1. Introduction

The Slavonian Mountains in Croatia, comprising the Psunj, Papuk and Krndija mountain ranges (Fig. 1), represent a complex geological structure created by numerous tectonic events throughout the geological history of the Tisia Megaterrane/Tisza Mega-Unit basement in the Circum Pannonian Region (CPR, Ebner et al., 2008) or Alpine-Carpathian-Dinaridic orogenic system (ACD, Schmid et al., 2008). The Tisia Megaterrane/Tisza Mega-Unit is commonly regarded as a lithosphere fragment which broke off the southern margin of Variscan Europe during the Jurassic. After complicated drifting and rotational processes, it became emplaced in its present-day setting in the Pannonian Basin during the Early Miocene (Balla, 1986; Csontos et al., 1992; Szederkényi, 1996; Horváth, 1993; Haas and Péró, 2004).

Fig. 1

A – tectonic map with major tectonic units of the Alps, Carpathians and Dinarides (Schmid et al., 2016), with the position of the Slavonian Mts. (Croatia) marked by a black rectangle (B). B – The geology of the crystalline basement rocks of the Slavonian Mts. A simplified geological outline of the Slavonian Mts. (Psunj, Papuk and Krnidja) (according to Jamičić, 2001) with sampled locations: PSG-1 Omanovac Quarry (Psunj Mt.), 2PPG-32 Šandrovac Quarry (NW Papuk Mt.) and HEG-31 Kišeljevac Creek (S slope of Papuk Mt.). Legend: 1 – Graniotoids (G), 2 – Migmatites (Mi), 3 – Biotite-muscovite gneiss (Gmb), 4 – garnet-staurolite gneiss, kyanite gneiss, sillimanite gneiss, amphibolite, metagabbro, amphibole-schist, chlorite-sericite schist and flaser granitoids, and other different types of granitoids with marble. C – Schematic drawing of three series of basement rocks: the Psunj-Krndija, Papuk and Radlovac Complexes.

The pre-Alpine terranes of Tisia accompanied Slavonian inselbergs in Slavonia-Dravia Terrane (Slavonia Drava Unit), according to Kovács et al. (2000), or the Bihor nappe system, according to Schmid et al. (2008; 2016) (Villány-Bihor Zone or unit of Bleahu et al., 1996 and Haas and Péró, 2004; Papuk-Codru Zone of Haas, 2015) (Fig. 1A).

The most detailed reports on the geology of the Psunj and Papuk Mts. are geological 1/100,000 scale maps, Daruvar (Jamičić, 1989) and Orahovica (Jamičić and Brkić, 1987) sheets, and corresponding explanatory notes (Jamičić et al., 1987; 1989).

Jamičić (1988; 2001), based on petrographical and structural data, distinguishes three series of basement rocks: a) Psunj-Krndija Complex, b) Papuk Complex and c) Radlovac Complex (Fig. 1C). Their geological evolution is interpreted as representing three phases of sedimentation and metamorphism, from the Precambrian (questionable) to the Upper Permian: a) the Psunj-Krndija Complex is assumed to have metamorphosed progressively during the Baikalian orogeny and retrogradely during the Caledonian orogeny (b) the Papuk Complex is marked by migmatisation, granite intrusions and metamorphism in the pre-Variscian time and c) the Radlovac Complex is characterised by low-grade metamorphic overprinting during the Variscan orogeny.

Pamić and Lanphere (1991), and Pamić et al. (1988a; 1996) distinguish five main groups of crystalline rocks of the Pannonian Basin in the Slavonian Mountains and the surrounding basement: 1. the weakly metamorphosed (semimetamorphic) complex; 2. the progressively metamorphosed complex; 3. migmatites; 4. S-type granites and 5. I-type granites. They concluded that all of these were produced during the Hercynian orogeny.

The aim of this paper is to solve the basic geochronological question about the igneous age of monzogranites from Psunj and Papuk Mts. (Slavonia, Croatia). For this purpose, in-situ laser ablation U-Pb zircon dating was applied. The paper shows that the investigated granite intrusions had occurred earlier (in Late Devonian) than previous radiometric studies have reported.

2. Geological setting

The Basic Geological Map (1/100,000) of the Slavonian Mountains (Psunj, Papuk, and Krndija), Daruvar (Jamičić, 1989) and Orahovica (Jamičić and Brkić, 1987) sheets cover the area between the Sava and Drava Rivers, bordered by 45°20´ and 45°40´ north latitudes, and 17°00´ and 18°00´ east longitudes. A schematic geological map, simplified according to the geological map of Jamičić (2001) and including sampled locations, is presented in Fig. 1B. The oldest exposed rocks from Psunj Mt. are the metamorphic rocks: garnet-staurolite gneiss, kyanite gneiss, sillimanite gneiss, amphibolite, metagabbro, amphibole schist, chlorite-sericite schist, graphitebearing schist and flaser granitoids (granodiorite and plagiogranite types) (Jamičić et al., 1987; 1989). The same rocks also constituted the southern slope of Papuk Mt. and most of Krndija Mt. (Fig. 1B). The granitoids occur in the W part of Psunj Mt. (Marci, 1965; 1971; 1973), the S slope of Papuk and Krndija Mts. (Jamičić, 1983; Jamičić et al., 1987; Pamić, 1988). Pamić et al. (1996) classified it as I-type. In the Kišeljevac Creek valley (the S slope of Papuk Mt.), a significant contact aureole could be found around granitoid body, with marble formation (Jamičić and Brkić, 1987). I-type granitoids are associated with intermediate and basic igneous rocks, as well as with ultramafic rocks (Pamić et al., 1984a; 1984b). Horvat and Buda (2004) described three different granitoid types associated with the Psunj-Krndija Complex (Omanovac Quarry amphibole monzogranite, Kišeljevac Creek biotite monzogranite and Bistra Creek quartz diorite) showing mixed I/S-type character. According to the proposed petrogenetic interpretation of granitoid rock series using multi cationic parameters R1 and R2 (de la Roche et al., 1980), the mentioned rock types plot in the different tectonic position fields: pre-plate collision and syncollision (Horvat and Buda, 2004).

