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P–T conditions of symplectite formation in the eclogites

from the Western Gneiss Region (Norway)
CÉLINE MARTIN1,2
1
Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina
Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
2
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, American Museum of Natural
History, New York, NY 10024-5192, USA
cmartin@amnh.org

Abstract: Symplectite, defined as plagioclase + Ca-pyroxene (±amphibole) intergrowths after omphacite, and
kelyphite, defined as amphibole + plagioclase coronas around garnet, are common features of retrogressed
eclogites. These textures are related to exhumation under (ultra) high pressure towards the surface, but the esti-
mation of the pressure–temperature (P–T ) of symplectite formation is difficult because of the narrowness of
pyroxene and plagioclase lamellas, and the compositional variability of the phases. Retrogressed eclogites
from Norwegian localities with different eclogite peak conditions have been chosen to investigate the formation
of symplectite and associated kelyphite. Thermobarometry calculations show that symplectite crystallizes as
soon as the rocks enter the stability field of plagioclase and continues crystallizing until they have reached
amphibolite facies. Symplectite yields a pressure range from 18 to 10 kbar, and a temperature range from
700 to 550°C. Amphibole found in the symplectite assemblage crystallizes later, at lower pressures and temper-
atures (10–4 kbar, 680–420°C). Kelyphite is always associated with well-developed symplectite, when the for-
mer omphacite is totally transformed into symplectite. These features likely testify to the influence of an external
fluid during retrogression. Samples with limited symplectite and no kelyphite are likely retrogressed with an
internal fluid.

Supplementary material: Quantified electron probe analyses, additional processed X-ray maps and micropho-
tographs of samples are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4157603

Symplectites in eclogites are assumed to represent
an early stage of decompression related to exhuma-
tion (Joanny et al. 1991) and can be found in almost
all eclogite locations around the world (e.g. Western
Gneiss Region (WGR), Norway; Voltri, Italy; Bohe-
mian Massif, Czech Republic; Erzgebirge, Ger-
many). They are formed by the destabilization of
the jadeite component of omphacite and consist of
calcic clinopyroxene and sodic plagioclase inter-
growths (e.g. Eskola 1921; Griffin & Raheim 1973;
Joanny et al. 1991; Lardeaux et al. 2001; O’Brien &
Rötzler 2003). This assemblage sometimes includes
amphibole (Vallis & Scambelluri 1996; Elvevold &
Gilotti 2000; Anderson & Moecher 2007). In some
locations, a destabilization corona around garnet,
consisting of green or brown amphibole and plagio-
clase, is reported (Bohemian Massif, Erzgebirge).
The term kelyphite is used in magmatic petrology
to describe the coronas composed of spinel and
orthopyroxene, testifying to the destabilization of
garnet during mantle decompression in garnet peri-
dotites and pyroxenites. When the term is used in
metamorphic petrology, particularly in eclogites,
the mineral reaction is different (garnet + diopside
= amphibole + plagioclase). The conditions of kely-
phite formation have not been widely studied, but it
seems that kelyphite in eclogite occurs in the same
samples as symplectite after omphacite.
An increasing number of publications in recent
years concluded that aqueous fluid is necessary to
enhance symplectite formation, even if no hydroxyl-
bearing mineral (amphibole, phengite) is included
within the symplectite assemblage (e.g. Martin &
Duchêne 2015; Spruzeniece et al. 2017). However,
the pressure–temperature (P–T ) conditions of for-
mation of symplectite are still poorly constrained,
although all authors agreed that they are related to
decompression. Joanny et al. (1991) suggested that
symplectite could be used as a thermobarometer,
based on the width of the lamellas of Ca-pyroxene
and Na-plagioclase that are temperature-dependent,
and the jadeite content of the Ca-clinopyroxene
that is pressure-dependent (e.g. using the reaction
albite = jadeite + quartz). Several authors actually
considered that symplectite may represent a discon-
tinuous process, assuming that the different widths
of lamellas observed in a single symplectite assem-
blage represent distinct P–T stages and thus P–T

