Available online at www.sciencedirect.

com

Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402

Proterozoic polyphase metamorphism in the Chhotanagpur Gneissic

Complex (India), and implication for trans-continental
Gondwanaland correlation
A.K. Maji a , S. Goon a , A. Bhattacharya b , B. Mishra b,∗ ,
S. Mahato c , Heinz-J. Bernhardt d
a Department of Geology, Durgapur Government College, Durgapur 713 214, West Bengal, India
b Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721 302, West Bengal, India
c Department of Geological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700 032, India
d Institut fur Mineralogie, Ruhr Universitat, Universitätsstraße 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany

Received 25 November 2006; received in revised form 30 September 2007; accepted 16 October 2007

Abstract
In recent attempts to reconstruct the Early Cambrian architecture of Gondwanaland, the Prydz Bay Pan African suture separating Archean and
Proterozoic terrains in Antarctica is suspected to extend inwards into Eastern India, presumably through the Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex
(CGC). However, the lack of thermo-chronologic information in the CGC impedes the proposed Gondwanaland reconstruction. In the Bero-Saltora
area, located in the eastern fringe of the CGC, three deformation events were identified (D1 , D2 and D3 ) in granulite facies gneisses that were
intruded by anorthosites (post-D1 , pre-D2 ) and expansive granites (post-D2 , pre-D3 ). The prograde pre/syn-D1 granulite facies metamorphism
in the enclave suite (750–850 ◦ C and 4–6 kbar) is suggested to be >1.4 Ga (EPMA monazite age) or even older. The D2 and D3 deformation
events (1.1–1.4 Ga EPMA monazite age) occurred at amphibolite facies conditions, manifested by the stabilization of hornblende and/or biotite in
almost all lithologies. The post-D3 stage was marked by the stabilization of prograde garnet + quartz at upper amphibolite facies (650 ± 50 ◦ C and
4.5 ± 0.5 kbar) conditions replacing syn-D2–3 hornblende/biotite + plagioclase assemblages in anorthosites, foliated granites and granulite enclaves,
and the re-stabilization of a two-pyroxene + plagioclase assemblage at the expense of hornblende in mafic granulites. EPMA dating of monazites
in post-D3 garnets in sheared granites yielded ∼0.9–1.0 Ga. The reconstructed thermo-chronology of events is the first record of Meso- and
Neoproterozoic (Grenvillian) polyphase prograde metamorphism in the CGC. The lack of Early Paleozoic ages in the gneissic complex rules out
the suspected continuation of the Early Cambrian Prydz Bay suture within the CGC. The suture arguably should lie to the east of the CGC.
© 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex; Poly-metamorphism; Mesoproterozoic; Pan African suture; Gondwanaland

1. Introduction the Shillong-Meghalaya Gneissic Complex (Chatterjee et al.,

In recent reconstructions of the Early Cambrian architecture
of East Gondwanaland, the Pan African (550–500 Ma) Prydz
Bay suture in Antarctica is suggested to continue inwards into the
eastern Indian Precambrian Shield (Boger et al., 2001; Powell
and Pisarevsky, 2002; Harley, 2003; Fitzsimons, 2003; Fig. 1a).
The location of the suture within the eastern Indian Precambrian
complexes cannot be constrained because of the lack of adequate
thermo-chronologic coverage in the complexes. Recent work in
∗ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: bmgg@iitkgp.ac.in (B. Mishra).
2007) suggests that the trans-continental Early Paleozoic suture
may indeed have vestigial parts in northeastern India. Therefore,
the suture should be traceable southwards within eastern India.
Thermo-chronological data from the Central Indian Tectonic
Zone, CITZ (Roy et al., 2006; Bhowmik et al., 2005; Yedekar
et al., 1990, and references therein), located to the west of
the Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex (CGC), rules out any
possibility of Pan African high-grade metamorphism in this
area. Assuming the East Gondwanaland configuration is correct
(Fig. 1a), the Pan African suture with possible continuation in
the Shillong-Meghalaya Plateau, NE India (Chatterjee et al.,
2007) must be traceable within the expansive foliated granite
hosted podiform granulite–amphibolite gneiss enclaves of

0301-9268/$ – see front matter © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.precamres.2007.10.002
386 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402

Fig. 1. (a) A reconstruction of the major provinces in Australo-Antarctica showing the palaeomagnetism data-corrected location of India at ∼750 Ma and ∼500 Ma
(after Fitzsimons, 2003; Fig. 11) The Meso- and Neoproterozoic crystalline complexes of northern and eastern India (modified after Saha, 1994) are superposed on
the Australo-Antarctica map at 500 Ma; Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt (1), Central Indian Tectonic Zone (2), Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex (3), Eastern Ghats Granulite
Belt (4), Shillong-Meghalya Gneissic Complex (5). The Ganges-Brahmaputra alluvium and the Rajmahal volcanic suite (not shown) separate the Shillong-Meghalya
Gneissic Complex from the crystalline complexes 1–4. The short dashes are the dominant structural trends in the complexes. The broken line northwest of Kolkata and
extending across the Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex (CGC) is the suspected extension of the Pan-African Prydz Bay suture within India proposed by Fitzsimons
(2003). (b) Generalized geological map of the CGC, modified after Mahadevan (2002). The location of 0.96 Ga Pb-isochron age of Vinogradav et al. (1964) in
monazite–columbite–samarskite-bearing pegmatite in the Bihar Mica Belt is shown. The metamorphic grades indicated in the legend are not exclusive, but are
dominant in the zones indicated. The box in the south-eastern fringe of the CGC shows the location of the Bero-Saltora area. The North Singhbhum Mobile Belt is
separated from the Archean Singhbhum Craton in the south and the Proterozoic CGC to the north by regional shear zones (bold lines with filled triangles).
 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402
Fig. 1. (Continued ).
the CGC (Fig. 1b). However, if the Pan African tectonism is
determined to be lacking in the CGC, the southward extension
of the projected suture, south of the Assam-Meghalaya Plateau,
must then be located to the east of the CGC.
Pan African dates from the CGC are lacking, except for the
500 Ma date (K–Ar mineral age) obtained from K-rich alkali
syenite porphyry and granite aplite (Ghose et al., 1973; Ghose,
1983), and the whole rock—biotite: K-feldspar Rb–Sr isochron
date of 481 ± 18 Ma in a migmatite from the Hazaribagh belt
(Pandey et al., 1986). The significance of the Cambrian dates
arguably corresponding to a thermal event (cf. Ray Barman
et al., 1994) is unknown. The aim of this study, based on
the granite-enclave suite in the Bero-Saltora area, is to evolve
a thermo-chronologic history of the southeastern part of the
CGC. The exercise is likely to constrain the location of the
Early Cambrian Prydz Bay suture within the eastern Indian
Precambrian.
2. Geological background
The Bero-Saltora area (Fig. 2) is dominated by an east–west
trending centrally bulged anorthosite pluton and variably
deformed granites that intrude into granulite to amphibolite
facies migmatitic quartzofeldspathic and metapelitic gneisses.
Mafic granulites and calc-silicate granulites occurring as bands
and distended lenses constitute minor proportions of the intruded
gneisses, herein referred to as the enclave suite. The mineral par-
ageneses in lithologies relevant to the study are summarized in
Table 1. The enclave suite is characterized by three deformation
events (D1 , D2 and D3 ). The earliest fabric (S1 , D1 ) is defined
387
by the segregation of granulite facies mineral assemblages
(Table 1) in quartzofeldspathic, mafic and pelitic lithologies of
the enclave suite (Fig. 3a). S1 is isoclinally folded (Fig. 3a) with
development of a penetrative foliation (S2 , D2 ), defined by the
preferred alignment of hornblende in mafic granulite, biotite
in quartzofeldspathic gneisses, and biotite–sillimanite aggre-
gates in metapelites (Table 1). The S1 –S2 composite is refolded
(D3 ) into a set of east–west closing asymmetric, upright non-
cylindrical shear related folds. Between Saltora and Santuri, the
D2 and D3 folds (Fig. 3b) are coaxial, and in zones of high
D3 strain, a sheath-like geometry for the D3 folds is observed
(Fig. 3c).
The expansive granites are characterized by a steep north-
dipping monophase fabric (Figs. 2f and 3d) defined by quartz
lenticles (mono-crystalline and straight-walled in the mylonitic
varieties with aspect ratio >8; Fig. 4a), and the preferred align-
ment of biotite that wrap around clasts of former magmatic
feldspar grains and hornblende, and garnet. In the weakly
deformed granites, quartz grains show chess board extinction
(Fig. 4b). The monophase fabric (Fig. 2f) axial planar to D3
folds in granulite facies gneisses of the enclave suite (Fig. 2)
was correlated with D3 top-to-the-south shearing, with a pro-
nounced strike-slip component manifested by moderate plunge
of stretching lineation. Since chess board twinning in quartz
occurs at T ≥ 650 ◦ C (Kruhl, 1996, 1998; Kruhl and Huntemann,
1991; Masberg et al., 1992), the D3 shearing seemingly occurred
at upper amphibolite facies conditions.
The interior of the anorthosite pluton is dominated by
coarse-grained cumulus-textured massive anorthosites devoid
of tectonic foliations (definition after Paterson et al., 1989,
388 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402