Recent studies by Balen et al. (2006; 2013), Horváth et al. (2010) and Balen et al. (2015) have provided mainly monazite dating results for medium-grade metamorphic rocks (micaschist, gneiss and amphibolite) from the Psunj-Krndija Complex. These data have emphasised the occurrence of Cambrian–Ordovician ages (528 ± 7 and 465 ± 7 Ma; Balen et al., 2015), an Ordovician-Silurian metamorphic event at peak assemblage monazite growth reaching amphibolite facies conditions of ca. 600–650°C and 8–11 kbar (444 ± 19 and 428 ± 25 Ma; Balen et al., 2006) and Variscan ages (monazite Th–U–Pb age data) for the Krndija Mt. mica schists (356 ± 23 Ma; Horváth et al., 2010).

In the central part of Psunj Mt. and in the connection zone between Papuk and Krndija Mts., Late Devonian coarse-grained sandstones and graphite-bearing slates (Fig. 1C) are continuously covered by Carboniferous and Lower Permian metagraywackes and slates (Jamičić et al., 1987; 1989). Black slates are Westphalian (B and C) in age according to the fossil flora (Brkić et al., 1974). A few small diabase intrusions are connected to this zone (Jamičić, 1983; 1988; Pamić and Jamičić 1986). Further, the permotriassic sediments also could be found in the Papuk-Krndija connection zone. They are divided into two groups: ¹PT violet conglomerates (pebbles are phyllites, slates and/or metagraywackes) and ²PT green- to grayish green-colour quartz sandstones and arkoses (Jamičić et al., 1987). The provenance and depositional history of very low- to low-grade metasedimentary rocks of the Radlovac Complex was investigated by Biševac et al. (2010; 2013). K-Ar ages (~100–80 Ma) measured on illite-white K-mica rich < 2 μm grain-size fractions pointed to Late Cretaceous very low- to low-grade regional metamorphism, presumably related to the main nappe-forming compressional events in the Pannonian Basin and the Carpathians (Biševac et al., 2010). The provenance study of the Radlovac Complex metasedimentary rocks based on Th-U-Pb monazite chemical age dating, heavy mineral assemblage and whole-rock geochemistry led to the conclusion that the metasedimentary rocks of the Radlovac Complex represent the detritus of the local Variscan crust, and that the major source was felsic, igneous rocks, while Papuk Complex rocks were the dominant source material (Biševac et al., 2013). This is in good agreement with the model proposed by Jamičić (1988).

The central parts, eastern and northern slopes of Papuk Mt. comprise of biotite gneisses and muscovitebiotite gneisses, micaschists, homogeneous and heterogeneous migmatites, granitoids, pegmatites and aplites (Jamičić et al., 1987; 1989). Granitoids of the NW part of the Mt. Papuk have a mineral composition corresponding to granite, granodiorite, quartzdiorite and leucocratic tonalite varieties, and can be found as distinct large bodies, lenses or veins in migmatites (Vragović, 1965). The succession of metamorphic zones imperceptibly grading into each other (Papuk Mt.) could be followed continuously as a progressive metamorphic sequence, with following metamorphic index minerals: chlorite → biotite → garnet → staurolite → sillimanite (Raffaelli, 1964). In addition, andalusite was found in these schists by Pamić et al. (1988b). Less abundant micaschists can be found at the northern slope of Papuk Mt. Gneisses and micaschists continuously grade to migmatites in all locations (Jamičić et al., 1989; Pamić and Lanphere, 1991). Pegmatites and aplites occur as veins, irregular nests in the migmatitic zone, in the zone of muscovite-biotite gneiss and in granitoid bodies (Horvat et al., 2002; Kovács Kis et al., 2004 and references therein). Pegmatites contain large pink, pinkish gray or gray feldspars as megacrysts (Jamičić et al., 1989). Amphibolites and amphibole schists are intercalated in the migmatites and gneisses. Based on microscopic descriptions, major element data, and oxygen isotope geochemistry, Pamić and Marci (1990) and Pamić et al. (2002) summarised the petrography and geochemistry of the amphibolites of Mts. Psunj and Papuk, documenting that all of them represent orthoamphibolites. Serpentinites featuring relicts of peridotite were found only in one Papuk Mt. location and in the central part of Psunj Mt. (Jamičić and Brkić, 1987; Jamičić, 1989). Granitoid plutons within the migmatitic complex are composed mainly of S-type granites and subordinate intermediate rocks (Pamić and Lanphere, 1991). Horvat and Buda (2004) published syncollision and postcollision magmatism affinity for seven samples from the Papuk Complex, monzogranite and granodiorite types, using multi cationic parameters R1 and R2 (de la Roche et al., 1980), classifying majority of them as S-type and I/S-type as well.

