Geo.

br 1 (2002) 1-20 ISSN1519-5708

Irneu Mendes de Carvalho Jnior & Maurcio Antnio http//:www.degeo.ufop.br/geobr
Carneiro.

ULTRAMAFIC ROCKS PRESERVING CUMULATE TEXTURES: AN ARCHEAN

OCCURRENCE IN SOUTHERN SO FRANCISCO CRATON.

Irneu Mendes de Carvalho Jnior 1& Maurcio Antnio Carneiro 1

1
Departamento de Geologia da Escola de Minas da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto
(DEGEO/EM/UFOP)

ABSTRACT

The Ribeiro dos Motas Layered Sequence crops out in the southern portion of the So Francisco
Craton, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. This Archean sequence is formed by alternating peridotite
and pyroxenite layers exhibiting variable thickness and cumulate textures (e.g. orthocumulus,
adcumulus and heteradcumulus types). Subordinately, amphibolitized mafic rocks occur (e.g.
gabbronorite), but the genetic relationship between both amphibolitized mafic and ultramafic
rocks is yet unclear. Although the rocks of the layered sequence were metamorphosed and show
secondary mineral paragenesis ranging from high to low metamorphic grade, preserved igneous
textures and structures can be recognized. This paper presents some geological characteristics of
the Ribeiro dos Motas Sequence and also compares their peculiar characteristics with other
worldwide occurrences of mafic-ultramafic rocks (e.g. layered complex, alpine complex and
greenstone sequences). Additionally, this paper presents a petrologic-tectonic model to explain
the igneous origin of textures and structures of the sequence. Finally, as the previous statement,
the Ribeiro do Motas Layered Sequence probably represents a sui generis occurrence of mafic-
ultramafic rocks with peculiar characteristics in the transition between a layered complex and a
greenstone sequence.

RESUMO

A Seqncia Acamadada Ribeiro dos Motas aflora nos domnios da poro meridional do
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Crton So Francisco em Minas Gerais. Esta seqncia arqueana constituda, principalmente,

por peridotitos e piroxenitos, que se alternam em camadas de espessura variada e exibem uma
ampla coleo de texturas cumulticas (e.g. ortocmulus, adcmulus e heteradcmulus).
Subordinadamente, so encontradas rochas mficas anfibolitizadas (e.g. gabronoritos), mas as
relaes de contato com as ultramficas so discutveis. Apesar de suas texturas e estruturas
gneas preservadas as rochas da Seqncia Acamadada Ribeiro dos Motas encontram-se
variavelmente metamorfisadas, de modo que paragneses secundrias, variando de alto a baixo
grau, podem ser, localmente, identificadas. Neste trabalho, alm da caracterizao petrolgica
das rochas desta seqncia, comparam-se as suas caractersticas peculiares com outras
ocorrncias de ultramafitos mundiais (e.g. complexos estratiformes, complexos alpinos e
seqncias greenstone). Adicionalmente, apresenta-se um modelo petrotectnico para explicar a
origem de suas texturas e estruturas gneas. Como concluso preliminar acredita-se que a
Seqncia Acamadada Ribeiro dos Motas uma ocorrncia sui generis de ultramafitos, com
particularidades petrolgicas e geoqumicas intermedirias entre um complexo estratiforme e
uma seqncia greenstone.

Keywords: Mafic-ultramafic rocks, layered complex, cumulates textures, So Francisco Craton, Archean.

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INTRODUCTION occurrences. In particular, until recently

