Abstract
The meta-ultramafic bodies of Gomati and Nea Roda are situated in the Serbomacedonian Massif. They demonstrate bimodal character in terms of chromitite chemistry with both Cr- and Al-rich chromitites outcropping in proximity, with no obvious tectonic structure intercepting those two varieties. Based on the trace element abundances in spinel grains, metamorphosis reached amphibolite facies, forming porous spinel. Chromitite-hosted chlorite and garnet chemistry correlates with greenschist facies temperatures and formation of zoned spinel grains. Despite the metamorphic overprint, some of the primary features of the chromitites have been preserved. The PGE contents demonstrate an increase in Pd/Ir ratios in some chromitites pointing to fractionation, whereas low ratios of mostly Cr-rich chromitites point to partial melting being the main mechanism that controls PGE mineralization. The normalized trace element patterns of spinel-group minerals revealed that Al-rich chromitites were generated in spreading settings in a back-arc and the Cr-rich counterparts in SSZ environment. The parental melts of Al-rich and Cr-rich chromitites demonstrate MORB and boninitic affinities, respectively. The meta-ultramafic protoliths were modified within a subduction zone, with significant input of a sedimentary source, as confirmed by the chemistry of serpentinite, diopside and Sb-mineralization. These results suggest common geotectonic processes within the Rhodope and the Serbomacedonian massif, that have affected the ultramafic bodies and chromitite occurrences.
1 Introduction
The ultramafic bodies of Gomati and Nea Roda of the Therma-Volvi-Gomati complex (TVG), situated in eastern Chalkidiki, Greece, are enigmatic components of the Serbomacedonian Massif (SMM), which is regarded as a metamorphic crustal segment of the internal Hellenides. Early research regarded the metabasic-metaultrabasic TVG (Therma, Volvi and Gomati occurrences) complex as a result of an in-situ Jurassic-Cretaceous related rifting (), formed in supra-subduction zone (SSZ) settings (). However, recently recognized limited SSZ components and confirmed a Triassic rift origin for the TVG complex. The same authors add the neighboring Nea Roda ultramafic body in the same complex and highlight their role as ocean-continent transition zone (OCT), against their previous view on the TVG complex as proto-ophiolites (). Both Gomati and Nea Roda ultramafic bodies contain podiform chromitite occurrences. The Gomati complex was considered hosting Al-rich chromitite, whereas the Nea Roda one hosts Cr-rich chromitite (; ). These outcrops have experienced metamorphism at upper greenschist-lower amphibolite and greenschist facies, respectively (; ).
The formation of podiform chromitites and their compositional traits are linked to SSZ (Cr-rich chromitite) or mid-ocean ridge (MOR) (Al-rich chromitite) (; ; ). In these settings, crystallization of mafic magmas or melt-rock interaction will lead to the formation of podiform chromitites within the mantle portion of ophiolitic sequences (; ). With respect to their geochemical features, the parental melts of Cr-rich and Al-rich chromitites have boninitic and tholeiitic affinities, respectively (; ). Occasionally, both types can coexist within the same complex or in close proximity, which is a rather common phenomenon in the Tethyan ophiolites (, ).
The most common magmatic silicates hosted within podiform chromitites are olivine and pyroxene accompanied by less abundant amphibole and phlogopite (; ). Podiform chromitites may contain a suite of accessory magmatic phases, such as Ni-Fe-Cu sulfides and platinum group minerals (PGM), making them a potential tool to unraveling the processes that lead to their formation at high temperatures (; ). However, ophiolites in many cases are subjected to low-T alteration and metasomatic processes or high grade metamorphism, which may affect the chromitite bodies, causing mineralogical changes (; ; ). Primary silicates will transform into serpentine, talc, chlorite and to a lesser extent into secondary Cr-bearing garnet (; ; ). Although spinel and PGM are usually less susceptible to hydrothermal and metamorphic overprints (), they may produce unique textures and change their primary compositional and mineralogical assemblages (; ; ; ; ; ; ).
In this study, we report the coexistence of both Al- and Cr-rich chromitites in the Gomati and sole Cr-rich chromitites in the Nea Roda ultramafic bodies. We provide new mineralogical and geochemical data and a revised view on the settings in which the chemically heterogenous podiform chromitites of east Chalkidiki were generated. After their formation, the host ultramafic occurrences underwent post-magmatic alteration. Using major and trace element chemistry of chromite and metasomatically affected minerals, we aim to decipher those processes. The combined results and interpretation on the Cr and platinum-group element (PGE) ore genesis and subsequent element remobilization due to alteration can serve as a case study for the modification of chromitite deposits throughout their life cycle and shed light into the geodynamic processes involved.
