Decrepitometry of fluid inclusions in quartz from the guadalcazar granite of Mexico; principles and application to mineral exploration

Abstract

A simple acoustic decrepitometric method, with which samples of granite quartz are heated to about 600°C while the number of decrepitations are counted, has been developed to study rock samples derived from the mineralized guadalcazar granite in Mexico. Decrepitation temperatures for individual inclusions have also been determined by observing the point at which they rupture upon heating using a microscope heating stage. Decrepitation temperatures of individual fluid inclusions in granite quartz are influenced by a variety of factors notably size, shape, composition, homogenization temperature and proximity to the surface. There is a positive correlation between total decrepitation activity and fluid inclusion abundances (determined optically using point counting methods). Decrepitographs show a period of low intensity decrepitation activity below 390°C followed by a period of intensive decrepitation up to 570°C. The onset of massive decrepitation at around 390°C is constant for all samples, but variations in decrepitation activity often occur between mineralized and barren samples. These variations reflect complex differences in the fluid inclusion populations, but illustrate the potential for applying simple audio-decrepitometry as an aid to mineral exploration in granite terrains.