Diffusive reequilibration of quartz-hosted silicate melt and fluid inclusions: Are all metal concentrations unmodified?

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to determine the extent and mechanism by which the composition of quartz-hosted silicate melt inclusions (SMI) and aqueous fluid inclusions (FI) can undergo post-entrapment modification via diffusion. Quartz slabs containing assemblages of SMI and FI were reacted with synthetic HCl bearing and metalliferous aqueous fluids at T =500–720°C and P =150–200MPa. SMI from the single inclusion assemblages were analyzed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) before and after the experiments. Analyses revealed that rapid diffusion of the univalent cations Na+, Li+, Ag+, Cu+ and H+ occurred through the quartz from the surroundings, resulting in significant changes in the concentrations of these elements in the inclusions. Concentrations of other elements with an effective ionic radius larger than that of Ag+, or multiple valence states were not modified in the inclusions during the experiments. Our results warn inclusion‘‘ researchers that the interpretation of Na, Li, Cu and Ag concentrations from quartz-hosted SMI and FI should be treated critically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]