Zircon U–Pb and K-feldspar megacryst Rb–Sr isotopic ages and Sr–Hf isotopic composition of the Mesozoic Heyu pluton, eastern Qingling orogen, China

Mesozoic granitoids are ubiquitous in China and have attracted the interests of many geologists not only because of their mineralization potential but also because they carry information on source material, emplacement mechanisms and crustal architecture. Most of the plutons were created by multi-stage magma emplacement and offer particular challenge for unraveling the emplacement and cooling history. A multi-isotope approach combined with single grain dating analyses provides a means to understand magma geneses even in complex magmatic settings. This study presents Rb–Sr isotope data for K-feldspar megacrysts and U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic composition for zircons from the composite Heyu pluton exposed in eastern Qinling orogen, central China. Zircon U–Pb concordia ages of 150 and 140 Ma and single K-feldspar Rb–Sr isochron ages between 133 and 121 Ma were obtained from early and late magmatic stages, respectively, consistent with slow cooling or isotopic re-equilibration of the Rb–Sr K-feldspar system. The distinct K-feldspar morphology of early and late intrusive phases is controlled largely by the emplacement depth, likely to be associated with a gravity-driven sinking model. Corresponding zircon εHf(t) values are − 21.8 to − 18.0 and − 17.2 to − 10.3 for early and late intrusive phases, respectively, indicating different magma sources.

► Two intrusive phases of 150 Ma and 140 Ma were identified in the Heyu granite, North Qinling.
► The younger intrusions with K-feldspar megacrysts emplaced at greater depth.
► Geochronological data indicate slow magma cooling rate of ~ 25 °C/Ma.