From: FERRERO, S., LANARI, P., GONCALVES, P. & GROSCH, E. G. (eds) 2019. Metamorphic Geology: Microscale to
Mountain Belts. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 478, 197–216.
First published online July 10, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP478.18
© 2018 The Author(s). Published by The Geological Society of London. All rights reserved.
For permissions: http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/permissions. Publishing disclaimer: www.geolsoc.org.uk/pub_ethics
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at Norges Geologiske Undersokelse
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198 C. MARTIN
conditions (Messiga & Bettini 1990; Schmädicke
et al. 1992; Lanari et al. 2013). Only a few P–T esti-
mates for symplectite formation have been made,
mainly on samples from Bohemian and German
massifs. Classic thermobarometry methods were
applied to achieve symplectite conditions of 10 kbar
and 550–600°C (Erzgebirge, Schmädicke et al.
1992), and 14 kbar and 700°C (Variscan Mid-Ger-
man Crystalline Ridge, Will & Schmädicke 2001).
Similar conditions of 11–12 kbar and 730–750°C
were obtained using phase equilibria modelling
(Bohemian Massif, Štípská & Powell 2005). A study
conducted on symplectite-bearing eclogites coming
from North Qaidam (China) showed that amphibole-
bearing symplectite crystallized at 11 kbar and 630 ±
44°C, whereas symplectite without amphibole
crystallized at 10–14 kbar and 760–865°C (Zhang
et al. 2005). Loury et al. (2016) used a multi-equilib-
rium approach and quantitative compositional maps
to retrieve the conditions of two successive symp-
lectite generations in retrogressed eclogite from
Kyrgyzstan: (1) Ca-pyroxene–plagioclase–amphi-
bole assemblage yields 11–8 kbar and 560°C, and
(2) plagioclase–amphibole yields less than 7 kbar
and 560°C. Kelyphite is less studied and it is always
assumed it represents an amphibolite-facies assem-
blage. Accordingly, a recent publication on the Bra-
zilia Orogen suggests that kelyphite in retrogressed
eclogite crystallized at 5 kbar and 600°C (Tedeschi
et al. 2017). The P–T estimates for the Variscan
Mid-German Crystalline Ridge indicate that amphi-
bole equilibrated around 10 kbar and 650–700°C
(Will & Schmädicke 2001), and 12–14 kbar and
600–700°C for Erzgebirge (Schmädicke et al.
1992). Lanari et al. (2013) used a multi-equilibrium
approach and quantitative compositional maps to
show that Ca-pyroxene–plagioclase–amphibole sym-
plectite of the Stak eclogite (northern Himalaya,
Pakistan) records the decompression path. Similar
conclusions were reached by Waters (2003) for
retrogressed eclogite coming from the WGR of Nor-
way. In the study of the Stak eclogite, coarse-grained
amphibole also crystallized during amphibolite-
facies metamorphism.
The present study aims to determine the mineral-
ogical evolution and P–T conditions of formation of
these exhumation-related textures. It was carried
out on six samples from the main provinces of the
WGR (Bergen Arc, Sognefjord, Nordfjord) using
electron probe micro-analyser (EPMA) quantitative
compositional mapping and the software XMapTools
(Lanari et al. 2014, 2018).
Geological background
The Bergen Arc belongs to the Lindås Nappe, which
is interpreted to be the lowermost layer of the
continental crust, and is made of anorthosites meta-
morphosed into granulite facies during the Protero-
zoic. These granulites were locally retrogressed
into eclogite, along shear zones associated with the
Caledonide event (Austrheim 1987; Boundy et al.
1996). The WGR is a part of the Caledonian Orogen,
which resulted from the collision between Baltica
and Laurentia during the Silurian and Early Devo-
nian, c. 435–385 Ma ago (Roberts & Gee 1985).
The WGR represents a large tectonic window run-
ning from the north of the Bergen Arc in the south
to Molde in the north and is surrounded by the Cale-
donide Allochthon (Cuthbert et al. 2000). A major
detachment called the Nordfjord–Sognford Detach-
ment Zone (NSDZ) is located at the boundary
between the WGR and Allochthon nappes (Bryhni
& Sturt 1985; Gorbatschev 1985). The Precambrian
crystalline basement, in which centimetre to kilo-
metre lenses of Caledonian eclogites are embedded,
consists of amphibolite-facies gneiss and augen
gneiss (Milnes et al. 1997; Engvik & Andersen
2000; Engvik et al. 2001; Carswell et al. 2003;
Walsh & Hacker 2004; Foreman et al. 2005).
Eclogite in the southern part recorded lower pres-
sure conditions characteristic of high-pressure (HP)
metamorphism (in Bergen Arc, Glodny et al. 2008;
in the WGR (Sognefjord and Dalsfjord) Smith
1984; Walsh & Hacker 2004), whereas eclogites in
the northern part of the WGR have experienced HP
to ultra-HP (UHP) metamorphism (in the Nordfjord;
Smith 1984; Carswell et al. 1999; Labrousse et al.
2004).
The Nordfjord area is characterized by several
occurrences of eclogite with coesite or polycrystal-
line quartz pseudomorphs, as well as diamond-
bearing eclogites, signifying UHP metamorphism
(e.g. Wain 1997; Carswell et al. 1999); there are,
however, localities without evidence of UHP (Cars-
well et al. 1999). In the Nordfjord area, eclogites
occur as smaller lenses (up to 100 m, but mainly
1–10 m) rimmed by eclogite retrogressed into
amphibolite, embedded within the amphibolite-
facies gneiss (Wain 1997). The two localities studied
here, Bryggja and Korsfura (Fig. 1a), are described
either as containing polycrystalline quartz after coes-
ite (Carswell et al. 1999, 2003), or as mixed HP/
UHP eclogites (Labrousse et al. 2004). It has been
suggested that UHP eclogites in the Nordfjord area
display chemically homogeneous garnet, in addition
to coesite or polycrystalline quartz, whereas HP eclo-
gites have garnet grains with compositional zoning
(Wain 1997). The P–T estimates for Bryggja eclo-
gites range from 29.8 kbar and 730°C (garnet–clino-
pyroxene–phengite thermobarometry, Cuthbert et al.
2000) to 25.2–28.5 kbar and 628–716°C (phase
equilibria, Labrousse et al. 2004, and reference
therein). No P–T estimation has been made for Kors-
fura eclogite, or for the amphibolite facies in Bryggja
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P–T OF SYMPLECTITE IN THE ECLOGITES FROM THE WGR 199

Fig. 1. Studied areas with location of samples: (a) Nordfjord (modified from Labrousse et al. 2004); (b) Dalsfjord
(modified from Martin et al. 2010); (c) Holsnøy (modified from Glodny et al. 2008).

or Korsfura. The P–T conditions for amphibolite-
facies metamorphism considered for the Nordfjord
area were estimated on Breidteigelva amphibolite
(see Fig. 1a) at 8.6 kbar and 613°C (phase equilibria,
Labrousse et al. 2004).
The Vårdalsneset outcrop, in the Dalsfjord area
(Fig. 1b), is a typical area of the central part of the
WGR, where hectometre-sized mafic eclogite and
amphibolite bodies are embedded within amphibo-
litic-facies gneissic host-rocks derived from granodi-
oritic or granitic protoliths (Engvik & Andersen
2000; Engvik et al. 2001; Foreman et al. 2005).
The outcrop is a c. 400 m-long massive mafic body
of eclogite with two distinct mid-ocean ridge basalt
(MORB)-like protoliths, yielding (1) fresh unaltered
eclogite without symplectite, and (2) partly retro-
gressed eclogite with symplectite (Martin & Duch-
êne 2015). The P–T estimates for Vårdalsneset
eclogites gave pressure conditions higher than
16 kbar, and a temperature range of 610–660°C
(phase equilibria, Martin et al. 2010, and references
therein). The conditions of the amphibolite-facies
stage have been estimated at 5–9 kbar and 500–
640°C (phase equilibria, Martin 2009, and references
therein).
Holsnøy Island, located at the westernmost part
of the Lindås Nappe, has been extensively studied
for eclogitic shear zones, as they are particularly con-
centrated on the western part of the island (Fig. 1c).
The eclogites are interpreted to have formed by
metasomatism and are found in centimetre- to metre-
wide shear zones (Boundy et al. 1997). The P–T esti-
mates made on the eclogites from Holsnøy give a
pressure range of 15–21 kbar, for temperatures
between 650 and 750°C. Conditions of 8–10 kbar
and 600°C have been estimated for amphibolite-
facies assemblages (various methods, Glodny et al.
2008).
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200 C. MARTIN
Methods: quantitative compositional
mapping and thermobarometry
X-ray maps were acquired at the Earth and Planetary
Sciences Department of the American Museum of
Natural History (NY, USA) on a Cameca SX100
electron microprobe, with an acceleration voltage
of 15 kV, and a beam current of 80 nA. Two scans
were performed to acquire the nine elements ana-
lysed (Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Ti and Mn). Quan-
tified point analyses were obtained along traverses
before mapping the same areas, with an acceleration
voltage of 15 kV, a beam current of 20 nA, a beam
diameter of 1 µm, and a counting time of 20 s except
for Na (10 s). Standards were well-characterized
natural minerals including diopside (Si, Mg, Ca),
albite (Na), orthoclase (K, Al), rutile (Ti), olivine
(Fe) and rhodonite (Mn). There is no background
correction for the maps, but the point analyses are
corrected from background. Backscattered electron
(BSE) images were acquired on the same areas as
the X-ray maps for each sample and are presented
below.
For each sample, the quantified traverses were
cleaned from all erroneous analyses (unrealistically
low totals, analyses that were acquired at the edge
of two grains), and used to standardize the maps
with XMapTools 2.4, following Castaing’s approach
described in Lanari et al. (2014). The point analyses
are available in Supplementary material 1. The Border
Removing Correction (BRC) tool of XMapTools,
allowing mixing pixels to be removed, was applied
in order to filter the pixels at the grain boundaries
showing mixing chemical signals. The structural for-
mulae were then calculated through XMapTools 2.
4 software.
The P–T estimates for symplectite and kelyphite
assemblages were then calculated using the P–T/
map mode of the software, which computes and
combines existing empirical or semi-empirical ther-
mometers and barometers (Lanari et al. 2014).
With this mode, the P and T conditions are calculated
for each pixel of the considered mineral using two
different equilibria (one T-dependent and one
P-dependent), and a fixed chemical composition
for the other minerals of the assemblage. For exam-
ple, the P–T conditions of Ca-pyroxene and plagio-
clase crystallization in symplectites were calculated
using the function Cpx-P-fT, which combines the
thermometer of Holland & Blundy (1994), and the
barometer of Waters (2003). In this case, a single
P–T estimate is produced for each pixel of clino-
pyroxene. Temperature is obtained either from
amphibole thermobarometry (edenite–richterite cali-
bration of Holland & Blundy 1994) performed in the
surrounding amphibole grains (linked to the Jd con-
tent of the pyroxene assumed to be in equilibrium,
see Lanari et al. 2013) or using the temperature
estimates from other samples, assuming isothermal
decompression. Pressure is obtained from the reac-
tion jadeite + tremolite = albite + edenite, using the
calibration of Waters (2003) at the temperature previ-
ously determined. The P–T conditions of amphibole
crystallization were calculated using the func-
tion Amp-P–T(Amp + Pl), which combines the ther-
mometer of Holland & Blundy (1994), in which
one inputs the albite and anorthite percentage of pla-
gioclase, and the barometer of Schmidt (1992). For
samples NOG616 and NOG641-2, in which quartz
is expected to be at equilibrium with amphibole and
plagioclase, the function Amp-P–T(Amp + Pl + qtz)
was used. It also combines the thermometer of Hol-
land & Blundy (1994) and the barometer of Schmidt
(1992). While this calibration has been developed
for magmatic rocks, it has been proposed that the
assemblage forming in retrogressed eclogite can
buffer the tschermak exchange (Lanari et al. 2013).
Petrological description
Bergen Arc
Sample NOG0010 is from the locality of Saetra, in a
part of Holsnøy Island where the shear zones display
more than 80% eclogite (Fig. 1c).
NOG0010 displays a strongly altered eclogitic
paragenesis. Garnet grains contain a few rutile inclu-
sions and show evidence of resorption prior to the
growth of kelyphite. Omphacite grains are only pre-
served as relicts, found in the symplectite. Rutile is
the only accessory mineral (Fig. 2a, b). The area
shown on Figure 2a and b was chemically mapped
and investigated.
Nordfjord
The samples NOG0018 and NOG641 are from the
mixed HP/UHP area of the Nordfjord. NOG0018
is from Korsfura, and NOG641-2 is from Bryggja
(Fig. 1a).
NOG0018 (Fig. 2c, d) displays euhedral to sub-
euhedral garnet with no inclusions, and no kelyphite.
The matrix is made of symplectites with relicts of
omphacite, amphibole, phengite, clinozoisite and
kyanite. The area shown on Figure 2c and d was
chemically mapped and investigated.
Sample NOG641-2 was taken from an eclogite
boudin showing strong retrogression to amphibolite
in its outer part. In the preserved eclogite areas, gar-
net is euhedral to sub-euhedral (300–400 µm in dia-
meter) with no inclusions; omphacite crystals define
a preferential direction of elongation and display a
narrow layer of symplectite at the contact between
two grains. In the retrogressed areas, omphacite is
completely retrogressed into symplectite and kely-
phite formed around garnet. Intergrowths of biotite
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P–T OF SYMPLECTITE IN THE ECLOGITES FROM THE WGR 201

