The ultramafic body of Monte Avic (Aosta Valley, Western Alps, Italy) consists of antigorite serpentinite and Ti-clinohumite metadunite. They host late metamorphic veins, up to a couple of centimeters thick, compact, and homogeneous, with a "porcelain"appearance. Vein colors range from yellowish to light greenish, light yellowish fading to white, or rare orange. The veins consist of 15-sector PS-15 polygonal serpentine, with chemical composition Mg2.85 Fe0.08 Si2.05 O7.05 [OH]3.95. Recognition of this unusual phase is supported by diagnostic satellite reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern (e.g., at dobs of 2.502, 2.336, 2.151, and 1.966Å) TEM images (showing 15-sector polygonal fibers, mostly 200nm in diameter and a few μm in length, forming a randomly oriented felt) and a μ-Raman wavenumber, matching previous data. This different evidence affords the successful distinction of PS-15 and PS-30, alternatively using TEM images, X-ray powder diffraction, or the low- and high-wavenumber μ-Raman spectra. At Monte Avic, the vein emplacement was accompanied by significant fluid pressure, as suggested by deformation and dismembering of the host rock, with PS-15 grown within isotropic stress microenvironments characterized by fluid-filled voids. Random growth of the mass-fiber polygonal serpentine was favored by low-strain conditions. PS-15 veins formed at the end of the long polyphase Alpine orogenic evolution, with hydrous fluids possibly deriving from serpentinite dehydration in the depth.

Barale, L., Capitani, G., Castello, P., Compagnoni, R., Cossio, R., Fiore, G., et al. (2023). Late metamorphic veins with dominant PS-15 polygonal serpentine in the Monte Avic ultramafite. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MINERALOGY, 35(3), 347-360 [10.5194/ejm-35-347-2023].

Late metamorphic veins with dominant PS-15 polygonal serpentine in the Monte Avic ultramafite

Capitani, G;
2023

Abstract

The ultramafic body of Monte Avic (Aosta Valley, Western Alps, Italy) consists of antigorite serpentinite and Ti-clinohumite metadunite. They host late metamorphic veins, up to a couple of centimeters thick, compact, and homogeneous, with a "porcelain"appearance. Vein colors range from yellowish to light greenish, light yellowish fading to white, or rare orange. The veins consist of 15-sector PS-15 polygonal serpentine, with chemical composition Mg2.85 Fe0.08 Si2.05 O7.05 [OH]3.95. Recognition of this unusual phase is supported by diagnostic satellite reflections in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern (e.g., at dobs of 2.502, 2.336, 2.151, and 1.966Å) TEM images (showing 15-sector polygonal fibers, mostly 200nm in diameter and a few μm in length, forming a randomly oriented felt) and a μ-Raman wavenumber, matching previous data. This different evidence affords the successful distinction of PS-15 and PS-30, alternatively using TEM images, X-ray powder diffraction, or the low- and high-wavenumber μ-Raman spectra. At Monte Avic, the vein emplacement was accompanied by significant fluid pressure, as suggested by deformation and dismembering of the host rock, with PS-15 grown within isotropic stress microenvironments characterized by fluid-filled voids. Random growth of the mass-fiber polygonal serpentine was favored by low-strain conditions. PS-15 veins formed at the end of the long polyphase Alpine orogenic evolution, with hydrous fluids possibly deriving from serpentinite dehydration in the depth.
Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico
PS-15 polygonal serpentine, Monte Avic, X-ray powder diffraction, micro-Raman, transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
English
2023
35
3
347
360
open
Barale, L., Capitani, G., Castello, P., Compagnoni, R., Cossio, R., Fiore, G., et al. (2023). Late metamorphic veins with dominant PS-15 polygonal serpentine in the Monte Avic ultramafite. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MINERALOGY, 35(3), 347-360 [10.5194/ejm-35-347-2023].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/441203
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