University of Tasmania
Browse

Formation of the Denchai gem sapphires, northern Thailand: evidence from mineral chemistry and fluid/melt inclusion characteristics

Download (1.02 MB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 13:18 authored by Limtrakun, P, Khin ZawKhin Zaw, Ryan, CG, Mernagh, TP
The Denchai gem sapphire deposits in Phrae Province, northern Thailand are closely associated with late Cenozoic alkaline basaltic rocks. The sapphires occur in alluvial placer deposits in palaeo-channels at shallow depths. Electron microprobe analysis of minor and trace element contents (Fe, Ti, Cr, Ga and V) of the sapphires indicate the following oxide abundances: Fe2O3 (0.32-1.98 wt.%), TiO2 (0.01-0.23 wt.%), Cr2O3 (<0.01 wt.%), Ga2O3 (0.01-0.03 wt.%) and V2O5 (<0.03 wt.%). Optical studies of sapphires revealed three types of primary fluid/melt inclusions. CO2-rich inclusions (Type I) contain three phases (LH2O + LCO2 + V) with the vapour phase comprising <10-15 vol.%. The presence of CO2 was confirmed by microthermometry and laser Raman analysis. Polyphase inclusions (Type II) (vapour + liquid + solid) contain a fluid bubble (20-30 vol.%), an aqueous phase (10-15 vol.%) and several solid phases. Silicate-melt inclusions (Type III) comprise vapour bubbles, silicate glass and solid phases. Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis revealed high concentrations of K (∼ 4 wt.%) as well as Ca (∼ 0.5 wt.%), Ti (∼ 1 wt.%), Fe (∼ 2 wt.%), Mn (∼ 0.1 wt.%), V (<0.03 wt.%), Rb (∼ 70 ppm) and Zr (∼ 200 ppm) in the silicate glass. The Ga2O3 abundances and Cr2O3/Ga2O3 values (<1) of the sapphires favour their formation by magmatic processes. The presence of CO2-rich fluids and high K concentrations in the silicate melt inclusions link the origin of the Denchai gem sapphires to CO2-rich alkaline magmatism.

History

Publication title

Mineralogical Magazine

Volume

65

Issue

6

Pagination

725-735

ISSN

0026-461X

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

The Mineralogical Society

Place of publication

London, England

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC