Sequential leaching of silicified Archaean carbonates: A Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd and Pb-Pb isotopic contribution to their tectonic-thermal history (Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa)

Abstract Sequential leaching was completed by successive interactions of ultra-pure H2O, HAc, HCl and HNO3 with silicified/carbonated Archaean whole rocks from Barberton Greenstone belt of South Africa. The purpose of this experiment was an identification of the minerals interacting with each reagent and, therefore, a detailed succession of isotopically dated tectonic-thermal episodes recorded in these minerals. The contents of the major, trace and rare-earth elemental, together with the Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions of untreated, leachate and residue triplets allowed identification and analysis of various types of carbonates and sulfates mixed with insoluble silicates. The samples yi…