Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Occurrence and Origin of Scapolite in the Neoproterozoic Lufilian–Zambezi Belt, Zambia: Evidence/Role of Brine-Rich Fluid Infiltration During Regional Metamorphism

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover Topics in Igneous Petrology

Abstract

Scapolite is an important mineral in the metamorphism of calc-silicates, marbles, amphibolites, and metagabbros in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt of Zambia. Both field and petrographic studies on granite gneisses, amphibolites, and metagabbros from the Munali hills area, in the southern part of the Lufilian–Zambezi belt indicated that scapolitization was due to metasomatism. The scapolite occurs as a pervasive replacement of plagioclase in the Munali hills granite gneiss, amphibolites, and metagabbros, and is associated with mineral assemblages that are indicative of amphibolite-facies metamorphism. Results of mineral analyses show that all the scapolites have calcian–marialite compositions, which range from 27 to 47 Me % and XCl contents of 0.37–0.50 a.p.f.u. The anorthite equivalent (31–46 EqAn %) of the scapolites overlaps with that of coexisting plagioclase (21–48 XAn %). The composition of scapolite is similar to that of the Copperbelt region of Zambia, where there is documented evidence of evaporite horizons. Moderate to high NaCl salinities, which range from 0.2–0.5 mol, and high contents of Cl in scapolite indicate that metamorphism in the belt was accompanied by metasomatic introduction of NaCl-rich fluids, which were derived from evaporite horizons that existed in the metasedimentary succession in the belt. This study shows that evaporites, from which NaCl-rich fluids were derived, were widespread in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt and played an important role in the metamorphic history of the belt.

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

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Barton CM, Carney JN, Crow MJ, Dunkley PN, Simango S (1991) The geology of the country around Rushinga and Nyamapanda. Bull Geol Surv Zimbabwe 92:220

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayliss P (1987) Mineral nomenclature: scapolite. Mineralog Mag 41:176

    Google Scholar 

  • Behr HJ, Horn EE (1982) Fluid inclusion systems in metaplaya deposits and their relationship to mineralization and tectonics. Chem Geol 37:173–189

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Binda PL (1994) Stratigraphy of the Zambian Copperbelt orebodies. J Afr Earth Sci 19:251–264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Broderick TJ (1981) The Zambezi metamorphic belt in Zimbabwe. In: Hunter DR (ed) Precambrian of the southern hemisphere. Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp 739–743

    Google Scholar 

  • Burnard P, Sweeney MA, Vaughan DJ, Spiro B, Thirwall MF (1993) Sulfur and lead isotope constraints on the genesis of a southern Zambian massive sulphide deposit. Econ Geol 88:418–436

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cahen L, Snelling NL, Delhal J, Vail JR, Bonhomme M, Ledent D (1984) Geochronology and evolution of Africa. Clarendon, Oxford, p 512

    Google Scholar 

  • Cailteux J, Kampunzu AB (1995) The Katangan tectonic breccias in the Shaba Province (Zaire) and their genetic significance. In: Wendorff M, Tack L (eds) Late Proterozoic belts in Central and Southern Africa. Annales Sciences Géologigues Musée Royal de I´Afrique Centrale 101, Tervuren, pp 49–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Cailteux J, Binda PL, Katekesha WM, Kampunzu AB, Intiomale MM, Kapenda D, Kaunda C, Ngongo K, Tshiauka T, Wendorff M (1994) Lithostratigraphical correlation of the neoproterozoic Roan Supergroup from Shaba (Zaire) and Zambia, in central African copper-cobalt metallogenic province. J Afr Earth Sci 19:265–278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cosi M, De Bonis A, Gosso G, Hunziker J, Martinotti G, Moratto S, Robber JP, Ruhlman F (1992) Late Proterozoic thrust tectonics, high pressure metamorphism and uranium mineralisation in the Domes Area, Lufilian Arc, northwestern Zambia. Precambrian Res 58:215–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coward MP, Daly MC (1984) Crustal lineaments and shear zones in Africa: their relationship to plate movements. Precambrian Res 24:27–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daly MC (1986) Crustal shear zones and thrust belts: their geometry and continuity in central Africa. Philos Trans R Soc Lond A317:111–128

    Google Scholar 

  • De Swardt AML, Drysdall AR (1964) Precambrian geology and structure in central northern Rhodesia. Mem Geol Surv N Rhodesia 2:82