Fig. 2. Photomicrographs (plain polarized light/PPL) and associated BSE image of the mapped areas: (a, b)
NOG0010; (c, d) NOG0018; (e, f) NOG641-2; (g, h) NOG618. gt, garnet; qtz, quartz; omp, omphacite; amp,
amphibole; symp, symplectite; rt, rutile; ph, phengite; pa, paragonite.

and plagioclase, likely forming after phengite, are
also visible (Fig. 2e, f). Two maps were acquired
on the retrogressed area (NOG641-2A and
NOG641-2B): NOG641-2A is shown in Figure 2e
and f. Quartz is present either as inclusions in
omphacite, without any cracks around the inclu-
sions, or in granoblastic crystals in the matrix
(500–800 µm in length). Accessory minerals are zir-
con and rutile partly transformed into ilmenite.
Dalsfjord
The samples NOG0014, NOG616, and NOG618
were collected in the HP locality of Vårdalsneset
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202 C. MARTIN
(Fig. 1b). NOG0014 and NOG618 are partly
retrogressed eclogite samples without any evidence
of fluid circulation, such as veining, whereas
NOG616 is a fresh eclogite only partly retrogressed
at the contact with a quartz vein.
NOG0014 displays millimetric euhedral garnet
grains containing numerous inclusions: anorthite,
barroisite, rutile, phengite and quartz. The matrix is
made of omphacite grains partly transformed in sym-
plectite and millimetric grains of phengite, mainly
located close to garnet. Accessory phases are kyanite
and zoisite. Two maps were acquired on this sample,
and NOG0014-B is shown in Figure 2g.
NOG618 displays millimetric euhedral garnet
grains containing quartz and amphibole inclusions.
There is no kelyphite around the garnet. The matrix
is made of omphacite slightly altered to symplectite
and evenly distributed paragonite, with clinozoisite
and rutile as accessory phases. Elongated minerals
define a preferred orientation. One map of the area
was acquired (Fig. 2h).
NOG616 (Fig. 3a) is an eclogite cut by a quartz
vein, located on the lower right of the microscope
image. Away from the contact with the vein
(8 mm), the rock is almost unaltered and contains
only euhedral garnet (maximum 500 µm in diameter)
with limited inclusions (rutile, quartz), omphacite
and rutile. Only tiny symplectites testify to the
fluid influx (Fig. 3b). The BSE map reveals a narrow
(5 µm) corona of amphibole around garnet grains
(Fig. 3c). Towards the contact, the eclogite shows
a higher degree of alteration. The symplectite assem-
blage grew at the expense of omphacite grains,
whose size decreases (Fig. 3d, e) until they are pre-
sent only as relicts (Fig. 3f, g) and finally disappear
(Fig. 3h, i). In this area, garnet crystals are euhedral
and shielded by a wider kelyphite (30–50 µm), and
the rutile is transformed into ilmenite. At the contact
with the quartz vein, a zone of 300–500 µm displays
only symplectite, and the rare garnet grains present
just beyond that zone are anhedral and surrounded
by an amphibole corona (Fig. 3j).
Results
Mineral compositions in the symplectite and
kelyphite intergrowths
Bergen Arc. The map acquired on sample NOG0010
shows that the symplectites are dominated by Ca-
pyroxene and plagioclase with only a small amount
of amphibole (Fig. 4a). However, amphibole is pre-
sent and located in kelyphite around garnet (Figs 2a,
b & 4a). The average composition of omphacite
is Di56Jd40Ac4 and of symplectitic pyroxene is
Di76Jd20Ac14 (Fig. 5a, b). The plagioclase is strictly
Ca–Na, with an average composition of Ab82. The
amphibole located in kelyphite has compositions
ranging from magnesio-hastingsite to magnesio-
hastingsite hornblende (Fig. 6a). The amphibole
crystals in the symplectite assemblage and the garnet
have not been analysed.
Nordfjord. The map acquired on sample NOG0018
shows that symplectites are intergrowths of Ca-
pyroxene, plagioclase and amphibole. Additionally,
amphibole crystals are found as larger grains in the
matrix, but do not seem to be preferentially distribu-
ted around garnet (Fig. 4b). The composition of sym-
plectitic pyroxene is Di70Jd21Ac9 (Fig. 5c) and that
of omphacite is Di50Jd44Ac6 (Fig. 5d). The plagio-
clase average composition is Ab91An9. The amphi-
bole in the symplectite assemblage crosses the field
of edenite, edenitic hornblende and magnesian-
hastingsite hornblende (Fig. 6b), whereas amphibole
coarse grains in the matrix are sodi-calcic and cover
the fields of magnesio-taramite and magnesio-
katophorite (Leake et al. 1997). A narrow over-
growth of symplectite amphibole is visible at the
edges of the coarse grain (Supplementary material 2).
The maps acquired on sample NOG641-2 show
several kinds of intergrowths (Fig. 4c, Supplemen-
tary material 3). Symplectites with Ca-pyroxene, pla-
gioclase and amphibole replace omphacite grains,
phengite grains are transformed into biotite and pla-
gioclase, and garnet is surrounded by kelyphite. No
omphacite relicts were found for analysis. The com-
position of symplectitic pyroxene is Di80Jd15Ac5 for
NOG641-2A and Di77Jd21Ac2 for NOG641-2B
(Fig. 5c). The plagioclase in symplectite and kelyphite
is strictly Na–Ca, and its composition ranges from
Ab75An25 to Ab82An18. The feldspar grains in inter-
growths with biotite are significantly enriched in K,
with an average composition of Ab60An21Or19. Gar-
net average composition is Alm + Sps60Prp20Grs20.
The amphibole in NOG641-2 shows great variation
in composition: on map NOG641-2A, amphibole
is mainly magnesio-hornblende in the symplectite
(Fig. 6c), and overlaps the fields of edenite, edenitic
hornblende, and magnesian–hastingsite hornblende
in the kelyphite (Fig. 6b). On map NOG641-2B
(Supplementary material 3), amphibole composition
indistinctively ranges from magnesio-hornblende to
tschermakite (Fig. 6c).
Dalsfjord. The maps acquired on sample NOG0014
show that symplectites are intergrowths of Ca-
pyroxene, plagioclase and rare amphibole (Fig. 4d,
Supplementary material 3). No kelyphite is pre-
sent around garnet. On the contrary, garnet grains
are rimmed by phengite and plagioclase (Fig. 4d).
The composition of symplectitic pyroxene is
Di65Jd32Ac3 for NOG0014-A and Di75Jd22Ac3 for
NOG0014-B (Fig. 5e) and that of omphacite is
Di48Jd47Ac5 (Fig. 5f). The plagioclase composition
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P–T OF SYMPLECTITE IN THE ECLOGITES FROM THE WGR 203

Fig. 3. (a) Entire thin section of sample NOG616 showing the contact with quartz vein (bottom right), and the
disappearance of alteration/destabilization away from this contact. (b–i) Photomicrographs (PPL) and associated BSE
image for (b, c) map NOG616-1; (d, e) map NOG616-2; (f, g) map NOG616-3; (h, i) map NOG616-4. (j) BSE
image for map NOG616-5. gt, garnet; qtz, quartz; omp, omphacite; amp, amphibole; symp, symplectite; rt, rutile;
ilm, ilmenite.

is strictly Na–Ca, and ranges from Ab77An23 to
Ab65An35 in symplectite. Amphibole composition
ranges from edenite to pargasite (Fig. 6d). No garnet
has been analysed.
The map acquired on sample NOG618 shows that
symplectites are intergrowths of Ca-pyroxene,
plagioclase and amphibole. No amphibole is pre-
sent around garnet, but rather a rim of paragonite
(Fig. 4e). The composition of symplectitic pyroxene
is Di79Jd18Ac3 (Fig. 5e) and that of omphacite is
Di52Jd44Ac4 (Fig. 5f). The plagioclase average com-
position is Ab85An15. Garnet average composition
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204 C. MARTIN

Fig. 4. Maps processed with XMapTools 2.4: (a) NOG0010; (b) NOG118; (c) NOG641-2; (d) NOG641-2A;
(e) NOG618.

is Alm + Spes45Prp38Grs17. The amphibole is eden-
ite (Fig. 6d).
The five maps acquired on NOG616 aimed to
show the evolution of symplectite formation when
an external fluid interacts with the eclogite assem-
blage during exhumation. The map NOG616-1 was
obtained on the eclogite far away from the quartz
vein and shows only limited Ca-pyroxene + plagio-
clase symplectites, and a corona of amphibole
(with limited amount or no plagioclase) around gar-
net grains (Fig. 7a). The composition of symplectitic
pyroxene is Di65Jd35Ac1 (Fig. 5g) and that of
omphacite is Di43Jd52Ac5 (Fig. 5h). The plagioclase
average composition is Ab66An34. Garnet grains are
chemically zoned, the average composition of the
core is Alm + Sps52Prp21Grs27, and that of the rim
is Alm + Sps45Prp25Grs30. The amphibole is ferroan
pargasitic hornblende to ferroan pargasite (Fig. 6d).
The map NOG616-2 shows the development of
symplectites, while omphacite is still present in sig-
nificant amounts. The symplectite assemblage is
Ca-pyroxene + omphacite + plagioclase and epidote-
bearing kelyphite develops around garnet grains
(Fig. 7b). The composition of symplectitic pyroxene
is Di77Jd21Ac2 (Fig. 5g) and that of omphacite is
Di47Jd50Ac3 (Fig. 5h). The plagioclase composition
ranges from Ab70An30 to Ab85An15. Garnet grains
are chemically zoned; the average composition of
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P–T OF SYMPLECTITE IN THE ECLOGITES FROM THE WGR 205

Fig. 5. Pyroxene chemical composition: (a) for Ca-pyroxene in NOG0010; (b) for omphacite in NOG0010; (c) for
Ca-pyroxene in NOG0018 and NOG641-2; (d) for omphacite in NOG0018 and NOG641-2; (e) for omphacite in
NOG0014 and NOG618; (f ) for Ca-pyroxene in NOG616; (g) for Ca-pyroxene in NOG0014 and NOG618; (h) for
omphacite in NOG616.