2 Regional geological settings
The Gomati and Nea Roda ultramafic bodies located in the east Chalkidiki peninsula (Figure 1A) represent rift-related Middle Triassic suites unit () within the Vertiskos unit. This unit belongs to the SMM and consists of high-grade gneisses, schists and amphibolites with Neoproterozoic to Permian protoliths (), whereas marble occurs exclusively in the Kerdillion unit of the SMM, dated at 292.6 to 299.4 Ma (). Large bodies of Cenozoic granite intrude the SMM and partially the Gomati body ( and references therein). The SMM is thought to represent an extension of the Rhodope Massif (), both containing meta-ophiolitic occurrences (; ; ) with podiform chromitites in their mantle sections (; ; ; ).
FIGURE 1
The Gomati suite consists of two highly serpentinized bodies, in contact with amphibolites (metagrabbros), metamorphosed at upper greenschist to lower amphibolitic conditions (). The Gomati body is truncated by the 30.6 km NW-SE trending active Gomati-fault. Chromitites outcrop in both bodies. The most notable occurrences of the north domain include Agios Georgios, Frankokaliva, Moutsara, Paivouni and Tripes (). The south part includes the chromitite outcrops of Limonadika and Kroupnos (Figure 1B). The country rocks of the chromitites are harzburgite (Moutsara site), amphibolite and serpentinite (Paivouni and Tripes sites) (). The chromitites’ formation is attributed to alkali-rich melts deriving from a fertile mantle source (). The NR suite consists of variably serpentinized dunite and harzburgite that underwent low greenschist facies metamorphism (). Magnesite stockwork developed due to post-magmatic hydrothermal activity. Amphibolite and the metamorphic sequence of Vertiskos are in sharp contact with the NR ultramafic, SSZ-related body at the south; these rock formations have been overthrusted upon granodiorite. The chromitite occurrences are richer in Cr than the Gomati ones and compositionally comparable to the Vardar occurrences (e.g. , and references therein; Figure 1B).
3 Materials and methods
3.1 Sample collection
Representative massive chromitite samples were collected from the Gomati and Nea Roda ultramafic bodies. More precisely, Al-rich massive chromitites from the Gomati (G1 chromitites) were collected from the mining sites of Paivouni and Tripes; Cr-rich massive chromitites from the Gomati (G2 chromitites) were collected from the mining sites Agios Georgios and Kroupnos; Massive and banded Cr-rich chromitites from the Nea Roda (NR chromitites) were collected from the sites NR1 and NR2, respectively. Serpentinites from the Gomati region were collected adjacent to the mining sites, whereas diopsidites were found penetrating the G1 chromitites from the Paivouni mining site. During fieldwork, criteria such as alteration degree, mode of occurrence, relationships with other lithologies and stratigraphical distribution were applied. More than fifty samples were collected around the area of seven abandoned mine sites.
3.2 Analytical methods
Electron microprobe analyses (EPMA) and electron back scattered images (B.S.I.) were carried out at the Eugen F. Stumpfl Laboratory of the Leoben University, Austria, using a Superpobe Jeol JXA 8200 (JEOL, Tokyo, Japan) instrument. Analyses of spinel and silicates were obtained in WDS mode, with an accelerating voltage of 15 kV and a beam current of 10 nA. The Kα lines were used in the analysis of Na, Mg, K, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Zn, Mn, Fe and Ni, after instrument calibration on natural chromite, rhodonite, ilmenite, albite, pentlandite, wollastonite, kaersutite, sphalerite and metallic vanadium. The used diffracting crystals were: TAP for Na, Mg, Al; PETJ for K, Si, Ca; and LIFH for Ti, V, Cr, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni. The counting times 20 and 10 s were used for peak and background, respectively, in the analysis of all major elements and were increased up to 60 and 30 s for the trace elements analyses. The following detection limits (in ppm) were automatically calculated by the microprobe software: Ca (50), Mg, K, Mn, Fe and Ni (100), Na, Al, V and Zn (150), Cr (200), Si and Ti (250). The amount of Fe3+ of chromite was calculated assuming the spinel stoichiometry R2+O R3+2O3.
