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The Role of Fluids in the Formation of Talc Deposits of Rema Area, Kumaun
Lesser Himalaya

Article  in  Journal of the Geological Society of India · February 2009

DOI: 10.1007/s12594-009-0080-2

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 JOURNAL GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA
Vol.73, February 2008, pp.237-248

The Role of Fluids in the Formation of Talc Deposits of

Rema Area, Kumaun Lesser Himalaya
RAJESH SHARMA1, PRABHA JOSHI2 and P. D. PANT2
1
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun - 248 001
2
Department of Geology, Kumaun University, Nainital - 253 002
Email: sharmarajesh@wihg.res.in

Abstract: Talc deposits of Rema area in the Kumaun Inner Lesser Himalaya are hosted within high magnesium carbonates
of the Proterozoic Deoban Formation. These deposits occur as irregular patches or pockets mainly within magnesite
bodies, along with impurities of magnesite, dolomite and clinochlore. Textures represent different phases of reactions
between magnesite and silica to produce talc. Petrography, XRD and geochemistry reveal that the talc has primarily
developed at the expense of magnesite and silica, leaving dolomite largely un-reacted. Early fluid inclusions in magnesite
and dolomite associated with talc are filled with H2O+NaCl+KCl± MgCl2 ± CaCl2 fluids, which represent basin fluid
system during diagenesis of carbonates. Their varied degree of re-equilibration was although not pervasive but points to
increased burial, and hence requires careful interpretation. H2O-CO2 fluid with XCO2 between 0.06 and 0.12 was
equilibrated with talc formation. The reaction dolomite+quartz → talc was not extensive because T-XCO2 was not
favourable, and talc was developed principally after magnesite+quartz.

Keywords: Talc, Fluid Inclusions, Re-equilibration, Kumaun Lesser Himalaya.

INTRODUCTION Mg-bearing carbonate lithounits of the Deoban Formation,

The talc deposits of Rema are located 44 km NE of the
Bageshwar in the Kumaun Inner Lesser Himalaya, wherein
workable talc deposits occur within the siliceous magnesium
bearing carbonates of Deoban Formation. Talc
mineralization is intersected between depths of 10 to 40 m,
and in this hilly terrain is easily accessible by open pit method
of mining. Two views have been proposed for the origin of
talc in Lesser Himalayan magnesite: (i) hydrothermal
replacement (Nautiyal, 1953; Nath and Wakhaloo, 1962 and
Gaur et al. 1979) and (ii) low grade metamorphism of
siliceous carbonates (Valdiya, 1968; Bhattacharya et al.
1985). A comprehensive study including petrography and
fluid inclusion study can enhance our knowledge on the
formation of economic grade talc deposits in Rema area.
Earlier attempts for understanding fluid conditions during
talc formation in Kumaun are of reconnaissance nature
(Sharma and Joshi, 1997; Sengupta and Yadav, 2007). We
present here petrography, geochemistry and fluid
inclusions microthermometry of Rema talc deposit in order
to understand the origin of carbonate hosted talc deposits.
GEOLOGICAL SETTING
Talc mineralization in Rema area is restricted to the
which is a part of autochthonous Tejam Group and is overlain
by allochthonous Berinag Formation (Fig. 1). Regional
geological set up has been discussed in detail by Valdiya
(1980). The rocks of the study area show an antiformal
structure, wherein talc bearing Deoban Formation is exposed
in the middle part, after the erosion of overlying Berinag
Formation (Fig. 1). The talc and the magnesite mineralization
are confined to the dolomite litho units in the uppermost
part of the Deoban Formation. This formation is a thick
succession of stromatolite bearing dolomite and limestone.
Presence of clinochlore with talc in magnesite and dolomite
suggest greenschist facies metamorphism of the host rocks.
Although Mandhali Formation with greyish-green and black
carbonaceous pyritic phyllites, slates and interbedded blue
limestone is present, overlying the Deoban Formation
throughout the Kumaun Lesser Himalaya (Valdiya, 1980),
but in the study area Berinag quartzite has almost covered
the Mandhali Formation, and is directly resting over the
Deoban Formation. Thus the upper limit of the Deoban
Formation is marked by a sharp thrust contact with Berinag
Formation (Valdiya, 1979; Valdiya and Pant, 1981), whereas
base of the Deoban Formation is not exposed here. Berinag
Formation is a thick succession of massive quartz arenites
differentially interbedded with basics that have been altered

0016-7622/2009-73-2-237/$ 1.00 © GEOL. SOC. INDIA

238 RAJESH SHARMA AND OTHERS

80 15’
0
79 48’
0

29057’
MCT
Areaofstudy
Rema Didihat
MBT
Delhi

Baijnath BerinagthrThrust
Berinag ust(B T)
29 50’
0
Bageshwar
Pithoragarh
Jhiroli

(b)
Gangolihat
(a) North AlmoraThru st 0 5 10km

(C)

Fig.1. (a) Location of the study area, (b) Regional geological map of Inner Lesser Kumaun Himalaya, (c) Geological
map of the Rema area.

to chlorite schists. These quartz arenites are fine to medium
grained and white or yellowish white in colour.
FIELD RELATIONS
In the Rema area, Deoban Formation consists of thickly
bedded to massive, bluish-grey, stromatolitic dolomite,
dolomitic limestone and magnesite. The talc mineralization
is confined to the magnesite bands and uncommonly to the
dolomite in the upper part of the Deoban Formation. Lenses
and pockets of pure talc are present within large magnesite
or in the associated dolomite bodies. Rhythmic alteration
of dolomite, magnesite and talc is seen at some places. Talc
is generally found in intergranular spaces, in small clusters,
lenses and pockets within coarse sparry magnesite. Talc also
occurs as vermicular intergrowth and as thin layers along
the foliation planes in the border zones of magnesite bodies
(Fig.2a). Lenses of talc are generally 0.5 to 3 m thick but

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.73, FEB. 2009

 THE ROLE OF FLUIDS IN THE FORMATION OF TALC DEPOSITS OF REMA AREA, KUMAUN LESSER HIMALAYA
occasionally their size varies from 4 to 6 m. The massive to
schistose talc mineralization mainly consists of talc +
magnesite ± dolomite ± clinochlore. Pure talc is white, fine-
grained and fibrous whereas compact- massive and the
foliated varieties are marked by the presence of basal
cleavage. Magnesite associated with talc is moderately
crystalline, white in colour characterized by lustrous grains
and soapy feeling. Thin films of talc developed around
the stromatolitic nodules are quite often present within the
host rock. A distinct relation between talc mineralization
and the structural features like faults, folds or joints is not
discernable in the area, but it is sporadically confined to the
beddings within the magnesite. Dolomite associated with
talc is fine to moderately crystalline, grey in colour, and
varies in grain size. It is traversed by very fine network of
calcite veins.
PETROGRAPHY
Under microscope a close association of talc and
magnesite is observed, though only minor talc is found
associated with dolomite. Assemblage of highly corroded
magnesite grains, fibrous chalcedony and well-developed
talc flakes is commonly seen. Talc is usually developed
along the boundaries of coarse-grained magnesite (Fig.2b).
Generally the grains of the host magnesite are recrystallized
in the vicinity of talc, showing sutured grain boundaries and
interlocking grain mosaic. Sporadic development of talc is
also seen within the recrystallized crystalline mosaic of
dolomite grains wherein a coarsening in the granularity is
noticed along the talc (Fig.2c). Cherty laminations are also
present within the laminated dolomite. Quartz as a reactant
mineral is seldom identified in the matrix, except for its
local occurrences in which talc is developed within the
cherty layers in dolomite (Fig. 2c). Talc flakes are aligned
parallel to the schistosity of the dolomite. Calcite adjacent
to the talc or representing a part of talc-magnesite-
dolomite-silica assemblage is not found. Talc also contains
numerous euhedral to subhedral pyrite grains, which are
often limonitized. Study of number of thin sections of the
host carbonate rocks as well as talc elucidate that highly
corroded magnesite grains are present as remnants within
the flakes of talc, and either magnesite or silica is found
with talc (Fig. 2d). Scanning electron microscopy further
reveals their boundary relations: development of talc along
the grain boundaries of magnesite, corroded contacts,
and the well developed flakes of talc within magnesite
(Figs.2e, f). X-ray diffraction study confirms the association
of talc with quartz, magnesite, dolomite and clinochlore.
Significant amount of dolomite and clinochlore is present
JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.73, FEB. 2009
239
in one of the samples of talc, however only minor magnesite
is present in it and quartz is absent (Fig.3a). The magnesite
is identified as ferron magnesite. At times in the samples of
talc, quartz is recorded but magnesite is completely absent
(Fig.3b). Tremolite is also not seen.
GEOCHEMISTRY
Whole rock analysis of five selected samples of talc was
carried out using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and ICP-MS
(Table 1a), whereas one sample each of dolomite and
magnesite immediately adjacent to the talc was also analyzed
(Table 1b) to understand the behaviour of chemical changes
related to talc formation within these carbonates. SiO2 and
MgO are the obvious main constituents of talc but a fairly
high concentration of Al2O3 is also present in it. A very low
percentage of CaO from 1.25 to 2.26 wt% corroborate a
near absence of calcite in it. When compared to the host
rock, talc shows increase in SiO2, MgO and Al2O3. Among
the minor elements, a remarkable decrease in Sr is evident
as compared to dolomite and is likely to be related with the
isomorphous substitution of Ca by Sr in dolomite. The
concentration of vanadium is up to 132 ppm in talc. This
high concentration of vanadium in the studied talc may be
because vanadium gets strongly concentrated in the
silicate phase (Rankama and Sahama, 1968). A general
positive correlation between Fe2O3 and V is observed, which
may also be responsible for higher vanadium contents in
Rema talc. Because of the similar crystallochemical
properties of V3+ and Fe3+, vanadium is very closely linked
with trivalent iron. As compared to dolomite and magnesite,
Zn is low in talc; a negative correlation of Zn with silica
may explain this decrease. In view that the sphalerite is
known from the carbonate sequences of Lesser Himalaya
(Sharma, 2006), carbonates at Rema can not be fully
discarded for rare sphalerite grains and resulting higher
Zn. Ba and Pb are related with the CaO content in the
mineral and thus show the highest value for dolomite and
lowest for talc. Other trace elements do not show a
remarkable difference between the host and the talc.
FLUID INCLUSION STUDIES
Fluid inclusion microthermometry was performed on
the magnesite and dolomite of the talc-magnesite-
quartz-dolomite assemblage. Samples of magnesite and
dolomite were selected considering (i) their equilibrium and
association with the talc formation, (ii) their transparent
nature and (iii) the availability of workable inclusions.
Studied host magnesite is moderately crystalline and
240 RAJESH SHARMA AND OTHERS

