Deep carbon cycle recorded by calcium‐silicate rocks (rodingites) in a subduction‐related ophiolite

Carbon cycling in subduction zones remains poorly constrained due to the lack of relevant geological records. Here we report magnesium isotope data (δ26MgDSM3) from calcium‐silicate rocks (rodingites) from the Xigaze ophiolite, southern Tibet, which is thought to represent remnants of Neo‐Tethyan oceanic lithosphere. Behaviors of immobile trace elements in rodingites resemble those of their mafic dike protoliths, showing subduction‐related signatures. The majority of rodingites exhibits low δ26Mg values of −0.72‰ to −0.33‰ with a weighted average of −0.47 ± 0.11‰ (2 SD), significantly lighter than that of their protoliths (−0.31 ± 0.03‰). This difference likely reflects the interaction of the protolith with isotopically light carbonate fluids. Modeling indicates that this hypothesis requires the input of 5 to 15 wt % carbonates during rodingitization. Our study suggests that rodingite may represent a previously unrecognized reservoir of dissolved Ca from subducted carbonates. Key Points The majority of rodingites exhibits low δ26MgDSM3 values significantly lighter than that of their protoliths Reflects the interaction of their protoliths with isotopically light carbonate fluids Rodingite may represent a previously unrecognized reservoir of dissolved Ca from subducted carbonates