Fig. 2. Structural–lithological map of the Bero-Saltora area. The “composite gneisses” include quartzofeldspathic gneiss, metapelite gneiss and mafic granulite. The
width of calc-silicate gneiss bands is exaggerated for clarity. The geological map is different from those proposed (Roy, 1977; Dastidar et al., 1997) for the area, e.g. the
foliated granites, often apophytic within the enclave suite are identified as a distinct lithologic unit, the anorthosite pluton (shown to terminate near Santuri; Roy, 1977)
extends further to the west, albeit in a decomposed state, and is considerably thinned. Stereographic projection of planar and linear structures in the Bero-Saltora area:
(a–e) Quartzofeldspathic gneisses (enclave suite); (f–g) Foliated granites; (h) Anorthosite suite (marginal part). The broken line in (c)–(f) is the girdle corresponding
to ␲S3 maximum. (a) Contoured ␲S1 (n = 31) girdle showing the calculated β-axis at 21◦ → 290◦ N. (b) Contoured ␲S2 (n = 143) girdle; the corresponding β-axis
is 11◦ → 272◦ N. (c) Contoured ␲S3 (n = 30) girdle; the mean orientation of S3 corresponding to the maximum is 67◦ /273◦ N. (d) Orientations of F2 fold axes in
quartzofeldspathic gneisses (mean direction 13◦ → 278◦ N; n = 31). The orientation of the girdle containing the F2 fold axis is 62◦ /271◦ N. (e) Orientations of F3 fold
axes in quartzofeldspathic gneisses (mean direction 25◦ → 283◦ N; n = 15). The orientation of the girdle containing the F3 fold axis is 65◦ /270◦ N. (f) Contoured ␲S3
(n = 235) point maximum for which the corresponding average plane (broken line) has an orientation of 55◦ /265◦ N. (g) Dispersal of stretching lineations in foliated
granites (n = 29). The orientation of the average plane containing the lineations is 51◦ /258◦ N. (h) Contoured ␲S2 girdle in anorthosites. The corresponding β-axis
(49◦ → 309◦ N) compares favorably with the measured plunges (filled squares) of F3 folds. Plots of ␲S3 (open triangles, n = 23) describe a point maximum, the mean
direction of which is 51◦ /263◦ N.

1998). However, magmatic foliation is discernible in pluton-
interior anorthosite dykes in which tiling (Fig. 4c; cf. Den
Tex, 1969; Paterson et al., 1989; Nicolas and Ildefonse,
1996) among end-to-end touching euhedral plagioclase grains
(Fig. 4c; cf. Vernon, 2004) is evident. Compared to the dom-
inantly magmatic-textured anorthosites in the pluton interior,
the anorthosites at the pluton margin are finer-grained, min-
eralogically banded (Figs. 3e and 5a) and characterized by a
bi-modal size population of recrystallized plagioclase grains
(Fig. 4d). In anorthosites from the pluton interior, plastic strain

Table 1
Mineral parageneses in rocks relevant to this study from the Bero-Saltora area
Deformation event (age in Ga)

D1 (>1.4 Ga) D2 (>1.1–1.2 Ga) D3 (0.9–1.0 Ga) Post-D3 (0.9–1.0 Ga)

Metamorphic stage M1 M2 M3 M4
Migmatitic quartzofeldspathic gneiss (+Qtz + Kfs + Pl + Ilm) Grt1 ± Opx ± Bt1 /Hbl1 Bt2 /Hbl2 Bt3 /Hbl3 Grt4 + Qtz
Mafic granulite (+Pl + Ilm ± Qtz) Opx > Cpx + Hbl1 Hbl2 Hbl3 Grt4 + Qtz, Opx4 + Cpx4 + Pl4
Anorthosite (+Pl + Opx ± Cpx + Ilm) – Hbl2 Bt3 (Hbl3 ) ± Qtz Grt4
Foliated granite (+Qtz + Kfs + Pl + Hbl + Grt0 ) – – Bt Grt4

Subscripts 1–4 refer to the metamorphic stages during which the minerals were formed. Subscript ‘0’ refers to magmatic phase. Minerals shown in bold in the first
column are observed in the rock in addition to those stable during the metamorphic stages.
 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402 389

Fig. 3. Field photographs of quartzofeldspathic gneisses (a–c), foliated granite (d), and anorthosite (e). (a) Early F2 isoclinal folds on S1 gneissic layering, defined
by mafic granulite layers (coin diameter is 2.5 cm). (b) Co-axial nature of D2 and D3 folds on S1 gneissic layering (scale is 14 cm long). (c) Closed form fold, having
sheath like appearance on plan view. (d) Mylonitic fabric (S3 ) defined by layers of coalescent aggregates of deformed K-feldspar augen in biotite-rich mosaic. (e)
Southerly overturned tight F3 folds on S2 tectonic fabric (length of the pencil is ∼7 cm). Note the penetrative S3 fabric in the banded anorthosite is largely obscured
by intense recrystallization.

in plagioclase is limited to weak strain wavy extinction, mildly
bent twin lamellae and locally developed grain boundary bulges
(Fig. 4c). By contrast, in banded anorthosites at the pluton mar-
gin, the finer sized population of plagioclase grains is a mosaic
of internally strained grains that share high-energy bound-
aries; triple junctions and sub-grains are rare (Fig. 4d). The
coarser-sized plagioclase grains are circular/elliptical shaped
clasts of former magmatic grains showing high degree of inter-
nal strain and sub-grain formation. Within the pluton, the
intensity of solid state deformation demonstrably decreases
inwards from the margin because of either waning of stress
inwards within the pluton or the absence of weak-to-shear
minerals.
The girdle distribution of the poles to the earliest tectonic
fabric in banded anorthosites is identical with that of the S2
fabric in the gneisses of the enclave suite (Fig. 2). Also, the
390 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402

Fig. 4. Microtextural relations in foliated granites (a and b) and anorthosites (c and d). (a) Straight-walled polycrystalline quartz lenticles with transverse fractures
wrap around an internally strained K-feldspar clast showing core–mantle structure. (b) Chess-board extinction in deformed quartz grain in weakly foliated granite.
(c) End to end touching nature of euhedral plagioclase grains showing tiling in anorthosites from the pluton interior. Some of the plagioclase grains are bent and show
bulge nucleation along their margins. (d) Poly-sized aggregates of plagioclase in anorthosites from the pluton margin. The larger grains (clasts of former magmatic
plagioclase) show strong internal strain and sub-grain formation. The smaller-sized recrystallized grains are also internally strained and share high energy boundaries.

poles to the later tectonic fabric in banded anorthosites and
S3 foliation in the enclave suite describe a common maximum
(Fig. 2). The close correspondence between the mesoscopic
structures in banded anorthosites and gneisses of the enclave
suite suggests that the rock suites shared the D2 and D3 defor-
mation events, and by implication, the emplacement of the
anorthosite pluton was pre-D2 . Also, as with the high-grade
gneisses in the enclave suite, the two tectonic foliations in
banded anorthosites are defined by shape preferred aggregates of
hornblende and biotite, to the exclusion of the D1 granulite facies
mineral assemblages (Table 1). By implication, the anorthosite
pluton was a post-D1 emplacement into the high-grade
gneisses.
3. Petrography
Compositions of minerals (Table 2; mineral abbreviations
after Kretz, 1983) were obtained by Electron Probe MicroAna-
lyzer in the Central Petrological Laboratory, Geological Survey
of India (GSI), Kolkata (India) and in the Zentrale Elektonen
Mikrosonde, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany. Analyses
in GSI were performed with a CAMECA SX 100 model. The
accelerating voltage was 15 kV, beam current 15 nA, beam
size 1 ␮m. Natural standards were used for calibrations of all
elements, except Mn and Ti for which synthetic standards from
BRGM were used. At the Ruhr Universität Bochum, analyses
were carried out by a CAMECA SX50 equipment, with the same
above mentioned analytical conditions. Analytical conditions
and reduction of analytical data are discussed in Willner et al.
(2000).
Quantitative microprobe analyses of monazites for dating
by the Th–U–total Pb isochron method (Suzuki et al., 1991)
were carried out at the University of Bochum with a Cameca
SX50 Electron probe Micro analyzer. 20 kV acceleration volt-
age, 100 nA beam current, and beam diameter of 6 ␮m were the
operating conditions during analyses. Each spot was analyzed
for Th, Y, Pb, P and U; REE’s were taken to be Ce as differ-
ence to a total of 100. The procedure outlined in Armstrong
 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402 391

Fig. 5. Photomicrographs showing multiple tectonic fabrics defined by shape-preferred mineral aggregates in (a) banded anorthosite and (b) hornblende-rich
mafic granulite. In the banded anorthosite (a), the earliest tectonic fabric (coeval with S2 ) is defined by the shape preferred aggregates of hornblende, whereas
the later fabric (coeval with S3 ) axial planar to folds on S2 is prominent at the fold hinge. Note the small patch of cumulus-textured anorthosite (circled)
within the banded anorthosite does not show the intense recrystallization in plagioclase grains in banded anorthosite. In the mafic granulite (b), the S2 fabric
defined by coarse hornblende grains are replaced by finer aggregates of hornblende along spaced cleavages. Note the small angle obliquity between the two
fabrics.