only the ultramafic volcanics of the Rio das
The study of ultramafic rocks is important
Velhas Supergroup greenstone sequence
for various aspects. It could reveals the
(RVS), outcropping in the Quadriltero
magmatic processes related to fractional
Ferrfero (Padilha 1984; Schorscher 1992;
crystallization and crystal accumulation,
Sichel 1983), were known in the southern
both in continental lithospheric or oceanic
portion of the Craton (Figure 1). These
environments. Additionally, these rocks
ultramafic rocks underwent such an intense
could contain significant contents of Au, Ni,
greenschist facies metamorphism that their
and PGE. Moreover, the ultramafic rocks
primary textures and mineral assemblages
stand out due to their ultramelanocratic
are invariably obliterated. Carneiro et al.
nature, high density, less than 45% silica,
(1996a; b) reported for the first time the
and high magnesium (MgO>12%) and low
presence of Archean ultramafic rocks with
aluminum (Al2O3<10%) contents. Common
cumulate textures and preserved primary
examples of ultramafic rocks are peridotites
mineralogy in the domains of southern So
(l.s.) and pyroxenites (l.s.) from layered and
Francisco Craton (SSFC), later named
alpine complexes and komatiites and
Ribeiro dos Motas Layered Sequence
ultramafic basalts from greenstone
(RMLS - Carneiro et al. 1997a; b; c;
sequences. In all these lithotectonic
Carvalho Jnior et al. 1997, Carvalho Jnior
associations the composition of the mantle
et al. 1998, 1999, Carvalho Jnior 2001).
from were they derive is recorded. They are
The petrography of RMLS is presented in
associated with extensional tectonic
this work and also general geologic aspects
processes that have occurred in the earths
are discussed on a preliminary basis such as
crust since the Paleoarchean. For this reason
the mineralogy, petrology and chemistry
the distribution of this type of magmatism is
together with the possible tectonic
worldwide and not restricted to a specific
environment for this sequence. Additionally
geotectonic environment. However, they are
a crystallization model for its rocks is
more conspicuous in the cratonic terranes, as
presented based in their mineralogical and
is the case of the So Francisco Craton
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textural study. Quadriltero Ferrfero Archean and

Proterozoic supracrustal sequences (RVS
GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS
and Minas Supergroup), fact that would

RMLS crops out in the SSFC domains, in therefore characterize a more widespread

the central-southern region of the Minas original geographic distribution of these

Gerais state (Figure 1). This region, which sequences. In a general sense, RMLS rocks

has been studied since the mid-90s are widespread for a large portion of the

(Carneiro et al. 1996a; b; 1997a; b; c; SSFC. However, it is in the Ribeiro dos

1998a; b; Carvalho Jnior et al. 1997; 1998, Motas region that crops out the largest

and Fernandes et al. 1997), has as volume of RMLS rocks (Figure 1C). In this

predominating lithotectonic unit the Campo region the ultramafic body presents a

Belo Metamorphic Complex (Fernandes & segmented irregular shape so that its

Carneiro 2000, Oliveira & Carneiro 2001, fragments are preferentially aligned along

Teixeira et al. 1996). The Campo Belo NE/SW. A strong internal framework can be

Metamorphic Complex is composed by observed in this body, which is interpreted

igneous or metamorphic nature rocks, with as being a primary layering (Figure 2A),

felsic, mafic and ultramafic composition, constituted by peridotitic and pyroxenitic

corresponding respectively to high-grade rocks, where idiomorphic pyroxene crystals

gneisses (granulite facies), granitoids can be observed (Figure 2B). These

(gneissified or not), gabbros (sometimes structures are sub horizontal, as seen in

amphibolitized), peridotites and pyroxenites. Figure 2A, or even sub vertical (Figure 2C).

Locally, sillimanite quartzite and banded However, the bedding strike is invariably

iron formation (with orthopyroxene) are NE/SW.

found that may correspond to remains of the

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Figure 1. A) SSFC morphotectonic domain. Keys: 1 Archean metamorphic complexes, 2 Rio das Velhas Supergroup, 3
Minas Supergroup, 4 Espinhao Supergroup, 5 Araua Belt, 6 Braslia Belt, 7 Bambu Supergroup; B) Regional
geotectonic context identifying the studied region; C) Simplified geological map of the studied region emphasizing RMLS
occurrences.

