Mineral chemistry and geothemobarometry of mantle harzburgites in the Eastern Metamorphic Complex of Khoy ophiolite -NW Iran

Khoy ophiolite at the global scale is in the middle part of the Alp-Himalaya orogenic belt and it is extended over 3900 Km2 which indicates remnant Neotethys oceanic lithosphere in the Mesozoic era (Kananian et al., 2010). In this paper, in addition to a review of previous investigations about Khoy ophiolite, we will try to determine the nature and kind of minerals, origin and partial melting rate as well as the equilibrium pressure and temperature of harzburgites from the Eastern Metamorphic Complex of Khoy ophiolite. Mineral chemistry studies indicate that these harzburgites may be related to oceanic settings. Moreover, the high Mg in orthopyroxenes and clinopyroxenes and the high Fo% in olivines are indications of their tectonite origin. Calculation of partial melting degree using spinels compositions indicate that they are experienced 7.6-10.4 partial melting. In this regard, they are consistent with the partial melting degree in the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The spreading rate studies indicate that harzburgites are produced in the region with slow spreading rate. Their tectonic setting is more consistent with MOR peridotites. Based on geothemobarometry studies an overall ~1100±100°C temperature and ~22±2.4Kbar pressure are estimated which are consistent with mantle spinel lherzolite facies.