Quartz-tourmaline Veins Research Articles

Geochemistry, Mineralization, and Fluid Inclusion Study of the Bayan-Uul Porphyry Au-Cu-(Mo) Deposit, Central Mongolia

The Bayan-Uul porphyry Au-Cu-(Mo) deposit occurs within the Mongol–Okhotsk Orogenic Belt, which is a part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. To understand geotectonic, petrogenesis, mineralization, and ore-forming fluid evolution of the Bayan-Uul deposit, we report petrographic and geochemical analyses of host rocks, mineralogy of ores, and fluid inclusion characteristics. Based on petrographic and mineralogical analyses, Cu, Mo, and Au mineralization occurs as disseminated and sulfide-bearing quartz–tourmaline veins hosted within granodiorites, monzodiorites, and diorite porphyry and tourmaline breccia. Four main alteration assemblages are identified: potassic, phyllic, argillic, and quartz–tourmaline alteration. The ore mineralogy of quartz–tourmaline veinlets are classified into A-type veinlets (quartz + tourmaline + chalcopyrite + magnetite + pyrite ± electrum), B-type veinlets (quartz + tourmaline + molybdenum + chalcopyrite + pyrite), and C-type veinlets (quartz + tourmaline + pyrite ± chalcopyrite). Fluid inclusions are found in quartz–tourmaline veinlets consisting mainly of liquid-rich two-phase (L-type), vapor-rich two-phase (V-type), and solid-bearing multi-phase (S-type) inclusions. The homogenization temperatures for the fluid inclusions in A-type, B-type, and C-type veinlets range from 215 to 490°C, 215 to 500 °C, and 160 to 350 °C and their salinity varies from 5.4 to 43.5 wt.%, 16 to 51.1 wt.%, and 3.4 to 24.1 wt.% NaCl equivalent, respectively. Coexistance of (L-type), (V-type), and (S-type) inclusions support fluid boiling. The δ18O values of ore fluids from different mineralizing A-, B-, and C-type veins are 8.7‰, 10.9‰, and 8.4‰, respectively, and the δ34S values of sulfide minerals range from −1.4‰ to 5.3‰, which indicates magmatic origin.

Ore Mineralogy, Fluid Inclusion Geochemistry, and Zircon U-Pb Geochronology of the Nanmingshui Gold Deposit in East Junggar, Xinjiang, Northwest China: Implications for Ore Genesis

The Nanmingshui gold deposit, located in the eastern segment of the Kalamaili gold belt (KGB), is hosted by the sub-greenschist facies rocks of the Lower Carboniferous Jiangbasitao Formation. The genesis of this deposit, however, has been debated for decades because of controversial constraints on the P-T-X conditions and origins of hydrothermal fluid and mineralization age. In this study, we present gold-bearing sulfide compositions, fluid inclusions, H-O isotopes, and the results of hydrothermal zircon U-Pb dating to provide new insights into the genesis of the gold deposit. Three gold mineralization stages are recognized: quartz–pyrite–minor native gold veins (early), quartz–tourmaline–arsenopyrite–pyrite–gold–polymetallic sulfide veins (middle), and quartz–calcite veinlets (late). Gold predominantly occurs as native gold with high fineness ranging from 941 to 944 in sulfides and quartz, and some as solid solutions (Au+) within the lattice of pyrite and arsenopyrite. Three types of primary fluid inclusions are identified in hydrothermal quartz: CO2-H2O (C-type), aqueous (W-type), and pure CO2 (PC-type) inclusions. The early-stage quartz mainly contains C-type and minor W-type inclusions, with total homogenization temperatures (Th) of 220–339 °C, salinities of 0.4–3.7 wt.% NaCl eqv., and bulk densities of 0.66–1.01 g/cm3. All three types of inclusions are observed in the middle-stage quartz, of which the C- and W-type inclusions yield Th values of 190–361 °C, with salinities of 0.4–6.0 wt.% NaCl eqv. and bulk densities of 0.69–0.99 g/cm3. The late-stage quartz contains only W-type inclusions that have lower Th values of 172–287 °C, higher salinities of 1.4–6.9 wt.% NaCl eqv., and bulk densities of 0.79–0.95 g/cm3. Trapping pressures estimated from C-type inclusions in the early and middle stages cluster at 280–340 MPa and 220–310 MPa, respectively, corresponding to metallogenic depths of 10–13 km and 8–11 km. The H-O isotopic compositions (δ18Owater = 1.8–10.9‰, δD = −99 to −62.9‰) and microthermometric data indicate that the ore-forming fluids belong to medium–high-temperature, low-salinity, medium-density, and CO2-rich-H2O-NaCl ± CH4 ± N2 systems, probably originating from metamorphic water. Fluid immiscibility is a crucial mechanism for gold precipitation. Additionally, the U-Pb dating of hydrothermal zircons, from the auriferous quartz–tourmaline vein, yield a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 314.6 ± 9.6 Ma. Taking all of the above, the Nanmingshui deposit can be reasonably classed as a typical mesozonal orogenic gold deposit in the KGB, which was formed in a Late Carboniferous tectonic transition from syn-collision between the Jiangjunmiao accretionary complex and Yemaquan arc to post-collision in the East Junggar Orogen. Our results serve to better understand the gold mineralization and genesis of the Late Paleozoic orogenic system in the Kalamaili area, Xinjiang.