the core is Alm + Sps50Prp32Grs18, and that of the
rim is Alm + Spes45Prp25Grs30. The amphibole
composition varies from edenite to ferroan pargasite
(Fig. 6d). The map NOG616-3 shows only relicts
of omphacite crystals embedded in a symplectite
made of Ca-pyroxene + omphacite + plagioclase +
amphibole. Kelyphite is visible around garnet grains
(Fig. 7c). The composition of symplectitic pyroxene
is Di76Jd22Ac2 (Fig. 5g) and that of eclogitic pyrox-
ene (omphacite) is Di47Jd50Ac3 (Fig. 5h). The pla-
gioclase shows two compositions, both strictly
without K-feldspar component. In the symplectite,
its average is Ab73An27, and in the kelyphite, its
average is Ab50An50. Garnet grains are not chemi-
cally zoned anymore and the average composition
is Alm + Spes45Prp30Grs25. The amphibole compo-
sition varies from actinolite to magnesio-hornblende
in symplectite, and from tschermakite to ferro-
tschermakite in kelyphite (Fig. 6e). Omphacite has
been totally resorbed on NOG616-4. The symplec-
tite assemblage is made of Ca-pyroxene + plagio-
clase + amphibole. Kelyphite is visible around
garnet grains (Fig. 7d). The composition of symplec-
titic pyroxene is Di88Jd6Ac6 (Fig. 5g). Plagioclase
average composition is Ab66An34 in symplectite
and Ab90An10 in kelyphite. Garnet grains are not
chemically zoned, and the average composition is
Alm + Sps50Prp32Grs18. The amphibole composi-
tion is ferroan pargasite to ferroan pargasitic horn-
blende in kelyphite, and edenite in symplectite
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206 C. MARTIN

Fig. 6. Amphibole chemical composition: (a) NOG0010; (b) NOG0018 and NOG641-2; (c) NOG641-2;
(d) NOG616 and NOG618; and (e) NOG616.
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P–T OF SYMPLECTITE IN THE ECLOGITES FROM THE WGR 207

Fig. 7. Maps processed with XMapTools 2.4 for sample NOG616: (a) NOG616-1; (b) NOG616-2; (c) NOG616-3;
(d) NOG616-4; (e) NOG616-5.

(Fig. 6d). The map NOG616-5 was acquired at Petrological interpretations

the contact between eclogite and quartz vein. The
symplectite assemblage is composed only of plagio-
clase + amphibole, with some pyroxene grains at
the contact with the vein itself. A corona of amphi-
bole and epidote is visible around garnet grains
(Fig. 7e). The composition of pyroxene at the contact
is Di90Jd5Ac5 (Fig. 5g). The plagioclase average
composition is Ab85An15. Garnet grains are not
chemically zoned, and the average composition is
Alm + Sps50Prp25Grs25. The amphibole composi-
tion in symplectite varies from actinolite to
magnesio-hornblende (Fig. 6e), whereas amphibole
around garnet is a ferroan pargasite (Fig. 6d).
Among the six studied samples, three of them do
not show any kelyphite: NOG0014, NOG0018 and
NOG618. These samples present relatively limited
symplectite, mainly composed of Ca-pyroxene and
plagioclase. Amphibole in the symplectite assem-
blage is rare, although systematic, and is interpreted
to represent a late replacement of the symplectitic
pyroxene. One sample, NOG0018, displays coarse-
grained amphibole, likely unrelated to the symplec-
tite assemblage. Such amphibole in UHP eclogite
has already been described in the literature (Lanari
et al. 2013; Palin et al. 2014) but the interpretations
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208 C. MARTIN
are divergent. In one case, coarse amphibole is
related to fluid influx during UHP eclogitic metamor-
phism (Palin et al. 2014), whereas in the other case,
coarse amphibole crystallized in amphibole facies,
after symplectite (Lanari et al. 2013). Here, the
edges of the coarse amphibole have the same chem-
istry as the amphibole in symplectite (Supplemen-
tary material 2), indicating that coarse grains
crystallized prior to symplectite amphibole.
The other three samples, NOG0010, NOG641-2
and NOG616 display both well-developed symplec-
tite and kelyphite around garnet. Amphibole is sys-
tematically present is the symplectite assemblage,
although in limited amounts in NOG0010 and
NOG641-2. The greater development of symplectite
and the presence of kelyphite in these samples sug-
gest a more intense hydration stage than the kely-
phite-free samples. However, the limited amount of
amphibole in the symplectite assemblage is also
interpreted as a late replacement of the symplectitic
pyroxene. Sample NOG616, whose destabilization
is due to an influx of fluid during exhumation, is
useful in studying the impact of such a fluid on the
formation of symplectite and kelyphite. All garnet
grains are surrounded by epidote-bearing kelyphite.
In addition, on map NOG616-1, the presence of
fluid is supported by tiny symplectite with scarce
amphibole (very similar to NOG0014). On map
NOG616-4, the symplectite assemblage is well
developed (omphacite is only present as relicts) and
contains some amphibole, similar to that observed
for NOG0010 and NOG641-2. Finally, map
NOG616-5 has been collected at the contact with
the quartz vein and displays a symplectite assemblage
with only amphibole + plagioclase and no Ca-pyrox-
ene. Such an assemblage resembles amphibolite
samples NOG0013 and NOG613, collected in the
same area (Martin 2009; Martin et al. 2010; Supple-
mentary material 4). Kelyphite amphibole in sample
NOG616 pre-dates amphibole in the symplectite
assemblage, as the outermost part of the corona has
the same chemistry as amphibole in symplectite (Sup-
plementary material 5) and, once again, amphibole in
symplectite is interpreted to represent a late transfor-
mation of the symplectitic pyroxene.
P–T estimates of symplectite and kelyphite
formation
The P–T estimates for each map lead to a range
of P–T points, reported as domains on Figures 8
and 9. In the text, if the range is narrow, the mean
value is reported as the pressure (or temperature) of
formation, and the uncertainty is given at 1 SD; if
the range is wider, the values are reported as minimal
and maximal P–T conditions, and no uncertainty
is given.
Bergen Arc. The plagioclase and Ca-pyroxene equi-
librium in symplectite of sample NOG0010 yields a
range of P–T conditions from 16 kbar and 720°C to
12 kbar and 620°C (Fig. 8a), using the temperature
estimated for eclogite in the area by Boundy et al.
(1997), and assuming adiabatic decompression.
The few late amphibole grains dispersed within the
symplectite assemblage were too small to be ana-
lysed. The amphibole and plagioclase indicate that
kelyphite coronas equilibrated at 9 ± 1.5 kbar and
670 ± 50°C (Fig. 8a).
Nordfjord area. For sample NOG0018, the plagio-
clase and Ca-pyroxene equilibrium in symplectite
yield a range of P–T conditions from 17 kbar and
740°C to 13 kbar and 635°C. The temperature was
obtained on amphibole in the symplectite assem-
blage, using the Holland & Blundy (1994) ther-
mometer, and assuming adiabatic decompression.
The late amphibole in the symplectite equilibrated
at 6 ± 1.2 kbar and 730 ± 40°C (Fig. 8b) whereas
the coarse grain amphibole yields 8 ± 1.5 kbar and
740 ± 60°C.
The Ca-pyroxene–plagioclase symplectite on
map NOG641-2A yields a range of P–T conditions
from 17 kbar and 700°C to 7.5 kbar and 595°C.
The late amphibole yields 4 ± 1 kbar and 640 ± 25°C
in the symplectite assemblage, and amphibole in
the kelyphite assemblage yields 8 ± 2 kbar and
650 ± 15°C.
A range of 16 kbar and 780°C to 10.5 kbar and
570°C was found for the symplectite on map
NOG641-2B. Amphibole in the kelyphite formed
at 8 ± 2 kbar and 650 ± 60°C.
Dalsfjord. The temperature conditions used for all
samples from Vårdalsneset were those estimated
for NOG0012 with both classic thermobarometry
and phase equilibria modelling (590–660°C, see
Martin et al. 2010).
The P–T conditions of symplectite formation
calculated from the map NOG0014-A range from
18 kbar and 700°C to 12 kbar and 540°C, and
those calculated from the map NOG0014-B range
from 18.5 kbar and 720°C to 11 kbar and 590°C.
Late amphibole in the symplectite assemblage in
NOG0014-B yields a P–T range from 10 kbar and
680°C to 5 kbar and 490°C (Fig. 8c). The few late
amphibole grains dispersed in the symplectite of
NOG0014-A did not allow P–T calculations to be
performed on them. The sample NOG618 also dis-
plays limited symplectite. The Ca-pyroxene–plagio-
clase equilibrium yields a range of P–T conditions
from 13 kbar and 665°C to 10 kbar and 630°C
(Fig. 8c). The late amphibole in symplectite crystal-
lized at pressure and temperature conditions ranging
from 9 kbar and 630°C to 5.5 kbar and 420°C
(Fig. 9c).
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P–T OF SYMPLECTITE IN THE ECLOGITES FROM THE WGR 209