The process of phyllonitisation is detected in the whole area and it is one of the features of retrograde metamorphism.

3. Material and methods

The geochemistry of amphibole monzogranite from Psunj Mt. and of different granitoid types of Papuk Mt. were originally presented by Horvat and Buda (2004). Of these samples, sample from Psunj Mt. (Omanovac Quarry, the PSG-1 sample) and two from Papuk Mt. (Šandrovac Quarry, the 2PPG-32 sample and Kišeljevac Creek, the HEG-31 sample) were selected for further geochronological investigations (Fig. 1B).

Mineral separation was carried out at Eötvös Loránd University (Budapest, Hungary) using standard techniques (crushing, hydro-fracturing, washing, heavy liquids and magnetic separation). 80 (PSG-1), 74 (2PPG-32) and 105 (HEG-31) zircon crystals, were hand-picked and mounted in 1-inch epoxy-resin mounts according to their translucency and grain size at the University of Vienna (Austria). Zircon grains were imaged by panchromatic cathodoluminescence on a VEGA/TESCAN SEM (15 kV and 8 nA) at the Geological Survey of Austria (GBA Vienna, Austria).

The LA-ICP-MS analytical work was performed at the joint ICP-MS laboratory of the Department of Earth Sciences, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz and the Institute of Applied Geosciences, Graz Technical University. Analytical procedures were identical to the methodology outlined in Klötzli et al. (2009). Zircon U-Th-Pb isotopic and elemental ratios were determined using a 193nm ArF excimer laser (NewWave) coupled to a multi-collector ICP-MS (Nu Instruments II). Ablation using He as carrier gas was raster- and spot-wise according to the CL zonation pattern of the zircons. Line widths for rastering were 10–15 μm with a rastering speed of 10 μm/sec. Energy densities were ca. 5 J/cm² with a repetition rate of 10 Hz. The He carrier gas was mixed with the Ar carrier gas flow prior to the ICP plasma torch. Ablation duration was 30 to 70 sec with a 30 sec gas and Hg blank measurement preceding ablation. Ablation count rates were corrected accordingly offline. Remaining counts on mass 204 were interpreted as representing ²⁰⁴Pb. Static mass spectrometer analysis was as follows: ²³⁸U and ²³²Th were measured by Faraday ion-counter, ²⁰⁸Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb, ²⁰⁶Pb, 204 (Pb+Hg), and ²⁰²Hg in ion counter detectors, respectively. An integration time of 1 sec was used for all measurements. The ion counter – Faraday and inter-ion counter gain factors were determined before the analytical session using the Plešovice reference zircon (Sláma et al., 2008). The sensitivity for ²⁰⁶Pb on the Plešovice reference zircon was c. 0.092 mV/ppm Pb. For ²³⁸U the corresponding value was c. 0.147 mV/ppm U.

The mass and elemental bias and mass spectrometer drift of both U/Pb and Pb/Pb ratios, respectively, were corrected applying the “intercept method” developed by Sylvester and Ghaderi (1997). The calculated ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb intercept values were corrected for mass discrimination from analyses of the Plesovice reference zircon measured during the analytical session using a standard bracketing method (Klötzli et al., 2009). The correction utilises the regression of standard measurements by a quadratic function. A common Pb correction was applied to the data using the apparent ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age and the Stacey and Kramers Pb evolution model (Stacey and Kramers, 1975). Final age calculations were performed with Isoplot© 3.0 (Ludwig, 2003). All errors reported for LA data are at the 2-sigma level.

The Plešovice reference zircon (Sláma et al., 2008) was also used as secondary standard in order to test the overall reproducibility of the analytical method. A total of 13 measurements made during the analytical session resulted in a concordia age of 337.1 ± 0.6 Ma (2σ, decay-constant errors included, MSWD concordance = 0.21, probability of concordance = 0.64). This is within error identical to the accepted reference ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U date of 337.13 ± 0.37 Ma (Sláma et al., 2008).

Mineral abbreviations used here follow those used by Slovenec and Bermanec (2003).

4. Results

Sample macroscopic and microscopic description

PSG-1 sample – Omanovac Quarry, Psunj Mt

The PSG-1 sample originates from a homogeneous granitic body from Omanovac Quarry in the Rogoljica Valley (W Psunj Mt) (Fig. 1B). The representative sample is shown on Fig. 2A. The main mineral constituents include K-feldspar, quartz and amphibole. Plagioclase is present in small amounts (Fig. 2B). K-feldspars (Fig. 2C) are represented by a microcline that shows polysynthetic twinning. Perthite intergrowths are common. The microcline contains inclusions of quartz and relics of plagioclase. Quartz is allotriomorphic, with undulatory extinction, and fills the interstices between K-feldspars and amphibole (Fig. 2D). Accessory minerals are zircon, allanite and Ce-epidote.

Fig. 2

Representative sample (PSG-1) from Omanovac Quarry (Psunj Mt., Croatia): A – macrophotography (R coin = 16 mm); B–D microphotographs (crossed nicols). Abbreviations: Qtz – quartz, Kfs – K-feldspar, Pl – plagioclase, Amp – amphibole.