Depositing >1.5 Mt of Tin Within <1 m.y. of Initial Granitic Intrusion in the San Rafael Tin (-Copper) Deposit, Southeastern Peru

Abstract The San Rafael Sn (-Cu) deposit, located in the Eastern Cordillera of southeast Peru, is one of the world’s largest cassiterite-bearing vein systems (>1 Mt Sn produced since 1969). The deposit consists of a quartz-cassiterite-chlorite-sulfide lode system spatially associated with an upper Oligocene (ca. 24 Ma) S-type granitic pluton. Based on a revised paragenetic sequence for the deposit, we interpret the temporal setting of both magmatic (biotite, K-feldspar) and hydrothermal (muscovite, adularia, cassiterite) minerals analyzed by 40Ar/39Ar step-heating and U-Pb laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) geochronology. The least-disturbed biotite sample from the megacrystic monzogranite yielded a 40Ar/39Ar plateau age of 24.10 ± 0.26 Ma (2σ), which constrains the time of cooling of the upper part of the pluton to below 300°C. Greisen developed on top of the granitic cupola and its immediate metamorphic aureole dated at 24.24 ± 0.24 Ma (2σ; 40Ar/39Ar muscovite average plateau age) is interpreted to be contemporaneous with the emplacement of pre-ore quartz-tourmaline veins and breccias. In situ U-Pb dating of cassiterite, including both botryoidal cassiterite (“wood tin”) and coarse-grained cassiterite in quartz-chlorite veins and breccias, constrains the timing of the main Sn ore stage to between 24.10 ± 0.37 and 23.47 ± 0.53 Ma (2σ). Botryoidal and coarse-grained cassiterite are characterized by similar trace element compositions with fluctuating metal concentrations across growth banding, suggesting significant changes of physicochemical conditions of the hydrothermal system during cassiterite precipitation, likely caused by rapid and repeated mixing between magmatic fluids and meteoric groundwaters. Polymetallic sulfide-rich veins and quartz-carbonate veins are constrained to have formed between 22.72 ± 0.11 and 22.29 ± 0.24 Ma (2σ), based on adularia 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages. The latter overlap partially reset 40Ar/39Ar age spectra for K-feldspar megacrysts in the host granite and thus reflect pervasive alteration by hydrothermal fluids. Collectively, the results show the magmatic-hydrothermal system spanned at least 2 m.y. with the main Sn ore stage representing <1 m.y. in the lifetime of the deposit. The latest polymetallic stages postdate the main Sn ore stage by ca. 1 m.y. and reflect the waning of the hydrothermal system, accompanied by additional incursion of meteoric groundwaters. This study provides further evidence that the present-day exposed level of the San Rafael granite was a passive host for the Sn mineralization and only provided the structural focusing for the mineralizing fluids derived from a deeper part of the magmatic system.

Geochemical characteristics and boron isotopes of tourmaline from the Baishaziling tin deposit, Nanling Range: Constraints on magmatic-hydrothermal processes

Greisenization is an important stage of Sn-W mineralization, its mechanism of Sn enrichment and deposition remains debated (e.g., boiling, cooling, fluid-rock interaction, and fluid mixing). In this study, we performed detailed petrography and geochemical studies of different types of tourmalines in the Baishaziling greisen-type tin deposit, aiming to investigate the magmatic-fluid evolution and ore-forming processes. Major elements show that almost all tourmalines have high Fe/(Fe + Mg) ratios with affinity of alkali group and schorl compositions. Disseminated tourmalines (Tur-G1) occurring in granite are primary magmatic origin with high Li, Zn, Sc, V, and Ga contents. In the late magmatic-hydrothermal transition stage, tourmalines occur as tourmaline-quartz nodules (Tur-G2) in the granitic body, which have similar geochemical characteristics to Tur-G1. The lower Sn content of Tur-G3 in early quartz-tourmaline veins indicates that the dissolution of fluid has not lead to the initial Sn enrichment in the Baishaziling deposit. In the greisen-type orebodies, Tur-O1 with highest content of Sn (up to > 1000 ppm) and HREE, result of the interaction between magmatic-hydrothermal fluid and host granite due to the silicate minerals alteration, especially biotite. On the other hand, both syn-ore Tur-O2 and Tur-O3 exhibit low Sn, Li, Ca, HREE contents, which are suggested to be related to the co-crystallization of cassiterite and accessory mineral. The inverse Fe–Al correlation, NaR(X□Al)-1 and NaR2(OH)(X□Al2O)-1 substitution vectors of tourmalines in ore bodies (Tur-O) imply the relatively oxide environment and high salinity during the precipitation of cassiterite. Based on calculation, the δ11B value of primary magma, initial hydrothermal fluids and ore-formation fluids are ranging from −15.5‰ to −14.5‰, −12.63‰ to −12.22‰, −11.90‰ to −10.01‰, respectively, indicating that they have the same boron source from magma.

