Skip to main content
Springer Nature Link
Log in

Stable isotope studies of metasomatic Ca-Fe-Al-Si skarns and associated metamorphic and igneous rocks, Osgood Mountains, Nevada

  • Published:
View saved research
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Garnet-pyroxene skarns were formed 90 m.y. B.P. in the Osgood Mountains at or near contacts of grandiorite with calcareous rocks of the Cambrian Preble Formation. The metasomatic replacement followed contact metamorphic recrystallization of the Preble. The sources, temperature, and variation in H2O/CO2 ratios of the metasomatic fluid are interpreted from 269 analyses of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur isotopes in whole rocks, minerals and inclusion fluids.

Skarns formed in three mineralogical stages. Oxygen isotope data indicate that temperatures during the crystallization of garnet, pyroxene and wollastonite (Stage I) were least 550 ° C, and that the metasomatic fluid had an \({\text{X}}_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} } \) ≦ 0.035 in the massive skarns, and ≦ 0.12 in vein skarns up to 3 cm thick. Pore fluids in isotopic equilibrium with garnet in calc-silicate metamorphic rocks, on the other hand, had \({\text{X}}_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} } \) ≦ 0.15.

The metasomatic fluids of Stage I were derived primarily from the crystallizing magma. The isotopic composition of magmatic water was δ18O =+9.0, δD= −30 to −45. Oxygen isotope temperatures of greater than 620 ° C were determined for the granodiorite. Isotopic and chemical equilibria between mineral surfaces and the metasomatic fluid were approached simultaneously in parts of the skarn several meters or more apart, while isotopic and chemical disequilibria (i.e. zoning) have been preserved between 20 to 40 μm-thick zones in grandite garnet. More Fe-, or andradite-rich garnet crystallized in more H2O-rich C-O-H fluids (\({\text{X}}_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} } \) ≦ 0.01) than present with grossularite-rich garnet (\({\text{X}}_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} } \)≦ 0.035).

Stage II was marked by the replacement of garnet and pyroxene by quartz, amphibole, plagioclase, epidote, magnetite, and calcite. Many of the replacement reactions took place over a relatively narrow range in temperature (480–550 ° C), as indicated by 18O fractionations between quartz and amphibole. Meteoric water comprised 20 to 50% of the metasomatic fluid during Stage II.

Calcite was formed along with pyrite, minor pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite during Stage III, although the crystallization of pyrite and calcite had begun earlier, during Stages I and II, respectively. Carbon and sulfur isotope compositions of calcite and pyrite indicate a magmatic source for most of the C and S in the metasomatic fluids of Stage III. By the end of Stage III, meteoric water constituted as much as 100% of the metasomatic fluid. Minerals from grandiorite and skarn do not show large depletions in 18O because the oxygen isotope composition of the metasomatic fluid was buffered by the calcareous wall rocks and the grandiorite.

Meteoric water in the vicinity of the Osgood Mountains during the Late Crectaceous (δ18Ocale. ≃ −14.0, δD = − 107) was slightly enriched in 18O and D relative to present-day meteoric water (δ18O = 15.9, δD = − 117)

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+
from $39.99 /Month
  • Starting from 10 chapters or articles per month
  • Access and download chapters and articles from more than 300k books and 2,500 journals
  • Cancel anytime
View plans

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles, books and news in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.

References

  • Arnason, B., Sigurgeiersson, T.: Deuterium content of water vapor and hydrogen in volcanic gas at Surtsey, Iceland. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 32, 807–713 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Baertschi, P.: Messung und Deutung relativer Häufigkeitsvarianten von O18 und C13 in Karbonatgesteinen und Mineralien. Schweiz. Min. u. Petr. Mitt. 37, 73–152 (1957)