No biotite is found in the PSG-1 sample, and plagioclase occurs in small amounts. Plagioclase is almost pure albite (0.5 mol% Or, 98–97 mol% Ab, 1–2 mol% An). The average K-feldspar composition is 96 mol % Or, 4 mol % Ab, 0 mol % An. The amphibole is a ferro-hornblende (Horvat and Buda, 2004). The PSG-1 sample is classified as amphibole monzogranite according to A–P–Q ternary classification diagram for plutonic rocks (IUGS, 1973), and as monzogranite in the chemical-mineralogical classification of Debon and Le Fort (1983) (Q=199, P= –39). It has a relatively high concentration of REE (330 ppm), with a strong negative Sr and Eu anomaly. Elevated ΣREE and a negative Eu anomaly indicate a typical magmatic fractional crystallisation of this monzogranite (Horvat et al., 2015a).

2PPG-32 sample – Šandrovac Quarry, Papuk Mt

The 2PPG-32 sample is from Šandrovac Quarry (NW Papuk Mt) (Fig. 1B). The representative sample is shown in Fig. 3A.The main mineral phases are: grey quartz, white or greenish feldspar, biotite and pale yellow muscovite with pearl brightness. K-feldspars (Fig. 3B, 3C) are maximum microcline on the basis of XRD data (Horvat et al., 2011), and plagioclase is the oligoclase according to the composition obtained by electron micro-probe (2–3 mol % Or 73–80 mol% Ab 17–24 mol% An; Horvat and Buda, 2004). Muscovite is developed in allotriomorphic leaves (Fig. 3B, 3D). It can be found in plagioclase (Fig. 3C) as inclusion but also as a rock constituent. Biotite is fully chloritised (Fig. 3B). Accessory minerals are zircon, monazite, REE-carbonates, Fe-oxides and garnet. The 2PPG-32 sample is classified as muscovite-biotite monzogranite according to modal mineral content (Horvat and Buda, 2004), and as monzogranite according to the parameters Q=175 and P= –68 in the multicationic classification diagram by Debon and Le Fort (1983). The total REE concentration is relatively high (120 ppm), with strong negative Eu, Ti, Sr and Nb anomalies. Elevated ΣREE and a negative Eu anomaly indicate typical magmatic fractional crystallisation of this monzogranite (Horvat et al., 2015b).

Fig. 3

Representative sample (2PPG-32) from Šandrovac Quarry (Papuk Mt., Croatia): A – macrophotography (scale in cm); B–D micro-photographs (crossed nicols). Abbreviations: Qtz – quartz, Kfs – K-feldspar, Pl – plagioclase, Bi – biotite, Ms - muscovite.

HEG-31 sample – Kišeljevac Creek, Papuk Mt

The HEG-31 sample is from a magmatic body in the gneiss zone at the S slope of Papuk Mt. (Fig. 1B) in Kišeljevac Creek. The main mineral phases are: grey quartz, white or greenish feldspar and biotite. The structure is homogeneous. A granophyric texture is observed (Fig. 4B) as an intergrowth of quartz and alkali feldspar. Two K-feldspars can be distinguished (Fig. 4A, 4B): orthoclase and low microcline with high Al content in the T1o site (0.98) (Horvat et al., 2011). The plagioclase is oligoclase (1 mol% Or 80–75 mol% Ab 18–24 mol% An; Horvat and Buda, 2004). Biotite is characterised by strong pleochroism ranging from yellowish-brown to reddish brown and regularly includes zircon and/or monazite crystals (Fig. 4C, 4D). The reddish colour may indicate increased titanium content. Accessory minerals are garnet, apatite, zircon and monazite. The HEG-31 sample is classified as biotite monzogranite (Horvat and Buda, 2004) according to modal mineral content and nomenclature diagram for igneous rocks (IUGS, 1973). The multicationic classification (Debon and Le Fort, 1983) parameters are Q=173 and P = –53. The REE pattern is V-shaped (concave down), indicating enrichment in both, HREE and LREE. The REE concentration is relatively high (223 ppm), with a slight negative Eu anomaly (Horvat and Buda, 2004).

Fig. 4

Representative sample (HEG-31) from Kišeljevac Creek (Papuk Mt., Croatia): A–D microphotographs (crossed nicols). Abbreviations: Qtz – quartz, Kfs – K-feldspar, Bt – biotite.

Zircon characteristics and U-Pb dating

PSG-1 sample zircons

Zircon grain sizes from the PSG-1 sample vary from 70 to 120 microns in length, with aspect ratios of 1:2. Zircon crystals are subhedral, colourless and clear, with distinct internal zonation features: CL dark, idiomorphic, sometimes rounded cores are followed by a CL bright to dark alteration zone or a dark alteration zone which is sometimes zoned (Fig. 5). The CL image reveals the oscillatory zoning pattern. The white rectangles and circles mark the in-situ laser-ablation track (⌀ = 10–15– 20 μm). The respective U-Pb isotopic data are reported in Table 1. Nine measurements define a poorly constrained concordia age of 380 ± 4 Ma (Fig. 6; Table 1).

Fig. 5

Cathodoluminescence images of dated zircon crystals separated from the amphibole monzogranite (PSG-1) from Omanovac Quarry, Psunj Mt., Croatia. The white rectangles and circles mark the in-situ laser-ablation track used for U/Pb dating, (ø = 10–15–20 μm), and they are not in scale. Measurement numbers are listed in Table 1.

Fig. 6

Concordia plot of LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon analytical results for the PSG-1 sample.