The PGM and other accessory minerals were located in situ under reflect light microscope on polished chromitite sections, at 250–800 magnification. Grains smaller than 5 microns were only qualitatively analyzed by EDS. The quantitative composition of bigger grains was obtained in WDS mode, at a 20-kV accelerating voltage and 10-nA beam current, with a beam diameter of 1 μm. The counting times of peak and background were 15 and 5 s respectively. The Kα lines were used for S, As, Fe and Ni, Lα for Ir, Ru, Rh, Pd and Pt while Mα were used for Os. Synthetic pure metals, NiS, NiP and natural pyrite and niccolite were used as reference materials for the six PGE (Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt), Ni, Fe, S, P and As respectively. The following diffracting crystals were selected: PETJ for S and P; PETH for Ru, Os and Rh; LIFH for Fe, Ni, Ir, Pt; and TAP for As. For interferences involving Ru-Rh and Rh-Pd the corrections were automatically performed. The detection limits are (in ppm): S, As and P (100), Fe, Ni and Cu (150), Ru, Rh and Pd (200), Os, Ir and Pt (800). Platinum concentrations were systematically below detection limit and have been removed from the analytical results.
Trace elements and REE contents in clinopyroxene and trace elements in spinel-group minerals were determined on polished thin sections by LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) system at the NAWI Graz Central Lab for Water, Minerals and Rocks (University of Graz and Graz University of Technology), with an ESI New Wave 193 Excimer Laser (193 nm wavelength) coupled to a quadrupole Agilent 7500 CX mass spectrometer. A beam size of 50 µm, with a fluence of ∼5 J/cm2, helium flow of 0.8 L/min, 25 s gas blank followed by 50 s of ablation and a dwell time of 20 s for each mass were used for the element analyses. The reference material NIST SRM 612 was used for standardization and Si and Al as internal calibration elements for diopside and spinel-group minerals, respectively. The USGS reference glass BCR-2G was analysed as monitor standard which could be reproduced within errors. For data reduction, the software “GLITTER” was used and the values for NIST SRM 612 were taken from .
Geochemical analyses of four serpentinite samples were performed at Activation Laboratories Ltd. Actlabs according to the packages of 4Lithores. This is a combination of packages 4B (lithium metaborate/tetraborate fusion ICP whole rock) and 4B2 (trace element ICP-MS). Geochemical analyses of PGE concentrations were performed at Activation Laboratories Ltd. Actlabs. Eleven chromitite samples were analyzed; three from G1 (GN1 - GN3), four from G2 (GS1 - GS4) and four from NR (NR1 - NR4) from seven mining sites (Figure 1). Aliquots of 25 g of sample were treated by the NiS fire assay procedure. The NiS beads were dissolved in concentrated HCl, and the PGE + Au residue collected on a filter paper. The residue underwent two irradiations and three separate counting steps for the PGE and Au. The irradiation is induced with neutrons, and the resulted gamma radiation was measured by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The detection limits (ppb) were: Os (2), Ir (0.1), Ru (5), Rh (0.2), Pt (5), Pd (2) and Au (0.5).
A Ni fragment enriched in P was extracted and investigated by X-ray diffraction at the university of Florence, Italy, using the procedure described by . Massive chromitites were processed in SGS Mineral Services, Canada, for recovery of heavy minerals, following the procedure described by .
4 Results
4.1 Field relationships and petrographic study of chromitites
4.1.1 The Gomati chromitites
Both Gomati occurrences predominantly comprise schistose serpentinite displaying mesh and hour-glass texture (Figures 2A, B). Chromitites are divided into Al- (G1 chromitite: Tripes and Paivouni sites) and Cr-rich (G2 chromitite: Kroupnos and Ag. Georgios sites). Chromitite pods in all cases display: 1) sharp contacts with their host rocks (Figure 2C), 2) high degrees of alteration and 3) massive (Figure 2C), banded, schlieren and disseminated textures. The host rock of the Gomati chromitites, is composed of variably serpentinized dunite and bastitic serpentinite, whereas flaky serpentine and chlorite occur at their contact (Figure 2C). The G1 chromitites are often cross-cut by diopsidite forming pale-green veins with the paragenesis chlorite + diopside + titanite (Figure 2C). Chromitite in both sections of Gomati appears sheared and foliated (Figure 2D).
FIGURE 2
Both the G1 and G2 massive chromitite consists of interstitial lepidoblastic chlorite. Carbonates are either interstitial (Figure 2D) or fill veinlets accompanied with chlorite and locally with green-coloured garnet (Figure 2E). Garnet is developed within brecciated zones around chromite fragments in the case of G2 chromitites, whereas garnet within the G1 chromitites is amorphous and crystallized along fissures (Figure 2E). Diopside was identified as interstitial phase in the G1 chromitite (Figure 2F). The G1 spinel grains are coarse subrounded to subangular (up to 2,500 μm, avg. 550 μm) and in some cases, they appear elongated along the foliation plane (Figure 2D). They are further subdivided into a) homogenous spinel grains demonstrating mosaic-like texture (Figure 2G) and b) spinel grains with porous rims exhibiting strong ferrichromite alteration and intergrowth of chlorite, magnetite and minor sulphides, followed by altered inner rim around the pristine core (Figure 2H). The G2 chromite grains appear subrounded and subangular with low degree of alteration, commonly presenting chlorite intergrowths around the rims or/and in the form of patches within the chromite grains (Figure 2I).
