Honors Project--Smith College, Northampton, Mass., 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-45).

Mamelodi Quarries, which currently mine the Franspoort nepheline syenite, produces aggregate and crusher sand for the local building industry. The mine is located northeast of Pretoria, South Africa on the road to Cullinan. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of the Franspoort nepheline syenite as an alumina and alkali resource for the glass and ceramics industry at Mamelodi Quarries, and to evaluate the production of a concentrate of zircon and rare earth elements as economic by-products. International standards require a nepheline product with a ferric oxide content of less than 0.35 weight percent. The Franspoort nepheline syenite contains 3.37 weight percent of ferric oxide. The iron-containing minerals present are aegirine, aegirine-augite, magnetite, ilmenite and pyrite. The removal of iron-bearing minerals was attempted by high-intensity wet magnetic separation, low-intensity dry magnetic separation, spiral gravity separation, and heavy liquid separation to produce a saleable nepheline product. This product is the cleaned final concentrate, of the different separation tests, which contains the lowest iron concentration for application in the glass and ceramic industry. The mineral assemblage was determined with a petrographic study as well as X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analyses. Material from the different separation tests was analysed with X-ray fluorescence to obtain the chemical composition and to evaluate the final iron content of the nepheline product. The dry magnetic separation method produced the best results. The nepheline product has a ferric oxide content of 0.68 weight percent compared to the starting concentration of 3.37 weight percent. The ferric oxide concentration is, however, above the accepted levels for the glass and ceramics industry. The ferric oxide content is attributed to small iron-rich mineral inclusions, which are locked in feldspar and nepheline. The final nepheline product is not suitable for the use in the glass and ceramic industry. Zircon was concentrated the best by the use of heavy liquid separation. Zircon is in most cases locked in the minerals albite, microcline, and nepheline. The rare earth elements are mostly associated with zircon and fluorite and therefore it will not be viable to produce it as a by-product. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Geology / unrestricted

Voluminous Eocene to Oligocene intermediate to silicic volcanic rocks related to subduction erupted throughout the Great Basin and were supplanted by bimodal eruptions of basalt and rhyolite related to extension in the Miocene. Locally, in the northern East Tintic Mountains of central Utah, this important transition is marked by a distinctive package of mafic alkaline magmas that reveal important details about the nature of this fundamental change. A late Oligocene anorthoclase-bearing shoshonite lava in the Boulter Peak quadrangle contains megacrysts of anorthoclase, with phenocrysts of olivine, clinopyroxene, magnesiohastingsite, magnetite, and apatite. The anorthoclase grains occur as glomerocrysts with irregular, resorbed edges, indicating they are not in equilibrium with the mafic phenocrysts in the shoshonite. They are interpreted to be xenocrysts incorporated into an ascending mafic magma that came into contact with a partially crystallized syenite. The mafic magma involved was probably derived by partial melting of the lithospheric mantle based on its high Mg/Fe ratios, magnesian phenocrysts, high water content, and high ratios of lithophile to high field strength elements. The syenite body likely crystallized from a highly differentiated melt. The 40Ar/39Ar age of the shoshonite is 25.35±0.04 Ma, and appears to represent the transition from subduction before the onset of extension (Christiansen et al., 2007). Other Oligocene mafic units in the area may represent different variations of the mafic alkaline endmember for the mixing process. The Gardison Ridge dike, a potassic alkaline basalt with an 40Ar/39Ar age of 26.3±0.3 Ma, contains olivine and clinopyroxene phenocrysts that are compositionally very similar to those found in the shoshonite. Other mafic dikes have even higher alkalis. All of these dikes have similar trace element patterns, with negative Nb and positive Pb anomalies, and high Ba and K concentrations. The minette of Black Rock Canyon (28.45±0.13 Ma) also contains high alkalis, particularly K, and its trace element pattern shows positive Ba and negative Nb anomalies. The clinopyroxene phenocrysts in the minette are also very similar to those found in the other alkaline rocks. The high water contents of these units are evidenced by amphibole in the shoshonite, phlogopite in the minette, and the lack of plagioclase phenocrysts in the basaltic dikes. The ages, mineral assemblages, and chemical compositions show that these late Oligocene alkaline magmas formed after a shallowly subducting oceanic slab peeled away from the overlying continental lithosphere and rolled back. Hot asthenosphere flowed in to replace the subducting plate and caused partial melting of the variably metasomatized lithospheric mantle. These alkaline magmas include the shoshonite, mafic alkaline dikes, and minette of Boulter Peak; they mark the transition from older subduction-related magmatism to Miocene magmatism caused by lithospheric extension.

