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

Other

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

8

Scientific paper

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 m are routine and much higher spatial resolution may be possible. Analytical precision ranges from 1 = ±0.15%. (pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite) to 1 = ±0.43%.. (galena, chalcopyrite). Comparison of laser microprobe and conventional combustion analyses indicates that laser 34 S 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 18 O 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 m 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.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Micro-analysis of sulfur-isotope ratios and zonation by laser microprobe does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Micro-analysis of sulfur-isotope ratios and zonation by laser microprobe, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Micro-analysis of sulfur-isotope ratios and zonation by laser microprobe will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1093576

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.