Fernando Noronha

P-T-X conditions of late Hercynian fluid penetration and the origin of granite-hosted gold quartz veins in northwestern Iberia: A multidisciplinary study of fluid inclusions and their chemistry

Quartz veins hosted by late Hercynian granites and their host rocks occur across the Variscides of the northern Iberian peninsula, and locally display Au-As mineralization. Four separate occurrences at Corcoesto, Tomino, Penedono, and Pino have been investigated to determine P-T-X conditions of formation and likely fluid sources. Special attention has been paid to fluid chemistry using a multidisciplinary investigation of fluid inclusion gases by Raman spectroscopy (individual fluid inclusion analysis) and mass spectrometry (bulk analysis), and ion chemistry using microthermometry and bulk leachate chemical analysis. Two major changes in the chemical and physical environment have been identified: (1) a progressive change in the bulk chemical composition from early CO2-rich, C-H-O-(N) fluids, equilibrated with graphitic metamorphic host rocks, to late H2O-dominated fluids, inferred from their halogen signature to result from an influx of meteoric or upper crustal fluids affecting the basement at the end of Variscan orogenesis, and (2) changes in the P-T conditions from early stage sulphide deposition in quartz veins, at ca. 450 °C and 150-300 MPa, towards epithermal conditions, ca. 260–310 °C and <75 MPa, at the stage of gold mineralization. Several chemical trends are shown by the fluid inclusions: (1) dilution of the early volatile-rich fluids, (2) a break of graphite buffering activity demonstrated by the CH4 content increase in the volatile fraction of the latest As mineralizing fluids, and (3) increasing contribution of a relatively oxidizing fluid enriched in sulphate and bromide during the latest stages of fluid percolation (Au stage). These latest fluid stages are interpreted as indicative of extended fluid penetration downward in the crust enhanced by late brittle deformation and decompression, and played an important role in mass transfer at the end of the Hercynian orogeny, especially in transport of metals. Gold ores have formed mostly in granites because main fluid pathways developed in the main structurally active zones which favoured the emplacement of the granites. However, there is no evidence of genetic link between gold ores and their enclosing granites.

Characterization and timing of the different types of fluids present in the barren and ore-veins of the W-Sn deposit of Panasqueira, Central Portugal

The Panasqueira W-Sn deposit is the largest quartz-vein type deposit of the Iberian Peninsula and the most important wolframite deposit in Western Europe. The ore-veins are almost exclusively sub-horizontal. Besides ore-bearing sub-horizontal veins, the Panasqueira mine also contains barren quartz veins. There are essentially two generations of barren quartz: quartz, contemporaneous with the earliest regional metamorphism (QI), and recrystallized quartz, contemporaneous with the thermal metamorphism related to the granite intrusion (QII). Fluid inclusion studies (microthermometry and Raman) were undertaken in order to distinguish fluids contemporaneous with the barren quartz from those contemporaneous with the ore-bearing quartz (QIII). Fluid inclusion data indicate that the barren and ore-bearing quartz fluids are dominantly aqueous (93 to 98 mol% H2O), with a nearly constant bulk salinity (8 to 12 wt% eq. NaCl), with the quantity of volatile component (determined by Raman spectrometry) higher in QIII, but never greater than 5 mol%. However, the CO2/CH4 + N2 ratio is different for each type of quartz. Volatiles are dominated by CH4 (10 to 96 mol% ZCH4 and/or N2 (3 to 87 mol% ZN2) in the barren quartz and by CO2 (60 to 73 mol% ZCO2) in ore-bearing quartz. The bulk chemical composition of the fluids in QIII is comparable to that found commonly in hydrothermal fluids associated with wolframite mineralization, where Na>K>Ca and HCO3>Cl>SO4. A dispersion in TH (226 to 350 °C) found in QIII, together with a variation in the degree of filling (0.5 to 0.7) and with the consequent variation of fluid densities (0.70 to 0.79), may result from changes in the fluid pressure regime below lithostatic pressure, suggesting vein filling related to tectonic events.

A three stage fluid flow model for Variscan gold metallogenesis in northern Portugal