Origin and significance of tourmaline-bearing rocks in Boroujerd region, Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, western Iran

Tourmaline minerals are a main petrogenetic tool because of their refractory nature, chemical variability, and extensive occurrence in various geological settings. The Middle-Jurassic Boroujerd igneous rocks are one of the largest bodies that located in the middle part in the Sanandaj-Sirjan Magmatic Arc (SSMA) that introduced into regional metamorphic rocks. They are mostly composed of granitoids (granodiorite, quartz-diorite, and monzogranite) and contain apatite, zircon and tourmaline as abounadant accessory minerals. Tourmalines occur in varying types of mineral assemblages, chemical compositions and individual forms including tourmalinite, quartz-tourmaline vein, as accessory mineral in the more evolved granitoids, and schists. Tourmaline crystal sizes in these rocks varies from very fine to coarse-grained. The colour is brown to black and some crystals displaying a finescale chemical zonation. Tourmaline crystals commonly exhibit cellular features. Based on electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) analyses, schorl is the most abundant type of tourmaline in granitoids but foitite and dravite are common compositions in the pegmatite and schist, respectively. Presence of several tourmaline generations and their compositional trend may indicate time-varying relatively acidic boron-bearing fluids and reflects an anatexic melts influence in their crystallization.

Paleoproterozoic Rajapalot Au-Co system associated with evaporites: Chemical composition and boron isotope geochemistry of tourmaline, and sulfur isotopes of sulfates, Peräpohja belt, northern Finland

The Raja Au-Co mineralization in the Paleoproterozoic Peräpohja belt in northern Finland is part of the wider Rompas-Rajapalot mineralized area with several known Au-Co occurrences. The area is characterized by distinct tourmaline occurrences, spatially associated with Au-Co mineralization. Four texturally distinct tourmaline types were identified although all analysed tourmalines belong to the alkali-group and are classified as dravite. δ 11B values and fractionation modelling indicates that at least two distinct fluids were responsible for the tourmaline formation with initial end member δ11B values of the fluids at −8‰ and −1‰. Possible sources for boron rich fluids are Svecofennian orogeny related (ca. < 1.9 Ga) metamorphic fluids and magmatic-hydrothermal fluids related to the late-orogenic ca. 1.78 Ga granitoids. Structural data from the quartz-tourmaline veins outlines a strong linear trend towards the Raja high-grade mineralization trend. This is interpreted as evidence for structural control of the Raja mineralization, which possibly is contained in shear-zones or within the hinge regions of local high degree folding.A distinctive rock unit with bright purple anhydrite layers and white gypsum veins has been intersected by drilling. While the sulfate-rich unit is unmineralized, the mineralogy and regional geological setting suggests an evaporitic origin. Anhydrite has δ34S values in a narrow range from 8.1 to 9.8 ‰. Gypsum has slightly heavier δ34S from 10.6 to 12.2 ‰. Together with isotope fractionation constraints, textural evidence suggests the authigenic formation of gypsum with SO42- sourced from anhydrite. Significant similarities in textures and sulfur isotope values to well-known evaporite successions of the Onega basin, western Russia, further supports the presence of evaporitic strata within the Peräpohja belt.

Structural Control of Primary Tin Mineralization (Case Study: Parit Tiga, West Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung)

Tins are important commodities of metal mineral deposits in Bangka and have been mined since the seventeenth century. The research aims to determine the characteristics of primary tin mineralization in Parit Tiga, West Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung and the control of geological structures on mineralization. Rock samples were obtained from geological mapping and analyzed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), petrography, and mineragraphy method. From the analysis, the alteration can be divided into four zones: quartz + tourmaline alteration, quartz + halloysite + chlorite + pyrophyllite alteration, quartz + illite alteration, and quartz + kaolinite + chlorite + dickite alteration. The cassiterite, hematite, and pyrite are found in the mineralization zone associated with the greisen deposit. Based on the structural analysis data conducted on the normal left slip fault, the shear stress has an orientation of NE-SW and resulting in the forming of NW-SE gash fractures. These gash fractures have been filled by quartz and the tourmaline as disseminated minerals. The distribution of mineralization and alteration are found adjacent to the sheeted quartz-tourmaline veins. The dominated-tin concentration in ore deposits has the same orientation as the fault structure. These infer that the mineralization and alteration in the research area are controlled by geological structure.

