Fluid inclusion studies, rare-earth element chemistry and age of hydrothermal fluorite mineralization in western Ireland - a link with continental rifting?

Rare-earth element systematics, fluid inclusion studies and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of fluorite mineralization that is spatially associated with the late Caledonian Galway granite batholith and its cover of Visean limestones suggest that the hydrothermal fluids responsible for ore deposition were probably generated in mid-Triassic times in response to continental rifting of the Atlantic margin in western Ireland. The locus of ore deposition does not appear to be related to the radiothermal nature of parts of the Galway batholith, although the ultimate source of fluorine may be. -Authors