CHAPTER-5

MICROSTRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR AND PORPHYROBLAST-MATRIX

RELATIONSHIP

5.1 Introduction

Microstructure of a rock that can be analysed under microscopic scale, gives a better

acquaintance between deformation and metamorphism (and sometimes magmatism),

and therefore, it is used as one of the best tools to establish tectono-metamorphic history

of rock. In earlier literatures texture is used to mean microstructure, but later on,

texture has been replaced as per recommendation of IUGS as microstructure.

Microstructures of rocks typically figure out the arrangement of mineral fabrics with

respect to different tectonic activity. The study of microstructural behaviours of rock

defines the conditions of deformation along with the relative stages of growth of new

minerals, mineral alteration with pressure and temperature variation and subsequently

the overprinting of superimposed deformational episodes with comparative time factor.

Microstructural study, specifically in thin section, including the interpretation of the

metamorphic and deformational conditions during their formation is an important tool

to unravel the tectonic and metamorphic evolution of an area (Passchier and Trouw,

1996).

______________________________________________________________________

* This chapter is based on our paper published

(a) in the journal of Earth Science India, 2013, vol. 6(1); pp. 1-13, entitled Porphyroblast-Matrix
Relationships: A Case Study from Metapelitic Formation of Shillong Group, Meghalaya, India (eISSN:
0974-8350).
(b) Microstructural Architecture of Mesoproterozoic Lower metapelitic formation of Shillong basin,
Meghalaya, India, Earth System Sciences, section iv, v. 2, pp. 324-341, 2009 published by Concept
publishing company, New Delhi edited by Arun Kumar, R.S. Kushwaha and Baleswar Thakur (ISBN:
8069-617-0).
 Metapelitic rocks are the best host of microstructural study as the sustainability

of the small scale rock structures has more durability in metapelite compared to other

types of rock. In this communication, an attempt has been made to decipher

deformational history and growth of porphyroblasts / minerals and rock fabrics under

metamorphic conditions from metapelites of the Shillong Group of rocks of Meghalaya

where highest index minerals are marked by garnet and micas encased within the highly

ductile anisotropic shear foliation developed during first phase deformation itself. Out

of different components of metapelites already mentioned in previous chapters, quartz

mica schist, garnetiferous mica schist and quartz sericite schist have captured well

developed microstructural imprints. Again, foliation as a planar fabric of such

components has been considered as a reference surface where imprints of the co-axial to

non-coaxial deformational phases and growth of porphyroblasts are marked with.

Porphyroblasts, the large crystals embedded in fine grained ground matrix,

preserve relicts of earlier fabrics and help to study their relationship with host S-surface.

During low grade metamorphism, minerals that are not taking part during metamorphic

reaction are not completely removed (Passchier and Trouw, 2005). They are overgrown

and enclosed by the host porphyry as inclusion. Opaque minerals and quartz grains are

most common type of inclusion. Arrangement of inclusion is the most distinctive

microstructural features that may be curved or straight in two dimensions (Vernon,

1978). Si fabric is used for representing internal fabrics that is inclusions in porphyry

and Se is used for external fabrics representing the outer groundmass matrix. In areas

of repeated deformation and metamorphism, the angular relationship between the

inclusion trails preserved in the porphyroblasts (Si) and the matrix foliation provides

key evidences for understanding the nature of the superposed deformational and

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metamorphic events. A discordant relation between the inclusion trails preserved in the

core and those near the rim of the same porphyroblast may indicate metamorphic

mineral growth overlapping more than one of the discrete deformational phases (Bell

and Rubenach 1983; Passchier and Trouw 2005). Si fabrics of garnet are categorically

marked as straight, curved, sigmoidal, continuous, and partial and their relationship with

respect to external foliation (Se) are worked out.

