1

Geol. Bull. Punjab Univ. 44, 2009.

CRYSTALLIZATION HISTORY OF THE KIRANA VOLCANICS,

SARGODHA, PAKISTAN.
BY

SYED ALIM AHMAD

Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus,
Lahore-54590 Pakistan
AND
MUHAMMAD NAWAZ CHAUDHRY
Postgraduate Centre for Earth Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore-54590 Pakistan.

Abstract: The Neoproterozoic Kirana Volcanics represent bimodal volcanism in the Pakistani part of the Kirana-
Malani Basin. Rhyolites predominate over the basalts/dolerites andesites and dacites. These volcanics represent the oldest
remnants of widespread igneous activity within the so-called Kirana-Malani Basin and mark important Precambrian
tectono-magmatic events in Pakistan. The acid volcanics are predominantly potassic; mafic representatives are
characterized by the presence of plagioclase, augite and occasional olivine or magnetite. The felsic lavas are dominated by
alkali felspar and quartz. Amphibole and augite are also encountered in basalts/dolerites.

INTRODUCTION mantle plume activity linked to the break-up of Rodinia

Supercontinent. The extensional basin developed within the
The Kirana volcanics are an integral part of the
Late Proterozoic NE Gondwana part of Greater India is
world’s largest felsic volcanic field known as ‘Malani
named as Malani-Kirana Basin (Chaudhry et al., 1999).
Volcanics’ occupying tracks along the northwestern flank
of the great Aravalli mountain ranges with scattered CRYSTALLIZATION HISTORY
outcrops extending from Tosham in Haryana to other places Dolerite and Microgabbros Associations
in northern districts of Rajasthan. Thus, Kirana Malani may
The minerals of some representative samples of
be described as volcanoplutonic province characterized by
the widespread Late – Proterozoic tectono-magmatic dolerites, basalts, rhyolites, ignimbrites and welded tuffs
activity (spanning over 950 Ma to 550 Ma) with distinct have been analysed by microbe analyzer at GeoScience
rhyolitic flows and associated granites. laboratories, Islamabad.
The volcanic suites belong to tholeiitic basalt- Chemically these are classified as olivine-normative
andesite-rhyolite magma association (Ahmad, 2000, 2004). tholeiitic basalts/dolerites and their mineralogy may be
The volcanics are interbedded with intercalations of conveniently described on the basis of olivine normative
volcanogenic sediments and tuffs. The overlying and quartz normative division. All lavas are examined;
metasedimentary units are Tuguwali phyllites and contain plagioclase, augite, olivine, ilmenite and apatite.
Asianwala quartzites respectively (Alam, 1987). Magnetite occurs only in the olivine-normative samples.
The olivine normative lavas are aphyric, with some
The volcanics and associated sedimentary rocks
microphenocrystic olivine; plagioclase (up to 5%) and very
constitute a distinct cratonic rift assemblage and do not minor augite are the phenocryst phases in the quartz
represent Indian Shield elements (Chaudhry et al., 1999) as normative lavas.
previously believed by many workers (Heron, 1953, Davies
and Crawford, 1971; Kochhar, 1984, Alam, 1987; Alam et Olivine is an accessory phenocryst phase in the
al., 1992). The Kirana volcanics and volcanoplutonic rocks dolerite (olivine normative lava) and entirely absent in the
of Nagarparkar in Sindh were interpreted to have been quartz normative association of the Kirana Complex. The
emplaced in the extensional basins formed as a result of representative analyses of the olivines of the Kirana
 2