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illustrated in Figure 3. A third rock suite,

constituted by amphibolitized gabbroic
rocks, here named Amphibolitic Suite (AS),
which systematically occurs associated
together PES and PIS ultramafic rocks.
However it has not been possible until now
to establish the nature of the genetic
relationship between the ultramafic and
amphibolitic suites because AS rocks are
always found as boulders spreading out in
the areas where ultramafic rocks occur.
Geographically the PIS rocks are
preferentially found at the ultramafic body
rims whereas the PES rocks predominate
within the body.

Petrographically the RMLS ultramafic

Figure 2. A) RMLS igneous bedding, represented by
rocks of the alternating Peridotitic and Pyroxenitic Suites
(PES and PIS); B) Whitish pyroxene phenocrysts, product
of a magmatic accumulation in the PES rocks; C) Layer of
the PIS in a vertical (sub vertical) bedding.
Petrographically the RMLS ultramafic
rocks can be grouped in two suites:
Peridotitic (PES) and Pyroxenitic (PIS),
according to the classification diagram
rocks can be grouped in two suites:
Peridotitic (PES) and Pyroxenitic (PIS),
according to the classification diagram
illustrated in Figure 3. A third rock suite,
constituted by amphibolitized gabbroic
rocks, here named Amphibolitic Suite (AS),
which systematically occurs associated
together PES and PIS ultramafic rocks.
However it has not been possible until now
to establish the nature of the genetic
relationship between the ultramafic and
amphibolitic suites because AS rocks are
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always found as boulders spreading out in preferentially found at the ultramafic body
the areas where ultramafic rocks occur. rims whereas the PES rocks predominate
Geographically the PIS rocks are within the body.

Figure 3. Classification diagram for ultramafitites, according Streckeisen (1974), illustrating the modal composition of the
RMLS rocks from the Peridotitic (PES) and Pyroxenitic (PIS) Suites.

PERIDOTITIC SUITE inequigranular, anhedral to subhedral. The

essential igneous mineral composition is
The PES rocks are essentially
olivine (Fo:87-91%), amphibole (magnesian
holocrystalline varying from fine to
hornblende) and pyroxenes (enstatite and
medium-grained. The crystals are
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clinoenstatite En: 87-90%). Brown spinel (oikocrysts) or in the matrix in adcumulus

is an accessory mineral. Secondary minerals form. The mesh texture can also be
are represented by green spinel, clinochlore, observed, resulting from the alteration of
serpentine and opaque minerals. The PES olivine adcumulate horizons. The olivine
rocks present cumulate textures of the intercrystal contact geometry is maintained
adcumulate and heteradcumulate types. The and it usually shows peculiar features of
adcumulate texture (Figure 4A) is post-cumulate overgrowth such as zones of
characterized by the presence of opaque mineral concentration in the olivine
orthocumulus olivine crystals without any ghost crystals. In this rock suite pyroxene
filling of intercumulus phases between the and amphibole appear as interstitial mineral
crystals. The heteradcumulate texture phases of cumulus phases, being therefore
(Figure 4B) is characterized by the presence characterized as more hydrated intercumulus
of orthocumulus olivine crystals phases that developed post-cumulus, as
(chadacrysts) either inside pyroxenes described by Tribuzio et al. (1999).

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minerals of the intercumulus phase -

orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and
amphibole (post-cumulus) showing only
spinel, olivine and amphibole inclusions in
the form of chadacrysts in orthopyroxene
and clinopyroxene crystals (Figure 4B).
Thus amphibole occurs in two ways in these
rocks: as inclusions in the intercumulus
phases, and as sub horizontal monomineralic
clusters alternating with pyroxenes, olivine
and serpentine layers in the matrix. The
pyroxenes present identical optical
characteristics except for the extinction
angle around 15 in the case of
clinopyroxenes. These minerals (ortho- and
clinopyroxenes) sometimes show straight
faces and internal fracturing pattern at 90.
The spinels appear as granular crystals
sometimes having rectangular and
hexagonal cross-sections. These minerals
present high relief, and are olive green to
Figure 4. A) Olivine orthocumulus in adcumulate greenish brown, having opaque minerals at
organization and spinel orthocumulus in PES rocks. Keys:
Ol - Olivine, Es Spinel (photomicrography under plane the rims. Possibly this color pattern marks a
light); B) Olivine orthocumulus chadacrysts characterizing
its heteradcumulate quality in PES rocks. Keys: Ol compositional variation that starts with a
Olivine, Px - Orthopyroxene, Es Spinel, Amp
Amphibole (photomicrography under polarized light); C) brownish green, Cr- and Mg-rich, Fe-poor
Intercumulus texture, marked by the coexistence of two
intercumulus phases, where the intercumulus amphibole spinel, changing to a green, considerably Al-
chadacrysts are enclosed in intercumulus pyroxene
oikocrysts in PIS rocks. Keys: Px - Clinopyroxene, Amp rich spinel, and ending as a Fe-rich spinel
Amphibole (photomicrography under polarized light).
and opaque mineral (magnetite).
A curious association takes place between
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Clinochlore shows tabular habit. present modal olivine and spinel, the
Systematically it encloses opaque and secondary mineral assemblage is composed
colorless to slightly yellow phases. The of clinochlore, amphibole and opaque
relief is low and its interference color is minerals. Otherwise, only amphibole makes
anomalous. It is always associated with up the secondary paragenesis. In textural
spinel. Serpentine (chrysotile) appears in the terms the rock predominantly presents
form of mineral aggregates resultant from intercumulus texture. This type of texture is
the alteration of olivine and pyroxenes, characterized by pyroxene oikocrysts with
being pale yellow to practically colorless. amphibole, olivine, spinel and/or garnet
Between olivine ghost crystals (relict chadacrysts, being the amphibole
hexagonal crystal forms of serpentinised chadacrysts (Figure 4C) representative of a
olivine), it is common the presence of zones minor intercumulus phase (Carvalho Jnior
of opaque mineral (magnetite) & Carneiro 1999). The orthocumulate
concentration, which is a serpentinisation texture occurs when the pyroxenite presents
sub product. olivine orthocumulus in the pyroxene-
amphibole-rich matrix, being comparatively
PYROXENITIC SUITE
quite rare. The (ortho- and clino-) pyroxenes

The PIS rocks are essentially are the most abundant minerals in the

holocrystalline, fine- to coarse-grained, with pyroxenites. Their main diagnostic features

