A frozen oceanic crystal mush

Abstract

The processes driving the evolution of crystal mushes are often documented in complex systems where crystallization, assimilation, magma replenishment and mixing occur concurrently and are generally overprinted by compaction and deformation. Documenting the characteristics of an undisturbed crystal mush is thus of upmost importance; it highlights the initial conditions with which complex crystal mush processes proceed. We here present the structure and composition of an oceanic crystal mush through detailed petro‐structural and chemical study of metre‐scale intrusions from the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. Textures, bulk‐rock and mineral compositions indicate closed‐system crystallization of primitive melts, undisturbed by dissolution–precipitation reactions and subsequent deformation. These frozen crystal mushes record the simplest possible evolution of small‐scale intrusions and can be used as a baseline to pinpoint the impact of crystal mush processes on the evolution of complex systems. Any divergence from this reference results from processes occurring concomitantly to the progressive closure of the magmatic system.