Fluid inclusion evidence for the transport of tungsten by carbonate complexes in hydrothermal solutions

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences
• Main Author: Higgins, N. C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1980
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/e80-082; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/e80-082

Fluid inclusion evidence from the Grey River Tungsten Prospect, Newfoundland, and other tungsten deposits indicates that CO 2 is an important component of the hydrothermal fluid. Carbon dioxide is enriched in fluids evolved from granitic melts under high fluid pressure, while lower pressure fluids are chloride-rich. The association of tungsten deposits with these carbon dioxide rich hydrothermal fluids suggests that carbonate/bicarbonate complexes may be important in tungsten transport at very high fluid pressures.