The Beattie syenite is composed of a series of lenticular bodies of syenitic rocks, situated immediately north of the Porcupine-Destor fault zone in the town of Duparquet, approximately 32 km north of Rouyn-Noranda in the Abitibi Subprovince. The principal body is 3.3 km long and 470 m in width and is flanked by a series of smaller lenses to the south and northeast. The intrusion has been zircon dated at 2682±1Ma and 2682.9±1.1 Ma and hosted the major part of the Au-mineralization of the now defunct Beattie mine, which was an important producer of gold in the area from 1933 to 1956 (9.66 Mt at 4.88 g/t Au). A total of 5 petrographic units are defined here, on the basis of field relationships, macroscopic textures, petrology and mineralogy: 1- The porphyritic Beattie syenite unit is composed of 2% to 10% of tabular sub- to anhedral feldspar phenocrysts about 2 mm to 10 mm in size, set in a red feldspathic and aphanitic matrix. This unit can be strongly cataclastic with abundant hydrothermal minerals. 2- The equigranular magnetite-bearing syenite unit includes few feldspar phenocrysts, about 2 mm to 10 mm in a fine-grained matrix. It is characterized by unaltered titanite, epidote, hornblende porphyroblasts and is the only unit with actinolite replacing clinopyroxene. 3- The porphyritic Central Duparquet syenite unit contains between 2% - 25% of coarse equant euhedral feldspar phenocrysts, about 5 mm to 16 mm in size, in a red or sometimes grey aphanitic matrix. 4- The megaporphyritic syenite unit is composed of very coarse alkali feldspar phenocrysts, typically 1 cm to 6 cm across, in a red aphanitic matrix. The phenocrysts often form a glomeroporphyritic texture. 5- The lath syenite unit occurs as numerous ~m-width thin dykes, which cross-cut all other petrographic units. These dykes display a characteristic trachytic texture, as defined by the preferential alignment of alkali feldspar laths, which are typically 1 cm to 3 cm in a grey or red aphanitic matrix. Petrology and geochemistry investigations revealed that the syenite intruded into the older 2720-2718 Ma volcanic Deguisier Formation and the <2687±2 Ma sediments of the Porcupine Group. Detailed geochemical analysis revealed that the Deguisier Formation is composed of three units, forming a complete tholeiitic suite. The Deguisier Formation is proposed here to have been produced in a volcanic arc setting. Detailed petrological, mineralogical and geochemical studies indicate that, the syenite is part of the alkaline series and is metaluminous to peraluminous. The syenite intruded at shallow depths through a sequence of injections, yielding the five comagmatic units. The syenite and country rocks were then subjected to a series of hydrothermal alterations and brittle deformation events, combined with metamorphism to the greenschist facies. The Au-mineralization in this region is attributed to the hydrothermal alteration with brittle deformation.