Fig.2. (a) Field photograph of talc pocket within magnesite, (b) photomicrograph representing reaction between magnesite and quartz
to form talc, (c) photomicrograph of talc developed within dolomite at the expense of magnesite, (d) highly corroded magnesite
grain encircled by talc flakes, quartz has been consumed here, (e) SEM micrograph showing development of talc along the grain
boundary of magnesite, (f) SEM micrograph showing replacement of magnesite by talc, along its corrosion contact.

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.73, FEB. 2009

 THE ROLE OF FLUIDS IN THE FORMATION OF TALC DEPOSITS OF REMA AREA, KUMAUN LESSER HIMALAYA 241

Table 1a. Major and trace elements analyses

Talc (a) Sample No. P –8 P-11 P-13 P –21 P-14
Dolomite SiO2 47.45 31.98 44.91 40.05 37.42
299.0
Al2O3 0.06 16.13 0.72 3.96 5.22
Fe2O3 0.31 1.60 0.31 0.79 0.18
224.2 Talc MnO 0.00 0.05 .001 0.01 0.01
clinochlore
Talc
MgO 34.94 32.41 32.24 32.70 17.96
CaO 2.26 1.89 1.66 1.25 1.69
149.5
Na2O 0.11 0.30 0.03 0.05 0.09
TiO2 0.00 0.79 0.01 0.12 0.06
74.7 Dolomite Magnesite P2O5 0.16 0.30 0.01 0.00 0.03
Talc
LOI 10.82 10.52 14.65 15.85 32.26
Total 96.09 95.91 94.52 94.66 94.92
16.40 29.80 43.20 56.60 70.00 Trace elements ppm
Ba 9.6 7.7 8.4 8.6 10.2

786.9 Quartz (b) Co

Ni
1.5
5.2
0.8
10.0
1.1
3.7
1.5
5.1
1.1
2.2
Pb 24.7 19.6 25.8 26.1 27.0
629.5 Talc
Sr 13.3 2.5 1.6 1.6 2.6
V 131.8 111.1 108.8 116.1 65.2
472.1 Zn 20.6 12.3 10.6 14.2 18.0
Rb 0.4 1.7 1.8 1.3 1.5
314.7 Talc U 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.2 0.2
Quartz Cu 60 53 62 63 60
157.3 Cr 4 5 2.5 6 4

