Trace-element composition of zircon in Kofu and Tanzawa granitoids, Japan: Quantitative indicator of sediment incorporated in parent magma

Zircon is one of the most important minerals in geochronologic research. Isotopic ratios and trace elements in zircons are expected to reflect those of their parent magmas. Many geochemical researchers have proposed various discrimination diagrams for zircon to indicate tectonic setting and to identify source rock. Because most detrital zircons accumulated at river mouths are derived primarily from granitoids, the classification of zircon within granitoids is potentially meaningful. In our research, we focused on sediment involvement during granitoid formation and tried to identify trace-element compositions in zircon that are sensitive to variation in sediment incorporation. To accomplish this, we examined trace-element compositions of both the granitoids and the included zircons in the Kofu granitic complex and the Tanzawa tonalitic plutons in Japan. Among the high-field-strength elements (Th, U, Ta, Nb, Hf, and rare earth elements), only Nb and Ta concentrations in the granitoids increased as the rate of sediment contribution increased. However, the zircon did not show such trends in Nb and Ta content. Zircon Y and P contents exhibited a positive correlation, indicating that xenotime substitution occurs to some extent. Because P exists as pentavalent ions in igneous systems, its presence likely affects the concentrations of pentads in zircon. When we divided the Nb and Ta contents by the P content, it became clear that zircon Nb/P and Ta/P ratios increase depending on sediment involvement. While some exceptions exist, we found that zircon Yb/Gd ratios also respond to sediment involvement. Our data further demonstrated that zircons in granitoids with significant sediment incorporation are characterized by low Ce/P contents, which is partly attributable to monazite crystallization before zircon saturation. This study demonstrates that combining these element ratios is useful for indicating sediment incorporation.

Automated summary

Zircon is an important mineral for geochronologic research, and its isotopic ratios and trace elements can provide information about parent magmas. In this study, the researchers focused on sediment involvement during granitoid formation and found that the Nb/P and Ta/P ratios in zircon can be used as indicators of sediment incorporation. Additionally, the Yb/Gd ratios and Ce/P contents in zircon respond to sediment involvement.