Table: 1.
Microprobe analysis of plagioclase in the Basalts/Dolerites from the Kirana Complex
Sample# 135-72 134-72 143-72 144-72 149-72 162-72 163-72 177-72 178-72 181-72
Lab No. C2/1-pl C3-pl-C C3-pl-R C6-pl C4/2-Pl C1/2-Pl C4-Pl C5-Pl C1/2-Pl C2/2-Pl
MAJOR OXIDE PERCENTAGE
TiO 2 0.072 0.039 0.066 0.089 0.620 0.059 0.072 0.065 0.412 0.051
SiO 2 54.314 54.210 52.970 53.671 51.548 53.980 53.550 51.790 54.290 52.630
Na 2 O 4.213 5.310 3.950 4.540 2.995 4.280 3.990 5.160 6.210 3.187
Cr 2 O 3 0.034 0.024 0.023 0.019 0.013 0.029 0.018 0.019 0.018 0.024
K2 O 0.150 0.140 0.012 0.140 0.088 0.170 0.149 0.149 0.103 0.130
MgO 0.043 0.021 0.056 0.031 0.038 0.012 0.039 0.114 0.395 0.119
MnO 0.036 0.034 0.000 0.021 0.011 0.052 0.047 0.023 0.019 0.004
CaO 13.350 10.990 12.274 12.690 14.950 13.090 13.090 14.410 12.069 13.260
Al2 O 3 27.723 29.120 29.456 28.504 29.900 28.110 29.150 28.056 25.490 29.410
FeO 0.310 0.371 0.351 0.393 0.550 0.317 0.309 0.519 1.335 1.389
NiO 0.000 0.048 0.001 0.000 0.017 0.000 0.002 0.049 0.089 0.077
Total 100.173 100.268 99.093 100.009 100.110 100.040 100.344 100.289 100.018 100.230

Mol.per cent
Ab 23.785 32.299 24.329 26.137 16.608 24.401 23.159 26.168 33.783 19.225
An 75.368 66.849 75.597 73.057 82.904 74.629 75.977 73.077 65.657 79.990
Or 0.847 0.852 0.074 0.806 0.488 0.969 0.865 0.756 0.560 0.784
No. of cations on the basis of 32 oxygens
Ti 0.007 0.005 0.009 0.012 0.085 0.008 0.010 0.009 0.057 0.007
Si 9.849 9.783 9.665 9.747 9.400 9.800 9.684 9.503 9.949 9.557
Na 1.479 1.855 1.395 1.596 1.057 1.504 1.397 1.833 2.203 1.120
Cr 0.005 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.002 0.004 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003
K 0.035 0.032 0.003 0.032 0.020 0.039 0.034 0.035 0.024 0.030
Mg 0.012 0.006 0.015 0.008 0.010 0.003 0.010 0.031 0.108 0.032
Mn 0.006 0.005 0.000 0.003 0.002 0.008 0.007 0.004 0.003 0.001
Ca 2.594 2.125 2.400 2.469 2.921 2.546 2.536 2.833 2.370 2.580
Al 5.914 6.183 6.323 6.090 6.415 6.004 6.202 6.056 5.495 6.283
Fe 0.044 0.052 0.050 0.056 0.078 0.045 0.044 0.074 0.190 0.196
Ni 0.000 0.007 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.007 0.013 0.011
Total 19.936 20.051 19.854 20.004 19.908 19.954 19.917 20.378 20.357 19.815
SHIMADZU EPMA-8705 Q-II System installed at GeoScience Laboratory, GSP, Islamabad.
Conditions: Acc. Volt. = 15 kv Samp. Current = 1 Beam Dia = 10um
Satndards: TiO 2, Quartz, Albite, Cr 2 O 3 Sanidine, MgO, Rhodonite, Wollastonite, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Cobatlite,
NiSi.
 3

