Fluid inclusions in Sn-bearing pegmatites of the Sierra de San Luis, Argentina

Abstract

In the Sierra de San Luis, Argentina, Sn-enriched granitic pegmatites represent the extremes of fractional crystallization of Ordovician, syn-kinematic, meta- to peraluminous S-type granites. The pegmatites are concordantly emplaced in quartz-mica schist with N-S general strike and vertical dip. The metamorphic grade varies from green-schist facies to lower-amphibolite facies. Contacts between pegmatite and country rock are sharp and parallel to the metamorphic foliation, suggesting a late-kinematic emplacement. Microthermometric measurements of fluid inclusions in quartz reveal an early complex CO₂-H₂O-NaCl fluid. Inclusions are distributed in groups or in intragranular trails, and are interpreted as primary or pseudosecondary. The salinity is generally 0-7 wt% NaCl-eq., but rare high-salinity inclusions (29-32 wt% NaCl-eq.) were possibly originated in a magmatic stage. Homogenization temperatures (into liquid or vapor, occasionally critical) range from 227 to 346°C. The fluid inclusion pressures at the homogenization points (minimal trapping pressures) vary between 1500 and 2700 bars. A low salinity aqueous fluid was trapped in secondary inclusions with homogenization temperatures (into liquid) of 210-264°C, and densities of 0.76-0.85 g/cm³. At lower temperature (103 a 183°C), a late fracturing originated secondary fluid inclusions, which contain low salinity water (0-5wt% NaCl-eq.). The wide variation in cavity morphology, the large variation of CO₂ proportion and the total homogenization temperatures indicate immiscibility of an early complex fluid, with fluid inclusions reaching up to 100% of CO₂ due to the leakage of the aqueous fluid, induced by deformation of the country rock. Occasionally, a recrystallization event trapped part of the aqueous fluid.