4.1.2 The Nea Roda chromitites
The NR ultramafic body is composed mainly of altered harzburgite (Figure 3A). Chromitites are enveloped by variably serpentinized and carbonatized dunite bodies (Figure 3B). The host mantle section is listwaenitized and cross-cut by a magnesite stockwork. The massive NR chromitite (NR1 site; Figure 1B) contains the highest chromite (mineral chemistry analysed in section 4.2.1) concentrations (>90%; Figure 3C) and have not been affected by any prominent foliation and alteration (Figures 3C, D). Chlorite and few relic olivine grains exist within the chromite interstices (Figures 3E, F). Subangular chromite grains (up to 1,000 μm) appear moderately altered into ferrous chromite with prominent cataclastic and pull-apart textures. Carbonates, represented mainly by dolomite, are common in massive chromitite interstices and especially in the dunite envelopes (Figure 3F).
FIGURE 3
4.2 Mineral chemistry
4.2.1 Spinel-group minerals
The major, minor and trace element analyses of spinel-group minerals were conducted in the cores of the grains and along traverses as well. The EPMA and LA-ICP-MS analyses are reported in the Supplementary Tables S1 and S2, respectively.
Gomati section hosts two types of chromitites, Al-rich and Cr-rich. Their analyzed spinel-group mineral grains are classified as a) spinel and magnesiochromite (G1 chromitite) and b) chromite and magnesiochromite (G2 chromitite), the nomenclature is after . Cr# [Cr/(Cr + Al)] ranges between 0.48–0.67 (low-Cr) and 0.72–0.84 (high-Cr) and Mg# [Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)] between 0.48–0.73 and 0.41–0.60 for G1 and G2 chromitite hosted grains, respectively (Figure 4A). The G1 grains demonstrate variable and relatively high Al2O3 contents (18.04–27.40 wt%), whereas the G2 ones tend to be lower in Al2O3 (8.15–14.33 wt%). TiO2 contents of the G1 (0.13–0.50 wt%) are slightly higher than those of the G2 (0.06–0.52 wt%) (Figure 4B). NR chromitites consist of magnesiochromite (nomenclature after ). Based on Cr# values, all the NR chromitites are classified as high-Cr, ranging from 0.69 to 0.82. The NR chromite grains are Ti-poor (0.08–0.46 wt%), demonstrating Al2O3 contents between 8.89 and 16.38 wt% and Mg# from 0.57 to 0.69. Compositionally, the NR massive chromitites are intermediate in composition between G1 and G2. For reasons of simplicity, the term ‘spinel’ will henceforth be used when referred to the G1, while the term “chromite” will refer to the G2 and NR chromitites. Traverses from core to rim (Figures 4C, D) of selected grains were conducted, focusing on the alteration textural features. Analyses near rims and cracks revealed an increase in Cr and Fe2+ with decrease in Al and Mg (Process 1; Figure 4C). Concerning textures with porous rims (G1 chromitites), a substantial increase of Fe3+ is also noted (Process 2; Figure 4D). The B.S.I. of the analyzed grains are presented in the Supplementary Figure S1.
FIGURE 4
Trace element MORB-normalized patterns (after
FIGURE 5

(A-D) MORB normalized patterns (after
4.2.2 Silicates
Clinopyroxene, classified as diopside according to the nomenclature of
FIGURE 6

Diopside microprobe analyses per lithotype: (A) Al2O3vs Mg# plot; (B) TiO2vs CaO plot. The dark-blue field consist of diopside inclusions in G1 chromitites, reported by
Chlorite has been identified in all chromitites of this study. According to the nomenclature of
Garnet grains from the G1 chromitite are dominated by uvarovite and grossular molecule having an average composition of Adr0.09Grs0.35Uv0.55 with TiO2 contents ranging from 1.01 to 2.12 wt%. The garnet occurring in the G2 chromitite is rich in uvarovite endmember showing an average composition of Adr0.11Grs0.17Uv0.72 and poorer in TiO2 (0.20–0.73 wt%) (Figure 7; Supplementary Table S6). No compositional zoning has been observed. Titanite from the diopsidite veins demonstrate low Fe (<0.009 apfu) and Al (<0.096 apfu) contents (Supplementary Figure S3). TiO2 ranges between 34.90–40.62 wt% and Cr2O3 ranges between 0.01–1.21 (Supplementary Table S7).