Table:2.
Microprobe analyses of olivines in the Dolerites from the Kirana Complex
Sample # K-209 K-210 K-211 K-212 K-213 K-214 K-215 K-216 K-217 K-218
Lab. # C1-ol C1-ol C1-ol C1-ol C1-ol C1-ol C1-ol C1-ol C1-ol C2/1-ol
SiO 2 35.654 36.735 35.560 35.678 35.112 36.225 36.122 35.225 36.445 36.665
Al2 O 3 0.103 0.113 0.114 0.140 0.090 0.050 0.080 0.080 0.060 0.045
FeO 27.570 26.056 26.311 27.786 26.889 25.558 25.489 27.410 25.523 24.470
Na 2 O 0.047 0.014 0.014 0.046 0.000 0.021 0.000 0.000 0.015 0.001
C r2 O 3 0.029 0.005 0.005 0.021 0.000 0.000 0.003 0.014 0.000 0.025
K2 O 0.000 0.005 0.005 0.003 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.000 0.000
MgO 36.227 36.560 36.763 36.113 37.428 37.072 37.450 36.175 37.145 37.257
MnO 0.589 0.537 0.537 0.457 0.509 0.467 0.528 0.580 0.493 0.528
CaO 0.024 0.068 0.068 0.055 0.036 0.038 0.049 0.020 0.039 0.029
TiO 2 0.000 0.028 0.028 0.019 0.025 0.058 0.022 0.011 0.500 0.060
CoO 0.047 0.030 0.030 0.000 0.000 0.898 0.593 0.073 0.080 0.630
NiO 0.065 0.128 0.128 0.064 0.000 0.006 0.049 0.126 0.029 0.174
Total 100.355 100.279 99.563 100.382 100.089 100.393 100.385 99.718 100.329 99.884
No. of cations on the bases of 4 oxygens
Si 0.926 0.951 0.927 0.936 0.912 0.943 0.936 0.922 0.937 0.948
Al 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.004 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001
Fe 0.558 0.521 0.534 0.556 0.549 0.511 0.512 0.559 0.511 0.493
Na 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.000
Cr 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.001
K 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Mg 1.401 1.395 1.427 1.382 1.446 1.416 1.431 1.409 1.422 1.434
Mn 0.013 0.012 0.012 0.010 0.011 0.010 0.011 0.013 0.011 0.012
Ca 0.001 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001
Ti 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.010 0.001
Co 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.018 0.012 0.002 0.002 0.013
Ni 0.001 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.003 0.001 0.004
Total 2.907 2.889 2.910 2.895 2.923 2.902 2.908 2.910 2.897 2.907
 4

Table: 3.
Microprobe analyses of augite in Gabbros and dolerites from the Kirana Complex
Sample # K-209 K-210 K-211 K-212 K-213 K-214 K-215 K-216 K-217 K-218
Lab. # C1-aug C1-aug C1-aug C1-aug C1-aug C1-aug C1-aug C1-aug C1-aug C2/1-aug
SiO 2 49.710 52.345 47.106 51.990 49.291 52.490 49.790 48.420 49.215 51.646
Al2 O 3 5.078 4.480 5.345 4.380 3.866 3.280 3.140 3.940 3.556 2.783
FeO 11.820 8.780 11.193 7.840 8.007 8.330 7.750 9.800 8.600 7.124
Na 2 O 0.490 0.229 0.483 0.380 0.477 0.270 0.343 0.364 0.480 0.349
C r2 O 3 0.340 0.150 0.155 0.265 0.357 0.250 0.300 0.184 0.290 0.118
K2 O 0.008 0.110 0.010 0.081 0.000 0.000 0.016 0.010 0.000 0.002
MgO 13.090 14.580 13.699 14.990 15.639 12.940 15.550 14.640 14.870 14.960
MnO 0.148 0.110 0.269 0.169 0.178 0.241 0.210 0.159 0.220 0.315
CaO 17.670 19.223 19.126 18.234 20.860 21.090 20.840 20.970 21.440 22.128
TiO 2 1.550 0.095 2.457 1.374 0.995 1.359 1.380 1.490 1.341 0.852
CoO 0.355 0.149 0.294 0.542 0.640 0.000 0.495 0.016 0.000 0.000
NiO 0.134 0.010 0.146 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.221 0.123 0.000 0.000
Total 100.393 100.261 100.283 100.245 100.310 100.250 100.035 100.116 100.012 100.277
NO. of cations on the basis of 6 oxygens
Si 1.835 1.835 1.756 1.892 1.823 1.921 1.844 1.804 1.828 1.909
Al 0.165 0.165 0.244 0.108 0.177 0.079 0.135 0.173 0.140 0.091
Al* 0.056 0.056 0.000 0.080 0.000 0.063 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.028
Fe+2 0.371 0.272 0.217 0.243 0.088 0.260 0.133 0.133 0.112 0.171
Fe+3 0.000 0.000 0.133 0.000 0.159 0.000 0.107 0.171 0.154 0.048
Na 0.035 0.035 0.035 0.027 0.034 0.019 0.025 0.026 0.035 0.025
Cr 0.010 0.010 0.005 0.008 0.010 0.007 0.009 0.005 0.009 0.003
K 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.000 0.000
Mg 0.719 0.719 0.758 0.812 0.861 0.705 0.857 0.812 0.822 0.808
Mn 0.005 0.005 0.008 0.005 0.006 0.007 0.007 0.005 0.007 0.010
Ca 0.699 0.699 0.775 0.711 0.827 0.827 0.827 0.837 0.853 0.860
Ti 0.043 0.043 0.069 0.038 0.028 0.037 0.038 0.042 0.037 0.023
Co 0.010 0.010 0.009 0.016 0.019 0.000 0.015 0.000 0.000 0.000
Ni 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.007 0.004 0.000 0.000
Total 3.952 3.853 4.013 3.943 4.032 3.926 4.005 4.013 3.997 3.976
Atomic %ages
Mg 40.211 42.572 40.259 45.973 44.502 39.342 44.543 41.571 42.348 42.803
Fe 20.722 16.068 18.589 13.778 12.776 14.507 12.492 15.573 13.705 11.630
Ca 39.067 41.361 41.153 40.249 42.722 46.150 42.965 42.856 43.946 45.567
mg* 65.992 72.599 68.412 76.941 77.695 73.059 78.098 72.748 75.550 78.635
 5