Fig. 8. P–T conditions for symplectite and kelyphite: (a) sample NOG0010 from the Bergen Arc (eclogite and
amphibolite conditions from Glodny et al. 2008); (b) sample NOG0018 and NOG641-2 from Nordfjord (eclogite and
amphibolite conditions from Labrousse et al. 2004); (c) samples NOG0014 and NOG618 from Dalsfjord (eclogite
conditions from Martin et al. 2010; amphibolite conditions from Martin 2009).

The sample NOG616 was used to observe the
evolution of fluid-induced symplectite formation.
On map NOG616-1, where symplectite is only pre-
sent at the edges of omphacite grains, and amphibole
is only observed around garnet, the Ca-pyroxene–
plagioclase equilibrium yields a range of P–T condi-
tions from 19 kbar and 690°C to 14 kbar and 600°C
(Fig. 9a). Amphibole located around garnet crystal-
lized at 11 ± 2 kbar and 720 ± 20°C (Fig. 9b).
Calculations performed on map NOG616-2,
where omphacite crystals are still present within
the symplectite assemblage, gave a range of condi-
tions from 14 kbar and 700°C to 2 kbar and 550°C
for the symplectite assemblage (Fig. 9a). Amphibole
is only present in kelyphite around garnet and grows
in two steps. At the contact with garnet, designated
as ‘core’ on Figure 9b, amphibole equilibrated at
12 ± 1.5 kbar and 610 ± 30°C, whereas the outermost
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210 C. MARTIN

Fig. 9. P–T conditions for symplectite and kelyphite for sample NOG616 (Dalsfjord): (a) symplectite, (b) amphibole
in symplectite, (c) amphibole in kelyphite. Eclogite conditions from Martin et al. (2010); amphibolite conditions from
Martin (2009).