The Si fabrics encased in porphyroblast not only indicate that they were formed

prior to the nucleation of the porphyroblast but also they could have grown mimetically

in the previous S-surface simultaneously with the porphyroblast, prior to incorporation

(Vernon, 1978). They are later incorporated with the porphyroblast. On the other hand,

inclusion grains could have originated by exsolution or replacement, rather than being

inherited from a pre-existing surface, depending on the inclusion arrangement related to

the crystal structure of the host (Ingerson, 1938). Therefore, the inclusion may be of two

patterns. One is inherited Si and another one is hosts crystallographically controlled

(exsolved) set of elongate inclusions. Inclusion observed in the garnet porphyroblast of

the study area is of inherited type, rather than the second one. Si may change their shape

after incorporation in porphyroblast to minimize the interfacial free energy under

prevailing metamorphic condition, when they are chemically comfortable with host

porphyroblast (Kretz, 1966; Vernon, 1968, 1976).

If prograde metamorphic changes occurred during the development of a single

foliation, sequential or episodic porphyroblast growth may preserve different stages of

foliation development, thus preserving information about the rate of fabric evolution

relative to changes in metamorphic conditions. Bell and Rubenach (1983), provided an

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important framework for this type of study by proposing a six-stage model for

crenulation cleavage development (Fig.5.1). Most of these studies concluded that

porphyroblast nucleation and growth occurred rapidly relative to cleavage development.

Williams (1994) observed that ... fabric development and porphyroblast growth may

have been quite rapid, of the order of several hundreds of thousands of years.....

Reinhardt and Rubenach (1989) noted that porphyroblast growth may not be consistent

with some studies of chemical zoning in garnet from areas recording significant

pressure as well as temperature changes. They suggested that rapid growth in

Proterozoic rocks may reflect rapid temperature increase during the early stages of

deformation, and therefore fundamentally different P-T-t histories compared to rocks

that record extensive uplift or synmetamorphic thrusting. A causal relationship has

been championed by Bell et al. (1986) and Bell and Hayward (1992), who argued that

deformation partitioning and crenulation-cleavage development, control the timing and

locations of porphyroblast nucleation and growth. Although this model has become

popular, occasionally it has been questioned or challenged (e.g. Vernon 1989; Passchier

et al. 1992; Phillips and Key 1992; Vernon et al. 1992, 1993b).

The way fossil records act as window for palaeontologists, the structural and

metamorphic geologists search for window to workout history of deformation and

metamorphic mineral transformation preserved in and around porphyroblasts that grow

sequentially under different settings of ductile deformation. Such fascinating study was

carried out since the days of Zwart (1960a, b, 1962); Chatterjee, 1961; Spry (1963),

Ferguson and Harte (1975), Vernon (1978). The experimental study of microstructural

behavior of metapelites has been worked out in two broad classes for convenient

purposes. One is matrix to matrix relationship and other one is porphyroblast-matrix

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 5.1a

5.1b
Fig.5.1a,b. Schematic diagram after Bell and Rubenach (1983) showing different
stages of development of foliation and growth of porphyroblasts.

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relationship. For regional tectonic interpretation, a close systematic study of

porphyroblast-matrix relationship in garnet bearing metapelites and metabasites is very

useful (Chattopadhay and Ghosh, 2007). The following minerals and fabrics are

considered for microstructural studies of the present area.

1. Garnet, 2. Feldspar, 3. Micas, 4. Regional foliation (S1),

5. Selective foliation S2 and S3 and folds/faults on minor scales.

5.2 Structures and microstructures of metapelites

In this chapter, deformational architectures of only metapelites of the Lower Shillong

Group are dealt with and hence, no prefix M before deformational settings (as

discussed in chapter 3) is made use of in the present discussion.

Bedding is the most dominant planar fabric (S0) and acts as tape recorder where

entire history of deformational events are registered. Based on the overprinting

relationship of planar, linear and fold fabrics on mesoscopic and macroscopic scales,

multiphase of deformations were established by earlier workers (Bhattacharjee and

Rahman, 1985; Barooah, 1976; Mitra, 1998). Sarma (2002), Sarma et al. (2001) and

Devi and Sarma (2006) have established three phases of folding in Lower Metapelitic

Formation. Three stages of deformation - pre-tectonic, syn-tectonic and post-tectonic to

D1 (post-tectonic to D1 is referred to here as intertectonic between D1 and D2

deformations) are identified from metapelites and they are marked as M1, M2 and M3.

Similarly syn-tectonic to D2 deformation is marked as M4. No significant metamorphic

growth is traceable during D3 rather insignificant reorientation of earlier planar fabric or

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partial growth of mica along axial orientation of F3 during D3 phases are observed in the

metapelites.

