Abstract

HENARES, Saturnina et al. The chromitites of the Camagüey Ophiolitic Complex, Cuba: an example of Al-rich chromitites. Bol. Soc. Geol. Mex [online]. 2010, vol.62, n.1, pp.173-185. ISSN 1405-3322.

The Camagüey Ophiolitic Complex extends along the central-eastern region of Cuba. This ophiolitic complex contains several deposits of Al-rich chromite [Cr/(Cr+Al) = 0.31-0.6] very enriched in TiO₂ (up to 1 wt%) and represents the second most important mining district for refractory grade chromite in Cuba. The chromite deposits are hosted by dunite and harzburgite, spatially associated with feldspatic rocks (gabbro dikes and/or sills, troctolites and/or anorthosites) in close proximity to gabbroic cumulates at the base of the plutonic crust. The texture observed in the chromite deposits is predominantly massive, although fine disseminated, nodular and brecciated textures are also present. The interstitial silicate matrix of the chromitite consists principally of olivine and to a lesser extent pyroxenes and plagioclase. Often these silicates are altered to other secondary minerals such as serpentine, chlorite, magnetite and uvarovite-type garnet. The chromite crystals usually host small solid inclusions of the same silicates that form the matrix, Fe-, Ti- and/or Zr-rich oxides, and Fe-Ni-Cu sulphides and alloys. The above mentioned metallic minerals also occur in the interstitial silicate matrix where they record variable alteration. The structural, petrological and geochemical characteristics of the chromitites suggest formation from melts generated after reaction of basaltic melts with upper lithospheric mantle peridotites or, alternatively, as result of the assimilation of pre-existing feldspatic rocks (gabbros and troctolites) located in the shallowest upper mantle.

Keywords : Al-rich Chromitite; Ophiolitic Complex; Camagüey; Cuba.

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