(1995) was used for correcting the matrix effects from the raw
analytical data. The chemical age for each spot analysis was cal-
culated using the decay equation (Montel et al., 1996) and the
least-square fit model of York (1966) using the MINCALC v.
5 software. Linear background corrections were employed for
the analytical conditions. Since the curvature of the background
under the Pb peak is a significant analytical consideration (Dahl
et al., 2005a,b), the linear background correction employed here
may have led to somewhat younger computed dates. In view of
this, the chemical dates may be associated with errors likely to
be larger than those computed using proper background correc-
tions.
3.1. M1 metamorphic stage (pre/syn-S1 )
The metamorphic stage in mafic granulites is represented by
the assemblage plagioclase + orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene +
ilmenite ± hornblende. Plagioclase, hornblende and ilmenite
commonly hosted within pyroxenes (Fig. 6a) suggest the
pyroxenes to be metamorphic in origin. In migmatitic quart-
zofeldspathic gneisses, the M1 metamorphic assemblage is
defined by almandine-grossular-rich garnet (Alm67–71 Prp05–20
Grs6–24 Sps3–4 ) ± orthopyroxene (Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.44–0.47)
bearing leucocratic layers (Pl: 45–49 An mol%) and biotite
± hornblende-rich melanocratic layers. Ilmenite, magnetite,
 392
Table 2
Summary of mineral–chemical data in rocks used in this study (analytical details provided in Supplementary data file)
Sample No. Grt Opx Cpx Hbl Ol Bt Sep Pl

Alm Grs Prp Sps Mg/Mg + Fe++ Mg/Mg + Fe++ Mg/Mg + Fe++ , AlVI Mg/Mg + Fe++ Mg/Mg + Fe++ Xmei a Ca/Ca + Na

Mafic granulite
BA54 61 23 11 6 (M4 ) 0.43 (M1 ) 0.61 (M1 ) 0.39, 0.44 (M2 /M3 ) – – – 0.46–0.47 (M1 )
CS68 – – – – 0.48–0.49 (M1 ) 0.69–0.70 (M1 ) 0.46, 0.46 (M2 /M3 ) – – – 0.42–0.44 (M1 )
0.50 (M4 ) 0.66 (M4 ) 0.44 (nr-Hbl)
BA43B 57–60 21–23 12–13 7 (M4 ) – 0.62 (M1 ) 0.51, 0.42 (M2 /M3 ) – – – 0.47 (nr-Hbl) 0.48 (incl. Grt)
Quartzofeldspathic gneiss
CS40 71 6 20 3 (M1 ) 0.44–0.47 (M1 ) – 0.47, 0.52–0.56 (M2 /M3 ) – 0.44–0.53 (M1 ) 0.45–0.49 (M1 )

A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402

64 21 13 2 (M4 ) 0.51–0.54 (M2 /M3 ) – 0.46 (nr-Hbl)
CS100A 70 21 5 4 (M1 ) – – 0.20, 0.34 (M2 ) – 0.21 (M1 ) 0.30 (nr-Hbl)
67 25 5 2 (M4 ) 0.27, 0.37 (M3 ) 0.26 (M2 )
BAR33A 69 23 5 3 (M1 c) – – 0.27, 0.40 (M1 ) – – 0.35 (nr-M1 Hbl)
67 24 6 3 (M1 r) 0.26, 0.57 (M2 /M3 ) 0.34 (nr-M2 Hbl)
65 27 5 3 (M4 )
Calc-silicate gneiss
1/2D 1 96 1 2 (M1 ) – 0.66 (M1 ) – – – 0.74 (M1 ) –
5/2Db 55 38 3 4 (M1 ) – – – – – 0.63 (M1 ) 0.90 (rcyst)
Metapelite
4/1D 65 3 30 2 (M1 ) – – – – 0.61 (M2 /M3 ) – 0.31 (mtx)
5/4D 75 3 21 1 (M1 ) – – – – – – 0.24 (nr-Grt)
Monzonite gneiss
CS60A 67 22 9 2 (M4 ) 0.36–0.37 (M0 ) – 0.31–0.34, 0.28–0.35 (M3 ) – – – 0.35–0.37 (nr-Grt)
CS53 68–70 22–23 1–2 6–7 (M4 ) 0.10 (M0 ) 0.16 (M0 ) 0.16, 0.35 (M3 ) 0.03 (M0 ) – – 0.19 (nr-Grt)
Anorthosite
BA26 62 20 14 4 (M4 ) 0.50 (M0 ) 0.61 (M0 ) 0.49–0.61, 0.44–0.59 (M2 ) – – – 0.51(M0 ), 0.73 (nr-Grt)
CS88 63 28 7 2 (M4 ) 0.40 (M0 ) 0.30, 0.46 (M2 ) – – – 0.75 (nr-Hbl)
CS15 52 31 8 9 (M4 ) – – 0.32, 0.57 (M2 ) – – – 0.55 (M0 ), 0.79 (nr-Grt)
CS486A 68 17 11 4 (M4 ) 0.45 (M0 ) 0.61 (M0 ) 0.29, 0.50 (M2 ) – 0.36 (M3 ) 0.53 (M0 ), 0.44 (nr-Hbl)
BA36 61 21 16 3 (M4 ) 0.50 (M0 ) – 0.55, 0.59 (M3 ) – – – 0.54 (M0 ), 0.71 (nr-Grt)
Foliated granite
CS54 71 23 2 4 (M4 ) – – 0.11, 0.39 (M3 ) – 0.14 (M3 ) – 0.24 (nr-Hbl)
CS486B 68 18 10 4 (M4 ) – – – – 0.36 (M3 ) – 0.54 (incl-Grt)

Abbreviations—c: core; incl-X: included in mineral ‘X’; M0 : magmatic mineral; M1 , M2 , M3 , M4 : related to M1 , M2 , M3 and M4 metamorphic stages respectively, mtx: occur in the matrix; nr-X: close to mineral
‘X’; r: rim; rcyst: recrystallized mineral grain.
a X
mei after Oterdoom and Gunter (1983).
b From Sen and Bhattacharya (1993).
 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402 393

Fig. 6. Textural relations in mafic granulites. (a) Plane polarized light (PPL) image showing coronal garnet around M1 orthopyroxene in hornblende poor varieties.
Note the occurrence of hornblende, plagioclase and ilmenite inclusions in orthopyroxene. (b) PPL image showing garnet porphyroblasts in hornblende-rich mafic
granulites overgrowing shape preferred aggregates of S3 hornblende. The garnets frequently include hornblende (not in picture) and are intergrown with quartz and
ilmenite. (c) PPL and (d) BSE images showing vermicular intergrowths of orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene and plagioclase along the margin of a coarse hornblende
grain in hornblende-rich mafic granulites. Ilmenite, a common accessory phase in the intergrowths, may have formed along with pyroxene–plagioclase or may have
exsolved from hornblende. In (c), coarse orthopyroxene grains are included in the amphiboles.

zircon and apatite occur as accessory phases. Biotite, pla-
gioclase, K-feldspar and ilmenite commonly hosted within
garnet suggest the model prograde reactions for melt gener-
ation during M1 , e.g. Bt + Qtz + Pl + Ilm = Grt ± Opx + melt,
Hbl + Qtz + Pl = Grt + melt.
Clinopyroxene–scapolite (Ca/Ca + Na + K ∼ 0.80; cf.
Sen and Bhattacharya, 1993)—plagioclase (An90 )–K-
feldspar–calcite–quartz in calc-silicate gneisses, and almandine-
rich garnet (Alm65–75 Prp21–30 Grs∼3 Sps1–2 )–sillimanite–K-
feldspar–quartz–green spinel (hercynite-rich; ZnO ∼5 wt
%)–ilmenite in metapelites constitute the M1 metamorphic
stage. In the calc-silicate gneisses, beads of almandine-gros-
sular-rich garnet forming partial coronas along clinopy-
roxene–scapolite interfaces may have formed via the model
reaction, 3Mei + 3Hd = 2Grs + Alm + Cal + 3Qtz. In rare
wollastonite-bearing calc-silicate gneisses, coronal garnets, vir-
tually grossular in composition and associated with or without
calcite and quartz (cf. Sen and Bhattacharya, 1993), at the inter-
face between wollastonite and scapolite are likely to have formed
via the CASH reactions, 6Wo + 3Mei + = 3Grs + 3Qtz + Cal,
5Wo + 3Mei = 3Grs + 2Qtz + CO2 . It is, however, unclear if the
coronal garnets formed during M1 . This will necessitate the
delicate coronas to have escaped the penetrative S2 and S3
fabric forming events.
3.2. M2 (syn-S2 ) and M3 (syn-S3 ) metamorphic stages
The M2 and M3 metamorphic stages are marked by the
widespread stabilization of biotite in quartzofeldspathic
gneisses, biotite ± sillimanite in metapelites, and hornblende
(ferrotschermakite; Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.39–0.51) in mafic gran-
ulites at the expense of M1 minerals (Fig. 5b), e.g.
garnet in felsic and pelitic lithologies, and orthopyroxene–
clinopyroxene–plagioclase assemblages in mafic lithologies.
Bi-phase aggregates of hornblende (±biotite) and plagioclase
define the S2 foliation in banded anorthosites, but aggregates
of shape preferred alignment biotite grains are the S3 defining
mineral in foliated granites and banded anorthosites (Fig. 5a).
In foliated granites, the S3 biotite grains (and quartz lenticles)
typically wrap around pre-S3 garnet porphyroblasts, hornblende
394 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402

