The laboratory albitization of mid-ocean ridge basalt

Journal of Geology
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Complete alteration of fresh mid-ocean ridge basalt to albite + actinolite + smectite took place in the presence of quartz and 3.4m NaCl at 350°C and 400 bars. Significant Na-metasomatism occurred in exchange for Ca + Fe + Mn. In contrast, alteration of the basalt/quartz mixture with a synthetically prepared "natural brine," and basalt with 3.4m NaCl or "natural brine" did not produce significant albitization. Based on these and previous experiments that reacted basalt with a variety of fluids, it is concluded that excess silica, a high Na/Ca ratio, and an absence of strong acidity (dissolved Mg) in the altering fluid are important for the albitization of basalt.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The laboratory albitization of mid-ocean ridge basalt
Series title Journal of Geology
DOI 10.1086/629213
Volume 96
Issue 2
Year Published 1988
Language English
Publisher University of Chicago Press
Contributing office(s) Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 8 p.
First page 237
Last page 244
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details