5.2a 5.2b

5.3a 5.3b

5.4a 5.4b

Figs. 5.2-5.4: Fig. 5.2a,b Regional foliation
elongate quartz in quartz mica schist from
pervasive foliation (S1) is folded by F2,
crenulation cleavage (S2) axial planar to F2.;
folded by F2 fold in metapelite.
(S1) is marked by mica flakes and
Mawmaram area; 5.3a,b Regional
showing development of discrete
5.4a,b Axial plane foliation (S1) is

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 In metapelites and associated schistose quartzites, both penetrative and non-

penetrative structures are observed. The bedding after transposition or the regional

stratification with layer parallel colour banding and lamination are designated as S0 and

is the most dominant planar fabric. F1 is the earliest recognisable structure preserved in

the form of small intrafolial, isoclinal folds marked by thin quartzite layers (Figs. 3.9;

5.5a,b) which is tectonically detached in the direction of tectonic flow associated with

highly penetrative axial plane foliation (S1). S1 is highly pervasive in nature marked by

quartz, micaceous minerals and feldspar. F1 shows both S and Z senses plunge being at

moderate angle towards NE or SW and is particularly developed in Sumer, Krang,

Mawmaram and Sohiong areas. Stretching lineation is observed and such lineation is

traceable parallel to the x-axis of the finite strain ellipsoid. The dominant foliation (S1)

is often accompanied by intensive linear fabric as a result of stretching. As F1 is rarely

preserved, therefore S0 and S1 are considered as the key structure and is considered as

the XY plane of tectonic strain of first deformation (D1) where imprints of later

deformations are identified.

F2 folds are essentially asymmetric, recumbent type observed in mesoscopic to

microscopic scales. Such F2 asymmetric folds are considered as a shear sense indicator

and accordingly top to the NW shear is noted. F2 folds and associated S2 foliation show

varied patterns and superposed by later D3 deformation (Fig. 3.19). F2 folds maintain

enechelon tendency and of conjugate nature (Figs.5.3a,b; 5.8a,b). Folds of second

deformation are associated with poorly developed fracture cleavage in competent rocks

and axial plane foliation (S2) in incompetent rocks of LMF. S2 maintain conjugate

nature marked by large flakes of mica (Fig. 5.15). They are accompanied by S2 either

along axial plane or short limbs of small asymmetric folds. Hinges are sharp to semi

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rounded showing dextral and sinistral pattern without variation in orthogonal thickness

(Figs. 5.13a,b). Under microscope, quartz mica schist characteristically developed M

and Q domains (Figs. 5.2a,b; 5.7a,b; 5.10a,b) and the micaceous layers are highly

crenulated showing the development of zonal crenulation cleavage and discrete

5.5a 5.5b

5.6a 5.6b

5.7a 5.7b

Figs. 5.5 5.7: 5.5a,b Development of axial plane cleavage (S1) to W type F1 fold
in metapelite. The fold maintains disharmonic nature and attenuated limbs; 5.6a,b
Development of zonal cleavage (S2) in metapelite. In M domain small mica flakes
lie parallel to S2. S1 makes different angles to S2; 5.7a,b Photomicrograph showing
tight F2 folding associated with axial plane foliation (S2) in metapelite.

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crenulation cleavage (Figs. 5.3a,b; 5s.6a,b; 5.11a,b). F2 folds are upright showing low

plunge towards NE and / or SW (Figs. 5.4a,b). Both S and Z senses are observed. F2

folds are similar in nature with thickened hinges and thin limbs showing S type (Figs.

5.14a,b). Both F1 and F2 folds are coaxial or nearly coaxial. Some of the quartz lenses

are tectonically attenuated and sheared out as boudins, pinch and swell structure during

D2 phase (Figs. 5.12a,b).

F3 folds are broad warp type showing high wave length-amplitude ratio. Small

digitations of F3 are superimposed over F2 crenulations (Fig.3.10) in the hand specimen

and on the outcrop scale such interference leads to the formation of dome and basin

structure. F3 also indicates conjugate nature. In the competent rock of LMF sequence, F3

folds show open warp type with asymmetric nature, axial orientation being NW-SE and

show sinistral vergence. Broad and short muscovite flakes are superimposed over

dominant matrix foliation S1 and they may be due to reorientation of the earlier fabric

during syn D3 deformation (Figs. 5.9a,b; 5.15; 5.28a,b), hence cannot be correlated with

M5 metamorphism. Interference of F1 and F3 is noted (Fig. 5.16).

