Chronology and orientation of N2-CH4, CO2-H20, and H20-rich fluid-inclusion trails in intrametamorphic quartz veins from the Cuiabfi gold district, Brazil

The upper Proterozoic Cuiabfi group of Mato Grosso, Brazil, is composed of low-grade clastic metasediments which have been folded by several successive tectonic events. Three generations of quartz veins are associated with the structural evolution of this area. The first veins are deformed by the main tectonic phases and show a complex deformational patterns. The second set is parallel to the cleavage and was formed syntectonically during the main folding phase, whilst the last quartz veins are related to a later stage of deformation. A systematic study of fluid inclusions in relation with a statistical study of microstructural markers (fluid inclusion trails, opened microcracks) was carried out on quartz veins from three localities. On the basis of microthermometric studies and Raman spectrometry analysis, four differents types of fluids have been distinguished, each trapped in specific fluid inclusion trails: (i) CO2-rich liquids and vapours (Lc, Vc) at Casa de Pedra, (ii) Lc and Vc inclusions with variable amounts of CO2, CH4, N 2 in the vapour phase at BR-70, (iii) CH2-N2-rich vapours (Vn-m), and (iv) aqueous inclusions (L) with variable salinities representing the last fluid generations at all localities. At Casa de Pedra and BR-70, most fluids are observed within the three generations of quartz veins, indicating an important fluid circulation associated with the last phase of brittle deformation. Fluid inclusions of type (iii) and (iv) are oriented along several well defined directions. The study shows the importance of integrated microstructural and fluid-inclusion studies for understanding the geometry and chronology of fluid circulation.