Investigation of Fluid Inclusions in Marbles

Research output: ThesisDiploma Thesis

Abstract

Selected Marbles from the West-Turkey and from Austria (Carinthia) were analysed with a variety of methods to determine minerlogical and fluid inclusions composition. In addition rocks directly adjacent to the marble formations were petrographically analysed. The objective of this study was to determine if the grey colour of selected marble samples is only caused by minerals or if fluid inclusions can affect a discolouration of marbles. Therefore a detailed fluid inclusion study was performed with Raman spectroscopy, microthermometry, and crush and leach tests. The marbles mainly contain calcite with minor amounts of dolomite (up to 25 mass%). The marbles are characterized by dark and bright grey zones dependent on the amount of fluid inclusions. Two types of fluid inclusions are present in the marble samples: 1. Water-rich and 2. Gas-rich. Most inclusions have a diameter of around a few micrometers. The visual colour of the marbles is mainly dependent on the presence of gas-rich inclusions. The composition of the gases is characteristic for different marble regions: Region 1:CO2-H2S (96 - 4 mole%), Region 2:CO2H2SCH4 (88 10 2 mole%), Region 3:CO2H2SCH4N2 (75 14 5 6 mole %). The presence of H2S causes a significant odour. The marbles rare earth element concentrations patterns and crush and leach analyses of the fluids illustrate a strong fingerprint of sea water interaction. Additional these signatures show an influence of diorite and granite intrusives.

Details

Translated title of the contributionUntersuchung von Flüssigkeits- und Gaseinschlüssen in Marmoren
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Supervisors/Advisors
Award date14 Dec 2007
Publication statusPublished - 2007