Discovery of Disulfane (H2S2) in Fluid Inclusions in Rubies from Yuanjiang, China, and Its Implications

Raman spectra of fluid inclusions in gem rubies from Yuanjiang deposit (China) within the Ailao Shan-Red River (ASRR) metamorphic belt showed presence compounds such as CO2, COS, CH4, H2S, and elemental sulfur (S8), accompanied by two bands at approximately 2499 2570 cm−1. These frequencies could be assigned to vibrations disulfane (H2S2). This is second case sulfane-bearing geological samples reported, followed first quartzite Bastar Craton India. The H2S2 was likely situ enclosed host rather than a reaction product that formed during cooling H2S S8, suggesting sulfanes are stable elevated temperatures (e.g., >600 °C). By comparing lithologies conditions these cases (Bastar Yuanjiang), it suggested amphibolite facies metamorphism sedimentary sequence deposited continental platform setting might favor generation sulfanes. Sulfanes may play an important role mobilization Cr essential for ruby crystallization.