymorphs in northern Idaho, and proposed that metamorphic events in the area occurred near the invariant point
More likely that kyanite is partially replaced by sillimanite during a prograde event near the kyanite-sillimanite boundary, and that andalusite replaces kyanite during a later event at lower pressure
Often by carefully observing the textures one can distinguish partial replacement and metastable coexistence from true stable equilibrium grain boundaries
Hietanen (1956) reported all three Al2SiO5 polymorphs in northern Idaho, and proposed that metamorphic events in the area occurred near the invariant point
More likely that kyanite is partially replaced by sillimanite during a prograde event near the kyanite-sillimanite boundary, and that andalusite replaces kyanite during a later event at lower pressure
6. 2. Exsolution Covered in Mineralogy and previously in PetrologyCovered in Mineralogy and previously in Petrology
7. 3. Solid-Solid Net-Transfer Reactions Involve solids only
Differ from polymorphic transformations: involve solids of differing composition, and thus material must diffuse from one site to another for the reaction to proceed
8. 3. Solid-Solid Net-Transfer Reactions Examples:
NaAlSi2O6 + SiO2 = NaAlSi3O8
Jd Qtz Ab
MgSiO3 + CaAl2Si2O8 = CaMgSi2O6 + Al2SiO5
En An Di And
4 (Mg,Fe)SiO3 + CaAl2Si2O8 =
Opx Plag
(Mg,Fe)3Al2Si3O12 + Ca(Mg,Fe)Si2O6 + SiO2
Gnt Cpx Qtz
9. Reaction curves typically pretty straight
DS and DV change little
S changes more than DS(reaction)Reaction curves typically pretty straight
DS and DV change little
S changes more than DS(reaction)
10. 3. Solid-Solid Net-Transfer Reactions If minerals contain volatiles, the volatiles must be conserved in the reaction so that no fluid phase is generated or consumed
For example, the reaction:
Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 + 4 MgSiO3 = Mg7Si8O22(OH)2
Tlc En Ath
involves hydrous phases, but conserves H2O
It may therefore be treated as a solid-solid net-transfer reaction
11. 3. Solid-Solid Net-Transfer Reactions When solid-solution is limited, solid-solid net-transfer reactions are discontinuous reactions
Discontinuous reactions tend to run to completion at a single temperature (at a particular pressure)
There is thus an abrupt (discontinuous) change from the reactant assemblage to the product assemblage at the reaction isograd Polymorphic transformations, exsolution, and solid-solid net-transfer reactions with little solid-solution are relatively straightforward metamorphic reactions, and are subject to variations in pressure and temperature, without complications due to variations in rock or fluid compositions
The presence of reactants vs. products has often been used, in conjunction with experimental work that constrains the location of the reaction in P-T-X space, to set limits on the temperature and pressure conditions of a metamorphic event
Polymorphic transformations, exsolution, and solid-solid net-transfer reactions with little solid-solution are relatively straightforward metamorphic reactions, and are subject to variations in pressure and temperature, without complications due to variations in rock or fluid compositions
The presence of reactants vs. products has often been used, in conjunction with experimental work that constrains the location of the reaction in P-T-X space, to set limits on the temperature and pressure conditions of a metamorphic event
12. 4. Devolatilization Reactions Among the most common metamorphic reactions
H2O-CO2 systems are most common, but the principles same for any reaction involving volatiles
Reactions dependent not only upon temperature and pressure, but also upon the partial pressure of the volatile species
13. 4. Devolatilization Reactions For example the location on a P-T phase diagram of the dehydration reaction:
KAl2Si3AlO10(OH)2 + SiO2 = KAlSi3O8 + Al2SiO5 + H2O
Ms Qtz Kfs Sill W
depends upon the partial pressure of H2O (pH2O)
This dependence is easily demonstrated by applying Le Chteliers principle to the reaction at equilibrium
