Mantle podiform chromitites do not form beneath mid-ocean ridges: A case study from the Moho transition zone of the Oman ophiolite

Our preferred tectonic setting for the genesis of the Maqsad chromitites is in the context of subduction initiation in a forearc environment. We would argue on the basis of their geochemistry that they have not formed beneath a spreading ridge, despite the superficial similarity between their cr# and those of MORBs. In the absence of podiform chromitites in modern ridge environments and from 'truly MORB ophiolites' we propose that the very occurrence of podiform chromitites is a tectonic indicator of a subduction-related environment.