.0
3.00 16.40 29.80 43.80 56.60 70.00 Table 1b. Comparative major and trace element analysis of talc associated
Theta/Omega 2:1 with dolomite and magnesite
Fig.3. (a) X-Ray diffractogram of talc showing characteristic Major oxides Talc associated Talc associated
assemblage of minerals and absence of quartz (quartz with dolomite with magnesite
consumed in the reaction 1). (b) X-Ray diffractogram of Dolomite Talc Magnesite Talc
talc showing presence of only one reactant: quartz with
Sample No P-12 P-14 P-6 P-11
complete absence of magnesite (magnesite consumed in
the reaction 2). SiO2 33.88 37.42 19.42 31.98
Al2O3 0.78 5.22 0.54 16.13
Fe2O3 0.58 0.18 1.12 1.60
transparent. Magnesite grains adjacent to talc are mostly MnO 0.03 0.01 0.05 0.05
MgO 28.18 17.96 36.40 32.41
recrystallized with sutured grain boundaries and interlocking
CaO 20.99 1.69 2.31 1.89
grain mosaic. Whereas studied dolomite is fine grained, Na2O 0.02 0.09 0.03 0.30
transparent, and associated with magnesite. Dolomite shows TiO2 0.01 0.06 0.03 0.79
varying degree of re-crystallization from un-recrystallized P2O5 0.04 0.03 0.01 0.31
relict grains to development of subgrains and triple point LOI 22.26 32.26 45.04 10.52
Total 106.76 94.92 104.75 95.91
junctions. The fluid inclusions observed in the samples of
magnesite and dolomite are categorized into following three Trace elements (ppm)

types, on the basis of their composition and origin and Ba 10.0 10.2 7.2 7.7
Co 1.0 1.1 1.4 0.8
considering Roedder (1984) and Goldstein and Reynold
Ni 2.3 2.2 2.5 10.0
(1994). Pb 22.6 27.0 17.9 19.6
Sr 41.7 2.6 2.2 2.5
Type of Fluid Inclusions V 68.5 65.2 109.6 111.1
Type t1 - These are biphase aqueous inclusions filled Zn 16.5 18.0 16.4 12.3
Rb 0.6 1.5 2.2 1.7
with a major liquid phase and a contemporary vapour phase.
U 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.3
The liquid to vapour ratios vary from 80:20 to 90:10. These Cu 43 60 45 53
equant shaped inclusions occur as isolated with random Cr 9 4 10 5

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.73, FEB. 2009

242 RAJESH SHARMA AND OTHERS

distribution, in clusters and significantly in the growth planes
of carbonate minerals viz. magnesite (Fig. 4a) and dolomite
(Fig. 4b). They are also thickly populated in the core of the
magnesite with clear inclusion free boundaries suggesting
an early origin of these inclusions. Consequently, they are
treated as early inclusions, and possibly primary with
reference to the dolomite/magnesite diagenesis (Goldstein
and Reynold, 1994). In the un-recrystallized dolomite grains
small <10µ size, type t1 inclusions are thickly populated
(Fig.4b). The recrystallized dolomite grains are devoid of
such inclusions. In a few, clear magnesite spars type-t1
inclusions are with large vapour bubble ranging up to 40%
volume. Size of t1 inclusions in magnesite is larger than those
in dolomite with a common range of 5 to 15 micron.
Type t 2 - These are two-phase aqueous-carbonic
inclusions (Figs.4 c and d). An aqueous liquid, and a carbonic
gas within the carbonic liquid are visible in these inclusions,
consequently meniscus between aqueous liquid and carbonic
liquid is seen at room temperature (cf. 22oC) in most of
them. The carbonic fluid commonly occupies 10 - 30 percent
volume, rarely CO2 bubble is large covering about 60 volume
percent of the inclusion cavity. These inclusions occur
either as isolated inclusions, in random distribution or in
groups in the recrystallized magnesite (Fig.4c) and dolomite
grains (Fig.4d). They are typically present in the samples
consisting talc, and their population is enriched in carbonate
mineral grains adjacent to the talc. Their size varies from
5 to 15 micron and shape is subequant to subround.

Fig.4. Photomicrographs of fluid inclusions: (a) Type t1 early inclusions in magnesite, (b) talc bearing dolomite with t1 aqueous inclusions,
(c) type t2 H2O-CO2 inclusions in recrystallized magnesite and (d) type t2 inclusions trapped within recrystallized dolomite.
t2 inclusions show liquid-liquid meniscus in these figures.

