Enclaves in the S-type granites of the Kösseine massif (Fichtelgebirge, Germany): implications for the origin of granites

Abstract

 The Hercynian peraluminous granites of the Kösseine massif differ in composition and content of enclaves from the other granites of the Fichtelgebirge. They are garnet-, cordierite- and andalusite-bearing S-type granites containing at least five different types of enclaves. Based on petrography and geochemical data, including radiogenic isotopes, the following is concluded: The amphibolite enclave (AE) and most of the aluminium silicate-bearing surmicaceous enclaves (SEA) are country-rock xenoliths picked up by the granite at or close to the emplacement level. The orthopyroxene-bearing surmicaceous enclave (SEO) probably represents a restite from the source level of the granite. The gneiss enclaves (GE) could be fragments of Saxothuringian paragneisses taken up by the granite near the source level. The pale microgranular enclaves with igneous texture (PMEI) could be fragments of a yet-unknown granitic material or unmelted igneous material of an inhomogeneous source. The biotite-rich microgranular enclaves with igneous texture (BMEI) and the microgranular enclaves with polygonal texture (MEP) represent material which derives from the source region of the granite. The Kösseine granites represent an independent intrusion among the Fichtelgebirge granites formed by a combination of incomplete restite unmixing, assimilation and probably fractional crystallization in the course of magma formation, ascent and emplacement.