Table: 4.
Microprobe analyses of amphiboles in the dolerites from the Kirana Complex
Sample 131-72 147-72 150-72 151-72 157-72 158-72 165-72 167-72 172-72 173-72
#
Lab. # C3-am-C C3-am-C C4/3-am C5/1-am C5/1-am C4–am C2/1-am C2/3-am C4/1-am C4-am
SiO2 44.120 43.334 43.12 41.25 43.220 41.450 42.889 44.120 43.110 41.330
TiO2 0.000 0.890 0.546 0.590 0.510 0.030 0.070 0.100 0.342 0.432
Al2O3 10.120 9.260 9.34 10.230 9.330 9.780 8.340 8.660 9.340 9.230
Cr2O3 0.010 0.060 0.02 0.420 0.230 0.030 0.000 0.020 0.040 0.080
FeOT 20.340 19.334 19.334 20.560 23.230 22.445 22.445 22.140 23.120 20.230
MnO 0.320 0.330 0.35 0.180 0.190 0.350 0.280 0.260 0.320 0.270
MgO 9.340 12.220 10.34 10.550 9.340 10.220 9.340 10.320 11.450 12.090
NiO 0.040 0.000 0.04 0.000 0.000 0.030 0.010 0.000 0.020 0.050
CaO 15.223 14.221 16.37 16.230 14.230 15.920 15.450 13.950 12.340 16.300
Na2O 0.190 0.330 0.42 0.200 0.250 0.240 0.460 0.370 0.340 0.300
K2O 0.130 0.020 0.08 0.000 0.010 0.070 0.160 0.120 0.000 0.000
Total 99.833 99.999 99.960 100.210 100.540 100.565 99.444 100.060 100.422 100.312
No. of cations on the basis of 23 oxygens
Si4+ 6.571 6.391 6.483 6.191 6.378 6.259 6.530 6.497 6.373 6.333
Al 1.420 1.609 1.517 1.809 1.622 1.741 1.485 1.503 1.627 1.667
Al 0.356 0.000 0.138 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Ti4+ 0.000 0.099 0.062 0.067 0.057 0.003 0.008 0.011 0.038 0.050
Cr3+ 0.001 0.007 0.002 0.050 0.027 0.004 0.000 0.002 0.005 0.010
Fe3+ 0.144 0.378 0.000 0.189 0.854 0.114 0.271 0.873 0.608 0.000
Fe2+ 2.389 2.007 2.431 2.391 2.013 2.720 2.565 1.853 2.250 2.592
Mn2+ 0.040 0.041 0.045 0.023 0.024 0.045 0.036 0.032 0.040 0.035
Mg2+ 2.074 2.687 2.318 2.360 2.055 2.301 2.104 2.266 2.523 2.762
Ni2+ 0.005 0.000 0.005 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.001 0.000 0.002 0.006
Ca2+ 2.429 2.247 2.637 2.609 2.250 2.576 2.501 2.201 1.954 2.676
Na+ 0.055 0.094 0.122 0.058 0.072 0.070 0.135 0.106 0.097 0.089
K+ 0.025 0.004 0.015 0.000 0.002 0.013 0.031 0.023 0.000 0.000
Total 15.508 15.562 15.775 15.747 15.351 15.850 15.666 15.367 15.518 16.220
 6

