The origin of the mantle peridotites of Guleman (Elaziğ) ophiolite

Guleman Ophiolite is situated in Southeast Taurus Belt, about 80 km to the southeast of Elazığ. The main lithologies of ophiolite are, from bottom to top; mantle peridotites, layered gabbros, isotropic gabbros, singular diabase dykes which cuts them and sheeted dykes. Mantle peridotites and dunite lenses contain podiform chromitite horizons. Mantle peridotite is composed of serpantinized harzburgites containing dunite lenses. Harzburgites are mainly consist of olivine and orthopyroxene. Clinopyroxenes figure as exsolution lamellas in orthopyroxenes (less than 2%). These rocks consist of spinel less than 5%. Whole rock analyses shows that content of SiO2 and MgO varies range of 40.24-44.46%, 42.70-44.98% respectively. These values prove that mantle peridotites' partial melting degree is high. Spinels' Al2O3 and TiO2 content varies range of 10.04-19.67% and 0.02-0.06% respectively. These data prove mantle peridotites are SSZ type. Cr# value of spinel is a very important indicator to define partial melting degree of peridotite. Cr# and Mg# values range from 62.66-79.61% and 38.30-53.30% respectively prove high partial melting degree of forearc type peridotites. Clinopyroxene's Al2O3 value varies between 0.52-1.23%. They exhibit forearc type harzburgites when Al2O3, other major oxides and Mg# values of clinopyroxene are compared. Mantle peridotites of Guleman Opholite have extensive partial melting degree (30-43%), formed SSZ zone occuring from southern branch of Neotethys was subducted to the north during Late Cretaceous. Key Words: Elazığ, Ophiolite, Guleman, Mantle Peridotites, Harzburgite, Mineral Chemistry