N-S trending kink fold, minor faulting, joints and fractures are considered as last

deformational imprints along with intragranular kinking and intragranular faulting in

mica and they are designated as fourth phase of deformation (Figs. 3.30; 5.22a,b;

5.29a,b).

Micro folds in the quartz vein of quartz sericite schist show disharmonic hinges

of M and W pattern, limbs being dextrally and sinistrally folded with Z and S patterns

(Figs. 5.3a,b; 5.5a,b). The limb of the south-eastern corner of the fold shows clockwise

sense of rotation (Z) whereas the limb of the north-western corner executes

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anticlockwise sense of rotation (S). The sense of rotation of the limbs of fold indicates

flexural flow mechanism. Along axial plane of the F1 fold, micaceous minerals

developed. Therefore, F1 fold is highly associated with penetrative axial planar cleavage

5.8a 5.8b

5.9a 5.9b

5.10a 5.10b

Figs. 5.8 5.10: 5.8a,b F2 folds show enechelon pattern and conjugate nature in
metapelite. S2 transects S1 at high angle; 5.9a,b Alternate Q and M domains in quartz
mica schist. A few muscovite flakes parallel to F3 crenulation lie at high angle to S1;
5.10a,b Alternate Q and M domains in metapelite showing development of two sets
of planar fabrics S1 and S2 at high angle, one quartz vein is observed parallel to
dominant foliation S1.

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S1 which is parallel to lithological and compositional banding except fold hinge where

S1 transects S0 at high angle (Figs. 5.5a,b; 5.16). Quartz vein of S1 foliation shows

conjugate folds where single hinge fold gradually becomes double hinge. Again some

subsidiary shear plane developed along the axial planar direction of F2 conjugate fold.

Overprinting of S2 is observed along the subsidiary shear marked by flakes of micas.

The crenulation cleavage is defined by alternating quartz-rich and quartz-poor domains

in the more pelitic units, and is not developed in psematic layers. Quartz rich domains

are wider than the Q-poor domains which occupy the longer limbs of the asymmetric

microfolds. In some porphyroblast, development of fracture is seen which exhibit

imbricate or book shelf structure. Sometimes the fragments are separated by the matrix

surrounding the augen and develop microboudinage. Dextrally rotated porphyry show

imbricate structure inside the grain and some portion of the grain is partially replaced by

iron rich minerals. According to Vernon (1978) the deformation that produces the

microboudin post-dated the initial formation of Se.

In quartz sericite schist of Mawmaram area, small quartz vein exhibits micro

fault of approximately 0.6cm displacement. The vein shows dextral sense of faulting. It

can be depicted that the deformational phase of metapelitic formation is influenced by

high strain rate causing brittle faulting at very low grade rocks. There is no new mineral

development along the fault plane which indicates that the fault associated with

deformational episode is probably the last phase representing fourth phase of

deformation under brittle environment.

Folding and shearing have played a vital role to decipher deformational history

cum metamorphism of metapelites of Shillong Group. The most pervasive foliation (S1)

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and transposed litholayering (S0) is considered as reference plane of first deformation

defined by alternate bands of quartz (Q-domain) and micas (M-domain) of variable

thickness from cm to mm scale (Figs. 5.2a,b; 5.4a,b; 5.10a,b). M-domain is constituted

by biotite1 and muscovite1 and they are interleaved. They lie in the x-direction of strain

ellipse defining highly penetrative foliation (S1) which is syngenetic to M2

metamorphism of D1 deformation (Figs. 5.2a,b). M1 metamorphism is pretectonic to

major recrystallization and is totally transformed during D1 leaving imprint of relict

fabric as internal schistosity with some rigid porphyroblast (Figs. 5.2a,b; 5.3a,b). The

intergranular spaces of Q-domain are filled by micaceous minerals. Microfolding in M-

domain is common. They exhibited asymmetric fold and kinking which is resultant of

