Loveringite from the Khamal Layered Mafic Intrusion: The First Occurrence in the Arabian Shield, Northwest Saudi Arabia

Loveringite, a rare member of the crichtonite group with nominal formula (Ca,Ce)(Ti,Fe,Cr,Mg)21O38, was found in Khamal layered mafic intrusion, first known locality for this mineral Arabian Shield. The large post-collisional complex, is lithologically zoned, bottom to top, from olivine gabbro through gabbronorite, hornblende gabbro, anorthosite, and diorite quartz diorite. Loveringite near base as an intercumulus phase gabbro. Most loveringite grains are homogeneous, although few zoned cores rich TiO2, Al2O3, Cr2O3, CaO towards rims FeO*, ZrO2, V2O3, Y2O3, earth elements (REE). Petrographic relations indicate that formed after crystallization cumulus olivine, pyroxenes, plagioclase. Anhedral corroded crystals surrounded by reaction Mn-bearing ilmenite baddeleyite, suggesting residual liquid evolved into subsequently out stability field loveringite. budget incompatible (Zr, Hf, REE, U, Th) hosted anomalous primitive liquid. Saturation likely result early contamination primary melt anatexis country rock, followed isolation evolving space restricted communication overlying magma chamber. reflect diffusive equilibration between their ilmenite.