    Google Scholar 

  • Barton, P.B., Jr., Bethke, P.M., Toulmin, P., III: Equilibrium in ore deposits. Mineralog. Soc. America Spec. Paper 1, 171–185 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Berger, B.R., Taylor, B.E.: Pre-Cenozoic age for “basin-range” faulting, Osgood Mountains, north- central Nevada [abs.]. Geol. Soc. America Abs. with Programs 6, 145 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertenrath, R., Friedrichsen, H., Hellner, E.E.: Die Fraktionierung der Sauerstoffisotope O16 und O18 in Systemmagnet/Wasser [abs.]. Fortschr. Mineral. 5, 32–22 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bottinga, Y.: Calculation of fractionation factors for carbon and oxygen isotopic exchange in the system calcite-carbon dioxide-water. J. Phys. Chem. 27, 800–808 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bottinga, Y.: Calculated fractionation factors for carbon and hydrogen isotope exchange in the system calcite-carbon dioxide-graphite-methane-hydrogen-water vapor. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 33, 49–64 (1969 a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bottinga, Y.: Carbon isotope fractionation between graphite, diamond, and carbon dioxide. Earth Planet. Sci. Letters 5, 301–307 (1969 b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bottinga, Y., Javoy, M.: Comments on oxygen isotope geothermometry. Earth & Planet. Sci. Letters 20, 250–265 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bottinga, Y., Javoy, M.: Oxygen isotope partitioning among the minerals in igneous and metamorphic rocks: Rev. of Geophys. and Space Phys. 13, 401–418 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Brock, K.J.: Genesis of garnet skarn, Calavaras County, California: Bull. Geol. Soc. Am. 83, 3391–3404 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Burnham, C.W., Davis, N.F.: The role of H2O in silicate melts, II. Thermodynamic and phase relations in the system NaAlSi3O8-H2O to 10 kilobars, 700 ° to 1100 ° C. Am. J. Sci. 274, 902–940 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Butler, B.A.: A suggested explanation of the high ferric oxide content of limestone contact zones. Econ. Geol. 18, 398–404 (1923)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohn, M., Urey, H.C.: Oxygen exchange reactions of organic compounds and water. J.A. Chem. Soc. 60, 679–687 (1938)

    Google Scholar 

  • Craig, H.: The geochemistry of the stable carbon isotopes. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 3, 53–92 (1953)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dansgaard, W.: Stable isotopes in precipitation. Tellus 16, 436–468 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Degens, E.T., Epstein: Oxygen and carbon isotope ratios in coexisting calcites and dolomites from recent and ancient sediments. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 28, 23–66 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Duffield, W.A., Jahns, R.H.: Depth of emplacement of The El Final pluton, Baja California [abs.]. Geol. Soc. America Abs. with Programs 7, 313 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dontsova, E.I.: Austauschreaktionen der Sauerstoffisotope und ihre Verwendung für geochemische Untersuchungen. Ber. Deutsch. Ges. Geol. Geol. Wiss. B. Miner. Lagerstätten 11, 359–372 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Erickson, R.L., Marranzino, A.P., Oda, U.U., Janes, W.W.: Geochemical exploration near the Getchell mine, Humboldt County, Nevada. U.S. Geol. Survey Bull. 1193-A, 25 p. (1964)

  • Ernst, W.G.: Amphiboles. New York: Springer-Verlag, 125 p. (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Eugster, H.P., Skippen, G.B.: Igneous and metamorphic reactions involving gas equilibria. Researches in Geochemistry 2, 492–520 (P.H. Abelson, ed.), New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, I., O'Neil, J.R.: Compilation of stable isotope fractionation factors of geochemical interest. U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 440-kk, 12 p. (1977)

  • Garlick, G.D., Epstein, S.: Oxygen isotope ratios in coexisting minerals of regionally metamorphosed rocks. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 31, 181–214 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilbert, M.C.: Synthesis and stability of relationships of ferropargasite. Am. J. Sci. 264, 698–742 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, T.M., Greenwood, H.J.: The stability of grossularite in H2O-CO2 mixtures. Am. Mineralogist 56, 1674–1688 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenwood, H.J.: Wollastonite: stability in H2O-CO2 mixtures and occurrences in a contact- metamorphic aureole near Salmo, British Columbia, Canada. Am. Mineralogist 52, 1669–1680 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenwood, H.J.: Buffering of pore fluids by metamorphic reactions. Am. J. Sci. 275, 573–593 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gustafson, W.I.: The stability of andradite, hedenbergite, and related minerals in the system Ca-Fe- Si-O-H. J. Petrol. 15, 455–496 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, W.E., Friedman, I.: Oxygen and carbon isotopic composition of ore and host rock of selected Mississippi Valley deposits. U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 650-C, C140–148 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobbs, S.W.: Geology of the northern part of the Osgood Mountains, Humboldt County, Nevada. Unpubl. Ph.D. Thesis, Yale Univ., 97 p. (1948)

