Fluid–rock interaction in the Qitianling granite and associated tin deposits, South China: Evidence from boron and oxygen isotopes

The behavior of boron and its isotopes in fluid-dominant processes and hydrothermal alteration of granites is examined using fresh and altered granite samples from the Qitianling granite and associated hydrothermal tin deposits in South China. Boron concentrations are highest in the fresh granite (37 ppm) and depleted as a result of two stages of fluid mobility and fluid–rock interaction within the granite. Constraints provided both by δ11B and δ18O data suggest that the first stage was related to exsolution of aqueous fluids from the granite magma at a temperature of > 450 °C. This was followed by further boron depletion in the granite by hydrothermal circulation of meteoric water at lower temperatures (~ 350 °C) and low water/rock ratios. The sensitivity of coupled boron and oxygen isotope systematics to these processes suggests that they can provide valuable constraints on of fluid mobility in granite and associated mineralization.

► Boron isotope and contents of fresh and altered granite samples from the Qitianling granite were measured.
► Two stages of water transport and fluid-rock interaction resulted in boron mobility and isotope fractionation.
► B and O isotope systematics can provide valuable constraints on fluid mobility in granite and associated mineralization.