Polymetamorphic P–T evolution of the andalusite–garnet–staurolite–sillimanite-bearing schist from the Cushamen Complex (Argentina)

Abstract

A sample of micaceous schist of the Cushamen Metamorphic Complex in the Cushamen area (northwestern North Patagonia, Argentina) preserves a complex mineral assemblage, including staurolite, andalusite, garnet, sillimanite, biotite, quartz, and plagioclase. This unit proves an opportunity to analyse a complex mineral association often related to disequilibrium stages or polymetamorphic contexts. Through detailed petrological analysis combining mineral chemistry, X-ray compositional maps, conventional thermobarometry, and phase equilibria analysis, we reconstructed the pressure–temperature (P–T) path of this schist. The schist unit preserves a polymetamorphic history characterized by M₁, M₂, and M₃ events. The M₁ event is represented by biotite, muscovite, quartz, and plagioclase. The M₂ event, associated with local mid-Carboniferous pluton intrusion, is characterized by andalusite and garnet assemblages, with peak conditions at ~ 3.3 kbar and ~ 563 °C. The main M₃ event, at the time of the Carboniferous–Permian boundary, is defined by garnet, staurolite, sillimanite, biotite, muscovite, plagioclase, and quartz. This event records a progressive P–T evolution from ~ 3.5 kbar and ~ 553 °C to ~ 4.9–5.6 kbar and ~ 620–635 °C, nearing peak conditions. This work highlights the importance of comprehensive approaches in P–T trajectory reconstructions and the critical role of selecting the reactive bulk composition, particularly in rocks with complex mineral assemblages. In addition, this study significantly contributes to understanding the metamorphic evolution of the Cushamen Complex, a unit for which there is limited knowledge regarding its structural and metamorphic evolution. This complex is part of the igneous-metamorphic basement of North Patagonia region (Argentina), which records the Paleozoic evolution of the southwestern margin of Gondwana.

Graphical abstract