B-Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic constraints on the origin of the Maoniuping alkaline syenite-carbonatite complex, SW China

The Maoniuping giant rare earth element deposit is genetically related to a Cenozoic alkaline syenite-carbonatite complex. However, the origin of the alkaline complex and the genesis of the Maoniuping deposit are still unclear. In this study, the origin of the Maoniuping complex was constrained through B-Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data for fresh/ unaltered alkaline syenites. Our results indicate that the Maoniuping alkaline syenite has arc-like trace element patterns with elevated initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.706040-0.706541), 206Pb/204Pb (18.00-18.32), 207Pb/204Pb (15.53-15.60), and 208Pb/204Pb (38.25-38.78) ratios, and relatively low epsilon Nd(t) values (-4.92 to -2.66), suggesting derivation by partial melting of fertile mantle source. It also has higher B contents (1.06-7.65 ppm) and heavier delta 11B values (-5.38%o to - 2.46%o) than the upper mantle, indicating modification of the mantle source by interaction with carbonatitic melts/fluids derived from marine sediments and altered oceanic crust within the subducting Indian slab. Our results, together with recently acquired seismic tomographic data, indicate that hybridisation in the mantle source was likely induced by subduction input of marine sediments to the mantle transition zone. Boron isotopes provide a novel indicator of the deep recycling of subducted crustal materials in the sources of alkaline magmas.

Automated summary

The origin of the Maoniuping complex was determined through B-Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data, showing that the alkaline syenite was derived from partial melting of a fertile mantle source and was influenced by carbonatitic melts/fluids from marine sediments and altered oceanic crust within the subducting Indian slab. This study also suggests that hybridization in the mantle source may have been induced by the input of marine sediments from subduction, with boron isotopes serving as a novel indicator of deep recycling of subducted crustal materials in alkaline magma sources.