The Monte Rosa Gold District encompasses a series of late-orogenic gold quartz veins, with the most spectacular examples occurring in the Brusson area. This project aims at quantifying the ore-forming fluid chemistry via LA-ICP-MS measurements of individual fluid inclusions, in order to better constrain gold vein genesis in such a globally classical geotectonic setting. Field work, vein mineralogy, detailed fluid inclusion petrography, microthermometry, and petrochemistry of hydrothermal alteration envelopes will be investigated for selected ancient gold mines. Fluid LA-ICP-MS measurements will emphasize concentrations of Au, S, Cl, Br, and possibly I, so far unconstrained for such world class gold resources, and for which we currently develop new standard materials. Results will allow fundamental questions to be addressed, including the dissolved Au concentrations in orogenic ore forming fluids, hydrothermal element transport, the geochemical signal of fluid-rock interaction forming the hydrothermal alteration envelope around the veins, and potential sources of ore-forming fluids. This project is particularly suited for individuals with a strong interest in diverse geochemical measurement techniques as applied to open system hydrothermal processes.
Advisors: Prof. Thomas Pettke, PD Dr. Malte Junge
University: BE