Lead isotopes and the origin of granulite and eclogite inclusions in deep-seated pipes

The isotopic composition of lead and the concentrations of lead, uranium, and thorium in Delegate basic pipes from Australia and in South African kimberlite pipes have been determined. The observed²³⁸U/²⁰⁴Pb and observed²³²Th/²³⁸U of eclogite inclusions in the pipes range from 2.9 to 18.7 and from 3.5 to 5.9, respectively. This result as well as the isotopic composition of lead suggests that the upper mantle is chemically heterogeneous with regard to the trace elements.

Pyrochemically extracted leads from eclogite inclusions in the Delegate basic pipes and in a South African kimberlite pipe appear to be different in isotopic compositions from leads extracted from the host rock (matrix). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the eclogitic inclusions in deep-seated pipes are of “accidental” origin and represent upper mantle materials caught up in the host materials during their intrusion.

Lead extracted from a two-pyroxene granulite inclusion in one of the Delegate pipes has an isotopic composition indistinguishable from lead in the host rock. This observation is consistent either with a “cognate” origin for the granulite inclusion or with a modified “accidental” origin in which the isotopic composition of the original lead in the inclusion has been contaminated by lead from the host magma. Other evidence would indicate that an “accidental” origin be preferred.