and feldspar clasts. The widespread stabilization of hornblende
and biotite in different lithologies may be attributed to the fol-
lowing model reactions, e.g. Opx + Cpx + Pl + H2 O = Hbl + Qtz
(in mafic granulites), Grt + Kfs + H2 O = Bt + Pl + Qtz + H2 O (in
felsic lithologies), and 3Grt + Kfs + H2 O = 2Bt + Sil + 2Qtz (in
metapelites).
3.3. M4 metamorphic stage (post-S3 )
The metamorphic stage is marked by the post-S3 growth of
garnet (+quartz) in the form of double layered corona, discrete
porphyroblasts, and overgrowths on pre-S3 porphyroblasts. In
mafic granulites, characterized by the low abundance of horn-

Fig. 7. BSE images of M4 metamorphic stage garnet. (a–c) Garnet–quartz double layered corona mantling orthopyroxene in contact with plagioclase in monzonite
gneiss. In (a), quartz in sub-equal proportion to garnet occurs as thin inner collar; in (b–c), quartz in the coronitic overgrowths occurs in lower modal proportion and
along the outer rim of coronal garnet. (d and e) Garnet beads along the interface of hornblende and plagioclase in anorthosites from the pluton interior. Corroded and
embayed relicts of former magmatic orthopyroxene grains occur in the core of the hornblende + quartz intergrowths. Quartz is absent in the plagioclase matrix. (f)
Post-S3 M4 metamorphic garnet rims (with profuse quartz inclusions) on inclusion-poor pre-S3 garnet core in foliated granites. Inclusion trails of quartz, ilmenite
and biotite grains in M4 garnet rims are continuous with the external S3 foliation that warps around the garnet porphyroblasts.
 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402 395

blende, coronal garnets (Alm57–61 Prp11–13 Grs21–23 Sps6–7 ) with
inner collar of quartz occur at the interface between orthopyrox-
ene (Mg/(Mg + Fe) ∼0.43) and plagioclase (∼An47 ) in mafic
granulites (Fig. 6a). The textural relations may be explained by
the model reaction for garnet formation, 3Fs/En (in Opx) + 3An
(in Pl) = Grs + 2Prp/Alm (in Grt) + 3Qtz.
The coronitic garnet–quartz intergrowths are unlikely to
remain unmodified by the intense D2 and D3 deformations,
and hence are inferred to be post-tectonic to S2 /S3 fabrics.
Similar garnet (Alm67–70 Prp1–9 Grs22–23 Sps2–7 )–quartz coro-
nal overgrowths around orthopyroxene (Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.10)
in contact with plagioclase (∼An36 ) are evident in Fe-rich
monzonite gneisses (Fig. 7a–c). Compared to mafic granulites
(Fig. 6a), the area proportion of garnet/quartz is overwhelm-
ingly higher in Fe-rich monzonite gneisses (Fig. 7a–c). The
higher area proportion of coronal garnet relative to quartz in
the monzonite gneisses may be traced to the participation of
fayalite olivine (Mg/(Mg + Fe) ∼ 0.03) and iron oxide phases as
possible reactants for garnet production in Fe richer monzonite
gneisses, e.g. 3Fa/Fo (in Ol) + 3An (in Pl) = Grs + 2Prp/Alm (in
Grt), and 3Fe2 O3 or 2Fe3 O4 + 3An (in Pl)+ 3Qtz = Grs + 2Alm
(in Grt) + 3/2 or 1 O2 .
In cumulus-textured anorthosites, coronal garnets (Alm61–68
Prp7–16 Grs17–28 Sps2–4 ) occur at the interface between
plagioclase (An71–73 near garnet; An51–55 in matrix) and
hornblende–quartz aggregates that, in turn, replace for-
mer magmatic orthopyroxene (Mg/(Mg + Fe) ∼ 0.45–50)
and subordinate modal amounts of clinopyroxene,
Mg/(Mg + Fe) ∼ 0.40–0.61 (Fig. 7d and e). Quartz is typically
absent neighboring coronitic garnets. The textural relations
are consistent with the following sequence of reactions, Opx +
Cpx + Pl + H2 O = Hbl + Qtz, and Hbl + Qtz + Pl = Grt + H2 O.

