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Boron isotopic composition of tourmaline from massive sulfide deposits and tourmalinites

January 1, 1989

Boron isotope ratios (11B/10B) have been measured on 60 tourmaline separates from over 40 massive sulfide deposits and tourmalinites from a variety of geologic and tectonic settings. The coverage of these localities is global (5 continents) and includes the giant ore bodies at Kidd Creek and Sullivan (Canada), Broken Hill (Australia), and Ducktown (USA). Overall, the tourmalines display a wide range in ??11B values from -22.8 to +18.3??? Possible controls over the boron isotopic composition of the tourmalines include: 1) composition of the boron source, 2) regional metamorphism, 3) water/rock ratios, 4) seawater entrainment, 5) temperature of formation, and 6) secular variations in seawater ??11B. The most significant control appears to be the composition of the boron source, particularly the nature of footwall lithologies; variations in water/ rock ratios and seawater entrainment are of secondary importance. The boron isotope values seem especially sensitive to the presence of evaporites (marine and non-marine) and carbonates in source rocks to the massive sulfide deposits and tourmalinites. ?? 1989 Springer-Verlag.

Publication Year 1989
Title Boron isotopic composition of tourmaline from massive sulfide deposits and tourmalinites
DOI 10.1007/BF01041751
Authors M. R. Palmer, J. F. Slack
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology
Index ID 70015504
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
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