Elemental and isotopic analysis of individual fluid inclusion by laser ablation ICP-MS

Abstract

Fluid inclusions are commonly found in minerals comprising ore deposits, and record the information of chemical compositions of fluids associated with coupled phenomena of mass transfer and chemical reaction during the ore deposit formation. Various analytical methods have been applied to determine chemical compositions of fluid inclusions. In-situ analysis of individual fluid inclusion can track the detail of chemical evolution of fluids. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has become the most powerful technique for the quantitative multi-element and isotope analysis of the individual fluid inclusion, owing to the recent progress in the LA system and the development of high-sensitivity ICP-MS. Here, I summarize the key aspects of LA-ICP-MS analytical protocol of individual fluid inclusion. Some applications are reviewed, which emphasize the chemical composition of individual fluid inclusions by LA-ICP-MS analysis to constrain the metal mobility, metal source, and the origin of fluid. Individual fluid inclusion analysis by LA-ICP-MS provides accurate chemical composition of fluid and contributes to understanding the characteristics of fluid related to the formation of ore deposit and various geological processes.