Native Sn–Pb droplets in a zeolitic amygdale (Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides)

摘要

Despite the particular scientific interest in the elements with high affinity to S and O2, but found in zero-valence state in nature, the origin of these native minerals has been little explored and remains obscure. Here we describe unique Sn–Pb droplets found in a closed analcime–calcite amygdale collected from a basaltic unit cropping out at Carsaig Bay (Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides). The droplets consist of intimate intergrowths of nearly pure Sn0 and Pb0 domains in proportion 88:12 and are enveloped in a thin, brownish film of organic composition. The occurrence of the Sn–Pb droplets in a closed mygdale, their relationship with the host analcime + calcite and their Pb isotope composition (which does not match any known anthropogenic Pb source) rule out the possibility of anthropogenic contamination and support the natural origin of the Sn–Pb alloy.