Equilibrium partitioning and subsequent re-distribution of halogens among apatite–biotite–amphibole assemblages from mantle-derived plutonic rocks: Complexities revealed

• Fluorine, Cl and Br contents were analyzed in apatite, biotite and amphibole.
• Fluorine and Cl contents in minerals can monitor halogen systematics of magmas.
• Fluorine and Cl contents in minerals can be re-distributed by post-magmatic effects.
• Chlorine seems to be more likely re-distributed in minerals than F.
• Apatite, biotite and amphibole may fractionate Cl from Br to various extents.

The concentration of halogens in apatite, biotite and amphibole is investigated for a large variety of mantle-derived plutonic rocks (gabbros, diorites, monzonites, olivine- and pyroxene-bearing monzonitic to granitic rocks, syenites, carbonatites and a phoscorite). In all rocks studied, apatite occurs as an early magmatic phase, whereas biotite and amphibole may occur either as a late magmatic phase or as late-stage, potentially hydrothermal product replacing precursor olivine, pyroxene and Fe–Ti oxides (ilmenite and magnetite).Based on electron microprobe analyses for F and Cl and detailed textural observations, we test existing models of halogen partitioning between apatite and biotite. Bromine concentration data for apatite, biotite and amphibole are used to further refine our understanding of the geochemical similarities and differences between Cl and Br during magmatic and hydrothermal processes.Our data suggests that F and Cl contents in apatite, biotite and amphibole can indeed be useful monitors of the halogen systematics in magmas, but they may also be subject to post-magmatic changes to variable extents. The relatively small radius and compatible F cation seems to be less prone to post-magmatic alteration and is likely to best reflect the original magmatic halogen abundances — especially in apatite. However, the larger and probably more incompatible Cl anion, is more easily re-mobilized as reflected by strong redistribution of Cl in biotite and amphibole which have been clearly overprinted by hydrothermal fluids. In certain cases, the ability of halogens to re-distribute themselves after magmatic equilibrium partitioning (as emphasized by our data) suggests that observed partitioning (especially between apatite and biotite) may also be used as a very sensitive indicator for post-magmatic hydrothermal processes.