2PPG-32 sample zircons

Zircon crystals from the 2PPG-32 sample are euhedral, long-prismatic, with grain size from 100 to 150 micron in length, with aspect ratios of 1:2. CL images of sections through zircon crystals reveal a typically magmatic zircon with oscillatory zoning, plus different alteration rims (zones) in the zircon grains. Within the oscillatory zonation one, two or even three CL-dark zones can be distinguished (Fig. 7). Also, some crystals have a CL-dark outer alteration zone. There is a characteristic CL-bright rim inwards to the altered zone. The white rectangles mark the in-situ laser-ablation track (⌀ = 10– 15 microns), and corresponding U-Th-Pb analytical results are shown in Table 1. Seven measurements yielded a concordia age of 382 ± 2 Ma (Fig. 8).

Fig. 7

Cathodoluminescence images of dated zircon crystals separated from the monzogranite (2PPG-32) from Šandrovac Quarry, Papuk Mt., Croatia. The white rectangles mark the in-situ laser-ablation track used for U/Pb dating, (ø = 10–15 μm) and they are not in scale. Measurement numbers are listed in Table 1.

Fig. 8

Concordia plots of LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon analytical results (Table 1) for the 2PPG-32 sample.

HEG-31 sample zircons

Zircon grains sizes from the HEG-31 sample vary in length from 70 to 130 microns. Zircon crystals are euhedral to subhedral, both long- and short prismatic, with aspect ratios of 1:2 to 1:3 (Fig. 9). Three (3) crystals have inherited cores (typical S-type granitoid core), but most of them are without significant core. The grains show typical oscillatory zoning, and CL-dark inside and CL-dark outside rims. Isotopic data for 18 zircon grains include 10 analyses of alteration zone. The white rectangles and circles mark the in-situ laser-ablation track (⌀ = 10–15–20 μ m). A total of 2 0 measurements (Table 1) defined a lower intercept age of 383 ± 5 Ma (Fig. 10, with a forced upper intercept at ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb = 0.85 ± 0.05).

Fig. 9

Cathodoluminescence images of dated zircon crystals separated from the biotite monzogranite (HEG-31) from Kišeljevac Creek, Papuk Mt., Croatia. The white rectangles mark the in-situ laser-ablation track used for U/Pb dating, (⌀ = 10–15–20 μm), and they are not in scale. Measurement numbers are listed in Table 1.

Fig. 10

Concordia plots of LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon analytical results (Table 1) for the HEG-31 sample (calculated with a forced upper intercept at ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb = 0.85 ± 0.05).

Table 1

Zircon laser-ablation MC-ICP-MS U-Th-Pb data including the ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U minimum ages.