F2 (Figs. 5.13a,b). The kink plane makes high angle with tectonic orientation of S1

(regional schistosity). Along the axial planar orientation of F2, second generation of

micas (muscovite2 and biotite2) and also small quartz vein makes strain slip cleavage

exhibiting the zonal crenulations cleavage (Figs. 5.6a,b) S2. Similarly, S2 is also

differentiated into M and Q-domains developed zonal, discrete and extension

crenulation cleavages during D2 phase. Zonal crenulation cleavages show right lateral

rotation and the crenulation foliation make low to moderate angle with the line of

interface between the mica rich and quartz rich seams. In some cases the thickness of

microlithons and cleavage domain becomes equal. Each type of cleavage has

composition different from adjacent microlithons, which reflects rearrangement of

chemical phases during cleavage formation (Gray, 1979). Another set of broad and short

types of mica flakes are observed superimposed over the earlier one and more or less

perpendicular orientation to S1 is designated as S3 (Figs. 5.28a,b). They are probably

syntectonic to D3 phase. In quartz mica schist anastomosing foliation or network fabric

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is noticed (CS1 foliation) which is exhibited by long, narrow flakes of micaceous

minerals and elongate quartz and CS1 foliation is equated with S1 as a variant due to

rheological differences.

5.11a 5.11b

5.12a 5.12b

5.13a
5.13b

Figs. 5.11 5.13: 5.11a,b Alternate Q and M domain. The micaceous layers are
intricately folded by F2 of conjugate habit; 5.12a,b Quartz lenses tectonically
attenuated in the direction of regional schistosity S1. A pretectonic garnet at the
right corner is observed; 5.13a,b F2 fold hinge is semi rounded with slight
asymmetric sinistral habit. Orthogonal thickness is slightly variable. Development
of S2 along axial plane is observed.

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 5.14a 5.14b
500 m

5.15 5.16

5.17a 5.17b

Figs. 5.14 5.17: 5.14a,b S-type similar fold of second generation F2 is marked by
quartz rich layer with attenuated limbs towards bottom. Axial plane foliation S2 is
observed; 5.15 Two broad plates of mica making angular relationship is superposed
over dominant S1 plane probably indicating either conjugate or of later generation;
5.16 Interference of F1 and F3 is marked by thin quartzite layer enclosed within
metapelitic host. S1 is axial planar to F1. Some large flakes of micas (S2) are observed
which may be coaxial to S1; 5.17a,b A part of intertectonic garnet (left) with
truncation and/or penetration of external foliation into the garnet indicating two
stages of growth. Small laths of biotite transecting external foliation within the garnet
are seen.

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5.3 Porphyroblast-matrix relationship

Porphyroblast - matrix relationship has been widely used as one of the most significant

tools to evaluate structural and metamorphic history in a multi deformed terrain since

the days of Zwart, (1960a, b; 1962), Spry, (1963), Ferguson and Harte, (1975) and

Vernon (1978). Usually prphyroblast - matrix relationship can be best studied in

metapelites having garnet and staurolite minerals. Garnet bearing amphibolite also

display Si Se fabrics to evaluate metamorphic history. Porphyroblast with inclusion

trail may indicate relative age of mineral growth to deformation. For regional tectonic

interpretation a close systematic study of porphyroblast-matrix relationship in garnet

bearing metapelites and metabasites is very useful (Chattopadhay and Ghosh, 2007). In

this communication, we attempt to decipher deformational history and growth of

porphyroblasts / minerals and rock fabrics under metamorphic conditions from

metapelites of the Shillong Group of rocks of Meghalaya where highest index minerals

are marked by garnet and micas encased within the highly ductile anisotropic shear

foliation developed during first phase deformation itself. Under favourable condition of

P-T, nucleation of new minerals starts during metamorphism. Generally, small types of

nuclei have a high surface energy that forms a barrier for their growth. Under such

circumstances, the number of nuclei survives determine whether few large

porphyroblast or many small grains will build up. Moreover, growth of porphyroblast

again depends on the availability of nucleation sites, metamorphic reactions driving

force and transport rate of elements that form new mineral as well as their removal rate

to make space available. Some porphyroblast have been seen without inclusion and

some with impregnate inclusion. Porphyroblast with inclusion (Si) trails may indicate

relative age of mineral growth to deformation. Si represents the trend of previous S-

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surface preserved by the porphyroblast. In the present study area, no staurolite and

kyanite minerals are developed rather only metapelites are showing garnet

porphyroblast under lower part of amphibolite facies.

