Strengths and limitations of in situ U-Pb titanite petrochronology in polymetamorphic rocks: An example from western Maine, USA

Titanite is a potentially powerful U-Pb petrochronometer that may record metamorphism, metasomatism, and deformation. Titanite may also incorporate significant inherited Pb, which may lead to inaccurate and geologically ambiguous U-Pb dates if a proper correction is not or cannot be applied. Here, we present laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)-derived titanite U-Pb dates and trace element concentrations for two banded calcsilicate gneisses from south-central Maine, USA (SSP18-1A and SSP18-1B). Single spot common Pb-corrected dates range from 400 to 280 Ma with +/- 12-20 Ma propagated 2SE. Titanite grains in sample SSP18-1B exhibit regular core-to-rim variations in texture, composition, and date. We identify four titanite populations: (1) 397 +/- 5 Ma (95% CL) low Y + HREE cores and mottled grains, (2) 370 +/- 7 Ma high Y + REE mantles and cores, (3) 342 +/- 6 Ma cores with high Y + REE and no Eu anomaly, and (4) 295 +/- 6 Ma LREE-depleted rims. We interpret the increase in titanite Y + HREE between ca. 397 and ca. 370 Ma to constrain the timing of diopside fracturing and recrystallization and amphibole breakdown. Apparent Zr-in-titanite temperatures (803 +/- 36 degrees C at 0.5 +/- 0.2 GPa) and increased X-Di suggest a thermal maximum at ca. 370 Ma. Population 3 domains dated to ca. 342 Ma exhibit no Eu anomaly and are observed only in compositional bands dominated by diopside (>80 vol%), suggesting limited equilibrium between titanite and plagioclase. Finally, low LREE and high U/Th in Population 4 titanite dates the formation of hydrous phases, such as allanite, during high X-H2O fluid infiltration at ca. 295 Ma. In contrast to the well-defined date-composition-texture relationships observed for titanite from SSP18-1B, titanite grains from sample SSP18-1A exhibit complex zoning patterns and little correlation between texture, composition, and date. We hypothesize that the incorporation of variable amounts of radiogenic Pb from dissolved titanite into recrystallized domains resulted in mixed dates spanning 380-330 Ma. Although titanite may reliably record multiple phases of metamorphism, these data highlight the importance of considering U-Pb data along with chemical and textural data to screen for inherited radiogenic Pb.

Automated summary

Titanite, as a U-Pb petrochronometer, can record metamorphism, metasomatism, and deformation. However, the presence of inherited lead in titanite may lead to inaccurate U-Pb dates. In this study, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to analyze titanite from banded calcsilicate gneisses in south-central Maine, USA. The results show multiple titanite populations with different ages, textures, and compositions, revealing the timing of diopside fracturing and recrystallization, as well as fluid infiltration events. The findings emphasize the importance of considering U-Pb data along with chemical and textural data to ensure accurate interpretations.