University of Tasmania
Browse

Gold and metal enrichment in natural granitic melts during fractional crystallization

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 18:54 authored by Mustard, R, Ulrich, T, Vadim Kamenetsky, Mernagh, T
Metal evolution in a composite granitic pluton was tracked by analyzing melt inclusions in 11 quartz samples from 7 zones at the Timbarra gold deposit, Australia. We present the first quantitative microanalyses of gold (Au) in granitic silicate melt inclusions using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry and show how Au and other metals become enriched during fractional crystallization in a granite intrusion. Au was enriched during fractionation from a monzogranite to a highly fractionated alkali-feldspar granite. Similar enrichment behavior for other metals implies that no gold-enriched precursor melt is required and fractional crystallization can enrich the Au concentration to economic levels. The low content of accessory oxides and sulfides, the absence of early Cl-bearing fluids, the volatile content in the melt, and a prolonged crystallization constitute important factors for extensive metal enrichment during crystal fractionation. These characteristics play a crucial role in felsic, highly fractionated plutons and their associated deposits such as intrusion-related Au deposits. The gold enrichment during fractionation also implies that Au is directly sourced from the granites. © 2006 Geological Society of America.

History

Publication title

Geology

Volume

34

Pagination

85-88

ISSN

0091-7613

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Geological Soc America, Inc

Place of publication

Boulder, CO, USA

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Precious (noble) metal ore exploration

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC