Vein Controlled Index Mineral Crystal Size Distribution in Barrow’s Metamorphic Zones, Glen Esk, Scotland

Abstract:

The concept of index mineral based metamorphic zones was first introduced by George Barrow a little more than 100 years ago, and the Barrovian metamorphic zones are still today used as framework by metamorphic petrologists. Today the importance of metamorphic fluids for driving metamorphic reactions is widely recognised. Even so, a general view is that Barrovian metamorphism is solely controlled by pressure, temperature, and protolith composition. This study aims to establish if and how fluids control index mineral formation and distribution during Barrovian metamorphism. To do so, we use samples from Barrow’s own type locality in Glen Esk, Southeast Scottish Highlands, and study possible relationships between veining and index mineral distribution. In addition to petrographic and textural observations and analyses, we also use whole rock chemistry, mineral chemistry, and oxygen isotope analyses. At low grade, in the chlorite zone and most of the biotite zone, no correlation between veining and index mineral distribution is seen. At higher grade, the index mineral abundance is shown to decrease away from veins in the garnet and staurolite zones. Pseudosection analysis show larger garnet stability fields in vein-adjacent rock. In addition, quartz abundance and oxygen isotope ratios of quartz coincidentally decrease, which we interpret as evidence for fluid-rock interaction. The kyanite zone shows a fairly homogenous kyanite distribution, but also indications of extensive fluid-rock interaction, such as high vein density and oxygen isotope ratios in equilibrium with the fluid. Based on our observations and the geochemical datasets, we conclude that fluid played a major role in the stabilisation and distribution of the Barrovian index minerals in Glen Esk, and that the fluid control was larger at higher metamorphic grades.