Abstract This paper proposes the generation and closure of a proto-ocean and formation of an island arc in the Neoproterozoic Passo Feio Metamorphic Complex (PFMC), Caçapava do Sul region, southern Brazil. The PFMC, São Gabriel Terrane, consists of a Neoproterozoic supracrustal metavolcano-sedimentary sequence intruded by the Caçapava Granite. The study uses petrography, whole-rock geochemistry and mineral chemistry to identify the geochemical affinity and tectonic environment of the amphibolites contained in PFMC, the basalts and pillow lavas of Arroio Mudador Formation and dikes intruded in nearby volcanogenic rocks of Hilário Formation. The applied methods allow the metamorphic facies classification of prehnite-pumpellyite for the basalts and pillow lavas, greenschist for the dikes and lower amphibolite for the amphibolites. The discriminant diagrams indicate from tholeiitic to alkaline affinities for the Hilário Formation dikes. The basalts, pillow lavas and amphibolites have basaltic to basaltic-andesite composition and predominant tholeiitic affinity, interpreted as derived of the same protolith. The geotectonic diagrams mostly indicate volcanic arc basalts. The proposed evolution model starts with a proto-ocean opening through the Bossoroca Arc rifting around 760Ma, where an island arc is formed (PFMC rocks), precipitation of carbonates and marls, subsequent closure, two metamorphism events and the Caçapava Granite intrusion around 562 Ma.

Abstract Carbonatites were recently discovered in Southern Brazil, which increased the interest to evaluate the economic potential of these uncommon rocks, especially the Três Estradas Carbonatite. Carbonates are the dominant minerals of fresh rock followed by apatite, but the weathering process makes apatite abundant. We focused on apatite from the carbonatite using conventional petrography and electronic microscopy associated with microprobe, micro-Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Results demonstrate the existence of four types. The primary type is associated with the rock crystallization and the subsequent three others are associated with weathering processes. The alteration mechanism was favorable for initial carbonate leaching and subsequent increase of phosphate with late precipitation of three new apatite generations. The deduced model involves long exposure during polycyclic climate changes, intercalating periods of warm dry with humid climate. The apatite types differ chemically and morphologically and have distinctive characteristics that are suitable to be used to differentiate them. These properties should be considered in future planes of industrial processes to transform apatite into single superphosphate, a basic input for fertilizer production.

ABSTRACT: The Ibaré Lineament is a shear zone that sections the Western portion of Sul-riograndense Shield, affecting the orthogneissic rocks of Santa Maria Chico Granulitic Complex, acting as a conduct for hydrothermal fluids. The studied hydrothermal mineralogy reflects a propylitic alteration paragenesis that is composed of Fe-clinochlore, epidote, albite, calcite and quartz, typical low-pressure paragenesis (< 2,000 bar). This mineral association reflects an equilibrium in a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Using the new approach for chlorite geothermometry, an average formation temperature of 274°C was obtained, compatible with the stability of polytype IIb chlorite and with the irregular textures of twinning in calcites. The fluid inclusions in quartz establish a low-salinity system (2.45 wt.% NaCl eq.) and an average temperature of 175°C. The obtained temperatures are interpreted as a continuum cooling model with meteoric fluids entrance. The system pressure is evaluated from isochores, reaching an average value of 1,560 bar. This is the first temperature and pressure estimate to the Ibaré Shear Zone, which enabled the establishment of a shallow hydrothermal system (epithermal) with fluid interaction from magmatic and meteoric sources, confirmed by the behavior of carbon and oxygen stable isotopes, which indicated an the origin from mixed sources.