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Volatile components of natural fluids: Evidence from inclusions in minerals: Methods and results

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Abstract

A database compiled by the author on volatile components in fluid inclusions (5300 analyses compiled from 300 publications) was used to compare destructive and nondestructive analytical techniques and thermal and mechanical methods for the extraction of volatiles in destructive techniques. Possible explanations are proposed for opposite conclusions published by various researchers. The paper summarizes the principal outcomes of the long-lasting discussion on the optimal methods able to provide the most reliable results. No unambiguous answer is provided. Analysis of extensive literature data indicates that each of the techniques is characterized by its own advantages and disadvantages, and an optimal solution should be selected with regard for the materials to be analyzed and formulated tasks. In any event, the results require careful interpretation. The average composition of natural fluids calculated from extensive statistical material is as follows (mol %): 70.3 H2O, 21.4 CO2, 6.3 CH4, 2.0 N2, and 0.07 H2S. The distribution of volatile components was examined in minerals from hydrothermal ore deposits of various types (gold, tungsten, tin, and base-metal) and metamorphic rocks

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  1. Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Kosygina 19, Moscow, 119991, Russia

    O. F. Mironova

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Original Russian Text © O.F. Mironova, 2010, published in Geokhimiya, 2010, Vol. 48, No. 1, pp. 89–97.

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Mironova, O.F. Volatile components of natural fluids: Evidence from inclusions in minerals: Methods and results. Geochem. Int. 48, 83–90 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0016702910010052

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