Abstract
The emerald mineralization in the Habachtal (Austria) is geologically and tectonically complex, and previous investigators have identified fluid inclusion evidence for a hydrothermal/metamorphic origin for the emeralds. In this paper we report the discovery of emeralds with a distinctly different inclusion population including melt inclusions, which demonstrates that at least some and probably most of the emerald mineralization in the Habachtal occurred from an extremely fluid-rich pegmatite-like aluminosilicate melt under supercritical conditions, at high temperatures and moderate pressures (~700 °C, 5 kbar). This conclusion is based on the presence of very highly-ordered graphite, and extremely water-rich melt inclusions in emerald. The Lorentz distribution of MgCO3 against the water concentration is a very robust proof for the supercritical state. We suggest that the purely metamorphic model, based on the extrapolation of fluid inclusion data to the regional metamorphic conditions (550 °C and 5 kbar) by some previous investigators are inconsistent with our finding of high-temperature indications (well-ordered graphite, high-temperature fluid inclusions and melt inclusions). This apparent conflict suggests a more complex situation and requires a re-investigation of the emerald genesis in the Habachtal deposit.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