  • Hoernes, S., Friedrichsen, H.: Oxygen isotope studies on metamorphic rocks of the western Hohe Tauern area Austria. Schweiz. Min. u. Petr. Mitt. 54, 769–788 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Holdaway, M.J.: Thermal stability of Al-Fe epidote as a function of fo2 and Fe content. Contrib. Mineral. and Petrol. 37, 307–340 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hotz, P.E., Willden, R.: Geology and mineral deposits of the Osgood Mountains quadrangle, Humboldt County, Nevada. U.S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 431, 128 p. (1964)

  • Jensen, M.L.: Sulfur isotopes and mineral genesis. In: Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits (H.L. Barnes, ed.), p. 143–165. New York: Holt, Rinehard, and Winston, Inc. 1967

    Google Scholar 

  • Joralemon, P.: The occurrence of gold at the Getchell mine. Nevada. Econ. Geol. 46, 267–310 (1951)

    Google Scholar 

  • Keith, M.L., Weber, J.N.: Isotopic composition and environmental classification of selected limestones and fossils. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 28, 1787–1816 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kerrick, D.M.: Review of metamorphic mixed-volatile (H2O-CO2) equilibria. Am. Mineralogist 59, 729–762 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolodny, Y., Gross, S.: Thermal metamorphism by combustion of organic matter: isotopic and petrologic evidence. J. Geol. 82, 489–506 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuroda, Y., Suzuoki, T., Matson, S., Aoki, K.: D/H ratios of the coexisting phlogopite and richterite from mica nodules and aperiodite in South African kimberlites. Contrib. Mineral. and Petrol. 52, 315–318 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuroda, Y., Suzuoki, T., Matsuo, S., Kanisawa, S.: D/H fractionation of coexisting biotite and hornblende in some granitic rock masses. J. Japan Assoc. Min. Econ. Geol. 69, 95–102 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Landis, G.P., Rye, R.O.: Geologic, fluid inclusion, and stable isotope studies of the Pasto Bueno tungsten-base metal ore deposit, northern Peru. Econ. Geol. 69, 1025–1059 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liou, J.G.: Synthesis and stability of epidote, Ca2Al2FeSi3O12(OH). J. Petrol. 14, 381–413 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • McCrea, J.M.: On the isotopic chemistry of carbonates and a paleotemperature scale. J. Chem. Phys. 18, 849–857 (1950)

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, B.A.: Mineralogy and origin of skarns in the Mount Morrison pendant, Sierra Nevada, California. Am. J. Sci. 275, 119–142 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, J.G.: Water content of basalt erupted on the ocean floor. Contrib. Mineral, and Petrol. 28, 272–279 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Neuerburg, G.J.: Distribution of selected accessory minerals in the Osgood Mountains stock, Humboldt County, Nevada. U.S. Geol. Survey Misc. Geol. Inv. Map 1–471 (1966)

