Abstract
The oxygen isotope fractionation between kyanite and calcium carbonate has been investigated experimentally at four temperatures in the range between 625 and 775 °C at 13 kbar. Because of low exchange rates, the isotopic reaction was enhanced by polymorphic transformation of andalusite to kyanite. With this experimental modification a close approach to equilibrium was reached in all runs. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium fractionation is described by the equation 1000 ln ky-cc=−2.62×106/T 2. Application of the experimental results to natural quartz-kyanite-garnet assemblages indicates the preservation of the oxygen isotope composition of kyanite acquired during its formation, reflecting its extremely low oxygen diffusivity. This refractory behaviour restricts the use of kyanite for thermometry but opens the possibility to use its O-isotope composition as an indicator for recognition of polymetamorphic rock histories and reconstruction of the prograde evolution of a metamorphic sequence.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 8 June 1998 / Accepted: 24 August 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tennie, A., Hoffbauer, R. & Hoernes, S. The oxygen isotope fractionation behaviour of kyanite in experiment and nature. Contrib Mineral Petrol 133, 346–355 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004100050457
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004100050457