A cathodoluminescence-assisted LA‑ICP‑MS study of topaz from different geological settings.

Abstract

In this study, the crystallization dynamics and the fingerprints of two topaz crystals from the Ouro Preto region (Brazil), two from the Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province (EBPP), one from the Western part of the United States (US) and one from Pakistan were characterized. The combination of scanning electron microscope-cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‑ICP‑MS) data allowed for the characterization of these samples. Samples from the Ouro Preto region showed primary crystallization and recrystallization processes, which were demonstrated by a CL-heterogeneous core and CL-homogeneous rims in the SEM-CL images. Their fingerprint was composed of Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. Samples from the EBPP showed both dark and CL-homogeneous SEM-CL images, implying slow and late-stage crystallization, typical of pegmatites. Their fingerprints were composed of Li, Nb, LREE, Ta and W, and of Ti, Nb and HREE. A sample from a Western part of the US displayed CL-heterogeneity with growth and resorption events and well-preserved growth zones, which were noticeable through the SEM-CL images. Its fingerprint was composed of Li, Ti, V, Mn, Nb, LREE, Ta and W. A sample from Pakistan showed an evident metamorphic recrystallization process, which was visible by the incipient and CL-homogeneous luminescence given by the SEM-CL images. Its fingerprint was composed of Ca, Cr, V, Zn, LREE, HREE and W.