FIGURE 7

Ternary diagram of garnet hosted in G1 and G2 chromitites, in the grossular-uvarovite-andradite system. Dotted lines represent the stability limits of the aforementioned solid solution, after
4.2.3 PGM and other metal phases within chromitites
PGM appear either as inclusions in spinel-group minerals or within interstitial chlorite in the G2 and NR chromitites (PGM were rare in G1 chromitites). Texturally and chemically, PGM are distinguished into 1) euhedral to subhedral laurite inclusions in chromite ranging between 7–10 μm (Figure 8A), 2) subrounded PGM grains (platarsite, ruarsite) ∼10 μm within the interstitial matrix or the rims of spinel (Figures 8B, C) and 3) minute irarsite and sperrylite (<5 μm) in contact with laurite (Figures 8C–E). Other minute phases include pentlandite (Figure 8D), Ni-Ir-S and Ni-sulfides (Figure 8F). Apart from the aforementioned PGM, phases rich in Sb have been identified in the Gomati body and particularly either as Ni-Sb or as PGM Pd,Cu,Ni-Sb (Figures 8G, H). A ∼ 20 μm grain of Ni enriched in P content, (Ni,Fe)5P, yellow in color and isotropic under a reflected-light microscope, was found in a crack filled with chlorite within the NR chromitite (Figure 8I).
FIGURE 8

B.S.I. of PGM and related phases, the white bar is 10 μm in length: (A) subhedral G2 laurite grain in contact with chlorite and desulfurized laurite as inclusions within spinel. (B) G2 subrounded ruarsite engulfed within the spinel rim, primary minerals have been altered into chlorite. (C) NR subrounded platarsite in contact with anhedral sperrylite within the chlorite interstices. (D) NR PGM assemblage composed of subhedral Rh-rich laurite, irarsite and anhedral pentlandite in contact with chlorite (E) NR oscillatory laurite in contact with irarsite and chlorite. (F) NR Os-rich subhedral laurite in contact with Ni-“iridsite” and Ni-sulfide. (G) G2 Ni-antimonide and Ni-sulfide within altered spinel with chlorite intergrowths. (H) G1 PGM PdCuNiSb enclosed in liberated spinel grain from chromitite concentrates. (I) Photomicrograph of NR Ni enriched in P along the contact of spinel and chlorite. Abbreviations: Lrt = laurite, Chl = chlorite, Chr = chromite, Sp = spinel; RuAs = ruarsite, Irs = irarsite, Pn = pentlandite, NiS = Ni-sulfide, NiSb = Ni-antimonide, NiS = Ni-sulfide and Ni = Ni enriched in P.
Laurite grains from the NR and G2 chromitites contain relatively high amounts of arsenic 1.60–3.29 and 0.54–0.58 wt%, respectively. Os (G2 = 12.03–12.32 wt% and NR = 6.48–14.45 wt%) and Ir (G2= 6.66–6.97 wt% and NR= 2.56–8.28 wt%) substitute for Ru, which ranges between 42.62–44.26 wt% and 38.93–48.78 wt% in the laurite grains of the G2 and NR chromitites, respectively. A few laurite grains in the NR chromitite demonstrate oscillatory zoning (Figure 8E), whereas the G2 counterparts display desulfurized Ru rims (Figure 8A). Platarsite found in the chlorite interstices of NR is in contact with sperrylite and contains small amounts of iridium-PGE (IPGE; Os < 0.46 wt%, Ir = 4.99–5.00 wt% and Ru = 13.44–13.94 wt%). Platinum ranges between 30.04 and 30.60 wt% followed by Rh and Pd, 3.84–4.03 and 1.20–1.36 wt%, respectively. Sulfur in platarsite ranges from 12.76 to 13.13 wt%, whereas arsenic ranges between 30.03 and 31.49 wt%. Ruarsite in the G2 chromitite, located at spinel rims, contains Ru 28.84–28.97 and Os 21.03–22.01 wt%, whereas As and S contents range between 31.86–32.14 and 13.29–13.36 wt% respectively. Irarsite grains were found in both the G2 and NR chromitites. The analyzed PGM are presented in Figure 9 and Supplementary Table S8.
FIGURE 9

Ternary diagram of PGM analyses; open symbols represent secondary PGM, whereas full symbols represent primary PGM.
