Fluid inclusions

Many geological processes are dynamically linked to the presence and mobility of fluids. While these fluids can be studied indirectly using various petrological methods, we can examine geological fluids directly at the Fluid Inclusion Laboratory. Most minerals in nature have grown in the presence of a fluid: a liquid, a gas or a melt. Small quantities of this fluid can be trapped as inclusions during mineral growth. Fluid inclusions may be likened to small (commonly <50 µm) sealed containers in a mineral with relics of the fluid present during mineral growth or later recrystallization. Ever since their entrapment, the fluids have been imprisoned in the minerals.

Therefore, by carefully studying fluid inclusions, we can constrain directly the nature of fluids present during a wide range of geological processes.

The Fluid Inclusion Laboratory
At the recently built Department of Geology and Geochemistry at Stockolm University, we can offer Scandinavia’s most comprehensive range of analytical equipment, specifically optimised for the study of fluid inclusions.

With over ten years of experience of fluid inclusion analysis, we can offer both microthermometry, in the range -196ºC to 600ºC, and laser Raman microspectroscopy.

Microthermometry: The sample is placed in a heating/cooling stage mounted on a microscope for detailed observations of phase changes in fluid inclusions as a function of temperature. These may be the disappearance or appearance of solid, liquid or gaseous phases. Microthermometry yields imforation about the temperature and composition of geological fluids.

The laboratory is equipped with one Linkam and two Chaixmeca heating/freezing stages for observation of phase transitions between –196ºC and 600ºC. With our new high temperature Linkam TS 1500 heating stage we can now operate at temperatures up to 1500ºC.

Laser Raman microspectrometry: Both gaseous and solid phases present in fluid inclusions can be identified on our instrument is a Multichannel Dilor XY Raman spectrometer. Identification is based on the position, shape and intensity of characteristic peaks on a Raman spectrum. Peak characteristics reflect parameters such as molecular structure, bond strength and density

Contact information:
Curt Broman +46 (0)8 16 47 46
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