Research interests
Fluid-rock interaction during metamorphic processes and its relation to ore formation. The chemical evolution of minerals, and the mechanisms controlling element solubility, transport and re-deposition within the crystalline basement rocks of Lithuania.
Applied methods
Petrographic analysis (macroscopic and microscopic), microstructural and mineral chemical analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS, CL), whole-rock chemical composition (isocon method), and determination of metamorphic parameters (pressure, temperature, oxygen fugacity, fluid salinity) using mineral chemistry, geothermobarometry and thermodynamic modelling (phase equilibrium diagrams constructed with Perple_X software) in a closed and an open system.
Objective
To constrain the origin and evolution of Cl-enriched fluids in the Varėna iron ore deposit and adjacent host rocks, based on scapolite chemistry, mineral parageneses, and thermodynamic modeling, in order to assess the role of fluids in rock and ore formation processes.
Research Tasks
- Identify scapolite formed during distinct metamorphic stages in the host rocks and correlate it with associated mineral parageneses.
- Characterize the chemical composition of scapolite and other rock-forming minerals using SEM-EDS and/or EMPA.
- Determine the concentration trends of halogens (Cl, Br, I) and trace elements in scapolite using LA-ICP-MS.
- Evaluate variations in halogen molar ratios (Br/Cl, I/Cl) in scapolite across different metamorphic stages to trace fluid sources and phase changes.
- Constrain metamorphic P–T conditions during progressive, peak, and retrograde metamorphism using geothermometry and thermodynamic modeling (Perple_X or Theriak-Domino).
- Integrate all data into a comprehensive model revealing the fluid source(s), its compositional evolution, and potential impact on metal/element transport and hydrothermal ore genesis.