4.3 Chromitite PGE and serpentinite whole-rock geochemistry
PGE concentrations from eleven massive chromitites were examined and the results are presented in Supplementary Table S9. The G1 chromitites display the lowest ΣPGE (45.4–135.6 ppb, avg.= 83.5 ppb), characterized by elevated palladium-PGE (PPGE) concentrations (Avg. PPGE/IPGE = 0.93) and Pd/Ir ratios (1.14–5.53;). Their normalized PGE patterns demonstrate positive Ru anomalies and depleted Ru-Pt profiles, with a slight enrichment in Pd (Figures 10A, B). The G2 chromitites are more enriched in ΣPGE (64.3–264.8 ppb, avg. = 135.7 ppb), described by lower PPGE concentrations (Avg. PPGE/IPGE = 0.31) and low Pd/Ir ratios (0.14–0.22) with the exception of a single sample with Pd/Ir = 7.69. Their normalized PGE patterns are closely comparable to those of G1, albeit exhibiting more prominent positive Ru anomalies and pronounce negative Ru - Pt slopes, with a slight increase in Pd. The normalized PGE patterns of NR chromitites greatly resemble the G2 counterparts. Their ΣPGE (132.0–199.0 ppb, avg.= 169.3 ppb) are slightly higher in concentration than in the G2 samples, displaying enrichment in IPGE concentrations (Avg. PPGE/IPGE = 0.17 and Pd/Ir = 0.20–0.41).
FIGURE 10

(A) Chondrite normalized PGE patterns of the Gomati and Nea Roda chromitites, CC1 Values after
The serpentinites display MgO/SiO2 and Al2O3/SiO2 ratios ranging between 0.83–0.88 and 0.01–0.06, respectively, exhibiting enrichments in arsenic and antimony when compared to PM values, 16–19 and 2.1–2.8 ppm, respectively (Figure 11). Fluid-mobile-elements (FME) such as Cs, U and Ba display values of <0.5, 0.03–0.94 and 5–12 ppm, respectively. LREE demonstrate enrichment relative to the flat MREE and HREE patterns, whereas Nb-Ta, Zr and Ti are depleted if compared to the PM (0.5*PM). These rocks are rich in Ni (1,620–2,540 ppm) and Cr (2,640–10,000 ppm) consistent with their refractory mantle origin. The whole-rock geochemical analyses are presented in the Supplementary Table S10.
FIGURE 11

PMN (
5 Discussion
5.1 Identification of pristine spinel compositions and affinities
Major and trace elements in spinel-group minerals within chromitites are commonly used to estimate their parental melt composition and classify them according to their normalized patterns, respectively. Both approaches have been implemented upon metamorphosed chromitites (
Concerning the G1 chromitite bodies, two cases were encountered and examined: 1) chromitites comprised of zoned spinel grains with porous rims demonstrating significant trace element variations from core to rim with increase of Zn-Co-Mn, in short ZCM, (on average, from core 1,636 to rim 2,633 ppm) and Ti coupled with a decrease in Sc (Figure 5A) and 2) chromitites comprised of mosaic-like texture spinel grains with homogenous normalized patterns characterized by positive Ti and negative Sc anomalies (Figure 5B). Based on these, it is considered that increase in ZCM + Ti and decrease in Sc (coupled with decrease in Al2O3 and increase in Fe3+# = Fe3+/ΣFe) are traits related to alteration (
Regarding the G2 grains, two cases were encountered and examined: a) grains with low degree of alteration and chlorite intergrowths as confined altered zones, with an increase in ZCM being noted in the latter (on average, from core 2,500 to rim 4,175 ppm; Figure 5C), and b) grains with low-alteration degrees and little chemical variation in trace elements and a small increase around the crystal rims. Since the core analyses have low ZCM concentrations and they are free of chlorite inclusions, they represent pristine composition. The similarities of the normalized trace element patterns with other pristine chromite grains from Cr-rich fore-arc chromitites of Antalya and Thetford mines (
The seemingly unaltered NR grains present no trace element chemical variation from core to rim (Figure 5D). Since these chromitites were most-likely re-equilibrated (
In all studied cases, the non-primary spinel-group analyses are enriched in ZCM + Ti and this has been previously reported for metamorphic spinels (
5.2 Parental melts and geotectonic settings of bimodal chromitites
Many studies argue for the connection of chromite composition, within massive chromitites, and the parental melts thereof. Equations to calculate the Al2O3 and TiO2 of the parental melts were proposed by
Equations for high-Cr chromitite:
Equations for high-Al chromitite:
The most primitive compositions from the cores of spinel-group minerals of massive chromitites were used for the calculations. The parental melts of G1 are richer in Al2O3 (14.34–14.51 wt%), followed by NR (13.06–13.35 wt%) and lastly G2 (10.49–10.94 wt%) (Figure 12A). The concentration of TiO2melt is comparably low in the cases of G2 with values lower than 0.26 wt%. The G1 records a slight enrichment in TiO2melt (0.61–0.81 wt%) (Figure 12A), the same concentrations, although calculated for the NR, should be taken with caution, since Ti was re-mobilized (see section 5.1). The FeO/MgOmelt ratios for the G1, NR and G2 chromitites range between 0.73–0.76, 0.77–0.79 and 0.79–0.83 wt% respectively (Figure 12B). These ratios are generally consistent for all chromitite types. The composition of the G1 parental melts is akin to a MORB source (