Mineralogical, fluid inclusion and geochemical studies were made on two intra-granitic gold deposits (Grovelas and Pene- dono), together with a deposit linked to sub-vertical structures in silicified metasediments at Tres-Minas, and several intra- metamorphic occurrences at Vila Pouca de Aguiar. They all possess similar mineral assemblages, deformational state, fluid flow characteristics, ore fluid composition and have comparable P-T conditions. Three successive crystallisation stages are recorded during the formation of gold-bearing structures independent of their location or host rocks (granites or metasedi- ments). They are: Stage 1 — the development of milky quartz veins that formed primarily after the emplacement of peraluminous two-mica granites (315-310 Ma) at P-T conditions reflecting high temperature and low pressure. They are similar to those from pluton induced metamorphismOPa 300-350 MPa and Ta 500-5508CU: No clear evidence was found for gold deposition during this stage. Stage 2 — during orogenic uplift and repeated tectonic reactivation a clear quartz was deposited in the early milky quartz veins (Stage 1) at P-T conditions between 100 and 300 MPa and 300 and 4508C. Local sulphide deposition (arsenopyrite II and pyrite II) occurred in clear quartz, but was never massive. The fluids percolating within the granite were mainly aqueous- carbonic and reflect equilibrium with the metamorphic host rocks. They are very similar to those found in metamorphic environments. No evidence for the involvement of magmatic fluids was found. Stage 3 — intense microfissuring of the earlier vein infillings occurred, associated with the main episode of gold deposition. The P-T conditions were ,100 MPa and ,3008C based on aqueous fluid inclusions. Native gold and electrum crystallised together with sulphides (galena, chalcopyrite and bismuthinite), native Bi and sulphosalts (Pb-Bi-Ag dominated). The fractures frequently contain chlorite (^ sericite) especially where they crosscut earlier sulphides (arsenopyrite). These processes and fluid types are similar in both the granites and metamorphic host rocks. Therefore, the gold ores appear to be the result of successive periods of fluid circulation, in this case related to the uplift of the Variscan basement in response to high heat flow and the intrusion of granites. Without exception, these fluids have been re-equilibrated with the metamorphic rocks. However magmatic fluids are absent; the granites thus act passively as heat engines for fluid circulation. q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Heavy elements in the phosphorite from Kalaat Khasba mine (North-western Tunisia): Potential implications on the environment and human health

Tunisia is one of the largest phosphate producers in the world (more than 10 million tons per year since the early nineties). The Kalaat Khasba mine (NW of Tunisia) has operated from 1893 until 1993 and data demonstrate that, in the phosphorites of Kalaat Khasba, Cd is enriched 105-208 times, when compared with shales, and U is enriched by a factor varying between 18 and 44. The general trend shows an increase in heavy elements content with decreasing particle size. On the other hand, concentrations of Sr, Cr and U exhibit the same distribution for the different size fractions. It was found that Cd concentrations exceed the allowed EC soil limits for growing crops. Hence, owing to the tailings exposure and to the mobilisation of the finest particles by rainfall and wind, Cd could have detrimental effects on human health and on the environment because a significant portion of Cd was found in the exchangeable form.

Quantitative colour analysis of beach and dune sediments for forensic applications: A Portuguese example

In this study, the colour of 23 sediment samples collected in different Portuguese beaches in the North (Entre-Douro and Minho) and 33 in the South (Algarve) was tested. Spectral colour parameters (L*a*b*) were measured after several presentation/pre-treatment methods: drying at 40 degrees C, sieving (<150 and <63 microm) and ashing at 850 degrees C, using a Konica Minolta CM-2600d spectrophotometer. A descriptive statistical analysis with L*a*b* values for each presentation/pre-treatment method was performed to ascertain within-sample reproducibility followed by a hierarchical cluster analysis to obtain significant discrimination between samples using colour analysis. The samples analysed presented a colour closest to red and yellow continuums and a lightness close to the pale side of the L*a*b* system colour sphere with samples collected in the North presenting analysis on average darker L values than the samples collected in the South. The cluster analysis, dried, unsieved bulk samples L*a*b* values gave the best discrimination between samples. The clusters analysis dried, unsieved bulk samples-dried, sieved <150 microm fraction set allowed better discrimination between samples compared with the dried, sieved <63 microm fraction set or dried, unsieved bulk samples-ashed bulk, unsieved samples set and even with dried, unsieved bulk samples/dried, sieved <150 microm fraction/dried, sieved <63 microm fraction/ashed bulk, unsieved samples considered all together.

Hercynian Acid Magmatism and Related Mineralizations in Northern Portugal

Abstract Cabeceiras de Basto (CB), Vieira do Minho (VM) and Vila Pouca de Aguiar (VPA) granite plutons are located in the so-called Central Iberian Zone, northern Portugal. U-Pb zircon and monazite geochronology yielded the minimum emplacement age of 311 Ma for CB and the crystallization ages of 311 Ma for VM and 299 Ma for VPA, constraining the time interval of the third Hercynian deformation phase, relative to which these massifs can be grouped as follows: syn- to late-tectonic (CB and VM) and post-tectonic (VPA) granites. CB is a composite peraluminous two-mica granite pluton, occupying the core of a N 130° E antiform. Geochemical and isotopic data suggest a heterogeneous crustal source of mid-Proterozoic age (1.2 Ga). The granites are specialized in Sn, Li and, to a lesser extent, W mineralizations. Fractional crystallization is the main concentrator mechanism for these elements. Late-magmatic hydrothermal alteration processes (feldspar albitization and plagioclase and biotite muscovitization) enhanced the concentration promoted by the magmatic differentiation. Both the VM and VPA plutons are controlled by deep regional fault zones and consist of composite biotite granites, generated in the lower crust and installed in higher structural crustal levels, resulting in thermal metamorphism (P:2 kb; T: 500–600°C) capable of generating crustal convecting fluids. They are spatially related to important Sn, W and Au mineralizations. Although they are not highly specialized, they have contributed significantly as heat sources for the ore concentrations.

