Rare-earth element (REE) behaviour in the alteration facies of the active magmatic–hydrothermal system of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

This work reports a study on the rare-earth element (REE) behaviour in the high-sulfidation-type superficial alteration and in the phyllic and propylitic alteration in the subsurface of the island of Vulcano. The results of this study demonstrate notable differences in the REE behaviour in the different alteration facies. In silicic alteration, all REE are equally strongly depleted; in advanced argillic alteration, LREE are quite immobile whereas HREE are strongly depleted; in intermediate argillic, phyllic and propylitic alteration, REE patterns are almost unchanged compared with their fresh rock equivalents. These features indicate that the behaviour of REE in hydrothermal alteration facies at La Fossa is mainly controlled by pH, availability of complexing ions in the fluid (mainly SO42− and, in the silicic facies, F−) and the presence of secondary minerals able to host REE in their structures. The origin of the acid fluids is related to the hypogenic introduction of prevalently magmatic acid gases produced by the degassing of the shallow magmatic system of La Fossa volcano. In the active high-temperature fumarolic field of La Fossa, REE behaviour illustrates the transition from a dry vapor system, corresponding to the high-temperature fumaroles, to a wet condensing system in the surrounding area. The results of this research, carried out on an active high-sulfidation system, provide a useful tool for the study of high-sulfidation epithermal ore deposits and particularly help to understand the alteration processes during the main stage of hypogene wall rock alteration.