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Volatile phase separation in silicic magmas at Bajo de la Alumbrera porphyry Cu-Au deposit, NW Argentina
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-25, 22:10 authored by Harris, AC, Vadim Kamenetsky, White, NC, Steele, DAAt the Bajo de la Alumbrera porphyry Cu-Au deposit, NW Argentina, several key textural elements preserve evidence for volatile separation. Interconnected miarolitic cavities, while being studied extensively in granites, have now been recognized in intrusions related to porphyry Cu mineralization. Pods of saccharoidal quartz are connected by narrow, anastomosing zones of graphic quartz-alkali feldspar intergrowths and ragged biotite (with lesser apatite and magnetite). Their connectivity can be as much as 15 cm; however, more commonly, the interconnected miarolitic cavities are approximately 1 to 2 rum across and 5 cm or less, long. Features such comb-quartz layered textures and magmatic-hydrothermal veins (P veins), combined with aqueous fluid phase equilibria from fluid inclusions, better constrain physical models of exsolution. We interpret these textures in the context of vapour phase formation, coalescence and accumulation in an evolving silicic magma. Recognition of textures, such as the interconnected miarolitic cavities reported here, may provide a simple exploration tool for porphyry Cu deposits, helping explorers to recognize evidence for a potentially fertile intrusions.
History
Publication title
Resource GeologyVolume
54Article number
3Number
3Pagination
341-356Publication status
- Published
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The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.comRepository Status
- Restricted
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