Petrographic, Chemical, and Morphological Characterization of Thermal Wells in the Valle de Antón Using Advanced Techniques

The present work evaluates the petrographic, chemical, and morphological properties of rock samples from currently used thermal wells located in the Valle de Antón, Coclé Province. Through polarized light microscopy (PLM), subhedral clasts of white plagioclase (Plg) and quartz (Qz) in lower concentrations were identified, with the latter appearing as translucent, euhedral tabular crystals. Among the accessory minerals present, shows black point-like crystals that could be interpreted as inclusions of amphibole (Amp) or biotite. X-ray fluorescence analysis indicates that the rock sample contains 97.85% silica as the main component, 1.42% iron trioxide, and 0.43% aluminum trioxide. These minerals belong to groups associated with felsic rocks, which have a predominantly acidic chemical composition corresponding to the majority percentage of silicates. SEM images demonstrate the presence of microfissures and micropores, as well as biogenic siliceous microstructures corresponding to diatoms, indicating the aquatic depositional environment of the rock. The use of these techniques allows for a deeper characterization of the rock sample, including its petrological, chemical, and morphological properties, providing a solid framework for accurately understanding complex factors such as hydrothermal alteration and secondary recrystallization.