Geochemistry of polymetamorphic ultramafics (Major, Trace, Noble and Rare Earth Elements): An example from the Helvetic basement, Central Alps, Switzerland

Polymetamorphic ultramafic rocks in orogenic terranes rarely preserve relic structures or minerals from their former mantle stages. The determination of their protoliths and their tectonic evolution by chemical discrimination methods is often difficult due to possible metasomatic processes. Ultramafics of the pre-Variscan Helvetic basement (Central Alps, Switzerland) have been investigated geochemically to address these problems. These ultramafics are partially to completely serpentinised. According to field observations several ultramafic lenses were part of an ophiolite suite, but distinct cumulate ultramafic lenses were also recognized. CIPW norms indicate that large parts of the ultramafics are harzburgites, but metasomatic CaO depletion may have produced an overestimation of the importance of the harzburgite protoliths. Major element distributions suggest a depleted mantle protolith. Close to chondritic or slightly depleted REE patterns are characteristics of the studied samples. The REE normalized patterns confirm the presence of harzburgites, lherzolites und cumulates. In some samples light REE enrichment processes have occurred. The noble metal concentrations are both affected (Pt-Pd-Au) und unaffected (Ir-Os-Ru) by melt infiltration processes. They suggest the presence of undepleted or slightly enriched harzburgites und more differentiated, probably cumulate ultramafics. Information obtained by different chemical elements leads to contrasting results. REE and noble metals show enrichment inconsistent with the major element depletion. Refertilization of depleted ultramafics is proposed.