Mineralogy and comparison of tourmaline chemistry in quartz-tourmaline veins with granitoid host and metapelitic rocks in the Shah-Kuh district (E Iran): An approach to Tin mineralization potential

Mineralogy and comparison of tourmaline chemistry in quartz-tourmaline veins with granitoid host and metapelitic rocks in the Shah-Kuh district (E Iran): An approach to Tin mineralization potential

Tourmalines of the Velence Granite Formation and the surrounding contact slate, Velence Mountains, Hungary

AbstractThree distinct paragenetic and compositional types of tourmaline were described from the Velence Granite and the surrounding contact slate. Rare, pitch-black, disseminated tourmaline I (intragranitic tourmaline) occurs in granite, pegmatite, and aplite; very rare, black to greenish-gray, euhedral tourmaline II (miarolitic tourmaline) occurs in miarolitic cavities of the pegmatites; abundant, black to gray, brown to yellow or even colorless, acicular tourmaline III (metasomatic tourmaline) occurs in the contact slate and its quartz-tourmaline veins. Tourmaline from a variety of environments exhibits considerable variation in composition, which is controlled by the nature of the host rock and the formation processes. However, in similar geologic situations, the composition of tourmaline can be rather uniform, even between relatively distant localities. Tourmaline I is represented by an Al-deficient, Fe3+-bearing schorl, which crystallized in a closed melt-aqueous fluid system. Tourmaline II is a schorl-elbaite mixed crystal, which precipitated from Li- and F-enriched solutions in the cavities of pegmatites. Tourmaline III shows an oscillatory zoning; its composition corresponds to schorl, dravite, and foitite species. It formed from metasomatizing fluids derived from the granite. This is the most abundant tourmaline type, which can be found in the contact slate around the granite.

Chemical and boron isotopic compositions of tourmaline at the Dachang Sn-polymetallic ore district in South China: Constraints on the origin and evolution of hydrothermal fluids

The Dachang Sn-polymetallic ore district in South China is the second largest tin district in the world with a tin reserve of over one million tonnes. Zn-Cu skarn and stratiform, massive, and vein Sn-Pb-Zn ores are all present in this district. This has led to a debate as to whether the Sn orebodies were formed by Cretaceous magmatic-hydrothermal replacement or Devonian submarine exhalative-hydrothermal sedimentation. Here, we present a systematic investigation of the major, trace element, and boron isotopic compositions of different types of tourmaline in the Dachang ore district. Tourmaline disseminated in the Longxianggai granite and pegmatite veins belongs to the schorl series and has high contents of Li, Zn, and Ga. The δ11B value of primary magma of the Longxianggai granite is estimated to be about −13‰, close to the global average δ11B value (−11‰) for S-type granites. Tourmaline from quartz-tourmaline veins in the Longxianggai granite has similar chemical composition to the magmatic tourmaline and likely formed from hydrothermal fluids exsolved from the evolved granitic melt. The δ11B value of the initial hydrothermal fluids is also calculated to be about −13‰. Tourmalines from the skarn and sulfide ores in the Lamo deposit have higher Mg/(Mg+Fe) and lower Na/(Na+Ca) ratios and higher contents of Be, Ge, Sr, and Sn than magmatic tourmaline. These patterns likely reflect input of elements derived from the host Devonian limestone. The δ11B values of the hydrothermal fluids are estimated to be between −13 and −10‰, suggesting evolved magmatic-hydrothermal fluids related to the Longxianggai granite. Tourmalines from the stratiform and vein ores in the Changpo-Tongkeng deposit are extremely Mg-rich and mostly belong to the dravite series. They have high contents of Sc, V, Cr, Sr, and Sn and show positive Eu anomalies. The δ11B values of these B- and Sn-rich fluids are estimated to be between −15 and −10‰, suggesting that the fluids also have a magmatic-hydrothermal origin. These fluids are most likely derived from the same granitic magma source, but may have interacted with the Devonian volcanic rocks.

Multiple generations of tourmaline from Yushishanxi leucogranite in South Qilian of western China record a complex formation history from B-rich melt to hydrothermal fluid

