Finding of talc– and kyanite–bearing amphibolite from the Paleoproterozoic Usagaran Belt, Tanzania

Abstract

We report a newly discovered assemblage of talc–kyanite in an amphibolite from the Isimani Suite of the Paleoproterozoic Usagaran Belt, central Tanzania. The amphibolite is characterized by the mineral assemblage of clinoamphibole, kyanite, talc with minor rutile, quartz, dolomite, and rare barite. The high Fe³⁺/(Fe³⁺ + Fe²⁺) ratio (0.48–0.80) of clinoamphibole and the presence of sulfate (barite) indicate a very–high oxidation state during metamorphism. P–T pseudosection modelling predicts that the studied talc– and kyanite–bearing amphibolites formed at high–pressure conditions (P > 1.0 GPa). Moreover, the modelling suggests formation of talc + kyanite + clinoamphibole at a highly oxidizing condition with CO₂ fluid. This talc–kyanite association provides an index of high–pressure metamorphism of the Usagaran Belt and marks the oldest record of the talc–kyanite association in regional metamorphism in the Earth’s history.