A viability study was undertaken on a farm Zandrivierspoort 210 JP, in the Pilanesberg Alkaline Complex to investigate the red syenite deposit. The red syenite deposit of interest is located in the south-western quadrant of the Pilanesberg. It is a potential source of nepheline, which is used as a flux in glass and ceramics industry. The study was aimed at establishing the demand for the material in South Africa and the market logistics related to its exploitation. Glass and ceramics manufacturers have different specifications as far as the quality and the product form is concerned. A market study conducted indicated that glass manufacturers require already beneficiated material with a low Fe content, depending on the kind of glass being manufactured. Ceramics manufactures also want material with low Fe content, but the material can be unbeneficiated as most of these factories already have facilities to remove Fe and other gangue. The common requirement is that material must be crushed and milled to a specific size. Red Syenite complies with the specifications of the ceramics manufacturer and did not comply directly with the specification of the glass manufacturer. The main reason for not non-compliance with glass specifications can be attributed to the fact that the material supplied was unbeneficiated. A major concern from the industry is the continuity of production from the deposit and an assurance of constant quality. It was also established that the availability of substitutes such as feldspar at a lower cost than nepheline results in an unwillingness of potential users to source nepheline despite its advantages. It is recommended that extensive geological studies be undertaken to confirm the resources and reserves of the entire nepheline-bearing deposits in the Pilanesberg. The mining of the deposit will be undertaken by employing a quarrying method, which will be followed by opencast to a depth of 50m. The Run-Of-Mine (ROM) will be crushed and milled to sizes specified by clients and the beneficiation process will follow. A financial investigation based on the known facts about the deposit established that capital, production rate, and selling price have the highest influence on the viability of the project. Transport and operating costs in this case showed a less significant influence on the viability of the project. / Dissertation (MSc (ESPM))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Geology / unrestricted

The Beattie syenite is composed of a series of lenticular bodies of syenitic rocks, situated immediately north of the Porcupine-Destor fault zone in the town of Duparquet, approximately 32 km north of Rouyn-Noranda in the Abitibi Subprovince. The principal body is 3.3 km long and 470 m in width and is flanked by a series of smaller lenses to the south and northeast. The intrusion has been zircon dated at 2682±1Ma and 2682.9±1.1 Ma and hosted the major part of the Au-mineralization of the now defunct Beattie mine, which was an important producer of gold in the area from 1933 to 1956 (9.66 Mt at 4.88 g/t Au). A total of 5 petrographic units are defined here, on the basis of field relationships, macroscopic textures, petrology and mineralogy: 1- The porphyritic Beattie syenite unit is composed of 2% to 10% of tabular sub- to anhedral feldspar phenocrysts about 2 mm to 10 mm in size, set in a red feldspathic and aphanitic matrix. This unit can be strongly cataclastic with abundant hydrothermal minerals. 2- The equigranular magnetite-bearing syenite unit includes few feldspar phenocrysts, about 2 mm to 10 mm in a fine-grained matrix. It is characterized by unaltered titanite, epidote, hornblende porphyroblasts and is the only unit with actinolite replacing clinopyroxene. 3- The porphyritic Central Duparquet syenite unit contains between 2% - 25% of coarse equant euhedral feldspar phenocrysts, about 5 mm to 16 mm in size, in a red or sometimes grey aphanitic matrix. 4- The megaporphyritic syenite unit is composed of very coarse alkali feldspar phenocrysts, typically 1 cm to 6 cm across, in a red aphanitic matrix. The phenocrysts often form a glomeroporphyritic texture. 5- The lath syenite unit occurs as numerous ~m-width thin dykes, which cross-cut all other petrographic units. These dykes display a characteristic trachytic texture, as defined by the preferential alignment of alkali feldspar laths, which are typically 1 cm to 3 cm in a grey or red aphanitic matrix. Petrology and geochemistry investigations revealed that the syenite intruded into the older 2720-2718 Ma volcanic Deguisier Formation and the <2687±2 Ma sediments of the Porcupine Group. Detailed geochemical analysis revealed that the Deguisier Formation is composed of three units, forming a complete tholeiitic suite. The Deguisier Formation is proposed here to have been produced in a volcanic arc setting. Detailed petrological, mineralogical and geochemical studies indicate that, the syenite is part of the alkaline series and is metaluminous to peraluminous. The syenite intruded at shallow depths through a sequence of injections, yielding the five comagmatic units. The syenite and country rocks were then subjected to a series of hydrothermal alterations and brittle deformation events, combined with metamorphism to the greenschist facies. The Au-mineralization in this region is attributed to the hydrothermal alteration with brittle deformation.

