Micro-analysis of sulfur-isotope ratios and zonation by laser microprobe

Abstract

The University of Wisconsin laser microprobe/mass spectrometer system combines high spatial resolution with precise, accurate, and rapid analysis of sulfur-isotope ratios. Spot sizes of 100–200 μm are routine and much higher spatial resolution may be possible. Analytical precision ranges from 1 σ = ±0.15%. (pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite) to 1 σ = ±0.43%.. (galena, chalcopyrite). Comparison of laser microprobe and conventional combustion analyses indicates that laser δ 34S values are approximately equal to or lower than combustion values for these minerals, and an empirical correction of −0.1‰ (sphalerite) to +1.4%. (pyrrhotite) is required. Variations in δ 18O of SO 2, laser power density, and burn duration affect the magnitude of this correction; thus, consistent technique is critical. Natural samples were analyzed by laser microprobe to evaluate the extent of sulfur-isotope ratio zonation. Coexisting sulfide mineral pairs from the Rua Cove Mine, Alaska, show that isotopic equilibrium exists in the stockwork feeder zone, while disequilibrium characterizes coexisting pairs from the overlying, more rapidly cooled massive sulfide blanket. Conventional sulfur isotope extraction data on these samples are not valid due to the fine-grained, intergrown nature of the sulfide phases, which precludes satisfactory mineral separation. Isotopically homogeneous sphalerite and pyrite crystals were found in samples from the amphibolite facies Balmat Mine, while isotopically heterogeneous pyrite crystals were found in a sample from the upper greenschist facies Sullivan Mine. Sulfur-isotope zonation up to 2.9%. in 200 μm was found in banded sphalerite blacksmoker chimney material from the Bayda Mine (Oman). Retrograde sulfides from the Marcy Anorthosite Massif vary by 4.2%. over <1 cm, and finely disseminated sulfides from an amphibolite-granulite facies transition zone sample, southern India, are in disequilibrium across the 25 cm facies transition. These results show that sulfur isotope homogeneity may be attained in the cores of annealed high-grade metamorphic minerals while lower temperature, retrograde, or hydrothermally deposited minerals are often isotopically zoned due to temporal variations in fluid chemistry and temperature.