14. 4. Devolatilization Reactions The equilibrium curve represents equilibrium between the reactants and products under water-saturated conditions (pH2O = PLithostatic) Fig. 26-2 is a P-T phase diagram showing the equilibrium reaction curve for reaction (26-6)
The hydrous assemblage is always on the low-temperature side of the curve, and the evolved fluid phase is liberated as temperature increases
The concave upward shape is characteristic of all devolatilization equilibrium curves at low pressure because the slope, as determined by the Clapyron equation
is low at low pressures due to the high volume of the gas phase, but steepens quickly at higher pressures because the gas is most easily compressed
Fig. 26-2 is a P-T phase diagram showing the equilibrium reaction curve for reaction (26-6)
The hydrous assemblage is always on the low-temperature side of the curve, and the evolved fluid phase is liberated as temperature increases
The concave upward shape is characteristic of all devolatilization equilibrium curves at low pressure because the slope, as determined by the Clapyron equation
is low at low pressures due to the high volume of the gas phase, but steepens quickly at higher pressures because the gas is most easily compressed
15. KAl2Si3AlO10(OH)2 + SiO2 = KAlSi3O8 + Al2SiO5 + H2O Ms Qtz Kfs Sill W Suppose H2O is withdrawn from the system at some point on the water-saturated equilibrium curve: pH2O < Plithostatic
According to Le Chteliers Principle, removing water at equilibrium will be compensated by the reaction running to the right, thereby producing more water
This has the effect of stabilizing the right side of the reaction at the expense of the left side
So as water is withdrawn the Kfs + Sill + H2O field expands slightly at the expense of the Mu + Qtz field, and the reaction curve shifts toward lower temperature
16. Fig. 26-2 with the equilibrium curve contoured for various values of pH2O
Fig. 26-2 with the equilibrium curve contoured for various values of pH2O
17. 4. Devolatilization Reactions pH2O can become less than PLith by either of two ways
Pfluid < PLith by drying out the rock and reducing the fluid content
Pfluid = PLith, but the water in the fluid can become diluted by adding another fluid component, such as CO2 or some other volatile phase
In Fig. 26-2 I calculated the curves for the latter case on the basis of ideal H2O-CO2 mixing
18. 4. Devolatilization Reactions An important point arising from Fig. 26-2 is:
The temperature of an isograd based on a devolatilization reaction is sensitive to the partial pressure of the volatile species involved
An alternative: T-Xfluid phase diagram
Because H2O and CO2 are by far the most common metamorphic volatiles, the X in T-X diagrams is usually the mole fraction of CO2 (or H2O) in H2O-CO2 mixtures
Because pressure is also a common variable, a T-Xfluid diagram must be created for a specified pressure
19. 4. Devolatilization Reactions Fig. 26-4 is a T-XH2O diagram for reaction (26-5) in which PLith = 0.5 GPa
Fig. 26-4 is a T-XH2O diagram for reaction (26-5) in which PLith = 0.5 GPa
20. 4. Devolatilization Reactions The dots correspond to the dots in Fig. 26-3, since pH2O + pCO2 = PLith and ideal mixing assumes pH2O = XH2O PLith
The dots correspond to the dots in Fig. 26-3, since pH2O + pCO2 = PLith and ideal mixing assumes pH2O = XH2O PLith
21. 4. Devolatilization Reactions Shape of ~ all dehydration curves on T-Xfluid diagrams is similar to the curve in Fig. 26-2
Maximum temperature at the pure H2O end, and slope gently at high XH2O, but steeper toward low XH2O, becoming near vertical at very low XH2O
Reaction temperature can thus be practically any temperature below the maximum at pH2O = Plith
Must constrain the fluid composition (if possible) before using a dehydration reaction to indicate metamorphic grade
22. A rare exception: the ideal curve for a complete devolatilization reaction curves back at very high pressures