    Google Scholar 

  • De Waele B, Fitzsimons ICW, Wingate MTD, Tembo F, Mapani B, Belousova EA (2009) The geochronological framework of the Irumide belt: a prolonged crustal history along the margin of the Bangweulu craton. Am J Sci 309:132–187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dirks PHGM, Sithole TA (1999) Eclogites in the Makuti gneisses of Zimbabwe: implications for the tectonic evolution of the Zambezi belt in southern Africa. J Metamorph Geol 17:593–612

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drysdall AR, Stillman CJ (1966) Scapolite from the Katanga carbonite rocks of the Lusaka district. Records Geol Soc Zambia 10:20–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis DE (1978) Stability and phase equilibria of chloride-and carbonate bearing scapolites at 750 °C and 4000 bar. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 42:1271–1281

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evans BW, Shaw DM, Haughton DR (1969) Scapolite stoichiometry. Contrib Mineralog Petrol 24:293–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faryad SW (2002) Metamorphic conditions and fluid compositions of scapolite bearing rocks from the Lapis Lazuli deposit at Sare Sang, Afghanistan. J Petrol 13:725–747

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanson RE, Wilson TJ, Brueckner HK, Onstott TC, Wardlaw MS, Johns CC, Hardcastle KC (1988) Reconnaissance geochronology, tectono-thermal evolution and regional significance of the Middle Proterozoic Choma-Kalomo block, southern Zambia. Precambrian Res 42:39–61

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanson RE, Wardlaw MS, Wilson TJ, Mwale G (1993) U-Pb zircon ages from the Hook granite massif and Mwembeshi dislocation: constraints on Pan-African deformation and transcurrent shearing in central Zambia. Precambrian Res 63:189–209

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanson RE, Wilson TJ, Munyanyiwa H (1994) Geologic evolution of the Neoproterozoic Zambezi orogenic belt in Zambia. J Afr Earth Sci 18:135–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hargrove US, Hanson RE, Martin MW, Blenkinsop TG, Bowring SA, Walker N, Munyanyiwa H (2003) Tectonic evolution of the Zambezi belt: geochronological, structural and petrographical constraints from northern Zimbabwe. Precambrian Res 123:159–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harley SL, Fitzsimons ICW, Buick IS (1994) Reactions and textures in wollastonite-scapolite granulites and their significance for pressure-temperature-fluid histories of high-grade terranes. Precambrian Res 66:309–323

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hietanen AH (1967) Scapolite in the Belt series in the St Joe-Clear water Region, Idaho. Geol Soc Am Spec Pap 86:56

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson MAP, Warin ON, Woad GM, Hudec MR (2003) Neoproterozoic allochthonous salt tectonic during the Lufilian orogeny in the Katangan Copperbelt, central Africa. Geol Soc Am Bull 115:314–330

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • John T, Schenk V, Haase K, Scherer E, Tembo F (2003) Evidence of a Neoproterozoic ocean in south-central Africa from mid-ocean-ridge-type geochemical signatures and pressure-temperature estimates of Zambian eclogites. Geology 31:243–246

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson SP, Oliver GJH (2000) Mesoproterozoic oceanic subduction, Island-arc formation and the initiation of back-arc spreading in the Kibaran belt of central southern Africa: evidence from the Ophiolite Terrane, Chewore Inliers, northern Zimbabwe. Precambrian Res 103:125–146

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson SP, Fitzsimons ICW, Wingate MTD, Tembo F, Mapani B, Belousova EA (2007) The geochronological framework of the Irumide belt: a prolonged crustal history along the margin of the Bangweulu craton. Am J Sci 309:132–187

    Google Scholar 

  • Kamona F (1993) The carbonate-hosted Kabwe Pb-Zn deposit, central Zambia. Ph.D thesis, Technical University of Archean, 207 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Kampunzu AB, Cailteux J (1999) Tectonic evolution of the Lufilian arc central Africa Copperbelt during Neoproterozoic Pan-African orogenesis. Gondwana Res 2:135–150

    Google Scholar 

  • Katongo C (1999) Structural and petrographic fabrics in the Chisamba and Kabwe areas, central Zambia: implications for the Late Proterozoic Mwembeshi Dislocation Zone. M.Sc. thesis (unpublished), University of Zambia, 209 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Katongo C, Koller F, Kloetzli U, Koeberl C, Tembo F, De Waele B (2004) Petrography, geochemistry and geochronology of key granitoid rocks in the Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic Fufilian-Zambesi belt, Zambia: implications for tectonic setting and regional correlation. J Afr Earth Sci 40:219–244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Key RM, Liyungu AK, Njamu FM, Somwe V, Banda J, Mosley PN, Armstrong RA (2001) The western arm of the Lufilian arc in NW Zambia and its potential for copper mineralisation. J Afr Earth Sci 33:503–528

