Finding of Neoproterozoic (∼775 Ma) magmatism recorded in metamorphic complexes from the North Qilian orogen:: Evidence from SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating

SHRIMP U-Pb dating was carried out on zircons from the Niuxinshan gneissic granite and the Leigongshan gneissic tonalite in the North Qilian orogen, NW China. The results yield weighted averaged Pb-206/U-238 ages of 776 +/- 10 Ma and 774 +/- 23 Ma respectively. Igneous morphology, oscillatory zonings, and relatively high Th/U ratios for these zircons suggest magmatic origin. These ages are interpreted as timing of magma emplacement and thus representing a Neoproterozoic (similar to 775 Ma) magmatic event in the North Qilian area. It is suggested that this magmatism is probably related to breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia. This finding, together with the similar ages of 750 to 800 Ma reported for neighboring terranes of South-central Qilian and North Qaidam, is of significance to understanding of the Rodinia evolution in West China.