subhedral to anhedral crystals. The essential are high relief, practically colorless crystals

mineral composition is almost exclusively with shades of light pink in some thin

(ortho- and clino-) pyroxenes, sections, distinctive 90 cleavage pattern

predominating orthopyroxenes (En:79-85%)
and amphibole (magnesian hornblende to
tremolite). Olivine and spinel, when present,
are less abundant than 5% and constitute the
accessory mineral assemblage. Garnet is
also an accessory mineral in PIS, but it is
extremely rare. When the pyroxenites
and first-order gray to second-order orange
polarization color. Amphibole can either be
enclosed in pyroxenes, or disseminated as
clusters showing 120 polygonal contacts,
moderate relief, second-order orange to
violet polarization colors and pale yellow
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shades. Despite rare, green spinel can also
be observed. Its isotropic characteristic
under polarized light is distinctive. In
general the rims are altered to an opaque
mineral. Olivine, when present in the rocks
of this suite, occurs as granular crystals
enclosed in pyroxenes. Most of the time
olivine appears as ghost crystals in the
matrix. Garnet is light pink and isotropic,
generally enclosed in pyroxene crystals.
Clinochlore is a secondary mineral. Its
diagnostic features are tabular habit, pale-
yellow colored to colorless, undulatory
extinction, and anomalous birefringence.
The opaque minerals are more abundant in
the pyroxenitic rocks with modal spinel and
olivine. These opaque minerals are regularly
distributed in the matrix, generally at the
spinel rims and in the serpentine interstices.
AMPHIBOLITIC SUITE
The amphibolitic suite rocks are
holocrystalline varying from fine to coarse
grained, showing anhedral to subhedral
crystals. They present glomeroporphyric
texture. The corona texture can be observed
in the pyroxene crystals, being this mineral
transformed to amphibole at the rims by an
incipient uralitization process. Relict
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intergranular texture is also present, in
which amphibole and pyroxene crystals
cluster as crystalline agglomerates between
lath-shaped feldspars. The rocks of this suite
are composed of plagioclase, pyroxene and
amphibole. Garnet, apatite, zircon and
opaque minerals are present as accessory
minerals. Pyroxene uralitization is very
common. In this reaction silica is originated
from pyroxene by means of pyroxene
hydration and transformation to amphibole
that encloses silica in the form of
xenomorphic quartz droplets. Plagioclase
appears almost completely altered to
saussurite. It is colorless, shows ghost
polysynthetic twinning and subhedral to
anhedral shapes and sometimes intercepts
pyroxene crystals. Pyroxene (diopside) is
strongly fractured and most of the time
shows exsolution lamellae and amphibole
fringes around its rims. It has pale green
shades and second-order blue polarization
color. Hornblende appears as subhedral to
anhedral crystals and also as alteration
product from pyroxene, characterizing the
uralitization process. Garnet is common as
anhedral crystals; it is isotropic and
fractured, presenting quartz and
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plagioclase inclusions. Apatite appears as haloes in host amphibole. Opaque minerals