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.73, FEB. 2009

 THE ROLE OF FLUIDS IN THE FORMATION OF TALC DEPOSITS OF REMA AREA, KUMAUN LESSER HIMALAYA 243

In the unrecrystallized original magnesite and dolomite
grains, primary Type-t1 liquid-vapour aqueous inclusions
are common. The grains of the host magnesite and dolomite
are by and large recrystallized in the vicinity of talc. H2O-
NaCl t1 fluid is rare in recrystallized grains. Recrystallized
grains, however, host abundant aqueous- carbonic inclusions,
which are typically noticed in groups adjacent to the talc
grains. We consider that H2O-CO2 t2 inclusions are primary
with respect to talc formation as well as with the
recrystallized magnesite grains adjacent to the talc. Our
interpretation is based on (i) significant large scale secondary
trails of t2 inclusions are absent, (ii) primary unrecrystallized
grains do not host abundant H2O-CO2 inclusions, and (iii)
their rich population is concentrated adjacent to the talc in
the recrystallized carbonate grains. It is also interpreted that
t1 inclusions represent stages of carbonate diagenesis and
magnesite formation.
MICROTHERMOMETRY
The fluid inclusion microthermometry was carried out
at the fluid inclusion laboratory of Wadia Institute of
Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, using precalibrated
LINKAM THMSG 600 stage fitted onto the Nikon E600
microscope. Synthetic CO2 inclusions and inclusions in
Gonzals fluorite standard were used to calibrate the stage.
Heating temperatures reported here are correct to ± 3°C
and the melting temperatures are precise to ±0.2°C.
Thermometric runs were repeated on many inclusions to
check leakage. FLINCOR computer program of Brown
(1989) has been used here to estimate the fluid density and
isochors. We have considered equations of Zhang and
Frantz (1987) for calculations of aqueous fluid inclusions,
and Bower and Helgeson (1985) for calculating data of
H2O-CO2 fluid inclusions. Estimates of the salinity of
aqueous fluid inclusions are based on data of Bodnar
(1993). The summarized data is presented in Table 2a and
2b.
homogenization to liquid phase occurred at temperature
range of 220o to 346 oC, with histogram maxima at 240o -
260 oC (Fig. 5b).
The melting temperatures of carbonic fluid in t 2
inclusions in dolomite vary from -56.8o to -58 oC, suggesting
a nearly pure CO2 composition with minor CH4 or N2 in it
(Swanenberg, 1979; Roedder, 1984). CO2 phase in these
inclusions homogenized to liquid CO2 between temperatures
of +15.5o and +30.9 oC, and with peak at 28 to 31oC
(Fig.5c). Estimated CO2 densities for this fluid are from
0.53 to 0.82 g/cm3. H2O-CO2 fluid inclusion completely
homogenized at a wide temperature range of 220o to 350 oC
with peak at 260-280 oC (Fig.5d). Moreover, many of them
busted before complete homogenization.
Microthermometry of fluids in Magnesite: Type-t1
inclusions in magnesite show initial melting of ice between
-26.4o and -38.6oC. Their final ice melting temperatures
range from -4.5o to -17.2oC, these values correspond to
salinity of 7.2 to 20.4 wt% NaCl equiv. A pronounced
histogram peak is obtained at -10 to -12 o C (Fig. 5a)
analogous to the salinity of 16 to 17.8 wt % NaCl equiv.
These inclusions are homogenized to liquid phase between
176o to 257 oC, and with histogram maxima at around
240 oC (Fig. 5b). In addition, some t1 inclusions observed
in the transparent magnesite spars adjacent to talc, and with
large vapour bubble, show unsystematic homogenization
behaviour. This results in an uneven distribution of their
high homogenization temperatures from 280o to 340oC.
Frozen carbonic fluid in t2 inclusions in magnesite
shows melting at a temperature range of -57.5o to -58oC.
This CO2 phase always homogenized to liquid CO2, with
homogenization temperatures varying between +17.1o and
+30.9oC (Fig. 5c). The carbonic fluid has low density as
also evident from the liquid-liquid meniscus present in many
of the t2 inclusions at room temperature. Estimated CO2
Table 2a. Microthermometric data of type t 1 inclusions

Mineral Temp. initial Temp. of Salinity wt% Density

Microthermometry of fluids in Dolomite: The initial melting homogen. NaCl equiv. g/cm3
melting of type t1 inclusions in dolomite occurred between (oC) (oC)