	204Pb	206Pb	207Pb	208Pb	232Th	238U	206Pb204Pb	±2SE	207Pb235U	±2SE	206Pb238U	±Rho 2SE		207Pb206Pb	±2SE	208Pb206Pb	±2SE	208Pb232Th	±2SE	238U206Pb	±2SE	207Pb206Pb	±2SE		206Pb238U	±2SD
Spot #	(mV) ×10–6	(mV) ×10–3	(mV) ×10–4	(mV) ×10–4	(mV) ×10–2	(mV) ×10–1		(%)		(%)		(%)			(%)		(%)		(%)		(%)		(%)		(Ma)
PSG-1
PSG-1_0139_10a	1.40	0.66	0.49	0.79	0.41	0.19	608	1	0.448	2.89	0.0600	2.77	0.48	0.0542	0.41	0.355	4.54	0.019	1.55	16.67	2.77	0.0542	0.41		375.6	10.4
PSG-1_0139_10b	3.20	0.75	0.58	0.98	0.56	0.23	227	78	0.453	2.22	0.0605	1.84	0.41	0.0542	0.79	0.378	3.85	0.017	2.46	16.53	1.84	0.0542	0.79		378.7	7.0
PSG-1_0139_35	2.20	3.50	2.60	5.20	2.80	0.99	1271	63	0.481	2.11	0.0644	2.37	0.56	0.0541	0.77	0.308	5.34	0.018	5.80	15.53	2.37	0.0541	0.77		402.3	9.5
PSG-1_0139_37	2.20	3.90	2.90	7.60	4.30	1.10	2088	8	0.408	5.68	0.0546	5.85	0.51	0.0543	0.29	0.530	3.62	0.015	2.84	16.33	5.85	0.0543	0.29		342.7	20
PSG-1_0139_38	2.20	2.00	1.60	3.20	1.30	0.45	1363	2	0.421	1.43	0.0570	0.86	0.30	0.0540	0.66	0.389	0.80	0.017	1.17	16.55	0.86	0.0540	0.66		357.4	3.1
PSG-1_0139_40	1.70	2.30	1.70	3.10	1.80	0.71	1682	3	0.406	2.56	0.0537	2.91	0.57	0.0546	0.31	0.404	3.98	0.017	2.84	16.62	2.91	0.0546	0.31		337.2	9.8
PSG-1_0139_52	1.70	1.00	0.75	1.40	0.73	0.28	887	3	0.454	4.96	0.0607	4.94	0.50	0.0543	0.37	0.375	3.52	0.018	3.02	16.49	4.94	0.0543	0.37		379.9	18.8
PSG-1_0139_61	n.d.	0.93	0.69	1.30	0.67	0.25	-	-	0.469	4.35	0.0619	4.71	0.54	0.0544	0.50	0.341	4.39	0.020	1.89	16.15	4.71	0.0544	0.50		387.2	18.2
PSG-1_0139_63	n.d.	1.40	1.00	1.90	0.96	0.39	-	-	0.490	2.49	0.0644	3.87	0.78	0.0547	1.21	0.396	18.9	0.020	5.92	15.52	3.87	0.0547	1.21		402.3	15.6
2PPG-32
2PPG-32 0140 01	3.40	3.10	2.70	4.70	1.20	0.41
2PPG-32_0140_03	7.60	2.10	2.20	5.20	1.20	0.27	132	45	0.458	4.76	0.0610	2.18	0.23	0.0545	2.38	6.549	2.46	0.031	4.51	16.40	2.18	0.0545	2.38		381.7	8.3
2PPG-32_0140_05	6.60	6.40	6.10	13.00	2.90	0.86	2095	11	0.454	3.79	0.0606	1.72	0.12	0.0544	1.45	5.657	2.87	0.032	4.72	16.49	1.72	0.0544	1.45		379.3	6.5
2PPG-32_0140_13a	5.50	8.30	7.30	7.80	2.10	1.00	1196	12	0.452	5.75	0.0603	2.60	0.48	0.0545	0.61	3.580	9.32	0.040	8.35	16.59	2.60	0.0545	0.61		377.4	9.8
2PPG-32_0140_13b	2.90	5.00	4.40	8.60	2.00	0.62	2367	10	0.450	4.44	0.0602	2.00	0.56	0.0542	1.02	5.297	7.70	0.034	3.32	16.62	2.00	0.0542	1.02		376.8	7.5
2PPG-32_0140_15	3.10	3.40	3.00	5.90	1.50	0.45	1445	8	0.452	3.29	0.0599	1.48	0.35	0.0547	1.59	4.594	2.24	0.026	25.2	16.69	1.48	0.0547	1.59		375.0	5.6
2PPG-32_0140_16	3.10	2.00	1.90	5.80	1.40	0.26	651	7	0.448	4.09	0.0599	1.83	0.73	0.0543	1.11	8.610	4.85	0.035	5.11	16.69	1.83	0.0543	1.11		375.0	6.9
HEG-31
HEG-31_0137_03a	1.90	2.20	1.70	2.50	1.40	0.66
31_0137_03b	2.70	9.00	6.90	5.00	2.30	2.70	5680	267	0.442	69.8	0.0587	61.8	0.44	0.0546	4.91	0.149	140	0.024	171	17.04	61.8	0.0546	4.91		367.7	227.2
HEG-31_0137_04	2.10	0.41	0.40	0.51	0.12	0.10	942	13	0.569	22.3	0.0622	15.6	0.35	0.0673	4.26	0.225	27.9	0.037	19.1	16.08	15.6	0.0673	4.26		389.0	60.7
HEG-31_0137_05	2.10	1.00	0.79	0.50	0.25	0.30	1492	3	0.475	1.78	0.0625	1.85	0.52	0.0551	0.39	0.120	3.14	0.020	2.06	15.99	1.85	0.0551	0.39		390.8	7.2
HEG-31_0137_06	2.30	2.20	1.60	3.80	1.90	0.65	1545	6	0.466	2.52	0.0629	1.89	0.37	0.0543	0.45	0.580	14.0	0.017	11.0	15.89	1.89	0.0543	0.45		393.2	7.4
HEG-31_0137_10	2.10	1.50	1.10	2.70	1.50	0.46	245	540	0.457	6.57	0.0613	8.60	0.65	0.0540	4.63	0.415	36.1	0.018	5.22	16.31	8.60	0.0540	4.63		383.5	33.0
HEG-31_0137_15	1.80	1.10	0.88	3.10	0.83	0.16	762	3	0.722	4.26	0.0863	4.41	0.52	0.0609	0.66	0.793	5.30	0.029	1.95	11.59	4.41	0.0609	0.66		533.6	23.5
HEG-31_0137_16	n.d.	3.90	2.90	3.80	1.90	1.20	-	-	0.405	16.3	0.0546	15.0	0.46	0.0541	0.47	0.260	17.8	0.017	23.4	18.30	15.0	0.0541	0.47		342.7	51.4
HEG-31_0137_20	1.90	2.20	1.70	2.10	0.91	0.54	1560	1	0.388	2.97	0.0527	2.49	0.42	0.0539	0.34	0.313	4.98	0.017	3.41	18.96	2.49	0.0539	0.34		331.1	8.2
HEG-31_0137_23	2.10	2.00	1.50	1.80	0.99	0.62	1176	1	0.440	0.58	0.0584	0.57	0.49	0.0548	0.28	0.201	1.64	0.018	0.82	17.12	0.57	0.0548	0.28		365.9	2.1
HEG-31_0138_05	1.80	1.20	0.90	1.70	0.83	0.28	1076	1	0.452	0.94	0.0606	0.87	0.46	0.0545	0.51	0.477	1.96	0.017	1.61	16.50	0.87	0.0545	0.51		379.3	3.3
HEG-31_0138_06a	1.80	0.37	0.31	0.41	0.23	0.09	571	3	0.448	3.58	0.0570	2.24	0.31	0.0571	2.12	0.247	3.53	0.017	5.71	17.53	2.24	0.0571	2.12		357.4	8.0
HEG-31_0138_06b	n.d.	0.83	0.63	1.00	0.49	0.22	-	-	0.432	6.01	0.0572	5.92	0.49	0.0543	1.60	0.346	8.74	0.017	10.4	17.49	5.92	0.0543	1.60		358.6	21.2
HEG-31_0138_14	2.80	2.40	2.50	3.60	0.80	0.34	2723	2	0.590	3.15	0.0664	1.13	0.18	0.0643	2.02	0.411	1.86	0.016	6.90	15.05	1.13	0.0643	2.02		414.4	4.7
HEG-31_0138_19	2.50	2.60	2.00	4.60	2.40	0.78	1166	22	0.475	3.28	0.0614	2.37	0.36	0.0558	2.06	0.771	2.05	0.018	3.78	16.28	2.37	0.0558	2.06		384.1	9.1
HEG-31_0138_29	2.80	0.77	0.67	1.20	0.56	0.23	429	2	0.493	2.12	0.0599	1.10	0.26	0.0594	1.83	0.445	6.18	0.021	4.88	16.69	1.10	0.0594	1.83		375.0	4.1
HEG-31_0138_33	2.80	2.20	1.70	1.90	1.90	0.66	1803	6	0.469	2.26	0.0613	2.63	0.58	0.0553	0.76	0.231	3.71	0.018	12.0	16.32	2.63	0.0553	0.76		383.5	10.1
HEG-31_0138_37	1.70	2.20	1.70	2.30	1.30	0.64	1482	1	0.468	1.29	0.0624	1.37	0.53	0.0544	0.19	0.294	4.61	0.017	1.30	16.03	1.37	0.0544	0.19		390.2	5.3
HEG-31_0138_40	2.60	4.00	3.10	3.10	1.40	0.97	1509	6	0.470	2.76	0.0611	1.72	0.31	0.0555	1.13	0.167	8.52	0.019	3.49	16.36	1.72	0.0555	1.13		382.3	6.6
HEG-31_0138_41	1.70	1.30	0.99	1.10	0.57	0.40	1086	1	0.422	1.02	0.0562	0.96	0.47	0.0545	0.32	0.294	5.27	0.016	4.24	17.79	0.96	0.0545	0.32		352.5	3.4