Table: 5.
Microprobe analyses of orthoclases in the rhyolites from the Kirana Complex
Sample No 21-vol-166 24-vol-166 26-vol-166 28-vol-166 32-vol-166 45-vol-166 46-vol-166 47-vol-166 50-vol-166 52-vol-166
Rock Name C2-orth C2-orth C2-orth C1-orth C1-orth C2-orth C1-orth C –orth C1-orth C1-orth
TiO 2 0.150 0.090 0.170 0.150 0.150 0.060 0.190 0.080 0.140 0.190
SiO 2 70.800 79.850 80.690 76.810 79.700 84.650 67.840 81.980 83.610 72.240
Na 2 O 0.120 0.100 0.080 0.140 0.100 0.060 0.170 0.130 0.070 0.120
Cr 2 O 3 0.000 0.020 0.030 0.010 0.030 0.010 0.040 0.020 0.040 0.020
K2 O 7.250 4.580 4.510 4.960 4.780 4.010 6.750 4.650 3.950 6.690
MgO 0.820 0.550 0.620 0.670 0.570 0.460 0.940 0.480 0.400 0.780
MnO 0.010 0.040 0.020 0.000 0.000 0.010 0.020 0.030 0.020 0.030
CaO 0.000 0.000 0.020 0.030 0.010 0.000 0.000 0.010 0.030 0.010
Al 2 O 3 18.230 12.840 11.760 15.200 13.000 9.230 21.980 10.950 9.930 17.980
FeO 1.908 1.269 1.599 1.812 1.482 1.301 1.546 1.215 1.770 1.716
NiO 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.040 0.000 0.020 0.000 0.000 0.000
Total 99.288 99.339 99.499 99.782 99.862 99.791 99.496 99.545 99.960 99.776

Mol.%age
ab 2.448 3.204 2.609 4.084 3.069 2.218 3.678 4.059 2.600 2.644
an 0.000 0.000 0.361 0.484 0.170 0.000 0.000 0.173 0.617 0.122
or 97.552 96.796 97.029 95.432 96.761 97.782 96.322 95.768 96.783 97.234
No. of cations on the basis of 32 oxygens
Ti 0.020 0.012 0.022 0.019 0.019 0.008 0.025 0.010 0.018 0.025
Si 12.470 13.625 13.756 13.171 13.572 14.240 11.929 13.926 14.095 12.594
Na 0.041 0.033 0.026 0.046 0.033 0.020 0.058 0.043 0.023 0.040
Cr 0.000 0.003 0.004 0.001 0.004 0.001 0.006 0.003 0.005 0.003
K 1.630 0.998 0.982 1.086 1.039 0.861 1.515 1.008 0.850 1.489
Mg 0.215 0.140 0.157 0.171 0.144 0.115 0.246 0.121 0.100 0.202
Mn 0.001 0.006 0.003 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.003 0.004 0.003 0.004
Ca 0.000 0.000 0.004 0.006 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.005 0.002
Al 3.778 2.578 2.359 3.066 2.604 1.827 4.547 2.188 1.969 3.688
Fe+2 0.262 0.169 0.212 0.242 0.196 0.170 0.212 0.161 0.232 0.233
Ni 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.005 0.000 0.003 0.000 0.000 0.000
Total 18.397 17.550 17.503 17.789 17.601 17.235 18.518 17.456 17.284 18.255
 7