-21.5o and -40.5oC. Eutectic temperature from -21.5o to Dolomite -21.5 to -40.5 220 to 346 5.1 to 20.5 0.77 to 0.96
-24oC is recorded in nearly 10% of these inclusions whereas Magnesite -26.4 to -38.6 176 to 257 7.2 to 20.4 0.86 to 1.01
it is between -24o and -35oC in 85% of them suggesting
presence of MgCl2. Only 5% of these inclusions record Table 2b. Microthermometric data of t2 inclusions
eutectic at < -35oC, pointing to the presence of Ca cation Mineral Temp. CO2 Temp. CO2 Temp. CO2 XCO2
in their fluids. Final ice melting temperatures of these melting homogen. homogen. density
(oC) (oC) (oC) g/cm 3
inclusions range from -3.1o to -17.3oC (Fig. 5a), wherein
peak of the histogram is not very sharp. Corresponding Dolomite -56.8 to -58 15.5 to 30.9 220 to 350 0.53 to 0.82 < 0.10

salinities vary from 5.1 to 20.5 wt% NaCl equiv. Their Magnesite -57.5 to -58 17.1 to 30.9 232 to 346 0.53 to 0.80 < 0.09

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.73, FEB. 2009

244 RAJESH SHARMA AND OTHERS

10 16
(a) t1 (b)
t1

8
12

Frequency
Frequency

4
2

0
0
160 200 240 280 320 360
-20 -16 -12 -8 -4 0

Tm(ice) C
o
Th C
o

32 16
(C) (d)
0.6gm/cm3
t2 t2
24 12
Frequency

Magnesite
Frequency

16 8
Dolomite

8
4

0
10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 0
200 240 280 320 360 400

ThCo 2oC Th C
o

Fig.5. Histogram of the fluid inclusion temperatures in magnesite and dolomite (a) final ice melting temperatures of t1 inclusions,
(b) homogenization temperature of t1 aqueous inclusions, (c) homogenization temperature of CO2 phase in t2 inclusions and
(d) temperature of total homogenization of t2 inclusions.

densities vary from 0.53 to 0.80 g/cm3, density of the
histogram peak is at 0.6 g/cm3. Total homogenization of
these inclusions occurred at wide range of 232o to 346 oC
(Fig. 5d). Most of these inclusions are completely
homogenized to liquid phase, but about 10% population of
these inclusions busted before complete homogenization.
DISCUSSION
Early Fluid Re-equilibration
Early inclusions in magnesite and dolomite are filled
with aqueous-salt fluids. Microthermometry data suggest
that they are H2 O+NaCl+KCl± MgCl2 ±CaCl 2 fluids,
which were present as the basin fluid system during
diagenesis of carbonates (Crawford, 1989). Variation in their
eutectic temperatures points that the MgCl2 and CaCl2 were
not consistent part of the basinal fluids, and their influx
influenced the processes operating therein: formation of
dolomite and magnesite. Data of such early fluid inclusions
in Precambrian carbonates needs to be interpreted with due
care because of their potential for leakage along cleavage
planes, reequillibration during recrystallizaton of the
host carbonates and stretching during increased burial
(Goldstein and Reynolds, 1994). The homogenization vs
melting temperature plots of aqueous inclusions in
dolomite and the magnesite associated with talc at Rema
are presented in Fig.6. These are either disorderly placed or
are near vertical to the temperature axis. Although typical
overlapping of the plots have been earlier considered as a
strong evidence for fluid mixing (Taylor et al. 1983), and
fluid mixing has also been observed not only in Lesser
Himalayan carbonates (Sharma, 2006) but also in the
magnesite elsewhere (Radvanec and Prochaska, 2001). But
the overall distribution of these plots for Rema is
unsystematic (Fig. 6). In addition, there is a wide spread of
the homogenization of fluids (Fig. 5b), which indicate that