The top and low-T side is typically metastable, but in some low-T high-P reactions the retrograde devolatilization portion is stableA rare exception: the ideal curve for a complete devolatilization reaction curves back at very high pressures
The top and low-T side is typically metastable, but in some low-T high-P reactions the retrograde devolatilization portion is stable
23. 4. Devolatilization Reactions Decarbonation reactions may be treated in an identical fashion
For example, the reaction:
CaCO3 + SiO2 = CaSiO3 + CO2 (26-6)
Cal Qtz Wo
Can also be shown on a T-XCO2 diagram
Has the same form as reaction (26-5), only the maximum thermal stability of the carbonate mineral assemblage occurs at pure XCO2
24. 4. Devolatilization Reactions The temperature of a wollastonite isograd based on this reaction is obviously dependent upon pCO2The temperature of a wollastonite isograd based on this reaction is obviously dependent upon pCO2
25. 5 types of devolatilization reactions, each with a unique general shape on a T-X diagram
Type 3: Tmax at XCO2 determined by the stoichiometric ratio of CO2/H2O produced
CO2 : H2O = 3 : 1 or to so Tmax at 0.75 CO2CO2 : H2O = 3 : 1 or to so Tmax at 0.75 CO2
26. 5. Continuous Reactions Imagine an idealized field area of steeply dipping metamorphosed pelitic sediments that strike directly up metamorphic grade
The bulk chemistry of each unit is homogeneous, but differs somewhat from the other units in the area
The garnet-in field isograd varies from unit to unit, occurring at different grades
This may occur for one of two reasons (assuming that the rocks represent equilibrium mineral assemblages)Imagine an idealized field area of steeply dipping metamorphosed pelitic sediments that strike directly up metamorphic grade
The bulk chemistry of each unit is homogeneous, but differs somewhat from the other units in the area
The garnet-in field isograd varies from unit to unit, occurring at different grades
This may occur for one of two reasons (assuming that the rocks represent equilibrium mineral assemblages)
27. 5. Continuous Reactions Two possible reasons:
1. Such contrasting composition that the garnet reaction is different
Example: garnet in some pelites may be created by the (unbalanced) reaction:
Chl + Ms + Qtz ? Grt + Bt + H2O (26-11)
Whereas in more Fe-rich and K-poor pelites, garnet might be generated by an (unbalanced) reaction involving chloritoid:
Chl + Cld + Qtz ? Grt + H2O (26-12) Offsets in a particular field isograd, when based on different reaction isograds, are often relatively large
In the blank unit in the center of the map, garnet isnt created at all. This could be a Mg-rich sandy pelite, or even a quartzite or marble
Offsets in a particular field isograd, when based on different reaction isograds, are often relatively large
In the blank unit in the center of the map, garnet isnt created at all. This could be a Mg-rich sandy pelite, or even a quartzite or marble
28. 5. Continuous Reactions 2. The reaction on which the isograd is based is the same in each unit, but it is a continuous reaction, and its location is sensitive to the composition of the solutions (either solid of fluid) involved
The offsets this creates in an isograd are usually more subtle than for reason #1, but in some cases they can be substantial
We will concentrate on this second reason here
29. 5. Continuous Reactions A familiar example as illustration
Suppose that we want to record the melt-in isograd, or the first appearance of a melt
The temperature at which melt occurs depends on the Mg/Fe ratio of the bulk composition that we plan to melt
30% vs. 70% Fo would cause a shift in the melt-in field isograd of about 265oC!
A familiar example as illustration
Suppose that we want to record the melt-in isograd, or the first appearance of a melt
The temperature at which melt occurs depends on the Mg/Fe ratio of the bulk composition that we plan to melt
30% vs. 70% Fo would cause a shift in the melt-in field isograd of about 265oC!