the basis of 6 oxygens and 4 cations. The chemical data

Complex show small compositional variations.
indicates that the clinopyroxene mainly formed under low
Compositions of olivine phenocrysts range from Fo 73-70 .
pressure conditions as documented by their low Al+6 value
Slight zoning to more fayalitic composition rims is
as represented in Table: 3.
observed as represented by Table: 1.
The microprobe analyses of the amphibole are given
Olivine occurs as scattered microphenocrysts, but it
in Table: 4. All the samples fall in “Fe-hornblende” to “Mg-
is dominantly a groundmass phase in the olivine normative
hornblende” fields, when plotted on the Si versus
lavas. The microphenocrysts are normally zoned, the total
Mg/(Mg+Fe2) diagram (Fig: 3) after Leake et al (1997). It
compositional range being Fo48-61 . Reaction rims of Ca-
occurs as phenocrysts as well as in the groundmass. The
poor pyroxene have not been observed. Granular
amphibole is rich in Ca to be hornblende enriched in Fe and
groundmass olivine is, within a given sample,
Mg to be classified as Fe-hornblende to Mg-hornblende.
compositionally similar to the coexisting microphenocryst
The chemistry of the amphibole follows the parameters of
rims, the observed range being Fo47-68 . Al was detected
Ca-amphibole i.e. Ca2+> 1.50; (Na+K)< 0.50 (after Leake et
only in a few samples. The trace element spectra are also
al, 1997). All the samples fall in the “Magmatic amphibole”
similar. Cr is not detectable where as Ni and Co is detected
field, when plotted on the Si versus Ca+Na+K diagram
in some samples. The CaO content in olivine is dependent
(Fig: 4) after Leake et al (1971).
on silica activity of magma; high silica activity promoting
Ca poor olivine. Thus the most Ca-poor olivines in plutonic Felsic and Silicic Associations
rocks should be expected in low-level undersaturated rocks.
Rhyolites are phenocryst free (5% total volume of
The composition of plagioclase in basalt plots in the samples) with two-felspars plus quartz. Orthoclase, (the
labradorite/bytownite field (Fig: 1). The structural formula dominant felspar, generally in excess of plagioclase in at
of plagioclase is determined on the basis of 8 Oxygens. The least 5:1 proportion) ranges in composition from 95% to
Calcium contents in plagioclase vary from 67% to 79% and 98% (Table: 5). Individual crystals show minor oscillatory
all felspars are deficient in Al. The plagioclase from zoning of plagioclase. Plagioclase is predominantly sodic
groundmass does not show any appreciable variation from oligoclase and individual phenocrysts show oscillatory
the phenocrystal composition and plots in the labradorite normal zoning typically with less than 5% total variation.
field. The core of one of the phenocrysts plots near the Samples from the different flows show small variations in
boundary of labradorite-bytownite while the rim of the their total compositional range.
same is essentially of labradorite composition. As the
Wide variation exists in the K-Na content of the
composition of plagioclase in the groundmass does not
alkali felspar in the different samples. The two phenocrysts
show any appreciable variation, it is tempting to conclude
of alkali felspars from rhyolite represent almost end
that the magma ascended immediately after the formation
members with 94% K Al Si 3 O 8 , and 98% Na Al Si 3 O 8
of plagioclase phenocryst, allowing no time for further
(Fig: 1). The maximum albite contents of K-felspar from
crystal fractionation in the residual melt.
rhyolite is 45%, with less than 2wt% anorthite, K-felspar is
Plagioclase represents phenocryst as well as found to co-exist with pure albite.
groundmass phase in the dolerite, exhibiting relatively
The maximum albite content of k-felspar in the
small compositional changes. Plagioclase crystals are
granites is 3% with <0.5% anorthite (Table:5). The iron
slightly zoned and restricted in composition to labradorite
contents of the K-felspar ranges from 1.26% to 1.91% as
to bytownite (An 67 to An 82 ) field, however in the altered
FeO. Wide variations exist in K-Na content of the alkali
dolerites only albite is present (Fig. 1) The plagioclase from
felspar in the rhyolites of the Malani volcanics (India).
groundmass does not show any appreciable variation from
Bhushan (1989) presented analyses exhibiting
phenocrystic composition and plots in the same fields.
94%KAlSi 3 O 8 .
The olivine normative lavas are characterized by a
DISCUSSION
distinctly pink, granular groundmass of calcium rich augite,
which shows rather restricted solid solution. It is a generally accepted fact that felsic volcanics
predominate over the mafics within bimodal complexes (e.
Microprobe analyses of the pyroxene from the
g. Yellowstone and Medicine lake in Western, USA,
Kirana basalts/dolerites clearly indicate that all the analysed
Iceland, Western Scotland and Southern Queens land of
samples fall within the field of augite, when plotted on the
Australia, Malanis, India; Nagarparkar Complex, Pakistan).
Ca-Mg-Fe diagram (Fig: 2) after Morimoto, et al (1988).
Ahmad (2000) and Ahmad (2004) based on geochemical
Calcic augite is the dominant phenocryst and groundmass
constraints suggest that the rhyolites of the Kirana and
phase following plagioclase in the dolerites of the Kirana
Nagarparkar complexes are not differentiated products of
Complex. Analyses of pyroxenes (Table: 3) calculated on
8
 9