Characterization of soils from the Algarve region (Portugal): A multidisciplinary approach for forensic applications

The Algarve is located at a very short distance from North Africa, in Southern Portugal, and as one of the most touristic regions of Portugal, it is accessible by air, land and sea. It is very susceptible to many illegal activities, such as illegal migration, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and murder, among others. Therefore, an Algarve soils database for forensic purposes is being conducted with the conjunction of geological and palynological methodologies on soils characterization, since this is of fundamental importance to assess reliable evidence on forensic investigations. In this study, the properties of soils from several proximate sites from the Algarve were investigated, namely: (i) colour determined by spectrophotometry; (ii) particle size distribution determined by laser granulometry; (iii) low-field magnetic susceptibility by a susceptibility meter; and (iv) pollen content using a light microscope. Finally, a hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to ascertain the capacity of the different soil properties for discrimination between samples. The study reveals the utility of geobotanical techniques for forensic discrimination of soils. Even though some similarities between some of the samples were found, each one presented a combination of colour, particle size distribution, magnetic susceptibility and pollen features that enable the determination of a fingerprint expected to reveal a specific site for future selection of coastal search areas in the Algarve region.

Composite-laccolith emplacement of the post-tectonic Vila Pouca de Aguiar granite pluton (northern Portugal): a combined AMS and gravity study

The Vila Pouca de Aguiar granite pluton, emplaced during the latest event of the Variscan orogeny of northern Portugal, is here subjected to a detailed study that combines magnetic fabric measurements and gravity modelling of its shape at depth. This laccolith, less than 1 km in thickness over ≈60% of its outcrop area, appears to be fed from its northern area, through narrow conduits, up to 5 km deep, belonging to a set of Y-shaped valleys that almost perfectly correspond to the local Regua-Verin fault-system identified in the geological maps. A normal petrographical zonation, already identified geologically, appears to be rather progressive, although a gradient in magnetic suceptibility magnitude in-between the two main magma types is evidenced. It is suggested that the first to be emplaced and the least evolved granite type (Vila Pouca de Aguiar Granite) upwelled from the local, NE-trending fault-zone, acting as a dyke, and formed a thin sill where NE-directed magma flow was dominant, at least close to the floor. The more evolved granite type (Pedras Salgadas Granite), located just above the main feeder zone, and deeply rooted at the intersection beween underlying faults, is at the centre of a remarkably regular concentric distribution of the foliation trajectories. They may reflect the late doming of the laccoliths northern part, coeval with a slight E-W extension of the inflating magma reservoir, as marked by the E-W-trending lineations. Along with ubiquitous magmatic to near-magmatic microstructures and particularly low anisotropy magnitudes, such patterns can be entirely explained by magma movement within its inflating reservoir. This composite laccolith, during emplacement of which no interference with the regional strain pattern can be recorded, is therefore considered as typical of post-tectonic emplacement.

Raman Microspectroscopy of Genuine and Fake Euro Banknotes

ABSTRACT To evaluate the effectiveness of Raman microspectroscopy in euro banknotes’ recognition, several genuine and fake 10 and 20 euro banknotes were analyzed. Raman microspectroscopy revealed itself to be very useful in the detection of differences in the inks used to provide the color on the banknotes. However, the study revealed that the Raman analysis results are not decisive to guarantee the authenticity of a specific banknote since similar Raman spectra were obtained for genuine and fake banknotes. Even the Raman microspectroscopy analysis obtained for the same color on different areas of fake banknotes revealed similar spectra, and this can help law enforcement agencies to identify counterfeit tracking routes.

Quantitative Determination of Gaseous Phase Compositions in Fluid Inclusions by Raman Microspectrometry

ABSTRACT Raman microspectrometry has been revealed as a powerful technique for performing qualitative analysis and estimation of relative molar fractions of the gaseous species present in minerals fluid inclusions. In this work, the methodology and calibration procedures used for the quantification of the different species in fluid inclusions are described, paying special attention to the estimation of the CO2 molar fraction. A discussion about the Fermi resonance of CO2 vibrations (ν1-2ν2; 1285–1388 cm−1) is also included.