Granite-Molybdenite System of Ambalavayal, Kerala: Part I. Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of the Granite

Abstract

The 595 Ma old granite pluton punctures Precambrian low-alumina trondhjemites and occurs spatially related to the Moyar and Calicut fault-lineament. Mineralogically, it is a quartz-alkali-feldspar granite. Molybdenite occurs as disseminated flakes in the granite and associated pegmatites and as flaky aggregates in quartz veins. K: Na : Ca relationship suggests an adamellitic composition, whereas SiO₂ vs. Log₁₀K₂O/MgO proportions confirm its alkaline nature. In Harker variation diagrams, the oxide weight percentages show overall magmatic trends. Among trace elements, the notable features are low large ion lithophile element contents, moderate to high transition element levels and extremely high light rare earth element values. High SiO₂, K₂O and Na₂O values, with low abundance of Ba, Rb and Sr and enrichment of Nb and Zr are typical features comparable to alkali granites elsewhere. The Rb, Nb and Y characteristics denote a within-plate affinity. Petrochemical features indicate derivation of the granite from an alkali-enriched partial melt through quartz and alkali feldspar fractionation. The extremely high K/Rb values imply a K-enriched, Rb-depleted deep crustal source. The enrichment of LREE and HFS elements indicate an active role of CO₂-rich volatiles in the petrogenetic regime.