The first occurrence of phenocrystic fluorite in a peralkaline rhyolite is reported from Quaternary lavas (agpaitic index 1.11-1.37) erupted from the Greater Olkaria Volcanic Complex, Kenya. Fluorite compositions are almost stoichiometric, with 0.65-1.49 Sigma REE+Y oxides. Relative to coexisting glass (melt), the fluorites are enriched in REE, Y and Sr, are strongly depleted in all other trace elements and concentrate MREE relative to LREE and HREE. Y partitions into fluorite more strongly than the HREE. Fractionation of fluorite in its modal abundance would not significantly affect the REE abundances in the residual liquids, nor result in stronger Sr depletion. The P, T and composition conditions which stabilize fluorite in rhyolitic magmas are still obscure.

This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access.

First Page Preview

First page of Phenocrystic fluorite in peralkaline rhyolites, Olkaria, Kenya Rift valley
You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.