  • Newton, R.C.: Some calc-silicate equilibrium relations. Am. J. Sci. 264, 204–222 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Nokleberg, W.J.: CO2 as a source of oxygen in the metasomatism of carbonates. Am. J. Sci. 273, 498–541 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Oehler, D.Z., Schopf, J.W., Kvenvolden, K.A.: Carbon isotopic studies of organic matter in Precambrian rocks. Science 175, 1246–1248 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohmoto, H.: Systematics of sulfur and carbon isotopes in hydrothermal ore deposits. Econ. Geology 67, 551–578 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ohmoto, H., Shettel, D.: Effect of \(f_{o_2 } \) on the hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of minerals at high temperatures and pressures [abs.]. Geol. Soc. America Abs. with Programs 6, 898 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Neil, J.R., Epstein, S.: Oxygen isotope fractionation in the system dolomite-calcite-carbon dioxide. Science 152, 198–201 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Neil, J.R., Taylor, H.P., Jr.: Oxygen isotope equilibrium between muscovite and water. J. Geophys. Research 74, 6012–6022 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Neil, J.R., Clayton, R.N., Mayeda, T.K.: Oxygen isotope fractionation in divalent metal carbonates. J. Chem. Phys. 51, 5547–5558 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Neil, J.R., Taylor, H.P., Jr.: The oxygen and cation exhange chemistry of feldspars. Am. Mineralogist 52, 1414–1437 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinckney, D.M., Rye, R.O.: Variation in O18/O16, C13/C12, texture and mineralogy in altered limestone in the Hill mine, Cave-in-Rock district, Illinois. Econ. Geol. 67, 1–18 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Piwinskii, A.J., Wyllie, P.J.: Experimental studies of igneous rock series: felsic body suite from the Needle Point pluton, Wallowa Batholith, Oregon. J. Geol. 78, 52–76 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rye, R.O.: The carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen isotope composition of the hydrothermal fluids responsible for the lead-zinc deposits at Providencia, north-central Mexico. Econ. Geol. 61, 1399–1427 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rye, R.O., Ohmoto, H.: Sulfur and carbon isotopes and ore genesis, a review. Econ. Geol. 69, 826–842 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rye, R.O., Hall, W.E., Ohmoto, H.: Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur isotope study of the Darwin lead-silver-zinc deposit, southern California. Econ. Geol. 69, 468–481 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoell, M., Morteani, G., Horman, P.K.: 18O/16O and 13C/12C ratios of carbonates from gneisses, serpentinites, and marbles of the Zillertaler Alpen, Western Tauern area (Austria). Neues J. Mineral. Mh, 444–459 (1975)

  • Sharma, T., Clayton, R.N.: Measurement of O18/O16 ratios of total oxygen of carbonates. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 29, 1347–1353 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheppard, S.M.F., Epstein, S.: D/H and O18/O16 ratios of minerals of possible mantle or lower crustal origin. Earth & Planet. Sci. Eetters 9, 232–239 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shieh, Y.N., Taylor, H.P., Jr.: Oxygen and hydrogen isotope studies of contact metamorphism in the Santa Rose Range, Nevada, and other areas. Contrib. Mineral. and Petrol. 20, 206–356 (1969 a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shieh, Y.N., Taylor, H.P., Jr.: Oxygen and carbon isotope studies of contact metamorphism of carbonate rocks. J. Petrology 10, 307–331 (1969 a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Silberman, M.L., McKee, E.H.: K-Ar ages of granitic plutons in north-central Nevada. Isochron/ West 1, 15–32 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Silberman, M.L., Berger, B.R., Koski, R.: K-Ar age realtions of granodiorite emplacement and tungsten and gold mineralization near the Getchell mine, Humboldt County, Nevada. Econ. Geol. 69, 646–656 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Silverman, S.R.: The isotope geology of oxygen. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 2, 26–42 (1951)

    Google Scholar 

  • Skippen, G.B.: Experimental data for reactions in siliceous marbles. J. Geol. 79, 457–481 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Suzuoki, T., Epstein, S.: Hydrogen isotope exchange between OH-bearing minerals and water. Geochim et Cosmochim. Acta 40, 1229–1240 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Swanson, S.E.: The effect of CO2 solubility in phase assemblages in a haplogranite [abs.]. Geol. Soc. Am. Abs. with Programs 5, 832 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, B.E.: Origin and significance of C-O-H fluids in the formation of Ca-Fe-Si skarn, Osgood Mountains, Humboldt County, Nevada. Unpubl. Ph.D. Thesis, Stanford Univ. 285 p. (1976)

  • Taylor, B.E., O'Neil, J.R.: Experimental study of oxygen isotope distribution between grandite garnets and water (manuscript in preparation)

