A MECHANISM OF MINERAL REPLACEMENT: ISOTOPE TRACING IN THE MODEL SYSTEM KCL-KBR-H2O

Abstract

The solid solution-aqueous solution system KCl-KBr-H2O is used as a model system to determine the mechanism of the replacement process of one crystalline phase by another. A single crystal of KBr was allowed to react with a saturated KCl solution enriched in 40K and the resulting new product phases were analyzed for changes in both anion and K isotope composition, using SEM, EDX, microprobe analysis, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the new product, K(Cl,Br), contains elements derived from both the original fluid and solid phases, indicating that both anions and K isotopes are exchanged during the replacement reaction. The interface between the advancing reaction front and the original parent crystal is sharp on a micron scale, showing no reaction profile that could indicate a solid state diffusion mechanism. Macroscopically the new phase is turbid due to the development of porosity that is consistent with a net volume deficit replacement reaction and this porosity may act as an indication that a replacement process has taken place. Single crystal X-ray diffraction patterns show the preservation of the crystallographic orientation during the replacement process. The replacement mechanism is interpreted as a result of a coupled process of dissolution and recrystallization occurring at the fluid-crystal interface.