Al-rich metapelites from the Mashan khondalite series are characterized by the assemblage Spl+Grt+Sil+Crd+Bt+Pl(An72)+Kfs+Quartz+graphite. Large amounts of spinel+quartz assemblages occur as inclusions in garnet and prismatic sillimanite in the Al-rich metapelites of the Mashan complex, NE China. The chemical composition of spinel is characterized by Zn-rich(XZn=0.33–0.40. XZn=Zn/Zn+Mg+Fe*)(Fe*=Fe2++Fe3+) and Fe3+ rich(up to 0.31 p.f.u.). The characteristic chemical composition and the mineral association indicated that the formation of spinel and quartz assemblage may be due to the breakdown of Zn-rich staurolite. The geothermobarometers studies show that the peak temperature of the Mashan complex is around 820 ℃ and the peak pressures is 8.0 kbar. The Mashan complex shows a typical orogen style P-T path. Al-rich metapelites from the Mashan khondalite series are characterized by the assemblage Spl + Grt + Sil + Crd + Bt + Pl (An72) + Kfs + Quartz + graphite. Large amounts of spinel + quartz assemblages occur as inclusions in garnet and prismatic sillimanite in the Al-rich metapelites of the Mashan complex, NE China. The chemical composition of spinel is characterized by Zn-rich (XZn = 0.33-0.40. XZn = Zn / Zn + Mg + Fe * The characteristic chemical composition and the mineral association indicates that the formation of spinel and quartz assemblage may be due to the breakdown of Zn-rich staurolite. The geothermobarometers studies show that the peak temperature of the Mashan complex is around 820 ° C and the peak pressures are 8.0 kbar. The Mashan complex shows a typical orogen style PT path.