Abstract One tourmaline-bearing leucogranite dike occurs in the Yushishanxi Nb-Ta mining area in the Yushishan district of the South Qilian orogenic belt in western China. Abundant tourmalines have been identified in the leucogranite, including disseminated, crosscutting quartz-tourmaline veins and tourmaline veinlets. Detailed petrological, geochemical, and boron isotopic studies indicate that these tourmalines have distinctive core-rim zoning signatures and significant chemical variations, which can be divided into four paragenetic generations. Generation-I tourmalines in the leucogranite have a magmatic origin and were followed by hydrothermal Generation-II, Generation-III, and Generation-IV. Tourmalines from all four generations belong to the alkali group and the schorl-dravite solid-solution series. The most notable features are the variations in Mg, Fe, and Ca contents. The variable Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratios in generations I to IV may be attributed to the multiple influx and/or interaction of initially magma-derived hydrothermal fluid with surrounding rocks, magma-derived Fe-rich hydrothermal fluid, and external metamorphic fluid. In situ B-isotope analyses of tourmaline yield a total range of δ11B values from –11.7 to –6.0‰. The earliest Generation-I tourmalines have δ11B values of –11.1 to –9.6‰, whereas Generation-II and Generation-III tourmalines record a higher δ11B value of –9.5 to –6.0‰ and –9.3 to –6.9‰, respectively. Such an increase is mainly controlled by boron-isotope fractionation between melt-fluid and tourmaline-fluid, Rayleigh fractionation, and also, to some extent, by a hydrothermal recharge from the same magma source. Generation-IV tourmalines have the lightest B-isotope values (down to –11.7‰). This shift back to lighter B-isotopes in the Generation-IV cannot be explained by closed-system crystallization and isotope fractionation of known phases. Alternatively, a lighter source of boron via fluid circulation from the surrounding metamorphic rocks can explain this light boron isotope composition. Therefore, we propose that an isotopically light fluid may have derived from B release during mica breakdown within the surrounding metamorphic rocks.

Fluid Inclusion Characteristics of Tungsten Mineralization in the Agargaon Area of Sakoli Fold Belt, Central India

The Lower to Middle Proterozoic Sakoli fold belt in Central India forms a triangular belt with significant mineralization of strategic minerals. The Sakoli fold belt comprises metasediments, felsic and mafic volcanics with metabasalts bounded by the gneissic-migmatitic terrain. The last pulses of granitic activity in the form of quartz lenses intrude the metasediments and are associated with tungsten mineralization. The metasediments are intruded by the quartz veins and tourmaline breccias trending 60°N to 65°E and 60°S to 65°W and are parallel to the regional structural foliations. The tungsten mineralization in this area is restricted to tourmaline-quartz mica greisens and quartz veins. The NE-SW trending foliated contact zones of chlorite mica schist and porphyritic granite/gneisses have served as easy channels for the mineralizing vapours and solutions to percolate, which formed ore bearing greisens and quartz veins. This mineralization is erratic and manifested by sparse and sporadic disseminations of wolframite and scheelite associated with minor amount of molybdenite and chalcopyrite. The fluid inclusion microthermometry on mineralized quartz veins and quartz-tourmaline veins reveals the existence of a metamorphogenic aqueous- gaseous (H2O-CO2+NaCl) fluid that underwent phase separation and gave rise to gaseous (CO2) inclusion. The salinity of tungsten mineralizations varies from low to high (1.32 wt.% to 40.44 wt.% NaCl eq.). The estimated P-T range of tungsten mineralization varies from 1.2 to 2.2 kbar at 280 to 390 °C. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the fluid inclusions mainly contain H2O and CO2 with rarely H2S and CH4. Stable isotopic data reveal that the sulfur isotope fractions from the deposits δ34S ranging from +3.1‰ to +3.35‰, suggesting the deep crustal source for the sulfur, which can be further interpreted as a single (magmatic) supply of sulfur during magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization. The studies reveal the presence of chlorides such as FeCl2/MgCl2 and CaCl2, indicating the involvement of chloride complexes in transportation of tungsten to the fluid system and the evolution of the ore-forming fluids by mixing or immiscibility of high-temperature, high-salinity magmatic fluids and low-temperature, low-salinity fluids in hydrothermal system, and also representing magmatic-hydrothermal interactions contributed wolframite and scheelite with minor amount of molybdenite and chalcopyrite.

Multiple fluid migration events and REE+Th mineralisation during Alpine metamorphism in the Sopron micaschist from the Eastern-Alps (Sopron area, Western Hungary)

Four fluid migration events were recorded during the Alpine metamorphism in the Sopron micaschist from the Grob gneiss series of the Lower Austroalpine Unit of the Eastern Alps near Sopron, using mineral chemistry data, geothermo-barometry and fluid inclusion studies.1. Tourmaline mineralisation in quartz veins and to some extent in the host rock. Similar mineral compositions in the quartz-tourmaline veins and in the host rock show equilibrium between fluid and the host rock. Geothermo-barometry gives 560-610oC temperature and 950-1230 MPa pressure for the formation of quartz-tourmaline veins which is the same as the determined P-T peak (T=560 and 600°C p= 840-1230 MPa).2. Fluids causing Mg-metasomatism in the shear zones. The result of this fluid invasion was the formation of leucophyllite in the shear zones and Mg-enrichment of some minerals (chlorite, muscovite, garnet) in the close vicinity of the shear zone. The effect of this fluid was confined to the shear zones and the neighbouring host rock.3. The rock was infiltrated along the shear zones and quartz veins with CO2-bearing hypersaline fluids during retrograde metamorphism. The presence of this fluid is evidenced by secondary CO2 inclusions and hypersaline aqueous fluid inclusions ± CO2. The aqueous fluid had high concentrations of Na, Ca, Fe, Al, Cl and contained moderate amounts of Mg, Zn, Ti, K, Mn, S and P. This fluid was the carrier of the REE and Th and locally precipitated florencite, monazite, allanite, apatite, thorite and thorianite in the shear zone. Traces of this mineralisation are found in quartz-tourmaline veins, postdating the tourmaline mineralisation.4. Late retrograde metamorphic fluid represented by two phase (liquid+vapor) aqueous inclusions of the NaCl-CaCl2-H2O system with total salinity between 25 and 28.5% and homogenisation temperatures between 229.6 and 322oC

