Apatite geochemical indicators for magma mixing and fractional crystallization in the origin of A-type granite

Geological and geochemical observations show that magma mixing and fractional crystallization are fundamental processes in the origin of A-type granites, with the dominant process determining their specific genesis. However, it is difficult to evidently distinguish such two processes using whole-rock geochemistry. Apatite has a long crystallization history and can precipitate from the melt during the whole magmatic evolution process, and its geochemical and Sr isotopic data would constrain the magma mixing and crystal fractionation processes. Here we present the integrated geochemical data and Sr isotopic compositions of apatite from mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) and their host A-type granites in the early Cretaceous Qianshan pluton to fingerprint apatite geochemical indicators for tracing magma mixing and fractional crystallization. The variable Sr isotopic compositions of apatites in the mafic microgranular enclaves (0.7097 to 0.7211) and the host biotite granite (0.7131 to 0.7171) suggest a magma mixing process, which cannot be revealed by consistent whole-rock Sr isotopic compositions. The trend between Eu/Eu* and rare earth elements + yttrium (REE + Y) contents and Sr contents in apatite among different samples mimics the magma mixing trend observed in whole-rock, suggesting that the broad range of Sr contents and abrupt increases in REE + Y contents can record the mixing process. However, the effect of fractional crystallization on the apatite composition depends on the partition behavior of elements in different minerals. Specifically, the continuous decreases in Eu/Eu* and Sr contents of apatites effectively indicate progressive feldspar crystallization, and the decreases in the (La/Sm)_N and (La/Yb)_N ratios of apatites suggest the crystallization of feldspar, biotite and apatite, while the increases of these ratios may trace the crystallization of minerals rich in MREE and/or HREE such as hornblende, zircon, and titanite. These observations confirm the sensitivity of apatite Sr isotopes and trace elements content, as well as REE patterns to magma mixing and fractional crystallization, thus providing valuable insights into the complicated magma evolution processes and petrogenesis of A-type granites. Furthermore, the universality of apatite in granitic rocks and the commonality of magmatic mixing and fractional crystallization in granite origin highlight the broader applicability of our study, offering a valuable perspective for understanding the origin of other granitoids.