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 THE ROLE OF FLUIDS IN THE FORMATION OF TALC DEPOSITS OF REMA AREA, KUMAUN LESSER HIMALAYA
0 of the early inclusions in the carbonate rocks from the
t1inclusions in magnesite
t1inclusions in dolomite
-4
-8
Tm °C
-12
-16
-20
160 200 240 280 320
Th °C
Fig.6. Plots of melting vs. homogenization temperatures for
magnesite and dolomite.
the re-equilibration of Rema aqueous inclusions is possible.
Wide-spread of the histograms in sedimentary rocks result
from varied degree of re-equilibration of low temperature
early inclusions (Blanchet et al. 2001). Further evidence
favouring re-equilibration of early aqueous inclusions is
presented by matching homogenization temperatures of t1
aqueous inclusions and late t2 aqueous-carbonic inclusions
in host carbonates (Figs.5b and d). These observations
attribute to the volumetric re-equilibration of early inclusions
during increased burial of the host carbonates and formation
of talc. Prizbindowski and larese (1987) have experimentally
shown that the homogenization temperatures of fluid
inclusions in calcite may change during basin evolution and
would be inclined to the increased burial. Because of the
inclusion stretching and volumetric change during the
diagenetic stages, low temperature inclusions may thermally
reset variably depending upon their size (Burruss, 1987;
Haszeldine and Osborne, 1993). In view, varied degree of
re-equilibration of t1 aqueous early inclusions is quite
likely with increased burial. Our temperatures for aqueous
inclusions are higher than those reported by Sengupta
and Yadav (2007) who used such aqueous inclusions
for interpreting talc formation conditions. Since aqueous
fluids were trapped earlier with respect to the talc, and
their varied degree of reset is possible, talc formation
could be constrained based only on the data of the fluid that
was in equilibrium and trapped during its formation
(Blanchet et al. 2001). Hence, homogenization temperatures
JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.73, FEB. 2009
245
ancient Lesser Himalayan formations need a careful
interpretation.
Talc Formation
In the talc deposit of Rema, host magnesite and dolomite
show number of sedimentary features for intertidal
environment. There is prolific development of columnar as
well as planar stromatolites in the study area. Presence of
very thin chert bands with micritic dolomite suggests
precipitation of silica along with the carbonates. Whereas,
the profuse development of chert nodules within magnesite
and dolomite, is outcome of diagenesis. Associations of
talc with magnesite-silica, dolomite-silica or magnesite-
dolomite-silica indicate that the formation of talc is related
to the presence of magnesite/dolomite+silica. We know
360 that the formation of talc from magnesite/dolomite in the
presence of silica can be represented by the following
reactions
3CaMg(CO3)2+4SiO2+H2O→Mg3Si4O10(OH)2+3CaCO3+3CO2
Dolomite Quartz Talc Calcite
(1)
3MgCO3 + 4SiO2 + H2O→ Mg3Si4O10 (OH) 2+ 3CO2 (2)
Magnesite Quartz Talc
Occurrence of the recrystallized grains of magnesite
and dolomite adjacent to talc flakes points to their
recrystallization during talc formation. Further evidences
such as (i) the variable proportion of talc with magnesite
and silica and (ii) common absence of either silica or
magnesite in the close vicinity of talc advocate that the
magnesite and silica were mainly consumed in the
development of talc. Whereas, the recurrent presence of
dolomite along with talc and silica indicate that conversion
of dolomite to talc, at least to a large extent, can not be
suggested for Rema. It is inferred therefore that magnesite
and quartz acted as the main reactant minerals; consequently
either magnesite or quartz is present with talc while one of
these reactant minerals has been consumed. Although
dolomite and sometimes talcose dolomite is found in
association with talc, but calcite is absent in the talc-
dolomite-silica assemblage. Conversely, if dolomite+silica
produce talc, calcite should be present as a by-product.
Hence, textural features of the talc-magnesite-dolomite-
silica assemblage at Rema support the reaction (2) above,
between magnesite and silica.
Near identical major and minor elements in talc and
host dolomite/magnesite, point that the talc is derived from
these carbonates. However, very low CaO also indicate
246 RAJESH SHARMA AND OTHERS
that talc was developed mainly at the expense of magnesite
while un-reacted dolomite was left out. Such inference is
also supported by many of the major and minor elements
like MnO, CaO, Na2O, TiO2, P2O5, Ni, Co, Rb, U, in
magnesite and talc, wherein these elements are near similar,
and suggest that talc and magnesite shared the evolutionary
process. A very low amount of Sr can also be correlated
with the decreased CaO content in the talc. The high
vanadium content of talc although can be considered for
the possible vanadium migration from overlying
amphibolites interbedded with Berinag quartzite, but the
basic intrusive derive source of the higher vanadium is ruled
out in view of very low concentration of Ni, Cr and Co
