Source of fluids forming distal Zn-Pb-Ag skarns: Evidence from laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry analysis of fluid inclusions from El Mochito, Honduras

Abstract

Research Article| December 01, 2008 Source of fluids forming distal Zn-Pb-Ag skarns: Evidence from laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry analysis of fluid inclusions from El Mochito, Honduras Iain M. Samson; Iain M. Samson 11Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Anthony E. Williams-Jones; Anthony E. Williams-Jones 22Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Katherine M. Ault; Katherine M. Ault 33Aurum Exploration Services, Kells, County Meath, Republic of Ireland Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Joel E. Gagnon; Joel E. Gagnon 11Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Brian J. Fryer Brian J. Fryer 11Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Iain M. Samson 11Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada Anthony E. Williams-Jones 22Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada Katherine M. Ault 33Aurum Exploration Services, Kells, County Meath, Republic of Ireland Joel E. Gagnon 11Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada Brian J. Fryer 11Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 29 May 2008 Revision Received: 15 Aug 2008 Accepted: 19 Aug 2008 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 © 2008 Geological Society of America Geology (2008) 36 (12): 947–950. https://doi.org/10.1130/G25214A.1 Article history Received: 29 May 2008 Revision Received: 15 Aug 2008 Accepted: 19 Aug 2008 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Iain M. Samson, Anthony E. Williams-Jones, Katherine M. Ault, Joel E. Gagnon, Brian J. Fryer; Source of fluids forming distal Zn-Pb-Ag skarns: Evidence from laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry analysis of fluid inclusions from El Mochito, Honduras. Geology 2008;; 36 (12): 947–950. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G25214A.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The compositions of fluid inclusions trapped in garnet, pyroxene, and sphalerite, measured with laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, from the distal, dominantly limestone-hosted, El Mochito Zn-Pb-Ag skarn, Honduras, are very similar to those of proximal magmatic fluids in granitoid-related mineral deposits. However, the El Mochito mineralizing fluids are chemically distinct from basinal brines, demonstrating that in distal skarns, magmatic fluids dominate, and that most element concentrations and ratios are unaffected by water-rock interaction. High fluid temperatures (~325–425 °C) throughout the paragenesis are also consistent with this hypothesis. A variety of elements and element ratios (e.g., Rb, Mn, K/Na, Mn/Na, Rb/Na, Zn/Na) clearly discriminates between magmatic fluids and basinal brines. Elevated Ca most likely resulted from carbonate dissolution along the flow path. Zinc and Pb contents indicate that the ore metals were precipitated in the deposit in proportions that approached their ratios in the fluid. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.