O presente trabalho investiga processos de interação e mistura parcial de magmas monzodioríticos e sieníticos s.l. no Plúton Piracaia,(~ 580 Ma), que pertence à Província Granítica Itu, de caráter pós-orogênico. O Plúton Piracaia é uma intrusão alongada com cerca de 30 km2, formada por cinco unidades: Monzodioritos grossos (Mdr); Monzodioritos finos (Mdf); Monzonitos heterogêneos (Mh); Sienitos (Sie); quartzo sienitos e quartzo monzonitos (Qsie). Como base para a caracterização dos processos de interação de magmas, foram estimados os parâmetros físico-químicos dos magmas primários e híbridos identificados no plúton. As temperaturas liquidus foram estimadas a partir da saturação em apatita, e são da ordem de 950-1050°C para os magmas mais primitivos (Mdf) e 850-900°C para os mais diferenciados (quartzo sienitos). As temperaturas solidus, estimadas através das relações de equilíbrio entre hornblenda e plagioclásio, são da ordem de 750°C para Mdf, e 650-700°C para Sienitos e quartzo sienitos (Qsie). A profundidade de alojamento do plúton é estimada em ~13-15 km com base nas pressões estimadas para Mdf com base no conteúdo de Al na hornblenda. A concentração de H2O nos magmas foi estimada com base no teor de An do plagioclásio, conhecida a temperatura de cristalização, que indicou valores da ordem de 2,5-3,3% para Mdf, alcançando até 5% nos quartzo sienitos. Estimativas da fO2 a partir da composição química de cristais de magnetita e ilmenita não puderam ser obtidas, devido a reequilíbrio pós-magmático. Deste modo, foram obtidos valores aproximados com base no conteúdo de ulvoespinélio de cristais de magnetita reconstituídos e no conteúdo da molécula ilmenita dos cristais de ilmenita; em paralelo, foram também utilizadas as razões Fe/(Fe/Mg) de anfibólio e biotita. Os resultados revelaram um importante contraste entre as unidades Mdf e Mdr, caracteristicamente oxidadas, com valores próximos aos do buffer NNO, e as demais unidades, onde quartzo sienitos (Qsie) e especialmente Sie mostram-se mais reduzidas. Os baixos valores de susceptibilidade magnética medidos em campo para as unidade Sie e Mh, que a ela se associa, devem ser reflexos do seu caráter mais reduzido. Ao longo da história de construção da câmara, que foi alimentada intermitentemente por magmas de composição variada, dois eventos principais de interação de magmas foram identificados, com características distintas: (i) interação de magmas monzodioríticos (Mdf) e sieníticos (Sie), gerando a unidade de Monzonitos heterogêneos (Mh), na qual a intensa interdigitação de porções monzodioríticas e sieníticas sugere uma forte atuação mecânica, favorecendo a hipótese de que os magmas tenham se misturado previamente ao alojamento final; e (ii) interação de magmas monzodioríticos (Mdf) e quartzo sieníticos (Qsie), gerando diversas estruturas de coexistência, mistura localizada e possivelmente as rochas quartzo monzoníticas da unidade ( Qsie); neste caso, a interação entre os magmas possivelmente ocorreu na câmara magmática, como sugerido pelas características das estruturas indicativas de coexistência (enclaves e pillows de composição monzodiorítica). / The present study investigates the interaction and partial mixing of monzodiorite and syenite s.l. magmas in the Piracaia Pluton (~580 My), which is part of the post-orogenic Itu Granite Province. The Piracaia Pluton is an elongated intrusion with approximately 30 km², composed by five units: Coarse-grained monzodiorites (Mdr); Fine-grained monzodiorites (Mdf); Heterogeneous monzonites (Mh); Syenites (Sie); quartz syenites and quartz monzonites (Qsie). The physico-chemical crystallization parameters of the primary and hybrid magmas identified in the pluton were determined as references for the characterization of the magma interaction processes. The liquidus temperatures were estimated based on apatite saturation, and are in the range of 950-1050º C for the most primitive magmas (Mdf) and 850-900º C for the more differentiated ones (quartz syenites). The solidus temperatures, estimated on the basis of the equilibrium between hornblende and plagioclase, are about 750º C for Mdf, and 650-700º C for and quartz syenites (Qsie). The depth of emplacement is estimated at 13-15 km, as indicated by pressure estimates for Mdf, based on the Al-in-hornblende content. The H2O concentration of the magmas was estimated based on the An content of plagioclase, with results are in the range of 2.5-3.3% for Mdf, reaching up to 5% in quartz syenites. fO2 estimates based on the composition of coexisting magnetite and ilmenite could not be performed, due to post-magmatic re-equilibration. However, approximate values were obtained based on the ulvospinel content of reconstructed titanomagnetite crystals, and on the content of ilmenite molecule in ilmenite crystals; in parallel, the Fe/(Fe/Mg) ratios of amphibole and biotite were also used. The results show an important difference between the Mdf and Mdr units, which are distinctively oxidized, with values near the NNO buffer, and the other units which have lower ?O2, the quartz syenites and especially the syenites being the more reduced units. The lower magnetic susceptibility values measured in the field for the Sie and Mh units must reflect their more reduced nature. During the construction of the magma chamber, which was intermittently recharged by magmas of varied composition, two main events of magma interaction with distinct characteristics were identified: (i) the interaction of monzodiorites (Mdf) and syenites (Sie), generating the Heterogeneous monzonite unit, in which the interfingering of monzodiorite and syenite portions suggest a strong mechanical interaction, favoring the hypothesis that the magmas were already mixing previously to the final emplacement; (ii) interaction of monzodiorite (Mdf) and quartz syenite (Qsie), generating diverse mingling structures, local hybridization and possibly the quartz monzonite rocks of the unit Qsie; in this case, the magma interaction must have occurred at the magma chamber, as suggested by the type of structures indicative of coexistence (enclaves and monzodiorite pillows).

O presente trabalho investiga processos de interação e mistura parcial de magmas monzodioríticos e sieníticos s.l. no Plúton Piracaia,(~ 580 Ma), que pertence à Província Granítica Itu, de caráter pós-orogênico. O Plúton Piracaia é uma intrusão alongada com cerca de 30 km2, formada por cinco unidades: Monzodioritos grossos (Mdr); Monzodioritos finos (Mdf); Monzonitos heterogêneos (Mh); Sienitos (Sie); quartzo sienitos e quartzo monzonitos (Qsie). Como base para a caracterização dos processos de interação de magmas, foram estimados os parâmetros físico-químicos dos magmas primários e híbridos identificados no plúton. As temperaturas liquidus foram estimadas a partir da saturação em apatita, e são da ordem de 950-1050°C para os magmas mais primitivos (Mdf) e 850-900°C para os mais diferenciados (quartzo sienitos). As temperaturas solidus, estimadas através das relações de equilíbrio entre hornblenda e plagioclásio, são da ordem de 750°C para Mdf, e 650-700°C para Sienitos e quartzo sienitos (Qsie). A profundidade de alojamento do plúton é estimada em ~13-15 km com base nas pressões estimadas para Mdf com base no conteúdo de Al na hornblenda. A concentração de H2O nos magmas foi estimada com base no teor de An do plagioclásio, conhecida a temperatura de cristalização, que indicou valores da ordem de 2,5-3,3% para Mdf, alcançando até 5% nos quartzo sienitos. Estimativas da fO2 a partir da composição química de cristais de magnetita e ilmenita não puderam ser obtidas, devido a reequilíbrio pós-magmático. Deste modo, foram obtidos valores aproximados com base no conteúdo de ulvoespinélio de cristais de magnetita reconstituídos e no conteúdo da molécula ilmenita dos cristais de ilmenita; em paralelo, foram também utilizadas as razões Fe/(Fe/Mg) de anfibólio e biotita. Os resultados revelaram um importante contraste entre as unidades Mdf e Mdr, caracteristicamente oxidadas, com valores próximos aos do buffer NNO, e as demais unidades, onde quartzo sienitos (Qsie) e especialmente Sie mostram-se mais reduzidas. Os baixos valores