contents. As these talc deposits are hosted within the marine
stromatolitic carbonates, vanadium might be derived from
marine algae. It is known that some algae are capable of
accumulating vanadium (Krauskopf, 1963). Higher Al
content in pure talc samples and inverse relation of Si
and Al in talc layers is possibly because of the presence of
clinochlore in this assemblage, whereas pyrite associated
with talc resulted in the higher average value of Fe2O3.
Carbonic Fluid and Talc Stability
Reactions (1) and (2) above show that fluids are
fundamental part of talc formation. As the talc stability is
greatly dependent on the fluid phase, it is essential to define
phase equilibria of the fluid inclusions trapped during talc
formation. Talc is very fine in nature and fluid inclusions
could not be observed in it. Anderson et al (1990) have also
stated that the phyllosilicate are typically devoid of
inclusions. However, abundant aqueous-carbonic fluid
inclusions are present in host magnesite/dolomite
recrystallized grains adjacent to the talc at Rema. Such CO2
fluids in magnesite-dolomite-talc assemblage can result from
(i) thermal decarboxylation of organic acids and (ii) from
the dissolution of rock forming carbonates during
progressive metamorphism and replacement reactions
(Kodera and Radvanec, 2002). A decrease in the population
of recrystallized carbonate grains away from talc flakes
indicates that their recrystallization was concurrent to the
talc formation. In addition, substantial affiliation of H2O-
CO2 inclusions in such carbonate grains advocates that
these inclusions are related to the talc formation. Typical t2
inclusions are not seen in the area where magnesite is
talc free. The aqueous-carbonic fluid in t2 inclusions is
significant in the present study because rock and fluid
petrographic features strongly favour that CO 2 was
evolved during talc formation. Occurrence pattern of these
inclusions and the petrographic features representing
magnesite+silica → talc suggest that the CO2 is librated as
per the reaction shown above. Comparable chemical
data particularly Cr, Ni, Co of dolomite and magnesite
(Table 1b) also rule out influx of external fluid.
Consequently, magnesite was buffered with basinal fluid
system and CO2 is a product of the decarbonation reaction
during talc formation. Such decarbonation reactions can
occur in a progressive regional metamorphic terrain, and
are controlled by PTXCO2 conditions. Preferred presence of
clinochlore with talc bearing magnesite and dolomite also
indicate onset of metamorphism.
In the CaO-MgO-SiO2–H2O-CO2 system, stability of
talc is temperature and XCO2 dependent, which vary with
pressure. Much work has been carried out to define the
stability field of talc, particularly from the conversion of
dolomite (Gorden and Greenwood, 1970; Skippen, 1974;
Slaughter et al. 1975; Eggert and Kerrick, 1981; Berman,
1988; Evans and Guggenheim, 1988). It is known that
on isobaric fields and at near identical XCO2, the talc
producing reaction after magnesite+quartz can occur at
low temperature than talc formation from dolomite+quartz
(Evans and Guggenheim, 1988; Winkler, 1988). The
calculations of H2O-CO2 fluids considering data obtained
from t2 inclusions in magnesite suggest that the CO2 fluid
with density range of 0.53 to 0.80 g/cm3 was released during
reaction of magnesite+ silica. In the fluid composition which
was in equilibrium with talc formation, XCO2 varied from
0.06 to 0.12. Of these limits, predominance of XCO2 was
towards lower side as indicated by CO2 homogenization peak
at higher temperatures range (Fig. 5c) and H2O-CO2 phase
proportion data. XCO2 calculated from the data of dolomite
is between 0.13 and 0.06, and with CO2 density from 0.53
to 0.82 g/cm3. Since low XCO2 makes talc stable at low
(= 350oC) temperatures (Noack et al. 1986), the smaller the
mole fraction of CO2 in the fluid phase and lower the
equilibrium temperature for talc. Calculated very low XCO2
(cf. <0.12) in the present case should have promoted the
talc formation from magnesite at Rema even at temperature
=350 oC defined by complete homogenization of H2O-CO2
inclusions. But at the calculated XCO2 range further higher
temperature was required to convert dolomite+silica to talc,
which probably was not suitably attained. The possibility
of higher temperature and extensive dolomite+quartz →
talc+calcite reaction is also ruled out by the absence of
tremolite in the studied assemblage. Tremolite may result
from the further inversion of talc+calcite at temperature =
400-450oC (Greenwood, 1975; Evans and Guggenheim,
1988). Therefore, Rema talc was principally formed from
the conversion of magnesite.
Acknowledgements: Authors are thankful to Prof.
JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.73, FEB. 2009
 THE ROLE OF FLUIDS IN THE FORMATION OF TALC DEPOSITS OF REMA AREA, KUMAUN LESSER HIMALAYA
B.R. Arora, Director, WIHG for the encouragement and
permission to publish this work. PJ and PDP are also thankful
to the Head, Department of Geology, Kumaun University,
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