FIGURE 12

Calculated chromitite parental melt compositions (A) Al2O3vs. TiO2 (fields of MORB: le Roex et al. (1987) and fields of Boninite:
G1 chromitites consist of spinels resembling those in equilibrium with MORB lavas (Figures 4A, B). On the contrary, the G2 and NR chromite analyses compare well with spinel hosted within boninitic lavas (Figures 4A, B). Coexistence of Al- and Cr-rich chromitites in such proximity and without any fault bringing together two separate sections has been interpreted in the following ways: 1) evolution of a single initially Cr-rich batch magma of boninitic affinity into Al-enriched magma residue (
5.3 Geothermometry estimations based on silicate chemistry and spinel trace element abundances
Four empirical chlorite geothermometers were applied in the studied chromitites (
TABLE 1
| Chlorite geothermometer in Celsius degrees | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chromitite | ||||
| G1 | 170–276 | 171–277 | 169–330 | 200–306 |
| G2 | 164–203 | 165–204 | 160–219 | 220–245 |
| NR | 171–244 | 172–246 | 171–282 | 202–275 |
Chlorite temperature calculations (oC) based on four different geothermometers.
These temperature results are generally consistent between the three domains. Consequently, the studied ultramafic bodies must have undergone similar post-magmatic effects that point to a lower-greenschist facies overprint; similar conditions have been reported from metamorphic rocks within the SMM and the RM (
5.4 Magmatic versus post-magmatic PGE distribution and mineralization
In ophiolites, arc-related melts produced in SSZ settings require high degrees of partial melting of a mantle source to develop chromitites enriched in PGE, especially for refractory IPGE, up to a few thousand ppb (
The higher Pd/Ir ratios (>1) of the G1 and one sample of G2 chromitites can be interpreted via two scenarios: 1) enrichment of PPGE due to metasomatic processes or 2) due to fractional crystallization (
5.5 LREE-Sb-As enrichments and their relationship with subduction-related serpentinization
Taking into consideration the secondary and modified primary PGM, as well as other base metals that were encountered (Ni-Sb) as also reported by
LREE enrichments are recorded in the diopside hosted within G1-chromitites and diopsidites. In general, primary diopside related to such rocks is expected to demonstrate LREE depletion. G1 diopsidite veins are metasomatic products based on titanite chemistry (Supplementary Figure S3; metamorphic and not magmatic affinity:
LREE, for both diopside types as reported in this study, are generally enriched and their convex upward patterns are often interpreted as due to interaction with alkaline melts (
5.6 Cr-ore genesis and post-magmatic modification in the TVG complex
The TVG complex, along with other meta-ophiolitic occurrences within RM, has a rather complex geological history. The podiform chromitites display bimodal character with coexistence of Cr- and Al-rich chromitites within the same section. To our knowledge, no tectonic structure exists that could juxtapose those different sections. Hence, the proposed geotectonic model should account for the genesis of those chromitites within the same geotectonic context. Subduction initiation is considered by many researchers as a key process in the evolution of plate tectonics that can also adequately explain the genesis of Al-chromitites with mixed MORB and arc characteristics. However, the mineral products (spinel, diopside) of this environment appear typically Ti-poor (
Along with the gradual maturation of the subduction zone, fluids liberated from the subduction channel brought about serpentinization and interaction with diopside resulting into LREE enrichments, accompanied by depletion in Nb-Ta, Zr, Ti and increase in Pb. The peak of metamorphism reached amphibolite facies while porous chromite was formed (450°C–700°C). During the regional extensional deformation, the chromitites experienced a greenschist facies overprint (
6 Conclusion
The meta-ultramafic sections of the TVG complex host bimodal chromitites. The Gomati occurrences host Al-rich chromitites and the most Cr-enriched chromitites of the complex, whereas the Nea Roda counterparts are compositionally intermediate to these compositions. Spinels display porous rims, with an inner rim surrounding the pristine core while in some cases mosaic textures were noted. Chromites are generally less susceptible to alteration, manifested at the first alteration stage through Fe2+ followed by Fe3+ enrichments in non-massive chromitites. The MORB-normalized trace element patterns of pristine G1 compositions are mostly flat, with negative Sc and Ni behavior. The pristine G2 and most-likely re-equilibrated NR patterns demonstrate positive trends with a positive Ti and negative Ni anomaly. These patterns are similar with those of back-arc generated chromitites of the RM. Alteration causes enrichment in ZCM. Based on the unaltered core analyses the spinel-group minerals, as well as their parental melts, the G1 present MOR and the G2-NR boninitic affinities, respectively.