de susceptibilidade magnética medidos em campo para as unidade Sie e Mh, que a ela se associa, devem ser reflexos do seu caráter mais reduzido. Ao longo da história de construção da câmara, que foi alimentada intermitentemente por magmas de composição variada, dois eventos principais de interação de magmas foram identificados, com características distintas: (i) interação de magmas monzodioríticos (Mdf) e sieníticos (Sie), gerando a unidade de Monzonitos heterogêneos (Mh), na qual a intensa interdigitação de porções monzodioríticas e sieníticas sugere uma forte atuação mecânica, favorecendo a hipótese de que os magmas tenham se misturado previamente ao alojamento final; e (ii) interação de magmas monzodioríticos (Mdf) e quartzo sieníticos (Qsie), gerando diversas estruturas de coexistência, mistura localizada e possivelmente as rochas quartzo monzoníticas da unidade ( Qsie); neste caso, a interação entre os magmas possivelmente ocorreu na câmara magmática, como sugerido pelas características das estruturas indicativas de coexistência (enclaves e pillows de composição monzodiorítica). / The present study investigates the interaction and partial mixing of monzodiorite and syenite s.l. magmas in the Piracaia Pluton (~580 My), which is part of the post-orogenic Itu Granite Province. The Piracaia Pluton is an elongated intrusion with approximately 30 km², composed by five units: Coarse-grained monzodiorites (Mdr); Fine-grained monzodiorites (Mdf); Heterogeneous monzonites (Mh); Syenites (Sie); quartz syenites and quartz monzonites (Qsie). The physico-chemical crystallization parameters of the primary and hybrid magmas identified in the pluton were determined as references for the characterization of the magma interaction processes. The liquidus temperatures were estimated based on apatite saturation, and are in the range of 950-1050º C for the most primitive magmas (Mdf) and 850-900º C for the more differentiated ones (quartz syenites). The solidus temperatures, estimated on the basis of the equilibrium between hornblende and plagioclase, are about 750º C for Mdf, and 650-700º C for and quartz syenites (Qsie). The depth of emplacement is estimated at 13-15 km, as indicated by pressure estimates for Mdf, based on the Al-in-hornblende content. The H2O concentration of the magmas was estimated based on the An content of plagioclase, with results are in the range of 2.5-3.3% for Mdf, reaching up to 5% in quartz syenites. fO2 estimates based on the composition of coexisting magnetite and ilmenite could not be performed, due to post-magmatic re-equilibration. However, approximate values were obtained based on the ulvospinel content of reconstructed titanomagnetite crystals, and on the content of ilmenite molecule in ilmenite crystals; in parallel, the Fe/(Fe/Mg) ratios of amphibole and biotite were also used. The results show an important difference between the Mdf and Mdr units, which are distinctively oxidized, with values near the NNO buffer, and the other units which have lower ?O2, the quartz syenites and especially the syenites being the more reduced units. The lower magnetic susceptibility values measured in the field for the Sie and Mh units must reflect their more reduced nature. During the construction of the magma chamber, which was intermittently recharged by magmas of varied composition, two main events of magma interaction with distinct characteristics were identified: (i) the interaction of monzodiorites (Mdf) and syenites (Sie), generating the Heterogeneous monzonite unit, in which the interfingering of monzodiorite and syenite portions suggest a strong mechanical interaction, favoring the hypothesis that the magmas were already mixing previously to the final emplacement; (ii) interaction of monzodiorite (Mdf) and quartz syenite (Qsie), generating diverse mingling structures, local hybridization and possibly the quartz monzonite rocks of the unit Qsie; in this case, the magma interaction must have occurred at the magma chamber, as suggested by the type of structures indicative of coexistence (enclaves and monzodiorite pillows).