colorless crystals, with perfect hexagonal (iron oxides) are almost always associated
basal sections and is enclosed by plagioclase with pyroxene and amphibole, constituting
and amphibole. Zircon occurs as elongated subhedral, sometimes dendritic crystals.
granular crystals, producing pleochroic
DISCUSSION tholeiites or basaltic komatiites (Arndt &
Nisbet 1982) that, similarly to the more
A series of fundamental questions still
magnesian terms, present spinifex texture.
remains concerning the genesis and nature
Cumulate textures are also observed in
of the RMLS rocks. One of them refers to
harzburgitic, lherzolitic, dunitic, pyroxenitic
the crystallization environment of the rocks
and peridotitic rocks of the alpine
of the sequence (plutonic? volcanic?).
complexes (Windley 1995). The genesis of
Another is related, for instance, to the
such complexes involves distinct tectonic
tectonic environment. Systematically the
environments. Firstly, they are the product
PES and PIS rocks present several cumulate
of crustal rifting that leads to the generation
textures, as illustrated in Figure. 4A, B and
of an oceanic crust. Then, this type of
C. The development of such texture type
complex undergoes a convergent margin
usually characterizes layered igneous
regime, where fragments of an oceanic crust
complexes, such as Bushveld, Stillwater,
(ophiolites), molasses sequences and flysch
Fisknaenesset and Skaegaard. However, the
pile up on the adjacent continental crust.
literature of the greenstone sequences also
Due to this genetic complexity, the
reports, besides spinifex, the presence of
ultramafic rocks of the alpine complexes
cumulus textures in the basal portions of the
present peculiar characteristics related, for
sub volcanic to volcanic occurrences
instance, to geochemical signature
(komatiites). Chemically, they present MgO
(incompatible and REE elements) and initial
contents higher than 18% (Arndt & Nisbet 87
Sr/86Sr ratios. On the other hand,
1982). The komatiites are in general
crystallization is dependent on P-T
associated with more aluminous and more
conditions and volatiles fugacity, at the
Fe-enriched rocks, corresponding to Mg-rich
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same time that nucleation and settlings are
taking place in the whole lava pile, evolving
with the spreading center (Sparks &
Parmentier 1994). Consequently, in that case
the fractional crystallization and crystal
settling is a short time magmatic process. It
is different from what occurs, for example,
in stratiform complexes, where long time
crystallization processes promoting
abundant settling crystals and adcumulate
textures. However, in this type of complex P
and T oscillation regulates the mineral
composition of the solid solutions, in terms
of Mg, Fe, Cr and Ni phases (Naslund &
MacBirney 1996). These P and T variations
make the existence of a sharp contact
between rock layers of different
compositions possible. Moreover, in
stratiform complexes, the successive
magmatic injections in the crystallization
chamber favor the formation of repetitive
and thick lithologically distinct layers.
GENERAL COMPARISONS
In general terms, if compared with the
komatiitic peridotites from the greenstone
sequences, the RMLS rocks stand out
because they: a) do not present textures
indicative of fast cooling; b) have relatively
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lower MgO contents (Carneiro et al. 1999,
Carvalho Jnior 2001) are not associated
with sedimentary rocks (Table 1) like
greenstone sequences worldwide. Texturally
RMLS rocks do not quite resemble the
alpine complexes. Besides, the ultramafic
rocks of the alpine complexes are in general
more depleted in light REE and, as the
greenstone sequences, associations typical
of alpine complexes have never been
observed in RMLS (Table 1). When
compared to the stratiform complexes,
RMLS ultramafic rocks present, in general
terms, the same textural types of the basal
terms of such complexes, except for the
cryptic variation in the ultramafic layers
(study not yet performed) and the presence
of more differentiated terms (Table 1). In
fact, AS (amphibolitized) gabbronorites are
found with chemical composition (Carneiro
et al. 1997a; b) suggesting, however, the
same magmatic evolution, where the PES
and PIS terms would be the most primitive.
From this comparison it is preliminarily
concluded that RMLS does not keep great
similarities, for instance, with alpine
complexes. Likewise, its petrographically
characteristics do not absolutely match
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with those of the greenstone sequences. The sequence. Bearing this in mind, its rocks
similarities are more compatible with the could have originated from partial melting
layered complexes (Table 1). Regionally, events in the mantle that succeeded the
the RMLS geochemical pattern, if melting that originated the mafic-ultramafic
compared to the geochemical pattern of the rocks of a greenstone sequence. This would
RVSG greenstone sequence (Carneiro et al. explain, for instance, their lower MgO and
1999, Carvalho Jnior 2001), indicates that, higher FeO contents in relation to RVS
once its rocks are more depleted in MgO komatiites (Carneiro et al. 1999, Carvalho
and REE, the two rock sequences could Jnior 2001). RMLS melting events would
have belonged to a single primitive then come from a depleted mantle and
magmatic system where RMLS would would be trapped in deep crustal portions,
correspond to a depleted member, originated never reaching the surface, corresponding to
from the same mantle from where the RVS a possible RVS greenstone root.
komatiitic magmas were extracted. Considering that the existence of continuous
However, Ti would not behave in an magma injections is necessary for the
incompatible manner for this magma development of successive strata of settled
evolution, once TiO2 contents are higher for minerals (Carvalho Jnior & Carneiro
RMLS rocks (Carneiro et al. 1999, 1999), it is possible that continuous
Carvalho Junior 2001). Therefore, being a incompatible element enrichment in the
sui generis sequence, it is believed that magma coming from a depleted mantle
RMLS corresponds to a magmatic would explain the fact that the RMLS rocks
crystallization interface located between a are richer in incompatible element s and
stratiform complex and a greenstone alkalis then the RVS rocks.