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mallick DIJ (1966) The stratigraphy and structure of the Mpande Dome, southern Zambia. Trans Geol Soc SA 69:211–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Markl G, Piazolo S (1998) Halogen-bearing minerals in syenites and high-grade marbles of Dronning Maud Land, Anrtartica: monitors of fluid compositional changes during late-magmatic fluid-rock interaction processes. Contrib Mineralog Petrol 132:246–268

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mendelsohn F (1961) The geology of the Northern Rhodesia copper belt. McDonald, London, p 523

    Google Scholar 

  • Moecher DP, Essene EJ (1991) Calculations of CO2 activities using scapolite equilibria: constraints on the presence and composition of fluids phase during high grade metamorphism. Contrib Mineralog Petrol 108:219–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moine B, Guilloux L, Audeoud D (1986) Major element geochemistry of host rocks in some sediment-hosted copper deposits. In: Friedrich GH (ed) Geology and metallogeny of copper deposits. Springer, Berlin, pp 443–460

    Google Scholar 

  • Mora CI, Valley JW (1989) Halogen-rich scapolite and biotite: implications for metamorphic fluid-rock interaction. Am Mineralog 74:721–737

    Google Scholar 

  • Munoz JL, Swenson A (1981) Chloride-hydroxyl exchange in biotite and estimation of relative HCL/HF activities in hydrothermal fluids. Econ Geol 76:2212–2221

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munyanyiwa H (1985) The geochemistry and metamorphism of calc-silicate rocks, marbles and amphibolites in a portion of the Zambezi belt, southern Zambia. M.Sc. thesis (unpublished) University of Zambia, 193 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Munyanyiwa H (1990) Mineral assemblages in calc-silicates and marbles in Zambezi mobile belt: their implications on mineral-forming reactions during metamorphism. J Afr Earth Sci 10:693–700

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munyanyiwa H, Hanson RE (1988) Geochemistry of marbles and calc-silicate rocks in the Pan-African Zambezi belt, Zambia. Precambrian Res 38:177–200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Munyanyiwa H, Hanson RE, Blenkinsop TG, Treloar PJ (1997) Geochemistry of amphibolites and quartzofeldspathic gneisses in the Pan-African Zambezi belt, northwest of Zimbabwe: evidence for bimodal magmatism in a continental rift setting. Precambrian Res 81:179–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orville PM (1975) Stability of scapolite in the system Ab-An-NaCl-CaCO3 at 4 kbar and 750°C. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 39:1091–1105

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oterdoom WH, Wenk HR (1983) Ordering and composition of scapolite; field observations and structural interpretations. Contrib Mineralog Petrol 83:330–341

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porada H (1989) Pan-African rifting and orogenesis in southern to equatorial Africa and eastern Brazil. Precambrian Res 44:103–136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porada H, Berr HJ (1988) Setting and sedimentary facies of late Proterozoic alkali lake (playa) deposits in the southern Damara belt of Namibia. Sed Geol 58:171–194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porada H, Berhorst V (2000) Towards a new understanding of the Neoproterozoic-Early Palaeozoic Lufilian and northern Zambezi belts in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. J Afr Earth Sci 30:727–771

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pouchou J, Pichoir F (1991) Quantitative analysis of homogeneous or stratified microvolumes applying the model “PAP”. In: Heinrich KFJ, Newbury DE (eds) Electron probe quantitation. Plenum, New York, pp 31–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Rebbert CR, Rice JM (1997) Scapolite-plagioclase exchange: Cl-CO3 scapolite solution chemistry and implications for peristerite plagioclase. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 61:555–567

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rich RA (1979) Fluid inclusion evidence of Silurian evaporites in southern Vermont. Geol Soc Am Bull 90:1628–1643

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roeder E (1984) Low-medium grade metamorphic environments. Mineralog Soc Am Rev Mineral 12:413–472

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson JG, Stillman CJ (1963) Metamorphism and reactions phenomena in gabbros of the Mwembeshi and Lusaka areas. Records Geol Surv Zambia 9:10–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson JG, Drysdall AR, Lambert HH (1965) The geology and groundwater resources of the Lusaka area: explanation of degree sheet 1528, NW quarter. Rep Geol Surv N Rhodesia 16:59