The PGE chondrite-normalized patterns are typical of Tethyan podiform chromitites with Ru positive anomalies. ΣPGE contents are decreasing from the G2 to NR and finally to G1, maintaining comparable patters. The Pd/Ir ratios >1 reported in the present study are mainly attributed to fractionation rather than secondary processes. This is supported by our observations of primary and modified laurite and a few grains of secondary PPGE minerals, that seem to have a nugget effect on the ΣPGE contents, but clearly mark the effect of PPGE remobilization during low-T alteration. High Mg# diopsides hosted within G1 chromitites either as interstitial phases or as a part of cross-cutting diopsidite veins exhibit LREE-Pb enrichments and negative Nb-Ta and Ti anomalies in their normalized patterns. These signatures, coupled with enrichments in LREE and Sb-As in serpentinites (and Sb-As mineralization in chromitites) point to serpentinization within a subduction zone and reaction of diopsides with SSZ-derived fluids. Temperature estimations based upon garnet, chlorite and spinel chemistry revealed that the ultramafic TVG sections have reached amphibolite facies later overprinted by greenschist assemblages. The chromitites were most likely formed in a back-arc affected by SSZ activity and subsequent metamorphism within a subduction zone.
Statements
Data availability statement
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Author contributions
All authors listed have made a substantial, direct, and intellectual contribution to the work and approved it for publication. AS wrote the manuscript, contributed to the fieldwork, prepared the samples, acquired the majority of datasets, interpreted the data and completed illustrations. BT, PT and KH took part in the fieldwork preparation and sampling. PT aided in the preparation and selection of the representative samples. BT, PK, FZ, CH, HT and KH aid in the interpretation of the data and offered a critical review on the scientific content and English language of the manuscript. FZ and CH contributed to data acquisition and calibration of the analytical equipment. PK aided in the illustration.
Funding
This research work was supported by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI) under the HFRI PhD Fellowship grant (Fellowship Number: 1616), obtained by AS to conduct his PhD Thesis. The publication fees of this manuscript have been financed by the Research Council of the University of Patras.
Acknowledgments
The University Centrum for Applied Geosciences (UCAG) is thanked for offering access to the Eugen F. Stumpfl electron microprobe Laboratory. Erasmus+ for traineeships is also thanked for providing the opportunity to AS to perform analyses at the Eugen F. Stumpfl Electron Microprobe Laboratory and LA-ICP-MS facility at the NAWI Graz Central Lab for Water, Minerals and Rocks. SGS Mineral Services (Canada) and Dr. Tassos Grammatikopoulos are thanked for performing the chromitite concentrates. Luca Bindi is thanked for his contribution to the identification of the Ni grain enriched in phosphorous. We are thankful to the Editor and Reviewers for helping ameliorate the final version of the manuscript.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Supplementary material
The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2022.1031239/full#supplementary-material
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Summary
Keywords
podiform chromitite, platinum-group minerals, platinum-group elements, subduction zone, Serbomacedonian massif, metamorphosis, meta-ophiolites, bimodal chromitites
Citation
Sideridis A, Tsikouras B, Tsitsanis P, Koutsovitis P, Zaccarini F, Hauzenberger C, Tsikos H and Hatzipanagiotou K (2022) Post-magmatic processes recorded in bimodal chromitites of the East Chalkidiki meta-ultramafic bodies, Gomati and Nea Roda, Northern Greece. Front. Earth Sci. 10:1031239. doi: 10.3389/feart.2022.1031239
Received
29 August 2022
Accepted
28 November 2022
Published
13 December 2022
Volume
10 - 2022
Edited by
Ren-Xu Chen, University of Science and Technology of China, China
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Copyright
© 2022 Sideridis, Tsikouras, Tsitsanis, Koutsovitis, Zaccarini, Hauzenberger, Tsikos and Hatzipanagiotou.
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*Correspondence: Harilaos Tsikos, htsikos@upatras.gr
This article was submitted to Petrology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Earth Science
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