Rusk, Brian, Cheng, Yanbo, Mauk, Jeff, Simpson, Mark, and Blake, Kevin (2011) Quartz cathodoluminescent textures and trace elements in epithermal ore deposits. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Biennial SGA meeting: Let's Talk Ore Deposits. A105. pp. 321-323. From: SGA 2011: 11th Biennial SGA Meeting: Let's Talk Ore Deposits, 26-29 September 2011, Antofagasta, Chile.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

 

2

Abstract

When viewed with scanning electron microscope-cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL), hydrothermal vein quartz displays textures that cannot be observed using other techniques. SEM-CL imaging is a powerful petrographic tool for working out the sequence of precipitation and dissolution events in a vein. When integrated with trace element data, these techniques can help constrain the physical and chemical evolution of hydrothermal systems and the nature of fluid migration and fluid-rock interaction in the Earth's crust. Epithermal ore deposits are characterized by CL textures that illustrate sequential precipitation of quartz, adularia, carbonate, and sulfides into open space. Textures include inward-oriented euhedral growth with oscillatory growth zonation, spheroidal textures, bladed growth, dendritic growth, fibrous growth, chalcedonic banding, feathery texture, micro-fractures, micro-brecciation, and a variety of chaotic and irregular textures. Trace element analyses show that Al is the most abundant element in most epithermal quartz and ranges from a few tens of ppm to a few thousands of ppm; lesser Li, K, and Sb is also present. Potassium and Li correlate with Al; Sb correlates with Al in some samples, and, although analysed, Ti was not detected in any sample. Variations in trace element concentrations correspond to variations in CL intensity and CL spectral response, but the variations are not consistent. Change in trace element concentration may reflect variations in fluid pH or may reflect other fluid compositional variations.

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page