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith AG (1963) The geology of the country around Mazabuka and Kafue: explanation of degree sheets 1527, SE quarter and 1528 SW quarter. Rep Geol Surv N Rhodesia 2:32

    Google Scholar 

  • Teertstra DK, Sherriff BL (1997) Substitution mechanisms, composition trends and the end-member formulae of scapolite. Chem Geol 136:233–260

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tembo F (1994) The geology, geochemistry and tectonic significance of metagabbroic rocks in the Lufilian Arc of Zambia. Ph.D thesis, University of Göttingen, Cuvillier Verlag, Göttingen, 118 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Tembo F, Kampunzu AB, Porada H (1999) Tholeiitic magmatism associated with continental rifting in the Lufilian belt of Zambia. J Afr Earth Sci 28:403–425

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Unrug R (1983) The Lufilian arc: a microplate in the Pan-African collision zone of the Congo and Kalahari cratons. Precambrian Res 21:181–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Unrug R (1996) The assembly of Gondwanaland. Episodes 19:11–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Vanko DA, Bishop FC (1982) Occurrence and origin of marialitic scapolite in Humboldt Lapolith, N.W Nevada. Contrib Mineralog Petrol 81:277–289

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vinyu ML, Hanson RE, Martin MW, Bowring SA, Jelsma HA, Krol MA, Dirks PHGM (1999) U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronological constraints on tectonic evolution of the eastern part of the Zambezi orogenic belt, northeast Zimbabwe. Precambrian Res 98:67–82

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vrána S (1978) Metamorphic patterns in Zambia and their bearing on problems of Zambian tectonic history. Precambrian Res 5:127–130

    Google Scholar 

  • Vrána S, Barr MWC (1972) Talc-Kyanite-quartz schists and other high-pressure assemblages from Zambia. Mineralog Mag 38:837–846

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vrána S, Prasad R, Fediuková E (1975) Metamorphic kyanite eclogites in the Lufilian arc of Zambia. Contrib Mineralog Petrol 51:1–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wendorff M (2000) Genetic aspects of the Katangan megabreccias: Neoproterozoic of central Africa. J Afr Earth Sci 30:703–715

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weil AB, Van der Voo R, MacNiocall C, Meert JG (1998) The Proterozoic supercontinent Rodinia: paleomagnetically derived reconstructions for 1100–800 Ma. Earth Planet Sci Lett 154:13–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson T, Hanson RE, Wardlaw MS (1993) Late proterozoic evolution of the Zambezi belt, Zambia: implications for the regional Pan-African and shear displacements in Gondwana. In: Findlay RH, Unrug R, Banks MR, Veevers JJ (eds) Gondwana Eight: assembly, evolution and dispersal. Balkema, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, pp 69–82

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank the Austrian Academic Exchange Service (ÖAD) for a Ph.D. stipend to C. Katongo. Analytical expenses were supported by the Austrian science Foundation FWF. The co-authors would like to dedicate this paper to the memory of Crispin Katongo, who passed away after a short illness on July 18, 2004, at the age of 38, shortly after completing his PhD at the University of Vienna. We are grateful to three anonymous reviewers, and Prof. Jyotisankar Ray, whose extensive and constructive comments helped to improve this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Lithospheric Research, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria

    Crispin Katongo, Friedrich Koller, Theodoros Ntaflos & Christian Koeberl

  2. School of Mines, Department of Geology, University of Zambia, 32379, Lusaka, Zambia

    Francis Tembo

Authors
  1. Crispin Katongo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Friedrich Koller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Theodoros Ntaflos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Christian Koeberl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Francis Tembo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christian Koeberl .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Geology, University of Calcutta, Ballygunge Circular Rd. 35, Kolkata, 700019, India

    Jyotisankar Ray

  2. Dept. Earth Sciences, Florida Center for Analytical, Florida International University, Miami, 33199, Florida, USA

    Gautam Sen

  3. , Department of Geology, University of Calcutta, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, India

    Biswajit Ghosh

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Katongo, C., Koller, F., Ntaflos, T., Koeberl, C., Tembo, F. (2011). Occurrence and Origin of Scapolite in the Neoproterozoic Lufilian–Zambezi Belt, Zambia: Evidence/Role of Brine-Rich Fluid Infiltration During Regional Metamorphism. In: Ray, J., Sen, G., Ghosh, B. (eds) Topics in Igneous Petrology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9600-5_18

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation