Precambrian coal or anthraxolite; a source for graphite in high-grade schists and gneisses

Abstract

Argues that without considering data for igneous carbon (carbonatites) or for ultrahigh metamorphic calcareous gneisses such as are found in the Grenville province of North America, the conclusion that the source of carbon for vein graphite is magmatic or carbonate carbon is not justified. Points out that marbles and calc-silicate gneisses occur with the graphite-bearing granulite facies rocks in Sri Lanka. Calcite may also be seen in the veins with the graphite. Concludes that whether the graphite in epigenetic veins in high grade schists and gneisses has variable carbon isotope ratios depends on whether it was derived from organic material in carbonate or noncarbonate metasediments.