Publication: The Layos Granite, Hercynian Complex of Toledo
(Spain): an example of parautochthonous restite-rich
granite in a granulitic area
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Publication Date
1992
Authors
Barbero González, Luis C.
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Publisher
Royal Society of Edinburgh, [1980]-2007.
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Abstract
The Layos Granite forms elongated massifs within the Toledo Complex of
central Spain. It is late-tectonic with respect to the F2 regional phase and simultaneous with the
metamorphic peak of the region, which reached a maximum temperature of 800-850°C and
pressures of 400-600 MPa. Field studies indicate that this intrusion belongs to the "regional
migmatite terrane granite" type. This granite is typically interJayered with sill-like veins and
elongated bodies of cordierite/ garnet-bearing leucogranites. Enclaves are widespread and
comprise restitic types (quartz lumps, biotite, cordierite and sillimanite-rich enclaves) and
refractory metamorphic country-rocks including orthogneisses, amphibolites, quartzites, conglomerates
and caJc-silicate rocks.
These granites vary from quartz-rich tonalites to melamonzogranites and define a S-type trend
on a QAP plot. Cordierite and biotite are the mafic phases of the rocks. The particularly high
percentage of cordierite (10%-30%) varies inversely with the silica content. Sillimanite is a
common accessory mineral, always included in cordierite, suggesting a restitic origin. The
mineral chemistry of the Layos Granite is similar to that of the leucogranites and country-rock
peraluminous granulites (kinzigites), indicating a close approach to equilibrium. The uniform
composition of plagioclase (An2S)' the high albitic content of the K-feldspar, the continuous
variation in the Fe/Mg ratios of the mafic minerals, and the high Ti content of the biotites
(2·5-6·5%) suggest a genetic relationship.
Geochemically, the Layos Granite is strongly peraluminous. Normative corundum lies
between 4% and 10% and varies inversely with increase in Si02. The CaO content is typically
low «1·25%) and shows little variation; similarJy the LILE show a limited range. On many
variation diagrams, linear trends from peraluminous granulites to the Layos Granite and
associated leucogranite can be observed. The chemical characteristics argue against an igneous
fractionation or fusion mechanism for the diversification of the Layos Granite. A restite
un mixing model between a granulitic pole (represented by the granulites of the Toledo
Complex) and a minimum melt (Jeucogranites) could explain the main chemical variation of the
Layos Granite. Melting of a peiitic protolith under anhydrous conditions (biotite dehydration
melting) could lead to minimum-temperature melt compositions and a strongly peraluminous
residuum.
For the most mafic granites (61-63% Si02), it is estimated that the trapped restite component
must have been around 65%. This high proportion of restite is close to the estimated rheological
critical melt fraction, but field evidence suggests that this critical value has been exceeded. This
high restite component implies high viscosity of the melt which, together with the anhydrous
assemblage of the Layos Granite and the associated leucogranites, indicates H20-undersaturated
melting conditions. Under such conditions, the high viscosity magma (crystal-liquid mush) had a
restricted movement capacity, leading to the development of parautochthonous plutonic bodies.