layer of the corona, noted ‘rim’ on Figure 9b, crystal-
lized at 7 ± 1 kbar and 540 ± 30°C.
Map NOG616-3 displays only relicts of ompha-
cite in the symplectite assemblage, and amphibole
is present both in the symplectite and in the kely-
phite. The Ca-pyroxene–plagioclase equilibrium
yields a range of P–T conditions from 14.5 kbar
and 675°C to 4.5 kbar and 620°C (Fig. 9a). The
late amphibole in the symplectite yields a pressure
of 5 ± 2.5 kbar and a temperature of 580 ± 50°C
(Fig. 9c), and the amphibole in kelyphite yields
11 ± 2 kbar and 760 ± 35°C (Fig. 9b).
On map NOG616-4 omphacite is absent and
amphibole is present both in the symplectite and in
the kelyphite. The Ca-pyroxene–plagioclase equilib-
rium yields a range of P–T conditions from 17.5 kbar
and 670°C to 10.5 kbar and 630°C (Fig. 9a). Amphi-
bole in the kelyphite crystallized between 16 kbar
and 700°C, and 10 kbar and 580°C (Fig. 9b). The
calculations performed on the late amphibole in the
symplectite yield a broad range of values, from
5.5 kbar and 660°C to 2 kbar and 450°C (Fig. 9c).
Map NOG616-5 was acquired at the contact with
the quartz vein, and too little pyroxene is available to
perform a P–T calculation. Amphibole in the kely-
phite crystallized at a range of pressures between
14.5 and 8 kbar, and a range of temperatures between
680 and 570°C (Fig. 9b), describing a core–rim
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P–T OF SYMPLECTITE IN THE ECLOGITES FROM THE WGR
pattern like the one observed for NOG616-2. The
amphibole, forming the main component of sym-
plectite on map NOG616-5, yields a maximum pres-
sure of 8.5 kbar and temperature of 600°C. The
minimum (yet somewhat unlikely) pressure is sur-
face pressure for a range of temperatures between
530 and 670°C (Fig. 9c).
Discussion
Among the six samples investigated in this study,
only NOG616 obviously shows that symplectite
and kelyphite formation is related to an external
fluid influx, indicated by the presence of a quartz
vein (Fig. 3a). The other samples do not have any evi-
dence of veining, whether they have scarce symplec-
tite (e.g. NOG0014 or NOG618), or their omphacite
crystals have been strongly (e.g. NOG0010) or totally
(e.g. NOG641-2) resorbed. However, the eclogite
NOG0010, coming from Holsnøy, is known to have
formed through metasomatism occurring in shear
zones of granulite (Boundy et al. 1997), and it is
likely that fluids have re-used this preferential path
during eclogite retrogression. NOG641-2 was sam-
pled from a metric boudin of eclogite, rimmed by
amphibolite, and it is likely that a pervasive fluid
entered the rock. Only NOG0014, NOG0018 and
NOG618 are coming from samples without any
veins, taken from shear zones or the main interface
between lithologies. The debate whether symplectite
and kelyphite form from an external fluid or from
internal fluid trapped in the rock after peak metamor-
phism is still on-going (Rubie 1990; Joanny et al.
1991; Straume & Austrheim 1999; Putnis & John
2010; Martin & Duchêne 2015; Spruzeniece et al.
2017). Even if the present paper does not aim to
determine if symplectite forms from an external or
an internal fluid, the obvious presence of the fluid
influx for NOG616, and the possible influx of an
external fluid in samples NOG0010 and NOG641-2,
via reactivation of the shear-zone or percolation of
fluid at the interface boudin–host-rock, has to be
taken into account in the interpretation.
Validity of amphibole barometer in metabasite
parageneses
The use of the Schmidt (1992) barometer for metaba-
sites, while it has been calibrated for a sub-solidus
tonalitic assemblage, is a matter of debate. A previ-
ous study suggested that the assemblage forming in
retrogressed eclogite can buffer the tschermak
exchange (Lanari et al. 2013) and, consequently,
this barometer can also be used to estimate the pres-
sure of symplectite and amphibolite after eclogite.
Interestingly, the present study concurs with this
conclusion. Indeed, some samples (NOG0018 and
211
several maps on NOG616) display successive gener-
ations of amphibole, yielding significantly distinct
pressures in agreement with petrographic observa-
tions. For example, NOG0018 displays amphibole
within the symplectite assemblage, and as coarse
grains within the matrix. The petrographic study
has shown that the edges of coarse grains have the
same composition as amphibole in symplectite, indi-
cating that the coarse grains crystallized first,
followed by the amphibole in symplectite (Supple-
mentary material 2). The Schmidt (1992) barometer
yields 8 ± 1.5 kbar for coarse-grained amphibole,
and 6 ± 1.2 kbar for amphibole in symplectite. On
maps NOG616-2 and NOG616-5, amphibole in
kelyphite shows an apparent decrease in pressure
towards the outermost rim (i.e. the contact with the
matrix, Supplementary material 6a, 6b). The inner-
most amphibole crystallized at 12 ± 1.5 kbar
(NOG616-2) and 14.5 kbar (NOG616-5), in agree-
ment with the pressure estimated on Ca-pyroxene +
plagioclase symplectite (10–18 kbar). The outermost
amphibole crystallized at 7 ± 1 kbar (NOG616-2)
and 8 kbar (NOG616-5), in agreement with late
amphibole crystallizing in symplectite assemblage
(4–10 kbar). In this case, the two independent
barometers yield the same range of results.
In conclusion, the barometer of Schmidt (1992)
must be used with caution to determine absolute
pressure conditions in metabasite, but it seems fairly
reliable in obtaining relative pressure conditions. As
the kelyphite pressure for NOG616-2 and NOG616-5
matches the range of pressure estimated for symplec-
tite on the Ca-pyroxene–plagioclase equilibrium, it
may suggest (as already noted by Lanari et al.
2013) that the absolute values are not necessarily
incorrect in a pressure range between 4 and 13 kbar.
Symplectite formation
The P–T estimates previously published for the
studied localities and the results of this study are
all reported on Figures 8 and 9. The P–T estimates
show that the Ca-pyroxene + plagioclase assem-
blage in symplectite crystallized during the near iso-
thermal decompression between the eclogite facies
and the amphibolite facies (Figs 8 & 9), in the
range 18–10 kbar (excluding the very low, unlikely,
pressure estimates for NOG616-2 and NOG616-3),
and 700–550°C depending on the sample consid-
ered. These estimates overlap the individual P–T
sets obtained on various locations, which varies from
10 kbar and 550°C to 14 kbar and 865°C (Schmä-
dicke et al. 1992; Will & Schmädicke 2001; Štípská
& Powell 2005; Zhang et al. 2005). Phase equilibria
calculated for the bulk-rock composition of samples
NOG0014, NOG616 and NOG618 by Martin &
Duchêne (2015) have allowed elucidation of the
‘plag in–plag out’ reactions, which mark the lower
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212 C. MARTIN
boundary of the eclogitic domain. These curves have
been represented on Figures 8c and 9a–c for the
corresponding samples. The stability field of plagio-
clase varies with the bulk-rock composition, but the
symplectite of Ca-pyroxene + plagioclase appears to
crystallize as soon as the rocks enter the plagioclase
stability field (Figs 8 and 9). This is particularly true
for samples NOG0014 and NOG618 (Fig. 8c). Sym-
plectite in sample NOG616 (particularly NOG616-1)
seems to crystallize at higher pressure, above the
stability field of plagioclase (Fig. 9a).This pseudo-
section has been calculated with the bulk-rock com-
position, which may not be representative of the
HP stage, as garnet is chemically zoned and would
necessitate two successive models (see Martin
et al. 2010; Martin & Duchêne 2015 for further
details). Also, in the samples from the Nordfjord
area, where the pressure of peak eclogite is higher
than in samples coming from the Bergen Arc or
from Dalsfjord, a gap is visible on the P–T diagram
(Fig. 8b) between the estimated condition for the
peak eclogite, and the symplectite formation, proba-
bly because plagioclase is predicted to be stable at
lower pressure conditions.
Amphibole is systematically present within the
symplectite assemblage and is expected to represent
a late re-equilibration of the Ca-pyroxene. Interest-
ingly, the P–T conditions calculated for amphibole
in symplectite are in agreement with amphibolite lit-
erature values in the same areas, broadly ranging
from 10 to 4 kbar, and 680–420°C (Figs 8b, c &
9c, Labrousse et al. 2004; Glodny et al. 2008; Martin
2009). Thus, the amphibole component of the sym-
plectite assemblage crystallized last, when the rock
reaches the P–T conditions of amphibolite facies,
although already in the stability field of amphibole
(see Martin & Duchêne (2015) for the stability
field of amphibole in samples NOG0014, NOG616
and NOG618). NOG616 shows the same higher val-
ues for the P and T for amphibole in symplectite on
maps NOG616-4 and NOG616-5, but the range goes
down to surface pressure, likely indicating some
disequilibrium related to open-system behaviour
(Fig. 9c). The amphibole found in the symplectite
assemblage is calcic, varying from edenite to actino-
lite–magnesio-hornblende (Fig. 6). The HP/UHP of
sample NOG641-2 displays scattered composition
for the amphibole. In the fully retrogressed part,
amphibole varies from actinolite on map NOG641-
2A to magnesio-hornblende on map NOG641-2B
(Figs 6b & 7c). Sodic-calcic amphibole has been
observed only in sample NOG0018, in the coarse
grains in the matrix, and its crystallization pressure
is slightly higher than the one of amphibole in sym-
plectite (respectively 8 ± 1.5 bars/740 ± 60°C, and 6
± 1.2 kbar/730 ± 40°C). This sample comes from
the (U)HP area and this feature seems to be typical
of decompression for eclogite samples that have
reached (U)HP domains (e.g. Lanari et al. 2013;
Palin et al. 2014). Palin et al. (2014) attributed this
texture to an influx of fluid at high pressure, above
the stability field of plagioclase, whereas in the
Stak eclogite coarse amphibole crystallized after
symplectite, when the rock reached amphibolite
facies (Lanari et al. 2013). In the present study,
both coarse-grained amphibole and amphibole in
the symplectite crystallized within amphibolite
facies. However, the coarse-grained amphibole pre-
dates symplectite. More investigations are therefore
needed to understand the formation of coarse amphi-
bole in retrogressed eclogites.
Kelyphite formation
Kelyphite around garnet grains are not found in all
samples. In NOG0014, NOG0018 and NOG618,
amphibole is found in the symplectite assemblage
and/or in coarse grains in the matrix, but not around
garnet grains. In samples NOG0010 and NOG641-2,
the P–T conditions calculated for kelyphite are
respectively 9 ± 1.5 kbar and 670 ± 50°C and 8 ±
2 kbar and 650 ± 60°C, in agreement together, and
in agreement with amphibolite-facies conditions in
the same areas: 8–10 kbar and 600°C for the Bergen
Arc (Fig. 8a; Glodny et al. 2008) and 8.6 kbar and
613°C for the Nordfjord area (Fig. 8b; Labrousse
et al. 2004). These conditions indicate that kelyphite
crystallized in the amphibolite facies, as already sug-
gested by Will & Schmädicke (2001). In sample
NOG616, the kelyphite around garnet recorded a rel-
atively homogeneous range of P (11 ± 3 kbar), what-
ever the distance from the quartz vein (Fig. 9b).
These values suggest that kelyphite crystallized
when symplectite formed, at P–T conditions higher
than amphibole in symplectite. Interestingly, on
map NOG616-2, the amphibole in the kelyphite dis-
plays two steps of growth. The first step, at the con-
tact with garnet, indicates a crystallization at 12 ±
1.5 kbar and 610 ± 30°C, whereas the second step,
corresponding to the outermost layer of the corona,
crystallized at 7 ± 1 kbar and 540 ± 30°C (Fig. 9b,
Supplementary material 6a). In this case, the first
growth of amphibole in the kelyphite is coeval
with kelyphite formation, and a late amphibole over-
grew at the same time as amphibole in symplectite
(5–9 kbar and 500–640°C for this outcrop; Martin
2009). A somewhat similar pattern is observed for
amphibole in the kelyphite of sample NOG616-5,
with a range of P–T conditions varying from those
of kelyphite to those of amphibole-in-symplectite
(Supplementary material 6b).
Internal v. external fluid
The P–T conditions of symplectite are in agreement
for all samples, and amphibole in the symplectite
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P–T OF SYMPLECTITE IN THE ECLOGITES FROM THE WGR 213

assemblage has been observed in all the six samples
studied, so the origin of fluid (external v. internal)
does not seem to impact symplectite formation
and mineralogy. Three of the six samples studied
here do not show any evidence of fluid influx
(NOG0014, NOG0018 and NOG618), i.e. no vein-
ing, located away from any shear zone, or sampled
in the core of a boudin. It has previously been dem-
onstrated that in the case of NOG0014 and NOG618,
the symplectite formation is due to residual water
after the pressure peak (Martin & Duchêne 2015).
Interestingly, these three samples are also those
that do not have kelyphite around garnet and have
limited symplectite (Fig. 4b, e & f). The samples
NOG0010, NOG616 and NOG641-2 are likely to
have been exposed to an external fluid during retro-
gression: located in a shear zone within the dry gran-
ulite for NOG0010 (Boundy et al. 1997), quartz vein
for NOG616, and boudin boundary retrogressed into
amphibolite for NOG641-2. These three samples are
the ones that have kelyphite around garnet and well-
developed symplectite (Figs 4a, c & 7). The detailed

Fig. 10. Schematic showing symplectite and kelyphite formation in the presence of an internal fluid (a, b, c), of
limited external fluid (d, e, f ), and of unlimited external fluid (d, g, h). (a) Initial hydrous mineral-bearing eclogite.
(b) Limited formation of Ca-pyroxene + plagioclase intergrowth at the boundaries of omphacite, due to the OH
component of phengite. (c) Development of rare amphibole in replacement of Ca-pyroxene. (d) Initial eclogite (the
presence or not of hydrous mineral is unimportant). (e) Formation of large Ca-pyroxene + plagioclase intergrowth at
the boundaries of omphacite. (f ) Development of rare amphibole in replacement of Ca-pyroxene and kelyphite
coronas around garnet. (g) Formation of Ca-pyroxene + plagioclase intergrowth at the boundaries of omphacite and
kelyphite coronas around garnet. (h) Development of amphibole in replacement of Ca-pyroxene and overgrowth of
kelyphite coronas around garnet.
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on October 24, 2019
214 C. MARTIN
study of the chemical composition of Ca-pyroxene,
plagioclase and amphibole does not show any sys-
tematic chemical difference correlated with fluid
availability (Figs 5 & 6).
Based on the study of six samples, it seems that
when the origin of the fluid responsible for retrogres-
sive reactions is internal (i.e. coming from the
hydrous component still present at peak pressure in
hydrous minerals), the amphibole crystals are found
only in the symplectite assemblage, and the symplec-
tite development is rather limited (Fig. 10a–c).
When an influx of fluid is associated with retrogres-
sion, the garnet reacts to form kelyphite, and the
omphacite grains are totally or almost totally trans-
formed into symplectite. In samples NOG0010
and NOG641-2, where fluid influx is somewhat lim-
ited (otherwise the retrogression into amphibolite
would be total), a first step of retrogression affects
only omphacite, with the development of amphibole-
free symplectite (Fig. 10d, e). Garnet then partly
breaks down to amphibole + plagioclase (kelyphite),
and amphibole also partly replaces Ca-pyroxene in
symplectite (Fig. 10f). In sample NOG616, the
fluid influx is somewhat unlimited, at least at the con-
tact with the vein, as shown by the assemblage
observed on map NOG616-5 (Fig. 7e), which is sim-
ilar to amphibolite coming from the same outcrop
(Supplementary material 4). In this case, the first
step of retrogression is characterized by the develop-
ment of both Ca-pyroxene + plagioclase at the
expanse of omphacite and amphibole + plagioclase
coronas around garnet (Fig. 10d, g). The second
step corresponds to the partial (maps NOG616-1 to
NOG616-4, Fig. 7a–d) or total (map NOG616-5,
Fig. 7e) replacement of Ca-pyroxene by amphibole
in symplectite, and overgrowth of amphibole around
garnet (Fig. 10h).
Conclusions
(1) Symplectite in a retrogressed eclogite records
parts of the decompression path, from where
plagioclase becomes stable to where the sam-
ple reached amphibolite-facies conditions.
The P–T conditions of symplectite formation
therefore range from 18 to 10 kbar and from
700 to 550°C. Symplectite formation appears
to be a continuous process.
(2) Amphibole forms late in the symplectite
assemblage, likely as a replacement of the
Ca-pyroxene when the rock enters the amphib-
olite facies (10–4 kbar and 680–420°C).
(3) Kelyphite is found around garnet only in sam-
ples that interacted with external fluids during
exhumation. The P–T conditions of kelyphite
overlap amphibolite-facies conditions for two
samples (8–9 kbar, 670–650°C), whereas one
sample has coeval Ca-pyroxene + plagioclase
symplectite (18–10 kbar and median tempera-
ture of 640°C) and kelyphite (11 ± 3 kbar,
and median temperature of 670°C), and amphi-
bole in the symplectite assemblage at a later
stage (below 8 kbar and median temperature
of 570°C). The early development of kelyphite
may be related to the availability of external
fluids, but additional studies are required to
decipher the relative timing of kelyphite
formation.
(4) Symplectite formation is rather limited and no
kelyphite is visible when retrogression is trig-
gered by an internal fluid. By contrast, an
external fluid facilitates the complete retrogres-
sion of omphacite into symplectite, favouring
the development of kelyphite around garnet
grains.
Acknowledgements The author is very grateful to
Pierre Lanari for editorial work and review, and to Dave
Waters and Stephen Centrella for their helpful reviews.
The author acknowledges Juliane Gross for both access
and her help with the EPMA. The author is also grateful
to Stéphanie Duchêne for providing samples NOG0010
and NOG0018, and acknowledges Bernhard Stöckert,
Klaus Röller and Sandra Birtel (Ruhr Universität, Bochum)
for the fieldtrip in Norway.
Funding This work was mainly realized in the context
of the internship of Nils Bigge (Ruhr Universität,
Bochum), who was awarded a Kade Fellowship from the
Richard Gilder Graduate School at the American Museum
of Natural History. The present study was funded by the
grant associated with that fellowship.
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