Fig. 8. Two stage garnet growth (Grt–M1 and Grt–M4 ) in quartzofeldspathic gneisses. (a) Thin section scale (width = 3.5 cm) PPL image showing S1 quartz + K-
feldspar-rich leucocratic layers (with profuse M1 garnet porphyroblasts) interlayered with hornblende–plagioclase-rich melanocratic layers. Hornblende at the hinge of
folded melanocratic layers is re-oriented along S3 . (b) Close up view (box in a) shows M1 garnet (core with few coarse quartz inclusions) mantled by M4 overgrowths
studded with numerous quartz inclusions at the contact with hornblende. (c) X-ray images of Mg, Fe, Ca and Mn of the zoned garnet in b. (d) Compositional
variations in garnet across M1 core and M4 overgrowth along two lines m–p and m–q (shown in the Fe scan in c) are superposed. mXFe = Fe/Mg + Fe + Mn + Ca);
mXFe’ = Fe/Fe + Mg).
396 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402
However, in hornblende-rich mafic granulites, post-S3 gar-
nets invariably occur as porphyroblasts overgrowing S2 /S3
hornblende-defined fabrics (Fig. 6b), and typically contain
inclusions of hornblende, plagioclase, and ilmenite, but never
pyroxenes. In quartzofeldspathic gneisses (Fig. 8) from the
enclave suite and foliated granites (Fig. 7f), garnet with quartz
vermicule either overgrows S3 biotite/hornblende as discrete
spongy porphyroblasts or as mantles around pre-S3 garnet
nuclei. In the quartzofeldspathic gneisses (say BAR-33A,
Fig. 8), the composition of post-S3 garnet (overgrowths or dis-
crete grains) can be approximated as Alm65 Prp5 Grs27 Sps3 ; by
contrast, the interior of pre-S3 nuclei of garnet has a com-
position around Alm69 Prp6 Grs23 Sps2 (Fig. 8). A perusal of
Fig. 8 shows that post-S3 garnets become progressively richer
in grossular and poorer in almandine, pyrope and spessar-
tine compared to the pre-S3 garnet nuclei. The warping S3
external foliation around pre-S3 garnet in foliated granites is
continuous with inclusion trails in the post-S3 garnet mantles
(Fig. 7f). Barring coronal garnet + quartz in hornblende-poor
mafic granulites and monzonite gneisses, in all other lithologic
varieties, garnets formed through reactions involving biotite
and/or hornblende. The following prograde reaction is suggested
for the formation of garnet from biotite in felsic granulites,
Bt + Pl + Qtz + H2 O = Grt + Kfs + H2 O.
In metapelites, quartz-rich spongy margins on M1 por-
phyroblasts overgrowing the warping schistosity defined
by Bt + Sil + Spl are attributed to the following dehydra-
tion reactions, 2Bt + 3Spl + 9Qtz = 3Grt + 2Kfs + 2H2 O, and/or,
2Bt + Sil + 2Qtz = 3Grt + Kfs + H2 O.
Apart from the prolific development of M4 garnet in all
lithologies, the other textural feature that assumes importance
is the vermicular orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + plagioclase
intergrowths along the margins of coarse hornblende grains in
mafic granulites (Fig. 6c and d). The minerals in the vermicular
intergrowths are not internally strained and therefore, post-date
the penetrative S2 /S3 shear fabric.
4. Metamorphic P–T conditions
4.1. M1 metamorphic stage
Metamorphic P–T conditions for the pre/syn-S1 gran-
ulite facies M1 stage are difficult to constrain because of
overprinting effects during later metamorphic events. The
M1 P–T conditions summarized in Fig. 9 arguably were
at a temperature comparable to or higher than the experi-
mentally determined P–T loci of the fluid-absent garnet ±
orthopyroxene producing melting reactions, e.g. biotite (mg#
44) + plagioclase + quartz = orthopyroxene + melt (Vielzeuf and
Montel, 1994) and biotite (mg# 23) + plagioclase + ilmenite +
quartz = orthopyroxene + garnet + melt (Patiño Douce and
Beard, 1996). P–T conditions were estimated from core com-
positions of incongruently produced garnet and orthopyroxene
(non-touching grains) in leucosomes from quartzofeldspathic
gneisses. The large size (>1500 ␮m diameter) of garnet porphy-
roblasts (and maximum length of orthopyroxene ∼500 ␮m) and
the preserved chemical zonations for Ca, Mg, Fe and especially
Fig. 9. P–T conditions for M1 (pre-S2 ) and M4 (post-S3 ) metamorphic stages in
the Bero-Saltora area obtained from mineralogical thermo-barometry. The P–T
boxes for the garnet forming M4 metamorphic stage are designated as Mg, Mz, A
and Q for mafic granulite, monzonite gneiss, anorthosite and quartzofeldspathic
gneiss respectively. The possible prograde P–T paths for the M1 and M4 meta-
morphic stages are respectively shown by black (broken) and continuous gray
lines with arrows. The P–T locations of mineral thermo-barometric reactions
(numbered) for the M1 metamorphic stage are as follows: Opx–Grt thermome-
ters 1–3 (Sen and Bhattacharya, 1984; Harley, 1984; Lee and Ganguly, 1988);
Opx–Grt–Pl–Qtz barometers 4–8 (Newton and Perkins, 1982; Bohlen et al.,
1983; Powell and Holland, 1988; Moecher et al., 1988; Eckert et al., 1991);
Al-in-Opx equilibrium 9 (Aranovich and Berman, 1997).
Mn (having fastest diffusivity) suggest that the frozen-in com-
position was unlikely to have been homogenized by post-S1
metamorphic re-equilibration (Fig. 8). The thermometric for-
mulations of Sen and Bhattacharya (1984), Harley (1984) and
Lee and Ganguly (1988) for Mg–Fe exchange in Grt–Opx pairs
and Aranovich and Berman (1997) for Al solubility between
Opx and Grt were applied to estimate temperatures. For pressure
determination, the Opx–Grt–Pl–Qtz barometric formulations
of Newton and Perkins (1982), Bohlen et al. (1983), Powell
and Holland (1988), Moecher et al. (1988) and Eckert et al.
(1991) were used. Based on the thermo-barometric formula-
tions, the preferred estimate of M1 metamorphic conditions
is suggested to be 750–850 ◦ C and 4–6 kbar. The maximum
temperature (∼830 ◦ C) for Saltora granulites estimated by Sen
and Bhattacharya (1993) compares favorably with the estimated
T for the M1 stage (Fig. 9). The low-pressure, high-temperature
conditions during the M1 metamorphic stage is supported by
wollastonite–scapolite assemblages in calc-silicate gneisses (cf.
Harley and Buick, 1992) and the Zn, Fe-rich spinel, sillimanite
and quartz inclusions hosted in M1 garnet in metapelites (cf.
Dasgupta et al., 1995). The absence of M1 garnet in mafic
granulites indicates that the peak-M1 pressure was unlikely to
be high.
4.2. M4 metamorphic stage
Metamorphic P–T conditions (Fig. 9) correlatable with
the widespread stabilization of garnet + quartz were esti-
mated from (a) hornblende–plagioclase–garnet ± quartz
assemblage in anorthosites, mafic granulites and quart-
 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402
zofeldspathic gneisses using the hornblende-plagioclase
thermometer of Holland and Blundy (1994) and low dP/dT
reactions (for which the P–T locations were determined using
the THERMOCALC program after Holland and Powell,
1998), and (b) orthopyroxene–garnet–plagioclase–quartz
reactions in monzonite gneisses. For the hornblende–
plagioclase–garnet ± quartz assemblages, good conver-
gence of the P–T loci for the vapor-free reactions, e.g.
Prp + Grs + Ts + Ab = Tr + Prg + An and its Fe-end member
reaction, and Grs + Alm + Ts + Ab = Tr + Fe-Act + Prg + An
(all quartz-free) were obtained within the T range retrieved
from the thermometer of Holland and Blundy (1994). The
retrieved pressure obtained from the intersection of the three
quartz-free reactions was bracketed within ±2 kbar by the two
quartz-bearing reactions, i.e. Prp + Grs + Ts + Qtz = Tr + An and
Prg + An + Qtz = Prp + Grs + Ts + Ab. In all assemblages, the
Tr-bearing reaction (Qtz in high-P side) was located at higher
pressure compared to the Ts-bearing reaction (Qtz in the low-P
side). This ensured that in lithologies such as anorthosites, and
hornblende-rich mafic granulites in which the participation of
quartz in the garnet-forming reaction is doubtful (i.e. activity of
SiO2 < 1), the two reactions limited the maximum and minimum
M4 pressures respectively. In spite of the wide variations in
mineralogical compositions in the different lithologies, the
estimated P–T conditions overlap to a large extent (Fig. 9).
The preferred P–T conditions from the overlapping P–T boxes
appear to be 650 ± 50 ◦ C and 4.5 ± 0.5 kbar.
4.3. Synthesis of metamorphic P–T conditions
Manna and Sen (1974) and Sen and Bhattacharya (1993)
attributed the growth of coronal garnet in the Saltora gran-
ulites to cooling from a thermal peak of ∼830 ◦ C at ∼7.5 kbar
to 680 ± 20 ◦ C at 6.8 kbar. On the other hand, Bhattacharya
and Mukherjee (1987) suggest that garnets in mafic gran-
ulites were prograde in nature. The contention of Sen and
Bhattacharya (1993) is untenable because of the following rea-
sons. First, Sen and Bhattacharya (1993) failed to recognize
that M4 garnet in anorthosites, migmatitic quartzofeldspathic
gneisses and hornblende-rich mafic granulites formed at the
expense of M2 and M3 biotite and/or hornblende. Similarly, in
post-D1 , pre-D2 anorthosites and post-D2 , pre-D3 foliated gran-
ites, M4 garnets formed at the expense of biotite–plagioclase
and hornblende–plagioclase assemblages. By implication, gar-
net formation was prograde in nature. Second, textural evidence
favoring pre-S1 garnet in mafic granulites is lacking. The only
