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  • The Jabal Nafusah phonolites are characterized by the dominance of felsic components, or a very low colour ratio. As mentioned by Almond et al. (1974), phenocrysts (mostly of alkali feldspar) may occur, but generally the phonolites are fine grained, poorly crystallized or even aphyric. Along with microscope analysis, the mineralogical composition has been investigated, essentially by means of X-ray diffraction. The chief (felsic) components found were: sanidine, analcime, nepheline, sodalite and albite (given in order of approximately decreasing frequency). The frequency of analcime is quite remarkable, and has not been hitherto described. Also shown are the relations of changing proportions of mineralogical compositions and detailed X-ray data.

  • Major and trace element data of Jabal Nafusah phonolites are compared with those of other phonolitic provinces: Rhoen, Hegau and Kaiserstuhl (West Germany); Massif Central and Velay (France); and - with data from the literature - Kenyites and other phonolites of Kenya. In this geochemical comparison the character of the Jabal Nafusah phonolites can be specified exactly. Additional new analytical data are given for the elements Nb, U, Th, F, S and Cl. Between Zr, Nb, U and Th there are positive correlations. Plots of Rb versus Nb, and particularly Nb versus Zr reveal "fans", illustrating the individual differentiation trends of the distinct phonolite provinces. A plot on hyperbolic axes brings the data of the diverging fan to a common curve. Each province occupies its own field on this diagram; the Jabal Nafusah phonolites are situated in an extreme position. On triangular plots it can be shown that the Jabal Nafusah phonolites are enriched (relative to other elements) in Al, Na, Fe, Ca, K, Ti, Zr, F, Cl and Th as compared with other phonolitic provinces; but depleted in Mg, S, Nb and P.

Last update: 4/28/26, 8:04 AM (UTC)