5.18a 5.18b

5.19a 5.19b

5.20a 5.20b
Figs. 5.18 5.20: 5.18a,b F2 folds of conjugate nature is developed in micaceous
schist. Poorly developed axial plane foliation marked by mica is observed. 5.19a,b
Photomicrograph of syntectonic garnet (M2) with sigmoidal trails (S shaped) of
inclusion of Si fabric in metapelite. Se fabric is coarser and makes angular
relationship with Si; 5.20a,b Truncation and deflection of Se with sigmoidal (S) Si
trails in garnet porphyroblast indicationg syntectonic stage of D1 deformation (M2
stage).

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 A number of oriented samples of garnet bearing metapelite are sawn in the

laboratory along XZ and YZ sections. Oriented thin sections are also prepared for

porphyroblast study. Si fabrics of garnet are carefully marked as straight, curved,

sigmoidal, continuous and partial and this relationship with Se fabrics are worked out

systematically after taking photographs and free hand sketch. Again from photograph

line diagrams were prepared with Arc GIS software.

Si fabrics are observed as left lateral or right lateral shear senses. Some garnets

are rounded, some are slightly elongated (flattened parallel to the direction of external

foliation) and a few garnets are showing two prominent stages of growth history. Such

rigid bodies with different inclusion patterns floating within the ductile sheared matrix

under non coaxial deformation are considered as best signature of metamorphic growth

history before, after and during their multi-deformational settings and based on that

porphyroblast can be described as pre-tectonic, post-tectonic and syn-tectonic

with reference to the rooted S-surface respectively.

Si fabric in porphyroblast indicates their original orientation at the time of their

growth even though the rocks have undergone repeated metamorphism under non

coaxial deformation (Johansen, 1990). It is generally accepted that porphyroblasts act as

rigid body and matrix as Newtonian fluid under activated mechanism of simple shear

and the rotation of the porphyroblasts is unequivocally considered as shear sense

indicator (Ramsay and Huber, 1987). There are two schools of thoughts about rotational

aspects of rigid porphyroblasts. One school favours that porphyroblasts with spiral /

sigmoidal inclusion trails rotate during syntectonic stage (Spry, 1969; Rosenfeld, 1968,

1970) whereas Bell et al. (1986, 1992), Passchier et al. (1992) advocate non-rotational

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mechanism. Porphyroblasts always postdate any foliation that is preserved within them

as internal fabric but Bell and Hobbs (2010) have suggested that growth of

porphyroblasts occur during crenulations of a pre-existing foliation and never during

5.21a 5.21b

5.22a 5.22b

5.23a 5.23a
Figs. 5.21 5.23: 5.21a, b Truncation and deflection of Se with sigmoidal (S) Si
trails in garnet porphyroblast indicationg syntectonic stage of D1 deformation (M2
stage); 5.22a, b Broad and short flake of muscovite (mus3) lying almost
perpendicular to the dominant foliation S1 indicting syntectonic to D2. .
Intragranular faulting is seen. 5.23a,b Truncation and deflection of external
schistosity around garnet porphtroblast with numerous inclusion is marked as
garnet3 representing intertectonic between D1 and D2 phases.

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reactivation. On the other hand, it has been stated that simply making angular

relationships between Si and Se fabrics, one cannot justify rotational mechanism. Rather

porphyroblast growth is localized in low strain zones surrounded by coarse grained

schistosity (Se) which is considered as the cause and effect of high shear strain

(Stelinhardt,1989).

