Sm-Nd data for mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Svecofennian (1.88 Ga) Kotalahti Nickel Belt, Finland - Implications for crustal contamination at the Archaean/Proterozoic boundary

Abstract

Sm-Nd data were determined for eight mafic-ultramafic intrusions from the Svecofennian (1.88 Ga) Kotalahti Nickel Belt, Finland. The intrusions represent both mineralized and barren types and are located at varying distances from the Archaean/Proterozoic boundary. The samples for the 23 Sm-Nd isotope analyses were taken mostly from the ultramafic differentiates. Results show a range in initial εNd values at 1880 Ma from -2.4 to +2.0. No relationship can be found between the degree of Ni mineralization and initial εNd values, while a correlation with the geological domain and country rocks is evident. The Majasaari and Törmälä intrusions, which have positive εNd values, were emplaced within the Svecofennian domain in proximity to 1.92 Ga tonalitic gneisses, which have previously yielded initial εNd values of ca. +3. In contrast, the Luusniemi intrusion, which has an εNd value of -2.4 is situated close to exposed Archaean crust. Excluding two analyses from the Rytky intrusion, all data from the Koirus N, Koirus S, Kotalahti, Rytky and Kylmälahti intrusions, within error limits, fall in the range -0.7 ± 0.3. The results support the concept of contamination by Archaean material in proximity to the currently exposed craton margin. The composition of the proposed parental magma for the intrusions is close to EMORB, with initial εNd values near +4.

Keywords

• intrusions
• ultramafics
• gabbros
• nickel ores
• geochemistry
• Sm/Nd
• magma contamination
• tectonics
• Proterozoic
• Kotalahti
• Finland