  • Taylor, B.E., Liou, J.G.: Low-temperature stability of andradite in C -O -H fluids: field and experimental data [abs.]. EOS, Trans. Am. Geophys. Union 56, 1075–1076 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, B.E., Liou, J.G.: The low-temperature stability of andradite in C -O -H fluids (manuscript in preparation)

  • Taylor, B.E., O'Neil, J.R.: Origins and H2O/CO2 ratios of metasomatic skarn-forming fluids, Osgood Mountains, Northern Nevada, U.S.A. —A stable isotope study. Fourth Eur. Colloq. of Geochron. Cosmochron., and isotope Geology (Amsterdam). Vol. of Abstracts 90 (1976)

  • Taylor, H.P., Jr.: Oxygen isotope studies of hydrothermal mineral deposits. (H.L. Barnes ed.) Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits: New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Wilson 109–142 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, H.P., Jr.: The oxygen isotope geochemistry of igneous rocks. Contrib. Mineral, and Petrol. 19, 1–71 (1968 a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, H.P., Jr.: Oxygen isotope studies of anorthosites, with special reference to the origin of bodies in the Adirondack Mountains, New York. N.Y. State Museum Spec. Publ., 111–134 (1968b)

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, H.P. Jr.: The application of oxygen and hydrogen isotope studies to problems of hydrothermal alteration and ore deposition. Econ. Geol. 69, 843–883 (1974 a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, H.P., Jr.: Oxygen and hydrogen isotope evidence for large-scale circulation and interaction between ground waters and igenous intrusions, with particular reference to the San Juan volcanic field, Colorado. Geochemical Transport and Kinetics (A.W. Hofmann, B.J. Giletti, H.S. Yoder, Jr., and R.A. Yund, eds.), Carnegie Inst. Wash. Publ. 634, 299–324 (1974b)

  • Taylor, H.P., Jr., Epstein, S.: Relationship between O18/O16 ratios in coexisting minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks, pt. 2, Application to petrologic problems. Bull. Geol. Soc. Am. 73, 675–694 (1962)

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, H.P., Jr., Frechen, J., Degens, E.T.: Oxygen and carbon isotope studies of carbonatites from the Laacher See district, West Germany, and the Alnö district, Sweden. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 31, 407–430 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Truesdell, A.H.: Oxygen isotope activities and concentrations in aqueous salt solutions at elevated temperatures: consequences at elevated temperatures for isotope geochemistry. Earth & Planet. Sci. Letters 23, 387–396 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Turi, B., Taylor, H.P., Jr.: O18/O16 ratios of the Johnny Lyon granodiorite and Texas Canyon quartz monzonite plutons, Arizona, and their contact aureoles. Contrib. Mineral, and Petrol. 32, 138–146 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Urey, H.C.: The thermodynamic properties of isotopic substances: J. Chem. Soc., 562–581 (1947)

  • Yund, R.A., Anderson, T.F.: Oxygen isotope exchange between potassium feldspar and KCl solution. Geochemical Transport and Kinetics (A.W. Hofman, B.J. Gilletti, H.S. Yoder, Jr., and R.A. Yund, eds.), p. 99–105, Carnegie Inst. Wash. Publ. 634 (1974)

  • Whitney, J.A.: The effects of pressure, temperature and \({\text{X}}_{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}} \) on phase assemblages in four synthetic rock compositions. J. Geol. 83, 1–27 (1975a)

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitney, J.A.: Vapor generation in a quartz monzonite magma: a synthetic model with application to porphyry copper deposits. Econ. Geol. 70, 346–358 (1975b)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. Bruce E. Taylor

    Present address: Abteilung Geochemie des Mineralogischen Institutes der Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 56, D-7400, Tübingen, Federal Republic of Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Stanford University, 94305, Stanford, California, USA

    Bruce E. Taylor

  2. U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, 94025, Menlo Park, California, USA

    James R. O'Neil

Authors
  1. Bruce E. Taylor
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  2. James R. O'Neil
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Taylor, B.E., O'Neil, J.R. Stable isotope studies of metasomatic Ca-Fe-Al-Si skarns and associated metamorphic and igneous rocks, Osgood Mountains, Nevada. Contr. Mineral. and Petrol. 63, 1–49 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00371674

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00371674

Keywords