point of concern could be the occurrence of coronal garnet at
orthopyroxene–plagioclase interfaces in hornblende-poor mafic
granulites and monzonite gneisses. If the coronal garnets were
pre/syn-D1 features, and therefore corresponded to the M1
stage, it would be difficult to explain as to how the deli-
cate corona remained unmodified by the intense D2 and D3
deformation events, and why the S2 /S3 fabrics do not wrap
around the coronitic garnets. Finally, the prograde nature of
M4 metamorphism is supported by post-S3 re-stabilization of 2-
pyroxene + plagioclase vermicular intergrowths at the expense
of hornblende in hornblende-rich mafic granulites.
397
Fig. 10. Activity-corrected petrogenetic grid at X(H2 O) = 0.1 in the NCMASH
system computed using the analytical data for the hornblende-rich garnet-
bearing mafic granulite (BA 54). The P–T locations of the reactions were
computed using the THERMOCALC program (version 3.21) after Holland
and Powell (1998). The shaded box is the average P–T condition for garnet
formation in hornblende-rich mafic granulites. The model [Di, En] reaction
(pargasite + anorthite + quartz = albite + pyrope + grossular + H2 O) is deemed to
correspond closest with the stabilization of M4 garnet from M2 /M3 horn-
blende + plagioclase assemblage.
Fig. 10 is a NCMASH activity-corrected petrogenetic
grid for a hornblende-rich garnet-bearing mafic granulite
(BA 54) showing the topology of stable reactions involv-
ing En, Di, Prg, Ab, An, Grs, Prp, Qtz and H2 O. X(H2 O)
was taken to be equal to 0.1 to ensure that the invariant
points relevant to possible garnet-forming reactions corre-
spond closely to the preferred M4 P–T condition (shaded box)
retrieved from garnet–hornblende–plagioclase–quartz equilib-
rium in hornblende-rich mafic granulites. The activities of the
phases were linearized at the P–T for garnet formation. In petro-
genetic grids constructed over a large range of P–T conditions,
the activities are not necessarily constant and deviate from the
P–T value at which the activities were linearized. The close cor-
respondence between the P–T loci of the reactions and the P–T
value at which the reactions were linearized ensured that the
activities of the phase components were well-constrained and
consequently the reaction topology in the neighborhood of the
P–T box in Fig. 10 was reasonable.
The reactions relevant to stabilization of garnet from
hornblende-bearing assemblages and excluding the reactions
with En and Di as co-product of garnet, are the [En, Di] and
[En, Qtz] reactions, e.g.
[En, Di]6Prg + 9An + 9Qtz
= 6Ab + 8Prp + 7Grs + 6H2 O
and
[En, Qtz]6Prg + 9Di + 18An
= 6Ab + 11Prp + 13Grs + 6H2 O
398 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402
In both reactions, plagioclase forms along with garnet, and
quartz is absent. These features are in agreement with the textural
observations; however, the molar ratio of pyrope + almandine:
grossular in the reactions is higher than the measured values of
the ratio in garnets from mafic granulites. Both reactions are
characterized by high dP/dT slope indicating that garnet was
stabilized by an increase in temperature, assuming the P–T path
to be orthogonal to the P–T loci of the reactions.
5. Chronology of polyphase metamorphism
The textural relations and petrogenetic considerations
suggest that the M1 (750–850 ◦ C and 4–6 kbar) and M4
(650 ± 50 ◦ C and 4.5 ± 0.5 kbar) metamorphic stages represent
episodes of prograde metamorphism, separated by M2 and M3
retrograde stages. In order to ascertain the ages of the polyphase
metamorphic events, monazites were analyzed in four samples,
e.g. two garnet-bearing metapelites (BA 90B and CS 39B), and
two garnet-bearing foliated granites (CS 515 and CS 549). The
analyzed monazites were grouped into two textural types, i.e.
those hosted within garnet porphyroblasts, and the ones occur-
ring as discrete grains in the recrystallized matrix (Fig. 11). In
two metapelite samples, garnets that host monazites were pre-D1
porphyroblasts (M1 metamorphic stage), whereas garnets that
hosted monazites in foliated granites have pre-D3 cores with
post-D3 (M4 ) overgrowths.
Chemical ages obtained from spot analysis in monazites in
metapelites fit into several age clusters (Figs. 11 and 12). The
dominant number of spot analyses yielded monazite ages in the
range 1.1–1.2 Ga. Few spots more centrally located within mon-
azites yielded older ages, ∼1.3–1.4 Ga. However, the margins
of the monazite grains yield younger ages between 830 and 660
Ma, out of which the dominant age population is between 800
and 830 Ma (Fig. 12).
Monazites in post-D2 foliated granites fit into two groups,
e.g. monazites within pre-S3 garnets, and post-S3 garnet over-
growths. Spot analysis in monazites hosted in pre-S3 garnets
yielded dates between 0.9 and 1.2 Ga. A majority of these dates
cluster between 0.9 and 1.0 Ga, as do the EPMA dates from
monazites hosted in post-S3 garnet overgrowths. The Grenvillian
age (∼0.9–1.0 Ga) obtained from the foliated granites is iden-
tical with the Pb–Pb (zircon) emplacement age of granites (cf.
Vinogradov et al., 1964; Fig. 1b). The youngest dates ∼0.8 Ga
occur sporadically in the marginal parts of monazite.
Available evidence (Copeland et al., 1988; Smith and
Barreiro, 1990; Suzuki and Adachi, 1994) indicates Pb loss in
monazites occurs at temperatures >600 ◦ C. Dahl (1997) and
Cherniak et al. (2004) postulate higher closure temperatures
∼700 ◦ C and >900 ◦ C, respectively, for diffusive Pb loss in
monazite. Since temperatures comparable to 600–700 ◦ C were
attained during M1 and M4 metamorphic stages, the EPMA
monazite ages need to be examined carefully. For example, the
oldest monazite age population (>1.1–1.4 Ga) may be corre-
lated with the earliest metamorphic event (M1 ), or the chemical
age may correspond with partially or complete re-set ages of
M1 metamorphism during subsequent metamorphic events. In
the latter case, the 1.1–1.4 Ga age should provide the minimum
estimate for the age of M1 metamorphic stage. Chatterjee (2006,
personal communication) retrieved the magmatic age of the
Saltora anorthosite to be 1.55 Ga using isotope dilution ther-
mal ionization mass spectrometry technique in zircons from
anorthosites; the lower intercept of the U–Pb discordia is at
∼0.95 Ga. Since the anorthosite pluton is a post-D1 intrusive,
the age of M1 granulite facies metamorphism (and charnock-
ite emplacement?) should arguably be older than 1.5 Ga. In
other words, the <1.5 Ga dates retrieved from monazites in
metapelites correspond to younger metamorphic events. At the
other extreme, the 0.9–1.0 Ga age population obtained from
monazites hosted in post-S3 garnet overgrowths in foliated
granites coincides with the lower intercept age of 0.95 Ga (cf.
Chatterjee, 2006, personal communication). This age popula-
tion is likely to correspond with the prograde M4 metamorphic
stage.
By implication, the 1.1–1.4 Ga age population in garnet-
hosted monazites in metapelites and bracketed by the >1.5 Ga
M1 metamorphic stage and the 0.9–1.0 Ga M4 metamorphic
stage is likely to correspond with the D2 and/or the D3 amphi-
bolite facies ductile deformation events. The age cluster is also
reflected by monazites in foliated granites. Since the foliated
granites were emplaced post-dating D2 , the 1.1–1.4 Ga EPMA
monazite age in the granites is best explained if the pre-S3 gar-
nets were entrained from the precursor enclave suite which on
melting at deeper levels produced the post-D2 granites. In other
words, the pre-S3 garnet nuclei in foliated granites were not
incongruently produced phases on melting.
In contrast to the monazite chemical ages discussed above,
the youngest chemical ages (660–830 Ma) retrieved along
the margins of monazite grains constitute a minor popula-
tion of the analyzed spots in one metapelite sample (BA
90B; Figs. 11 and 12). The ages are rare in foliated granites.
These post-Grenvillian rim ages (Fig. 11a and c) are diffi-
cult to explain. The chemical ages may correspond with a
subsequent regional scale tectonic event that does not man-
ifest itself in the mesoscopic or microscopic scale in the
samples examined. Alternatively, the age cluster may repre-
sent local re-setting of older ages by fluid-driven processes of
dissolution-recrystallization operating at temperatures below the
Pb diffusional closure temperature. A more definitive assess-
ment of the age should await a more detailed scrutiny of monazite
chemical ages in a larger set of samples.
6. Tectonic implications
The thermo-chronologic data emphasize the existence of
mid-Proterozoic polyphase high-grade metamorphism in the
CGC, but precludes Pan African ductile deformation and
associated high grade metamorphism. In the Proterozoic
North Singhbhum Mobile Belt to the south, age data on
greenschist–amphibolite facies metamorphic events experi-
enced by metabasic and metapelitic schists and phyllites are
sketchy. However, available chronologic data suggest two
age populations for tectono-thermal events, e.g. at ∼1.2 and
∼1.5–1.6 Ga (EPMA dates from garnet-hosted monazites in
metapelites, Mahato et al., 2008; whole rock Sm–Nd, Roy et
 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402 399

