Fluid inclusion evidence for the transport of tungsten by carbonate complexes in hydrothermal solutions

Abstract

Fluid inclusion evidence from the Grey River Tungsten Prospect, Newfoundland, and other tungsten deposits indicates that CO 2 is an important component of the hydrothermal fluid. Carbon dioxide is enriched in fluids evolved from granitic melts under high fluid pressure, while lower pressure fluids are chloride-rich. The association of tungsten deposits with these carbon dioxide rich hydrothermal fluids suggests that carbonate/bicarbonate complexes may be important in tungsten transport at very high fluid pressures.