Internal fabric (Si) in the porphyroblast is marked by quartz (quartz1) grain of

relatively small, inequant to slightly equant grain size whereas quartz (quartz 2) grains of

the external foliation (Se) is elongated, ribbon type, coarse and occasionally shows

polygonal habit. Si fabric marked by such small, tiny quartz and some unidentified

opaque grains in garnet porphyroblasts may be considered as relict of initial bedding or

layering or slaty cleavage and their growth history may be correlatable with pretectonic

stage of metamorphism (M1) before onset of the major recrystallisation history i.e. M2

stage of D1 deformation (Fig.5.24a,b). Porphyroblasts that have grown comparatively in

fine grain matrix containing inclusion trails as (Si) similar to Se, sometimes become

difficult to interpret whether they are pre, or post tectonic to major shearing during D1

deformation. After careful observation in thin section of garnetiferous mica schist it can

be inferred that the internal schistosity (Si) of the garnet makes angle with the outer

fabrics (Se) (Fig.5.24a,b). Again in the porphyroblast the Si fabrics are planar and fine

grained whereas the Se fabrics are curvilinear, coarser and swerve round garnet

porphyroblasts maintaining asymmetric habit. This means that the garnet (garnet1) is

developed prior to the development of the external foliation (pretectonic to D1

deformation) and marked as M1 metamorphic indicator. Hence, it is apparent that the Si

fabric of the garnet1 porphyroblast bears the evidence of earlier foliation as relict (pre

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S1) but such foliation either is totally transposed or obliterated during syn tectonic stage

of intensive D1 deformation.

5.24a 5.24b

5.25a 5.25b

5.26a 5.26b

Figs. 5.24 5.26: 5.24a,b Photomicrographs and line diagram of Pretectonic

garnet (M1) with straight trails of inclusion of Si fabric in metapelite. Se fabric is
coarser and makes angular relationship with Si; 5.25a,b Line diagram of a post
tectonic garnet (Garnet3) showing how external foliation (S2) is passing through
Fish head garnet continuously indicating posttectonic stage to D1 deformation;
5.26a,b Truncation and deflection of Se with sigmoidal (S) Si trails in garnet
porphyroblast indicating syntectonic stage of D1 deformation (M2 stage).

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 Curve or sigmoidal trails of inclusions are more useful than straight trails of

inclusions in correlating deformation to metamorphism. Garnet developed during M2

stage of D1 deformation is often marked by sigmoidal trails of inclusion and is

designated as garnet2 (Figs.5.19a, b; 5.20a,b; 5.21a,b; 5.26a,b). Strain shadow zone is

not well defined but still can be inferred in some garnet porphyroblasts (Fig. 5.19b).

Such tail zone around garnet porphyroblasts when occupied by relatively coarse grained

quartz (coarser than matrix) may be referred to as quartz3 and may be indicative of

either post tectonic to D1 phase or slightly late phase of syngenetic to D2 deformation

itself. Similarly some of the garnet (garnet2) bears evidence of sigmoidal inclusion

pattern at the core while the outer rim is inclusion free. Such two stages of growth of

garnet are designated as garnet2 and garnet3 of M2 and M3 stages respectively. Similar

observation is also referred to by Toteu and Macaudiere (1984).

Truncation and deflection of Se around garnet porphyroblasts indicate growth

history of the garnet after the formation of regional schistosity (S e) during D1

deformation and hence treated as post tectonic garnet (garnet3) or intertectonic between

D1 and D2 representing M3 stage of metamorphism (Figs. 5.23a,b; 5.28a,b). Similarly

broad mica also indicate post D1 or syn D2 growth history (Fig. 5.27a,b). Fish-head

garnet always developed after the formation of regional schistosity (Passchier and

Thauw, 2005) and they are observed in metapelites (Figs.5.21a,b; 5.25a,b). The static

phase between D1 and D2 is marked by the growth of garnet porphyroblasts and regional

foliation S1 truncate and / or deflected round such rigid porphyroblasts (garnet3) under

M3 metamorphism. Many porphyroblasts grow during penetrative deformation but when

porphyroblasts grow during non-penetrative deformation either they do not rotate or

grow without inclusions. Bell and Hobbs (2010) have suggested that growth of

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porphyroblasts occur during the formation of crenulations of a pre-existing foliation and

never during reactivation. Development of chlorite is noted along fractures and

peripheral zone of garnet in association with Fe-oxides and such association is

considered as post tectonic to first phase deformation. The regional foliation (S1) is

folded by F2 and differentiated into M-domain and Q-domain forming zonal, discrete

and extensional crenulation cleavage (S2) and they are considered as M4 metamorphic

stage. Q domain located around the hinge zone of microfolds is considered as non-

coaxial deformation. S2 is marked by growth of large, short and broad flakes of micas

