Chemical homogenization by fluid-induced deformation in chromitites during metamorphism

Abstract

Deformed chromitites from the Golyamo Kamenyane serpentinized peridotite massif in SE Bulgaria have been studied as an example of chemical homogenization by deformation in monophase rock during metamorphism. Theses chromitites were affected by amphibolite-facies metamorphism and reacted with oxidizing Fe³⁺-rich fluids (∼ 1.0 GPa and 500-700ºC). Here, we describe the details of how the microstructure was produced in chromite, showing the important role of deformation due to metamorphism. deformation produces chemical homogenization of chromite, and also fluid-rock interaction leads to deformation of chromitites, which involves not only dynamic recrystallization but also nucleation of new grains.