In:
Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 49, No. 10 ( 2022-10)
Abstract:
In this work, we studied the hydrothermal agates from the Neogene–Quaternary volcanic district of Allumiere-Tolfa, north-west of Rome (Latium, Italy) using a combination of micro-textural, spectroscopic, and geochemical data. The examined sample consists of (1) an outer cristobalite layer deposited during the early stages of growth, (2) a sequence of chalcedonic bands (including i.e., length-fast, zebraic, and minor length-slow chalcedony) with variable moganite content (up to ca. 48 wt%), (3) an inner layer of terminated hyaline quartz crystals. The textures of the various SiO 2 phases and their trace element content (Al, Li, B, Ti, Ga, Ge, As), as well as the presence of mineral inclusions (i.e., Fe-oxides and sulfates), is the result of physicochemical fluctuations of SiO 2 -bearing fluids. Positive correlation between Al and Li, low Al/Li ratio, and low Ti in hyaline quartz points to low-temperature hydrothermal environment. Local enrichment of B and As in chalcedony-rich layers are attributed to pH fluctuations. Analysis of the FT-IR spectra in the principal OH-stretching region (2750–3750 cm −1 ) shows that the silanol and molecular water signals are directly proportional. Strikingly, combined Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy on the chalcedonic bands reveals an anticorrelation between the moganite content and total water (SiOH + molH 2 O) signal. The moganite content is compatible with magmatic-hydrothermal sulfate/alkaline fluids at a temperature of 100–200 °C, whereas the boron-rich chalcedony can be favored by neutral/acidic conditions. The final Bambauer quartz growth lamellae testifies diluted SiO 2 -bearing solutions at lower temperature. These findings suggest a genetic scenario dominated by pH fluctuations in the circulating hydrothermal fluid.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0342-1791
,
1432-2021
DOI:
10.1007/s00269-022-01214-5
Language:
English
Publisher:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1463021-7
detail.hit.zdb_id:
131393-9
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