30. 5. Continuous Reactions Discontinuous reactions occur at a constant grade
Chl + Ms + Qtz ? Grt + Bt + H2O (26-11)
in KFASH F = C f + 2 = 5 4 + 2 = 1 They are actually UNIvariant (F = 1) on P-T phase diagrams
BUT Pressure and temperature are not really independent, but constrained to follow a geothermal gradient or P-T-t path
The P-T path crosses the reaction at a single grad
Reaction should occur and run to completion (when one of the reactants was consumed) at a single gradeThey are actually UNIvariant (F = 1) on P-T phase diagrams
BUT Pressure and temperature are not really independent, but constrained to follow a geothermal gradient or P-T-t path
The P-T path crosses the reaction at a single grad
Reaction should occur and run to completion (when one of the reactants was consumed) at a single grade
31. 5. Continuous Reactions Chl + Ms + Qtz ? Grt + Bt + H2O (26-11) in KFMASH
were a continuous reaction, then we would find chlorite, muscovite, quartz, biotite, and garnet all together in the same rock over an interval of metamorphic grade above the garnet-in isograd
The composition of solid solution phases vary across the interval, and the proportions of the minerals changes until one of the reactants disappears with increasing grade
32. Continuous reactions occur when F ? 1, and the reactants and products coexist over a temperature (or grade) interval
33. 6. Ion Exchange Reactions Reciprocal exchange of components between 2 or more minerals
MgSiO3 + CaFeSi2O6 = FeSiO3 + CaMgSi2O6
Annite + Pyrope = Phlogopite + Almandine
Expressed as pure end-members, but really involves Mg-Fe (or other) exchange between intermediate solutions
Basis for many geothermobarometers
Causes rotation of tie-lines on compatibility diagrams
35. 6. Redox Reactions Involves a change in oxidation state of an element
6 Fe2O3 = 4 Fe3O4 + O2
2 Fe3O4 + 3 SiO2 = 3 Fe2SiO4 + O2 Note the range of fO2 in which iron occurs principally in silicate minerals (i.e. most natural rocks).Note the range of fO2 in which iron occurs principally in silicate minerals (i.e. most natural rocks).
36. 7. Reactions Involving Dissolved Species Minerals plus ions neutral molecules dissolved in a fluid
One example is hydrolysis:
2 KAlSi3O8 + 2 H+ + H2O = Al2Si2O5 (OH)4 + SiO2 + 2 K+
Kfs aq. species kaolinite aq. species
37. Reactions and Chemographics We can use chemographics to infer reactions It doesnt mean that they will under any set of conditions (thermodynamic equilibrium dictates that)
It doesnt mean that they will under any set of conditions (thermodynamic equilibrium dictates that)
38. Reactions and Chemographics What reaction does this ternary system allow?
39. Reactions and Chemographics A + B + C = X
40. Reactions and Chemographics What reaction does this system allow?
41. Reactions and Chemographics What reaction is possible between A-B-C-D? Remember that coexisting phases are connected with tie-lines
A + B + D or
A + B + CRemember that coexisting phases are connected with tie-lines
A + B + D or
A + B + C
42. Note that phi = 4 at the isograd with crossing tie-lines
Then have new groupings :
A + C + D or
B + C + D
No new minerals become stable- simply different associations
The groupings follow from the reaction:
If A > B then B consumed first, and A remains with new C & D -> A + C + D
C + D cannot coexist below the isograd, and A + B cannot coexist above it
If a chemographic diagram is a projection, the approach still works, but you will have to balance the reaction with other components
For example, if the previous diagram is projected from quartz, SiO2 will have to be added to one side of the A + B = C + D reaction to balance it properlyNote that phi = 4 at the isograd with crossing tie-lines
Then have new groupings :
A + C + D or
B + C + D
No new minerals become stable- simply different associations
The groupings follow from the reaction:
If A > B then B consumed first, and A remains with new C & D -> A + C + D
C + D cannot coexist below the isograd, and A + B cannot coexist above it
If a chemographic diagram is a projection, the approach still works, but you will have to balance the reaction with other components
For example, if the previous diagram is projected from quartz, SiO2 will have to be added to one side of the A + B = C + D reaction to balance it properly
43. Petrogenetic Grids P-T diagrams for multicomponent systems that show a set of reactions, generally for a specific rock type
44. Text figures that I dont have time to cover in my 1-semester class
45. Text figures that I dont have time to cover in my 1-semester class
46. Text figures that I dont have time to cover in my 1-semester class
47. Text figures that I dont have time to cover in my 1-semester class
48. Text figures that I dont have time to cover in my 1-semester class
50. Text figures that I dont have time to cover in my 1-semester class
51. Text figures that I dont have time to cover in my 1-semester class