Fig. 11. BSE images of representative texturally constrained monazite (Mnz) grains analyzed in metapelite sample BA 90B (a–d), and foliated granite samples CS
515 (e) and CS 549 (f–h). Bars indicate scale in ␮m, and numbers indicate EPMA ages (in Ma) obtained from analyzed spots. In the metapelite samples, the textural
set up of the monazite grains to the left (a and c) are shown to the right (b and d). (a and b) Monazite grain in the recrystallized matrix. (c and d) Monazite grain
hosted within quartz which in turn is hosted in a M1 garnet porphyroblast. (e) and (f) are monazite grains within the recrystallized quartzofeldspathic mineral mosaic
in foliated granites. (g) Monazite grain at the rim of garnet. The inclusions in the overgrowth are continuous with the linear aggregate of ilmenite defining the S3
fabric in the granite. (h) Garnet-hosted monazite grain centrally located within pre-S3 garnet.
400 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402

Fig. 12. Plots of PbO against ThO∗2 in monazite grains in metapelites (a and b) and in foliated granites (c and d) from the Bero-Saltora area. The lines correspond
to reference isochrons indicated in the figures. Core and rim indicate interiors and margins of monazite grains. Porphyroblast and matrix refer to monazites hosted
within and outside garnets, respectively. ‘n’ indicates the number of analyzed spot used in the regression analysis.

