Fluid inclusions in skarns (carbonate replacement deposits)

Abstract Fluid inclusions in ore skarn minerals reflect the physiochemical nature of the solutions present during the skarn-forming process. Because of the dense nature of skarn minerals and the dynamic processes operative during skarn genesis, sufficient primary fluid inclusions are usually present. Ore skarn solutions, as opposed to metamorphic skarn or ore vein solutions, have much higher CaCl₂ contents and usually very high formation temperatures (>500°C) and salinities (>40 wt % T.D.S.). Temperatures and salinities generally decrease away from the solution source, both in time and space. The gradients found at greater distances from the source in distal (far from contact) skarns tend to be less (e.g. 210–350°C) for a particular skarn stage to that in proximal (near contact) skarns (e.g. 400–650°C). This information is useful for delineating the parts of such a hydrothermal system. Temperatures also tend to decrease with time, which is reflected by the superimposition of various overprinting, retrograde mineral stages. In a few areas (e.g. Naica, Mexico) intermittent boiling of ore solutions occurs, periodically elevating both temperatures and salinities, but commonly boiling only occurs early in skarn genesis just after an early, commonly lower temperature, phase. Most fluid inclusions represent a mix of‘exhaust’or reacted solutions with minor unreacted or new (pre-) ore solution components. Limited data on the distribution of elements present in fluid inclusions that do not normally take part in skarn genesis (Na, K and Cl) indicate that their proportions reflect the nature of the associated pluton. High KC1 contents are found in skarns adjacent to high K granitoids, whereas high NaCl contents are found in skarns adjacent to calcic granitoids. In many examples, daughter minerals present in minor proportions in opened fluid inclusion cavities reflect the metal characteristics of the ore solution. Small rare-earth metal, tungsten, zinc and copper daughter(?) minerals have been identified. The temperature and (or) salinity data for skarns of different metal or geological type is not particularly useful to delineate whether a skarn locality is part of a more complex, as yet unexplored system. Solutions in Pb–Zn skarns tend to be lower-temperature (150–400°C) and more dilute (<30 wt % T.D.S.) than in other skarn types, but exceptions occur.