Importance of Tourmaline Gneiss and Vein near Main Central Thrust in Sikkim Darjeeling Himalaya

Lingtse gneiss (LGn) and Higher Himalayan crystallines (HHC) comprise parts of main central thrust (MCT) in the Darjeeling Sikkim Himalaya. Tourmaline bearing gneiss and quartz tourmaline veins are reported in immediate contact with the LGn and some lesser Himalayan rocks in this study. Their importance is inferred via their comparative occurrence, micro-texture and chemistry. Flow of ductile crust was proposed to expose deep crustal rocks in the Himalayas in form of these gneissic rocks. Generation of paragneissic HHC from the protolith like the lesser Himalayan rocks like biotite-muscovite schist was proposed and documented in previous studies. The main central thrust where the principal motion is reported to date at circa 20 Ma appears in the contact regions of the HHC and lesser Himalayan rocks. Whether the tourmaline bearing gneiss or veins is a product during the episode of generation of the Higher Himalayan crystallines, which is taken as a component of the higher Himalayan crystallines episode remains a question as both concordant and discordant tourmaline bearing gneiss and/or quartzo-feldspahic veins appear respectively. The mm-cm scale tourmaline in the occasionally discordant quartz tourmaline veins shows strong zonation and less effects of shearing. Those are strongly zoned indicating magmatic hydrothermal character. The matrix tourmaline shows a separate composition. However, evidences of a less prominent shearing in them might signify rejuvenation. Lower temperature activity and fluid movement in this thrust zone are signified from the microstructure signifying that the high grade main central thrust was probably rejuvenated during or after the veining.

Elemental and B-O-H isotopic compositions of tourmaline and associated minerals in biotite-muscovite granite of Mashhad, NE Iran: Constraints on tourmaline genesis and element partitioning

Abundant tourmaline occurs in Late Triassic biotite-muscovite granites of Mashhad (NE Iran), with several distinct morphologies including tourmaline nodules in granite, pegmatitic tourmalines, aplitic tourmalines, and vein-related tourmalines (quartz-tourmaline vein, tourmaline-rich vein and radial tourmalines). Pegmatitic and aplitic tourmalines are compositionally Fe-rich schorl and the nodule, radial and vein tourmalines are Mg-rich schorl. The tourmalines have generally low abundances for most trace elements except for Sr, Ga, Li, Be, Sn, Pb and some transition elements. Tourmalines have low REE abundances and are enriched in LREE and depleted in HREE (mostly below detection limits) with positive Eu anomalies. The concentration of several trace elements (e.g., Pb, Be, Sn, Ga, Sr, Pb, and REE) correlates well with the major element composition of the tourmalines (e.g. Mg# (Mg/Mg + Fe), vacancy/)X-site vacancy + Na(and Na/)Na + Ca(). Trace element data of coexisting minerals with tourmaline indicate that the oligoclase and albite show the most preference in Sr, Pb and Eu and LREEs, biotite readily incorporates Rb, Ba, Zn, Li, Cs and Nb; K-feldspar has high contents of Rb, Ba, Sr and Pb; and garnet incorporates HREEs and Y during magma differentiation. The B-O-H isotopic compositions for all tourmalines are consistent with an S-type granite source, that was derived from partial melting of the continental crust. The pegmatitic and aplitic tourmalines with Fe-rich schorl composition indicate magmatic conditions and the radial, vein, and nodule tourmalines with Mg-rich schorl composition formed during the transition from magmatic to hydrothermal conditions due to the internal evolution of the granitic magma.

The Jurassic tourmaline–garnet–beryl semi-gemstone province in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, western Iran

ABSTRACT Deposits of semi-gemstones tourmaline, beryl, and garnet associated with Jurassic granites are found in the northern Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SaSZ) of western Iran, defining a belt that can be traced for about 400 km. Granitic magmas strongly interacted with or were derived from melts of continental crust and/or sediments. Based on morphologies, size, mineral assemblage, and contact relationships with host granite and associated metamorphic aureoles, these deposits are categorized into six types: (1) garnet in skarns, (2) tourmaline, beryl, and garnet in pegmatite and aplitic dikes, (3) disseminations and patches of tourmaline in leucogranites, (4) quartz-tourmaline veins in granite, (5) tourmaline and garnet in metamorphic aureoles, and (6) tourmaline orbicules in aplite. Tourmalines are mostly schorl and dravite, and garnets are mostly almandine, spessartine, and grossular. Tourmaline, beryl, and garnet from pegmatites in the contact aureole of Jurassic granites reflect segregations of Be, B, Mn, and Al bearing melts from the Jurassic peraluminous granites. Quartz-tourmaline veins and hydrothermal garnets in skarns reflect fluids exsolved from the surrounding metasediment and pegmatite melt. In contrast, tourmaline patches and orbicules developed from boron-rich aqueous fluids exsolved from cooling granitic magma. Distribution of semi-gemstones in the SaSZ shows that these are mostly related to pegmatites associated with Jurassic granitic intrusions. Mineral equilibrium considerations indicate that SaSZ semi-gemstones crystallized at P = 3.5–7.5 kbar (11.5–25 km deep) and temperatures of 550–650°C. SaSZ pegmatites fall in the muscovite (MS) and MS-rare element classes. They are Lithium Cesium Tantalum (LCT)-type pegmatites. Fluids responsible for gem mineralization were exsolved from cooling granite bodies and released by metamorphosed sediments. Further studies are needed to better understand the northern Sanandaj–Sirjan tourmaline–garnet–beryl semi-gemstone Province.

Experimental Investigation of Biotite-Rich Schist Reacting with B-Bearing Fluids at Upper Crustal Conditions and Correlated Tourmaline Formation

Fluid–rock interaction experiments between a biotite-rich schist (from Mt. Calamita Formation, Elba Island, Italy) and B-bearing aqueous fluids were carried out at 500–600 °C and 100–130 MPa. The experiments have been carried out in order to reproduce the reaction, which would have produced tourmalinisation of the biotite schist, supposedly by circulation of magmatic fluids issued from leucogranitic dykes. The reacting fluids were either NaCl-free or NaCl-bearing (20 wt %) aqueous solutions, with variable concentration of H3BO3 (0.01–3.2 M). The experimental results show that tourmaline (belonging to the alkali group) crystallise under high-temperature and upper crustal conditions (500–600 °C, 100–130 MPa) when H3BO3 concentration in the system is greater than 1.6 M. The composition of tourmaline is either dravitic (Mg-rich) or schorlitic (Fe-rich), depending if an NaCl-bearing or NaCl-free aqueous solution is used. In the first case, a significant amount of Fe released from biotite dissolution remains in the Cl-rich solution resulting from the experiment. By contrast, when pure water is used, Na/K exchange in feldspars makes Na available for tourmaline crystallisation. The high concentration of Fe in the residual fluid has an important metallogenic implication because it indicates that the interaction between the saline B-rich fluid of magmatic derivation and biotite-rich schists, besides producing tourmalinisation, is capable of mobilising significant amounts of Fe. This process could have produced, in part or totally, the Fe deposits located close to the quartz–tourmaline veins and metasomatic bodies of the Mt. Calamita Formation. Moreover, the super-hot reservoir that likely occurs in the deepest part of the Larderello–Travale geothermal field would also be the site of an extensive reaction between the B-rich fluid and biotite-bearing rocks producing tourmaline. Thus, tourmaline occurrence can be a useful guide during deep drilling toward a super-hot reservoir.

Fluid Inclusion and Stable Isotope Constraints On the Formation of the Ianapera Emerald Deposit, Southern Madagascar

Abstract The Ianapera emerald deposit is hosted in the Neoproterozoic Vohibory domain of southern Madagascar, within a tightly folded metamorphic sequence of mafic and ultramafic rocks (M-UMR), gneiss, and marble, a few kilometers north of the major tectonic break known as the Ianapera-Ampanihy Suture. Late-collisional metaluminous to peraluminous felsic intrusions outcrop in the area. Emerald occurs mostly within metasomatic phlogopitite and quartz-tourmaline veins, developed within lenses of M-UMR. Recent work recognized granitic pegmatites as the source of the emerald-forming fluids, leading to the classification of proximal and distal mineralization styles, based on whether or not pegmatites are associated with the phlogopitite, respectively (Andrianjakavah et al . 2009). Considerations of the chemistry of tourmaline and scapolite associated with emerald and beryl, data from fluid and solid inclusions in these minerals, thermodynamic calculations, and mineral thermobarometric data confirm that Be originated from the pegmatites, transported in a moderately saline aqueous fluid that exsolved at about 600 to 680 °C and 4–6 kbars. This fluid was enriched in alkali elements, incompatible elements and dissolved sulfur, and produced the proximal mineralization. Migration along fractures caused loss of at least part of the pegmatitic elements and local mixing with a metamorphic CO 2 -rich fluid, leading to the more distal mineralization at somewhat lower temperatures (520 to 650 °C). Oxygen and hydrogen stable isotopes were measured from beryl and emerald; the data corroborate a magmatic-hydrothermal origin for the mineralization and a common source for proximal and distal fluids. The calculated δ 18 O H2O of 12.5‰ at 520 °C for the distal emerald and the δD H2O range measured from the channel of the emerald samples fit within the oxygen and hydrogen isotopic range of values defined for peraluminous granitic magmatism. The occurrence of a distal style of emerald mineralization such as typified by Ianapera suggests that metamorphic origin models for similar occurrences worldwide should be taken with care and possibly reconsidered in terms of source and origin of fluids and metals.

Mineral chemistry of tourmaline from Mashak Pahar, South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ), eastern Indian Shield

The area of investigation at and around Mashak Pahar, Bankura district, West Bengal, India comprises a number of rock types namely: granite gneiss, migmatized quartz tourmaline gneiss, quartz pebble conglomerate, ferruginous quartzite, quartz tourmaline veins (as veins) and graphite schists. Interestingly, the study area lies in the region extending South Purulia Shear Zone (∼Tamar–Porapahar Shear Zone) which marks the boundary between two contrasting tectonic blocks of eastern India, namely, the Chhotanagpur Gneissic Terrane (CGC) to the north and Singhbhum Group of rocks to the south. The rocks of the study area are poly-phasedly deformed by three phases of folding, namely, F1, F2 and F3. All the tourmalines are classified to be of ‘Alkali Group’. Chemistry of tourmalines from migmatized quartz tourmaline gneiss and those from quartz tourmaline veins are in conformity with their relation to (earthquake induced) shear system evolution in this terrain. In general, the compositional evolution of tourmaline during prograde metamorphism (∼400°–730°C) has been supported by both petrographic and chemical evidences. Assessment of mineral–chemical data of constituent tourmaline grains clearly suggests compositional variations across zonal boundaries within tourmaline that was controlled by changing metamorphic milieu in this terrane. Field and petrographic evidences clearly indicate activation of earlier and later shears in this region accompanied by infiltration of boron and formation of zoned tourmaline crystals.

Long‐term chemical evolution and modification of continental basement brines – a field study from the Schwarzwald, SW Germany

AbstractHighly saline, deep‐seated basement brines are of major importance for ore‐forming processes, but their genesis is controversial. Based on studies of fluid inclusions from hydrothermal veins of various ages, we reconstruct the temporal evolution of continental basement fluids from the Variscan Schwarzwald (Germany). During the Carboniferous (vein type i), quartz–tourmaline veins precipitated from low‐salinity (&lt;4.5wt% NaCl + CaCl2), high‐temperature (≤390°C) H2O‐NaCl‐(CO2‐CH4) fluids with Cl/Br mass ratios = 50–146. In the Permian (vein type ii), cooling of H2O‐NaCl‐(KCl‐CaCl2) metamorphic fluids (T ≤ 310°C, 2–4.5wt% NaCl + CaCl2, Cl/Br mass ratios = 90) leads to the precipitation of quartz‐Sb‐Au veins. Around the Triassic–Jurassic boundary (vein type iii), quartz–haematite veins formed from two distinct fluids: a low‐salinity fluid (similar to (ii)) and a high‐salinity fluid (T = 100–320°C, &gt;20wt% NaCl + CaCl2, Cl/Br mass ratios = 60–110). Both fluids types were present during vein formation but did not mix with each other (because of hydrogeological reasons). Jurassic–Cretaceous veins (vein type iv) record fluid mixing between an older bittern brine (Cl/Br mass ratios ~80) and a younger halite dissolution brine (Cl/Br mass ratios &gt;1000) of similar salinity, resulting in a mixed H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2 brine (50–140°C, 23–26wt% NaCl + CaCl2, Cl/Br mass ratios = 80–520). During post‐Cretaceous times (vein type v), the opening of the Upper Rhine Graben and the concomitant juxtaposition of various aquifers, which enabled mixing of high‐ and low‐salinity fluids and resulted in vein formation (multicomponent fluid H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2‐(SO4‐HCO3), 70–190°C, 5–25wt% NaCl‐CaCl2 and Cl/Br mass ratios = 2–140). The first occurrence of highly saline brines is recorded in veins that formed shortly after deposition of halite in the Muschelkalk Ocean above the basement, suggesting an external source of the brine's salinity. Hence, today's brines in the European basement probably developed from inherited evaporitic bittern brines. These were afterwards extensively modified by fluid–rock interaction on their migration paths through the crystalline basement and later by mixing with younger meteoric fluids and halite dissolution brines.