L'étude de ce complexe plutonique alcalin fut multidisciplinaire mêlant, observations et mesures sur le terrain, ASM, pétrographie, minéralogie, géochimie (majeur et traces), géochimie isotopique Rb/Sr et Sm/Nd et géochronologie U-Pb sur zircons. La synthèse des résultats démontre la participation minoritaire de plusieurs sources (manteau métasomatisé et fragments continental) en plus de la source prédominante qui est le manteau typique du panache de Kerguelen. Dans un environnement magmatique ouvert, les magmas contaminés ont formé la plus ancienne série magmatique calcique du complexe. La seconde et plus jeune série magmatique a produit (dans un environnement clos) des roches de plus en plus agpaïtique au cours de la différenciation. La mise en place progressive mais diachrone des intrusions s'est faite entre 11,7 (au sud) et 7,9 Ma (au nord). Enfin, le mode de construction de ce pluton en fait un exemple unique connu de laccolithe en contexte intraplaque océanique. / The study of this alkaline plutonic complex was multidisciplinary, mixing field observations and measurements, AMS, petrography, mineralogy, geochemistry (major and traces), isotopic geochemistry Rb / Sr and Sm / Nd and geochronology U-Pb on zircons. The synthesis of the results shows the minor participation of several sources (metasomatised mantle and continental fragments) in addition to the predominant source which is the typical asthenospheric mantle of the Kerguelen plume. In a dynamic and open magmatic system, the contaminated magmas formed the oldest magmatic and calcic series of the complex. The second and younger magmatic series produced (in a closed environment) more and more agpaitic rocks during differentiation. The incremental emplacement of the intrusions occurred between 11.7 (in the south) and 7.9 Ma (in the north). Finally, the type of construction of this pluton makes it a unique known example of laccolith in oceanic within-plate settings.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The alkaline magmatism in the State of Bahia is characterized by the occurrence of several bodies that occur in different regions and ages. One of the most significant expressions of this magmatism is represented by the Alkaline Province South of Bahia. Among the intrusion of this province, there is the Itaju do Colônia Stock with about 1km² area, which consists predominantly of nepheline syenite and sodalite syenite. Currently, this stock is the only one in Brazil where there are economic deposits of sodalite syenite intense blue color, commercially known as ‘Bahia Blue Granite’. This study brings together data from various analytical techniques mineralogical characterization as scanning electron microscopy, mineral chemistry analyses and rock geochemistry. Several minerals were first described by this study in Itaju do Colônia, such as pyrochlore, ancylite, bastnäsite, thorite, keiviite, xenotime and euxenite. The information obtained allowed us to infer the existence of an important metasomatic event materialized by the presence of sphalerite, barite, galena, fluorite and fluorcarbonates. Rock geochemistry analyses confirmed the miaskitic peralkaline character of this stock, and found a significant enrichment of some trace elements such as Zr (up to 1,520 ppm), Nb (up to 470 ppm), Th (up to 79 ppm), Zn (75 ppm), Ce (44 ppm) and La (22 ppm). The ETR spectra are weakly fractionated and marked by negative Eu anomalies. / O magmatismo alcalino no Estado da Bahia é caracterizado pela ocorrência de diversos corpos plutônicos que se localizam em diversas regiões do estado, com idades variando desde o arqueano até o proterozoico. Uma das expressões mais significativas desse magmatismo é a representada pela Província Alcalina do Sul do Estado da Bahia. Dentre as intrusões desta província, destaca-se o Stock Itaju do Colônia, com cerca de 1km², e predominantemente constituído por nefelina sienitos e sodalita sienitos. Atualmente, este stock é o único no Brasil onde existem depósitos econômicos de sodalita sienito de cor azul intensa, comercialmente conhecidos como “Granito Azul Bahia”. O presente trabalho reúne dados obtidos de diversas técnicas analíticas de caracterização mineralógica como microscopia eletrônica de varredura, química mineral e geoquímica de rochas. Vários minerais apresentados nesse estudo estão sendo descritos pela primeira vez em Itaju do Colônia, como por exemplo pirocloro, ancilita, bastnaesita, torita, keiviita, xenotímio e euxenita. As informações obtidas permitiram inferir a existência de um importante evento metassomático materializado pela presença de esfalerita, barita, galena, fluorita e fluorcarbonatos. Os dados geoquímicos de rocha confirmaram o caráter peralcalino miasquítico deste stock, sendo constatado um significativo enriquecimento de alguns elementos traços como Zr (até 1.520 ppm), Nb (até 470 ppm), Ta (até 79 ppm), Zn (75 ppm), Ce (44 ppm) e La (22 ppm). Os espetros de ETR são fracamente fracionados e marcados por anomalias negativas em Eu.