periods of time. The observed variations in the chemical

basaltic magmatism. Near absence of intermediate members
compositions of Kirana volcanics require that they be
between the basaltic and rhyolitic flows and presence of
derived by different degrees of melting from heterogeneous
voluminous rhyolitic rocks suggests that the rhyolites are
mantle source.
not differentiated products of basaltic magmas (Bhushan,
1989). Only a small proportion of rhyolitic material as a AKNOWLEDGEMENTS
fractionate may be generated by the differentiation of basic
The authors are highly obliged to Prof. J. P. Burg,
magma. Hence their formation by fractionation from basalt
Director, Institute of Geology, E. H. Zurich, Switzerland for
is not considered feasible. Evidently the generation of
his guidance during the course of this research project. This
silicic magma should be related to partial melting of a
research work was carried out under partial support of
preexisting crust, enriched in silica, alumina and alkalies
Punjab University research grant no 8/2001-R-I and 211-
(McBurney, 1984). The presence of bipyramidal quartz and
222-P&D dated 25 6 99. Pakistan Institute of Engineering
K-felspar as phenocrysts is indicative of high temperature
and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad and GeoScience
of crystallization (Deer et al., 1992). The long-lived
Laboratories, Islamabad, are acknowledged for providing
magmatism in the Neoproterozoic Kirana-Malani Basin
analytical support in the laboratories and logistics during
necessitates the geochemical and geodynamic conditions
the fieldwork.
that enable melting and igneous activity for extended

REFERENCES
Ahmad, S. A., 2000. Geology and geochemistry of Neoproterozoic Kirana Volcanics, Sargodha district, Pakistan. Geol. Bull.
Punjab Univers, 35: 59-71.
Ahmad, S. A., 2004. Geology, Petrology and Geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic Indian Shield rocks extension in Pakistan,
Ins. Geol. Lahore, Pakistan. Ph. D thesis., 478.
Alam, G.S., 1987. Geology of Kirana Hills, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Information release no.201. GSP. Quetta,
Pakistan:1-37.
Alam, G.S., Jaleel, A. and Ahmad, R. 1992. Geology of the Kirana area, District Sargodha Punjab, Pakistan. Acta Miner. Pak
6: 93-100.
Bhushan, S.K., 1989. Mineral chemistry and petrogenetic aspects of Malani Volcanics, Western Rajasthan. Indian Minerals.,
43: 3&4: 325-338.
Chaudhry, M.N., Ahmad, S.A. and Mateen, A., 1999. Some postulates on the tectonomagmatism, tectonostratigraphy and
economic potential of Kirana-Malani-Basin, Indo-Pakistan. Pakistan. Jour. Hydrocarbon. Res. Islamabad, Pakistan.,
11: 52-68.
Davies, R.G. and Crawford, A.R., 1971. Petrography and age of the rocks of Buland Hills, Sargodha Districts West Pakistan,
Geol. Mag., 108: 3: 235-246.
Heron, A. M., 1953. The Geology of Central Rajputana. Mem. Geol. Surv. Inida., 79: 1-339.
Kochhar, N., 1984. Malani igneous suite: Hotspot magmatism and Cratonization of the northern part of Indian Shield.
Journal of Geological Survey of India., 25, (3): 155-161.
Leak, B.E., 1971. On aluminous edenitic and hornblendes. Mineral. Mag., 42: 389-407.
Leak, B.E., Wooley, A. R., Arps. C.E.S., Birch. W. D., Gilbert, M.C., Grice, J.D., Hawthorne, C., Kato, A., and others.,1997.
Nomenclature of amphiboles: Report of the subcommittee on amphiboles of the International Mineralogical
Association, Commission on new minerals and mineral names. Amer. Mineral,. 82: 1019-1037.