(M4 metamorphism synchronous to D2 deformation) and sometimes by slender mica

flakes truncating S1 at varied angles (Figs. 5.27a,b). In no garnet porphyroblast, the

imprint of crenulation folds (F2) is traceable as Si fabric which may indicate that the

growth of garnet is restricted to M1, M2 and M3 stages only. Some of the broad and

short flakes of muscovite plates are observed at high angle to S1 following the

orientation of F3 folds which may be due to reorientation of the earlier muscovite

mineral and cannot be correlatable with the growth history of M5 stage of

metamorphism.

Intragranular fold is one of the most important microstructure that has observed

inside the grain itself shown by muscovite grain. The kinking is asymmetric in nature.

Within the kink band parasitic kinking is noticed (Figs. 5.29a,b). Intragranular fault in

muscovite crystal is observed where towards the left side of the fault plane, the

cleavages are going down than the right side (Figs. 5.22a,b). Intragranular kinking of

such M4 micas may be treated as late phase of deformational history and no

metamorphic transformation is recorded during this phase.

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 5.27a 5.27b

5.28a 5.28b

5.29a 5.29b

Figs. 5.27 5.29: 5.27a,b Photomicrograph showing broad flakes of muscovite

truncating syn D1 schistosity; 5.28a,b Truncation and deflection of external
schistosity around fishhead garnet porphyroblast is a post D1 phenomena
(intertectonic-garnet3). 5.29a,b Intragranular kinking in muscovite may be referred
to as D4 event superposed on micas of syn D1 phase.

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5.4 Conclusion

Growth of porphyroblasts and their sequential relationships to deformations are

attempted and summarized as follows. Garnet (garnet1 and garnet2) were treated as the

most significant and diagnostic tool and developed before and during intensive

transposition of initial lithological layering (S0) resulting most pervasive planar

schistosity (S1). Such mechanism is related to first phase of deformation (D1) under

layer parallel shear couple. Most of the rotational garnets (garnet2) with sigmoidal trails

of inclusions were produced during this transposition under prograde metamorphic

events (lower part of amphibolite facies) under medium pressure condition. Inclusion

free rim around syntectonic sigmoidally trailed garnet (garnet2) probably developed

during the intertectonic static phase between D1 and D2 and designated as garnet

(garnet3) representing M3 metamorphism under comparatively low pressure condition.

Garnet porphyroblasts grew apparently in three different stages: (a) pretectonic to

major, highly penetrative D1 phase, (b) syntectonic to D1 phase and (c) intertectonic

between D1 and D2 phases of deformation. Different phases of deformation, their

associated metamorphism and growth and / or reorientation of different porphyroblasts

and large crystals are shown in the tabular form (Table-5.1).

Both biotite and muscovite show rough parallelism and mostly interleaved

together during the formation of regional foliation (S1) and were apparently the product

of D1 strain and hence syn D1 and belong to M2 stages of metamorphism. Micas,

particularly muscovite2 developed into coarser broad and short plates lie at high angle to

S1 and occasionally enclose quartz2 as Si similar to Se. Such biotite2 and muscovite2

were developed during D2 deformation and corelatable as M4 stage of metamorphism.

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Similarly, muscovite flakes are also lie transecting S1 along axial orientation of F3 folds

which may be due to reorientation of the earlier muscovite flakes and not by re growth,

hence classified as the end product D3 deformation. Formation of chlorite after mica and

probably garnet, represents retrograde phase during D3 deformation.

Table 5.1

M1 M2 M3 M4 M5

Pretectonic to Syntectonic to Intertectonic between D1 Syntectonic to Syntectonic to

D1 D1 and D2 D2 D3

Garnet1 Garnet2 Garnet3 ----- ------

------- Biotite1 Biotite2 Biotite3 ------

------- Muscovite1 Muscovite2 Muscovite3 Muscovite4

Quartz1 Quartz2 Quartz3 Quartz4 Quartz5

Chlorite1 ----- ------ ------- Chlorite2

Table-5.1: A tentative model for successive stages of deformational events and their

correlation with growth and/or reorientation of minerals indicative of grade of

metamorphism (see text for detail).

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