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agglomerate in the form of polyhedral

adcumulate crystals (Figure 5B) with spinel
CRYSTALLIZATION MODEL
orthocumulus (Figure 2C). With the
In this context, the development of the impoverishment of the chemical
RMLS igneous strata, based on research on composition of the magma for olivine and
the evolution of magmatic chambers by spinel crystallization, the nucleation of the
Wager & Brown (1968), Campbell (1978), intercumulus material, represented by
Maale (1978), Irvine (1980), Paktun pyroxenes, becomes active. But, due to the
(1984), Sparks et al. (1993) and Thriault & convection inherent to the magmatic
Fowler (1996) among others, can be chamber (Sparks 1993), not all olivine and
explained according the following evolution spinel settle down, so that some crystals are
model (Figure 5). Initially, olivine and retained by the crystallization of the
spinel crystallize and settle down in layers intercumulus phase (Figure 5C). This
from the lower portions of the evolving retention of cumulate mineral phases
magmatic chamber (Figure 5A). The very imprints the heteradcumulate character on
dense olivine crystals would settle fast and the olivines. With the exclusive
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crystallization of ortho- and clinopyroxenes
(more pyroxenitic strata), the intercumulus
phase becomes dominant (Figure 5C). For
Thriault & Fowler (1996) the thickness of
the peridotitic and pyroxenitic layers is
related to the cyclicity of the magmatic
injections in the chamber that allowed
feeding of the phases depleted in the first
fractionation events. New magmatic
injections allow olivine and spinel
crystallization and at the same time enrich
the fluid phase (Schneidder & Eggler 1986)
contributing to amphibole nucleation
(Figure 5C). The amphiboles nucleated
during the development of the intercumulus
phase occur as chadacrysts immersed in
pyroxene oikocrysts (Figure 4A). These
amphibole crystals correspond, however, to
minor intercumulus phases, once they
cannot be classified as orthocumulus,
because they are not accumulation products,
but an in situ growth, together with
pyroxene crystallization (e.g. Tribuzio et al.
1999 & Andersen et al. 1984). Olivine and
spinel accumulation and agglutination, due
ISSN1519-5708
http//:www.degeo.ufop.br/geobr
to magmatic injections in the previous phase
ends the crystallization cycle (Figure 5D)
and, therefore, establishes the layered
pattern of the studied rocks. According to
this model, the cyclicity of the magmatic
injections would explain the alternating
peridotitic and pyroxenitic strata.
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
Invariably the RMLS rocks show features
generated under low-, medium- and high-
grade metamorphism. These features are
characterized by the development of mineral
assemblages composing mesh-type textures,
formed during magnesian olivine
serpentinisation, and granoblastic textures,
containing tremolite, with polygonized
contacts. The Cr-spinel transformation to
aluminous spinel, generating clinochlore and
opaque minerals, also marks a metamorphic
event. This transformation takes place in the
presence of magnesian olivine, enstatite and
a fluid phase that contains enough water,
16
 Geo.br 1 (2002) 1-20 ISSN1519-5708
Irneu Mendes de Carvalho Jnior & Maurcio Antnio http//:www.degeo.ufop.br/geobr
Carneiro.

Figure 5. Schematic model illustrating the main generation stages of the Ribeiro dos Motas Layered Sequence, inside a
magmatic chamber; A) Magmatic injection followed by olivine and spinel nucleation; B) Settling and accumulation of olivine
and spinel during the crystallization of pyroxene intercumulus; C) Crystallization of pyroxene intercumulus during new
magmatic injection, yielding amphibole nucleation in the form of chadacrysts within the pyroxene oikocrysts; D) Olivine and
spinel nucleation due to magmatic injections in the earlier phase, followed by their accumulation and agglutination, closing the
crystallization cycle and this way establishing the layered pattern of the studied rocks.

occurring in the medium- to high-grade
interface. However, despite undergoing
more than one type of metamorphic
reworking during its crustal evolution,
RMLS keeps relict features unequivocal of
the original igneous paragenesis. Likewise,
the layered structures and cumulate igneous
textures may remain practically unaltered,
which means a re-equilibrium of the main
paragenesis under high grade, during its
emplacement in the crust in a lower
continental crust environment, compatible
with the granulite facies. Finally, in terms of
Brazilian occurrences, RMLS is similar to a
sequence of mafic-ultramafic rocks that
crops out in the Amazonian Craton domains,
more precisely in the Xingu Metamorphic
17
 Geo.br 1 (2002) 1-20
Irneu Mendes de Carvalho Jnior & Maurcio Antnio
Carneiro.
Complex, in Par State. This occurrence is
known as Luanga Basic-Ultrabasic Complex
and encompasses a sin-volcanic body,
intrusive in the Rio Novo greenstone
sequence (Suta 1988). Similarly to RMLS,
Luanga ultramafic rocks present cumulate
textures, but their minerals are a little richer
in Fe than RMLS (olivine: Fo:84-87%,
pyroxene: En:76-78%; Suta 1988). Despite
similar in the way they occur, in texture and
part of the mineral composition, the RMLS
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