al., 2006). The older age coincides with the U–Pb age obtained
from uraninites (Rao et al., 1979) in the southern shear zone.
The youngest ages yet recorded in the mobile belt is ∼1.0 Ga
arguably correlatable with uranium mineralization by the K–Ar
method (cf. Misra and Johnson, 2005). Clearly, the lack of Cam-
brian dates from the North Singhbum Mobile Belt and the CGC
suggests that Pan African tectonism was not a regional feature
in the Eastern Indian Precambrian crystalline complexes.
The east–west trending north-dipping tectonic fabric (S3 ) in
Bero-Saltora, associated with Grenvillian prograde amphibolite-
to-granulite facies metamorphism and ductile shearing with
reverse sense movement on the shear plane assumes impor-
tance. This tectonic grain, popularly known as “the Satpura
trend”, is a regional feature within the CGC (eastern India)
and the Central Indian Tectonic domain (central India). If the
proposed trend of the Australo-Antarctic Pan African collision
zone within India is correct, the Pan African suture in East-
ern India is expected to be at high angle to the penetrative
east–west “Satpura trend” in consonance with the palaeomag-
netic data at 500 Ma (Fig. 1a). If the proposed Pan African
suture passed within the CGC, the Grenvillian tectonic fabric
within the CGC is expected to be oriented in an approximately
north–south direction in its present geographical configuration,
or should describe north and south closing folds in response to
the southward migration of the Indian block from north latitude
and its glancing juxtaposition with the Australo-Antarctic block.
The lack of north–south trending fabrics and north/south clos-
ing folds post-dating the Grenvillian fabric in the CGC precludes
the likely continuation of the Pan African suture (Sheraton et al.,
1984, 1993; Harley and Fitzsimons, 1995; Kinny et al., 1993;
Boger et al., 2001; reviewed in Harley, 2003) within the CGC.
Apparently, the proposed westward extension of the Australo-
Antarctic suture within eastern India with possible vestiges in
the Shillong-Meghalaya Plateau (Chatterjee et al., 2007) should
lie to the east of the Bero-Saltora area.
Acknowledgements
Financial support for the work was provided by the CSIR
grant in aid [No: 24(0268)/04/EMR-II] to AKM and the DST
funded project (ESS/23/VES/125/2001) to AB and BM. The
work was completed during the tenure of SG and SM as Research
Fellows in the Department of Geology and Geophysics, IIT
Kharagpur in the DST funded project. A part of the work was
 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402
adopted from the doctoral dissertation of SG submitted to the
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur in 2006. Sabyasachi
Som (GSI, Kolkata) provided valuable assistance in obtaining
the BSE images. Dr. R. Kleinschrodt (University of Koln) is
thanked for assisting in X-ray imaging (Fig. 8) using the JEOL
microprobe machine; the compositional data for the zoned gar-
net in the figure was determined using the CAMECA electron
probe microanalyzer at the University of Bonn. In this connec-
tion, AB acknowledges the financial support provided by the
Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung (Germany). Prof. M. Raith
(University of Bonn) provided hospitality during the stay and
access to the Cameca EPMA for the analytical work. S. Das
(Ex-research Scholar) in the Department of Geology and Geo-
physics, IIT Kharagpur is thanked for his help during the course
of the work. The authors are grateful to Ingo Braun and an anony-
mous journal reviewer for their thoughtful comments on the
manuscript. Their suggestions helped to improve the style and
presentation of the manuscript.
Appendix A. Supplementary data
Supplementary data associated with this article can be found,
in the online version, at doi:10.1016/j.precamres.2007.10.002.
References
Aranovich, L.Y., Berman, R.G., 1997. A new garnet–orthopyroxene thermome-
ter based on reversed Al2 O3 solubility in FeO–Al2 O3 –SiO2 orthopyroxene.
Amer. Miner. 82, 345–353.
Armstrong, J.T., 1995. CITZAF: a package of correction programs for the quan-
titative electron microbeam X-ray analysis of thick polished materials, thin
films, and particles. Microbeam Anal. 4, 177–200.
Bhattacharya, P.K., Mukherjee, S., 1987. Granulites in and around the Bengal
anorthosite, eastern India; genesis of coronal garnet, and evolution of the
granulite–anorthosite complex. Geol. Mag. 124, 21–32.
Bhowmik, S.K., Basu Sarbadhikari, A., Spiering, B., Raith, M.M., 2005.
Mesoproterozoic reworking of Palaeoproterozoic ultrahigh-temperature
granulites in the Central Indian Tectonic Zone and its implications. J. Petrol.
46, 1085–1119.
Boger, S.D., Wilson, C.J.L., Fanning, C.M., 2001. Early Paleozoic tectonism
within the East Antarctic craton: The final suture between east and west
Gondwana? Geology 29, 463–466.
Bohlen, S.R., Wall, V.J., Boettcher, A.L., 1983. Experimental investigation
and application of garnet granulite equilibria. Contrib. Miner. Petrol. 83,
52–61.
Chatterjee, N., Mazumdar, A.K., Bhattacharya, A., Saikia, R.R., 2007. Meso-
proterozoic granulites of the Shillong–Meghalaya Plateau: evidence of
westward continuation of the Prydz Bay Pan-African suture into North-
eastern India. Precamb. Res. 152, 1–26.
Cherniak, D.J., Watson, E.B., Grove, M., Harrison, P.M., 2004. Pb diffusion in
monazite: a combined RBS/SIMS study. Goechim. Cosmochim. Acta 68,
829–840.
Copeland, P., Parrish, R.R., Harrison, T.M., 1988. Identification of inherited
radiogenic Pb in monazite and its implications for U–Pb systematics. Nature
333, 760–763.
Dahl, P.S., 1997. A crystal-chemical basis for Pb retention and fission-
track annealing systematics in U-bearing minerals, with implications for
geochronology. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 150, 277–290.
Dahl, P.C., Hamilton, M.A., Jercinovic, M.J., Terry, M.P., Williams, M.L., Frei,
R., 2005a. Comparative isotopic and chemical geochronometry of monazite,
with implications for U–Th–Pb dating by electron microprobe: An example
from metamorphic rocks of the eastern Wyoming Craton (U.S.A.). Amer.
Miner. 90, 619–638.
401
Dahl, P.C., Terry, M.P., Jercinovic, M.J., Williams, M.L., Hamilton, M.A.,
Foland, K.A., Clement, S.M., Freiberg, L.M., 2005b. Electron probe (Ultra-
chron) microchronometry of metamorphic monazite: Unraveling the timing
of polyphase thermotectonism in the easternmost Wyoming Craton (Black
Hills, South Dakota). Amer. Miner. 90, 1712–1728.
Dasgupta, S., Sengupta, P., Ehl, P., Raith, M., Bardhan, S., 1995. Reaction
textures in a suite of spinel granulites from the Eastern Ghats Belt, India:
evidence for polymetamorphism and a partial petrogenetic grid in the system
KFMASH, and the role of ZnO and Fe2 O3 . J. Petrol. 36, 435–461.
Dastidar, S., Samanta, S., Chaudhuri, A.K., 1997. Multiple deformations around
Saltora–Murlu in the western part of Bengal anorthosite. J. Geol. Soc. India
50, 201–208.
Den Tex, E., 1969. Origin of ultramafic rocks, their tectonic setting and history:
A contribution to the discussion of the paper “The origin of ultramafic and
ultrabasic rocks” by P.J. Wyllie. Tectonophysics 7, 457–488.
Eckert Jr., J.O., Newton, R.C., Kleppa, O.J., 1991. The H of reaction and
recalibration of garnet–pyroxene–plagioclase–quartz geobarometers in the
CMAS system by solution calorimetry. Amer. Miner. 76, 148–160.
Fitzsimons, I.C.W., 2003. Proterozoic basement provinces of southern and south-
western Australia, and their correlation with Antarctica. In: Yoshida, M.,
Windely, B.F., Dasgupta, S. (Eds.), Proterozoic East Gondwana: supercon-
tinent assembly and breakup., 206. Geol. Soc. Lond., pp. 93–130 (Spec.
Pub.).
Ghose, N.C., 1983. Geology, tectonics and the evolution of the Chhotanagpur
Granite–Gneiss Complex, Eastern India. In: Roy, S.S. (Ed.), Structure and
Tectonics of Precambrian Rocks of India. Hindustan Publishing Corporation,
Delhi, pp. 211–247.
Ghose, N.C., Shmakin, B.M., Smirnov, V.N., 1973. Some geochronological
observations on the Precambrians of Chhotanagpur, Bihar, India. Geol. Mag.
110, 477–482.
Harley, S.L., 1984. An experimental study of the partitioning of Fe and Mg
between garnet and orthopyroxene. Contrib. Miner. Petrol. 86, 359–373.
Harley, S.L., 2003. Archaean-Cambrian crustal development of East Antarc-
tica: metamorphic characteristics and tectonic implications. In: Yoshida, M.,
Windley, B.F., Dasgupta, S. (Eds.), Proterozoic East Gondwana: supercon-
tinent assembly and breakup., 206. Geol. Soc. Lond., pp. 203–230 (Spec.
Pub.).
Harley, S.L., Buick, I.S., 1992. Wollastonite–scapolite assemblages as indi-
cators of granulite pressure–temperature histories: the Rauer Group, East
Antarctica. J. Petrol. 33, 693–728.
Harley, S.L., Fitzsimons, I.C.W., 1995. High-grade metamorphism in the Prydz
Bay region, East Antarctica: terranes, events and regional correlations. In:
Yoshida, M., Santosh, M. (Eds.), India and Antarctica During the Precam-
brian, 34. Geol. Soc. India Mem., pp. 73–100.
Holland, T.J.B., Blundy, J., 1994. Non-ideal interactions in calcic amphiboles
and their bearing on amphibole plagioclase thermometry. Contrib. Miner.
Petrol. 116, 433–447.
Holland, T.J.B., Powell, R., 1998. An internally consistent thermodynamic
dataset for phases of petrological interest. J. Met. Geol. 16, 309–343.
Kinny, P.D., Black, L.P., Sheraton, J.W., 1993. Zircon ages and the distribution
of Archaean and Proterozoic rocks in the Rauer Islands. Antarctic Sci. 5,
193–206.
Kretz, R., 1983. Symbols for rock-forming minerals. Amer. Miner. 68, 277–279.
Kruhl, J.H., 1996. Prism- and basal-plane parallel subgrain boundaries in quartz:
a microstructural geothermobarometer. J. Met. Geol. 14, 581–589.
Kruhl, J.H., 1998. Prism- and basal-plane parallel subgrain boundaries in
quartz: a microstructural geothermobarometer – Reply. J. Met. Geol. 16,
142–146.
Kruhl, J.H., Huntemann, T., 1991. The structural state of the former lower conti-
nental crust in Calabria (S. Italy). Int. J. Earth Sci. (Geologische Rundschau)
80, 289–302.
Lee, H.Y., Ganguly, J., 1988. Equilibrium compositions of coexisting
garnet and orthopyroxene: experimental determinations in the system
FeO–MgO–Al2 O3 –SiO2 , and applications. J. Petrol. 29, 93–113.
Mahadevan, T.M., 2002. Geology of Bihar and Jharkhand, first edition. Geolog-
ical Society of India Publication, Bangalore, pp. 257–321.
Mahato, S., Goon, S., Bhattacharya, A., Mishra, S., Bernhardt, H.J., 2008.
Thermo-tectonic evolution of the North Singhbhum Mobile Belt; A
402 A.K. Maji et al. / Precambrian Research 162 (2008) 385–402
view from the western part of the belt. Precamb. Res. 162, 102–
127.
Manna, S.S., Sen, S.K., 1974. Origin of garnet in basic granulites around Saltora,
West Bengal, India. Contrib. Miner. Petrol. 44, 195–218.
Masberg, H.P., Hoffer, E., Hoernes, S., 1992. Microfabrics indicating granulite-
facies metamorphism in the low-pressure central Damara Orogen, Namibia.
Precamb. Res. 55, 243–257.
Misra, S., Johnson, P.T., 2005. Geochronological constraints on evolution of
Singhbhum Mobile Belt and associated basic volcanics of Eastern Indian
Shield. Gond. Res. 8, 129–142.
Moecher, D.P., Essene, E.J., Anovitz, L.M., 1988. Calculation and applica-
tion of clinopyroxene–garnet–plagioclase–quartz geobarometers. Contrib.
Miner. Petrol. 100, 92–106.
Montel, J.M., Foret, S., Veschambre, M., Nicollet, C., Provost, A., 1996. Electron
microprobe dating of monazite. Chem. Geol. 131, 37–53.
Newton, R.C., Perkins III, D., 1982. Thermodynamic calibration of geo-
barometers based on the assemblage garnet–plagioclase–orthopyroxene
(clinopyroxene)–quartz. Amer. Miner. 67, 203–222.
Nicolas, A., Ildefonse, B., 1996. Flow mechanism and viscosity in basaltic
magma chambers. Geophys. Res. Lett. 23, 2013–2016.
Oterdoom, H.W., Gunter, W.D., 1983. Activity models for plagioclase and
CO3 -scapolite—an analysis of field and laboratory data. Amer. J. Sci. 283,
255–282.
Pandey, B.K., Gupta, J.N., Lall, Y., Mahadevan, T.M., 1986. Rb–Sr isochron and
Sm–Nd model ages for soda granites from Singhbhum Shear Zone, Bihar
and their bearing on crustal evolution. Ind. J. Earth Sci. 13, 117–128.
Paterson, S.R., Fowler, T.K., Schmidt, K.L., Yoshinobu, A., Yuan, S., 1998.
Interpreting magmatic fabric patterns in plutons. Lithos 44, 53–82.
Paterson, S.R., Vernon, R.H., Tobisch, O.T., 1989. A review of criteria for the
identification of magmatic and tectonic foliations in granitoids. J. Struct.
Geol. 11, 349–363.
Patiño Douce, A.E., Beard, J.S., 1996. Effects of P, f(O2 ) and Mg/Fe ratio on
dehydration melting of model metagreywackes. J. Petrol. 37, 999–1024.
Powell, C.Mc.A., Pisarevsky, S.A., 2002. Late Neoproterozoic assembly of East
Gondwana. Geology 30, 3–6.
Powell, R., Holland, T.J.B., 1988. An internally consistent thermodynamic
dataset with uncertainties and correlations. Part 3. Applications to geo-
barometry, worked examples and a computer program. J. Met. Geol. 6,
173–204.
Rao, N.K., Aggarwal, S.K., Rao, G.V.U., 1979. Lead isotopic ratios of uraninites
and the age of uranium mineralisation in Singhbhum Shear Zone, Bihar. J.
Geol. Soc. India 20, 124–127.
Ray Barman, T., Bishui, P.K., Mukhopadhyay, K., Ray, J.N., 1994. Rb–Sr
geochronology of the high-grade rocks from Purulia, West Bengal and
Jamua-Dumka sector, Bihar. Ind. Miner. 48, 45–60.
Roy, A., Kagami, H., Yoshida, M., Roy, A., Bandyopadhyay, B.K., Chattopad-
hyay, A., Khan, A.S., Huin, A.K., Pal, T., 2006. Rb–Sr and Sm–Nd dating
of different metamorphic events from the Sausar Mobile Belt, central India:
implications for Proterozoic crustal evolution. J. Asian Earth Sci. 26, 61–76.
Roy, A.K., 1977. Structure and metamorphic evolution of the Bengal anorthosite
and associated rocks. J. Geol. Soc. India 18, 203–223.
Saha, A.K., 1994. Crustal Evolution of Singhbhum,North Orissa Eastern India,
vol. 27. Geol. Soc. India Mem, 341p.
Sen, S.K., Bhattacharya, A., 1984. An orthopyroxene–garnet thermometer and
its application to the Madras charnockites. Contrib. Miner. Petrol. 88, 64–71.
Sen, S.K., Bhattacharya, A., 1993. Post-peak pressure–temperature fluid history
of the granulites around Saltora, West Bengal. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci India 63
(A) (I), 282–306.
Sheraton, J.W., Black, L.P., McCulloch, M.T., 1984. Regional geochemical and
isotopic characteristics of high-grade metamorphics of the Prydz Bay area:
the extent of Proterozoic reworking of Archaean continental crust in East
Antarctica. Precamb. Res. 26, 169–198.
Sheraton, J.W., Tingey, R.J., Black, L.P., Oliver, R.L., 1993. Geology of the
Bunger Hills area, Antarctica: implications for Gondwana correlations.
Antarctic Sci. 5, 85–102.
Smith, H.A., Barreiro, B., 1990. Monazite U–Pb dating of staurolite grade
metamorphism in pelitic schists. Contrib. Miner. Petrol. 105, 602–615.
Suzuki, K., Adachi, M., 1994. Middle Precambrian detrital monazite and zircon
from the Hida gneiss on Oki-Dogo Island, Japan: their origin and impli-
cation for the correlation of the basement of Southwest Japan and Korea.
Tectonophysics 235, 277–292.
Suzuki, K., Adachi, M., Tanaka, T., 1991. Middle Precambrian provenance of
Jurassic sandstone in the Mino terrane, central Japan: Th–U–total Pb evi-
dence from an electron micro probe monazite study. Sed. Geol. 75, 141–147.
Vernon, R.H., 2004. A Practical Guide to Rock Microstructure. Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge, 468p.
Vielzeuf, D., Montel, J.M., 1994. Partial melting of metagreywackes. Part I.
Fluid absent experiments and phase relationships. Contrib. Miner. Petrol.
117, 375–393.
Vinogradov, A.P., Tugarinov, A.I., Zhykov, C., Stapnikova, N., Bibikova, E.,
Khorre, K., 1964. Geology of the Indian Precambrian. In: Proceedings of
the 22nd International Geological Congress 10, pp. 553–567.
Willner, A.P., Herve, F., Massonne, H.J., 2000. Mineral chemistry and
pressure–temperature evolution of two contrasting levels within an accre-
tionary complex in the Chonos Metamorphic Complex, Southern Chile. J.
Petrol. 41, 309–330.
Yedekar, D.B., Jain, S.C., Nair, K.K.K., Dutta, K.K., 1990. The central Indian
collision suture. In: Precambrian of Central India. Geol. Surv. India 28, 1–43
(Spec. Pub.).
York, D., 1966. Least squares fitting of straight line. Can. J. Phys. 44, 1079–1088.