5. Discussion

The oldest exposed rocks of the Slavonian Mts. occur in the Psunj-Krndija Complex according to research by Jamičić (1988; 1989; 2001), and this was confirmed by recent data by Balen and co-authors (2006; 2013; 2015). Different types of granitoids and gabbro intrusions are associated with these metamorphic rocks, but large amounts of granite are also found in the Papuk Complex (Jamičić et al., 1987, 1989) (Fig. 1B). Pamić and Lanphere (1991) and Pamić et al. (1996) distinguished two genetically different types of granitoids: S-type granitoids occur together with migmatites and are presumed to have arisen from a progressive metamorphic sequence in lower continental crust, while I-type intruded into a Barrow-type progressive sequence thought to be formed during the Variscan orogeny. Pamić et al. (1988a) concluded that all metamorphic and associated igneous rocks from Mts. Papuk, Psunj and Krndija in Slavonia were produced during the Hercynian orogeny.

The PSG-1 sample is from a granitic body in the Rogoljica Valley in the western part of Psunj Mt. (Fig. 1B), where the granitoids were emplaced in amphibolitesfacies rocks. Marci (1965) described granitic rocks as non-cataclastic and cataclastic leucocratic granites in association with amphibolites, amphibole-zoisite-chlorite schists and leucocratic amphibole-bearing gneisses. The boundary between granites and amphibolites is formed by amphibole-biotite schists (Tajder, 1966 and Marci, 1971). Marci (1973) argued that magma had a uniform composition with a crystallisation sequence: plagioclase - biotite - quartz - microcline - perthitic microcline. It was assumed that the granitic melt crystallised probably as a last differentiate of a granodioritic melt. Horvat and Buda (2004) discussed the type rich in quartz and K-feldspar from Omanovac Quarry. According to the normative composition and Q’ and ANOR parameters, the PSG-1 sample is alkali feldspar granite, and according to the IUGS classification (1973), it is an amphibole monzogranite (data from Table 3, Horvat and Buda, 2004). Chappell and White (1974) suggested two types of granite: S-type (sedimentary or supracrustal) and I-type (igneous or infracrustal) that come from source rocks of fundamentally different origin – one formed by deposition on the crust, the other by accretion beneath the crust. Chappell and White (1984) gave Na the role to distinguish between the I- and S-type granites. The wt% Na₂O content is higher than 3.2 in salic varieties and decreasing to 2.2 in more femic types. The line that was given as a boundary between the two types joins the points 2 wt% K₂O, 2 wt% Na₂O and 5 wt% K₂O, 3.5 wt% Na₂O. The wt% K₂O versus wt% Na₂O content equal to approximately 0.90 (Chappell and White, 1984), and the relationship between the wt% SiO₂ content and the alumina-saturation index (ASI) ([molar Al₂O₃/(CaO + Na₂O + K₂O)] Shand (1927)) equal to 1.01, indicating I-type origin for this particular sample. According to the alumina saturation index (ASI) and the A/NK, the molar ratio cannot discriminate between peraluminous and metaluminous geochemical affinity. This classification is in accordance with the petrographic observations that PSG-1 contains amphibole in addition to biotite and/or epidote and/or titanite.

