Mineralogical thallium geochemistry and isotope variations from igneous, metamorphic, and metasomatic systems

This study presents new thallium (Tl) concentration and isotopic composition data for potassium feldspar (K-feldspar), micas, sulfides, and other minerals using solution multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). The samples studied represent a diverse set of igneous, metamorphic, and metasomatic rock types. Purified separates of minerals anticipated to be Tl-bearing were analyzed; in many cases coexisting minerals were measured to examine the distribution of Tl and its isotopes between coexisting phases. This study is the first of its kind to document mineralogical controls on Tl chemical and isotopic fractionation. Thallium contents in rock-forming minerals and common sulfides vary from below detection limit (here, approximately 0.2 ppm Tl in the mineral utilizing an IsoProbe MC-ICP-MS) to 3200 ppm. In this present study, mica and feldspar samples can reach Tl concentrations well over 20 ppm, compared to only 0.7 ppm in average crust. In contrast, only 14 of 38 common sulfide samples contain Tl at levels above the detection limit. Measured Tl isotope ratios, reported as ε²⁰⁵Tl relative to the NIST 997 standard solution, range from −12.1 ± 0.6 to +18.0 ±1.4 (2σ). Most samples analyzed fall within the published range of ε²⁰⁵Tl (−20 to +15) (Nielsen et al., 2017). Although most sulfides show limited Tl enrichment, they display the highest ε²⁰⁵Tl values among coexisting minerals, with Fe-rich micas having the lowest ε²⁰⁵Tl values. The patterns in enrichment are best interpreted to reflect crystal chemical differences and the incompatible, dominantly lithophile nature of Tl. In turn, isotopic fractionation also reflects control by the bonding environment as well as redox conditions. The preferential distribution of Tl into micas and K-feldspar found here is consistent with the similarity in charge and ionic radius of Tl⁺ and K⁺. The higher ε²⁰⁵Tl values in sulfides agree with previous observations and theoretical studies showing the tendency of covalent bonds, high bond strengths, and high oxidation states to favor heavy isotopes. This work highlights important areas for future research regarding the natural weathering of Tl-bearing substrates, understanding regional cycling of Tl, and potential bioremediation of Tl contamination.