Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Fluids constitute an integral part of the earth's crust and are involved in many important processes, including forming hydrothermal mineral resources such as precious- (Au, Ag, PGEs), base- (Cu, Pb, Zn) and high-tech (Ta, Nb, W, Sn) metals. Importantly, samples of such fluids once present millions of years ago are preserved in the form of submicroscopic features (<5-20 microns) called fluid inclusions. With appropriate equipment, it is possible to measure the thermometric properties of these preserved fluids. The thermometric data permit one to reconstruct the conditions responsible for fluid entrapment and, hence, the associated mineralization. Because of its importance, this technique is widely used in the field of economic geology, as it allows direct measurement of the properties of ore-forming fluids. Integration of this data with other geological and geochemical constraints leads to development of mineral deposit models widely used in mineral exploration. Facilities at Laurentian University for such work exist and have been used for several mineral deposit projects over the past decade, but the equipment is antiquated and in need of upgrading. In addition, the facilities compromise current research, which focuses on a wide range of mineralized settings, including situations where inclusions are small (<5 microns) and others where inclusions are hosted by dark to opaque phases (e.g., Fe-rich sphalerite, wolframite, tourmaline, stibnite). In addition, planned integration of thermometric work with in-situ laser ablation ICP-MS analyses requires proper image capture equipment and software for sample location, record keeping and inclusion characterization. The proposal is to acquire new equipment that will permit acquisition of high-quality data to compliment my research program. Therefore, this proposal is for acquisition of a new microscope equipped with infra-red light and UV capabilities, the necessary lenses for use with regular transparent light and other wave lengths, a Linkham heating-freezing stage, video-capture camera, and supporting software and hardware (i.e., computer).