The 2PPG-32 sample is from Šandrovac Quarry in the NW part of the Mt. Papuk, where basalts and andesites dykes (Lugović, 1983) intersect various metamorphic rocks ranging from the chlorite- to amphibolite-facies in association with different varieties of granitic rocks (Jamičić, 1989). This muscovite-biotite monzogranite has a eutectic composition and a peraluminous character (ASI = 1.20) (Horvat and Buda, 2004). The analysed sample has a Na₂O content of 3.92 and a K₂O content of 3.80, and belongs to the I-type according to the Chappell and White (1984) criteria. The relationship between the wt% SiO₂ content and the aluminium saturation index (ASI = 1.20) for the 2PPG-32 sample suggested an S-type character.

The HEG-31 sample, biotite monzogranite from the Kišeljevac Creek valley (the S slope of Papuk Mt.) is the small granitoid intrusion found within the gneiss, with significant contact aureole and marble formation. This field observation confirmed the intrusion of siliceous melt, for which it was determined as having a peraluminous character (ASI = 1.08). The analysed sample has a 3.36 wt% Na₂O content and a 4.30 wt% K₂O content, and belongs to the transitive zone between the S- and I-type according to Chapell and White (1984) criteria. Biotite in this sample is red-brown in colour (Fig. 4C), which is characteristic for the I-type granites that are reduced (Chappell and White, 2001).

It can be assumed that the monzogranite rocks in question cannot be classified as strictly S- or I- type (Pamić et al., 1996 and Pamić and Jurković, 2002).

The first K-Ar and Rb-Sr ages for metamorphic and associated igneous rocks from Mts. Papuk, Psunj and Krndija in Slavonia were reported by Pamić et al. (1988a and references therein). Particular data reported in Pamić et al. (1988a), compared to samples present in this work, are 155.2 ± 3.7 Ma K-Ar ages for biotite-hornblende granite from Rogoljica (W Psunj Mt.) on hornblende and 93.6 ± 2.3 Ma on biotite; 335.2 ± 8.4 Ma K-Ar ages for pegmatite from the Šandrovac location (the NW part of the Papuk Mt.) on muscovite and 321.5 ± 8 Ma K-Ar ages for Bi-granite from Kišeljevac (the S slope of Papuk Mt.) on biotite. The same authors obtained two groups of older ages from 421 to 658 Ma and from 352 to 376 Ma on hornblende from amphibolites (K-Ar measurements). These discordant ages were subsequently checked by ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar spectra measurements on muscovite and biotite from paragneisses and mica schists. In five from seven ages ranging between 337 and 321 Ma, one sample yielded 264 Ma and one 430 Ma (Pamić et al., 1996). Radiometric age determinations were carried out on granitoids from surface and boreholes by Pamić and Lanphere (1991), and yielded two groups of ages: K-Ar measurements on hornblende, biotite and muscovite yielded ages from 338.9 to 321.5 Ma and from 223.3 to 93.5 Ma, respectively. The younger ages were interpreted as stemming from Ar loss during the Alpine orogeny. The same authors in the same paper published the Sr-evolution diagram on whole-rock samples with an isochron age of 314 Ma. K-Ar dating of hornblende is an outdated method and much of the published data is not reliable in modern views. This is because hornblendes usually contain significant amounts of excess Ar, resulting in too old ages. Both the Rb-Sr and K-Ar age can be prone to problems with late-stage fluids and deformation. This is especially a problem with older age data which was collected from huge sample sizes (hundreds of milligrams) leading to mixed effects etc. In-situ U-Pb dating is the most reliable method used for establishing the absolute time constraints of the temporal evolution of magmatic and metamorphic rocks. LA ICP-MS (Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) allows for a highly sensitive elemental and isotopic analysis to be performed directly on solid samples. This kind of modern technology is crucial and irreplaceable for isotopic analysis of small mineral grains, and the best way to investigate the geological history of old crystalline rocks, in order to understand and date the processes which affected regional geological setting.

The application of the in-situ laser ablation U-Pb zircon dating method provides the absolute rock ages of one sample from the Papuk Complex (2PPG-32, Šandrovac Quarry, Papuk Mt.) and two samples from the Psunj-Krndija Complex (PSG-1, Omanovac Quarry, Psunj Mt. and HEG-31, Kišeljevac Creek, Papuk Mt.). The cathodoluminescence images reveal the oscillatory zoning pattern through all zircon crystals, which are interpreted as stemming from magmatic zircon growth from a silicic melt. The U-Pb results for all three representative granitoid samples from different intrusive bodies are, therefore, interpreted to represent intrusion ages: 380 ± 4 Ma for the monzogranite from Omanovac Quarry (W Psunj Mt.), 382 ± 2 Ma for the monzogranite from Šandrovac Quarry (NW Papuk Mt.) and 383 ± 5 Ma for the monzogranite from Kišeljevac Creek (S slope of Papuk Mt.).

These results suggest Late Devonian magmatic activity, and show that the investigated granitoid intrusions had occurred earlier than previous radiometric studies have suggested.

6. Conclusions

In-situ LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon dating provides following new geochronological insights into the evolution of crystalline rocks of the Slavonian Mts. – Psunj and Papuk:

The study showed that the granitoid intrusions in question had occurred earlier (in Late Devonian) than previous radiometric studies have reported, confirming multistage granitoid magmatism in the Slavonian Mts. The pre-Variscan elements are a relevant fact, hidden by Variscan and Alpine marks. As relics, they occur today as poly-metamorphic and migmatite domains in the Slavonian Mts. in Croatia.